Chapter 91

The giant Mizunara tree was illuminated by the morning sun.

In the thin morning mist, a magnificent building emerged.

This wooden two-story structure, extremely rare in the kingdom, was also intended to demonstrate the strength of compressed wood to merchants and the wealthy.

This would later be known as the Great Tree Hall, the residence of Viscount Sora Kleinzelt, with deep respect.

Today is the completion day of the Great Tree Hall, which was hastily built in just one year.

"As a lord, I finally look the part."

Sora placed his hands on his hips, seemingly satisfied, and gazed up at the Great Tree Hall.

The lord's residence is the face of the land and the lord himself.

No matter how financially strained, if the lord's residence looks shabby and desolate, the purchasing desire of the people will also wane.

If the lord appears that way, the people will feel anxious, thinking they need to save more to avoid bankruptcy in the future.

However, if the Earl of Kleinzelt had built a grand lord's residence like Sora, the people's reaction would have been different.

Namely – What a fine gentleman, a corrupt lord. Wash your neck and wait for the axe!

In the year since the viscountcy was established, Sora had reduced the tax burden on the people.

On the other hand, he was making money through the export trade of smoked wood and compressed wood. The construction costs were also covered by the profits from trade.

He had meticulously set up the situation so as not to be hated by the people. Now, he had enough trust from the people to indulge in a bit of luxury.

However, Sora did not have the financial leeway to spend money frivolously.

Incidentally, the former town official's residence, which stood next to it, was to be converted into a fire brigade barracks.

"We pushed them quite hard, but we managed to finish just in time."

Razette stood beside Sora, looking at the lord's residence.

In the garden, exhausted carpenters were lying down.

Sania was desperately trying to stop Luly from going to ask about construction techniques.

"Luly, let them rest now!"

"If I go, they'll be happy, so it's okay."

"You can't exploit your appearance like that!"

Sora smiled wryly at Sania's exchange.

If left alone, Luly would shake off Sania.

Sora called out to Sania and the others.

"There's still preparation to be done. It's an internal party, but most of the guests are our enemies. We can't let them look down on us, so we need to decorate properly."

Sora pointed to the entrance of the Great Tree Hall and ordered them to go inside.

Tonight, Sora had planned a party for the nine officials in the viscountcy.

The party itself had been planned as soon as Sora arrived in the viscountcy.

The officials, who were the planners, probably intended to observe Sora under the pretext of celebrating his ennoblement.

Sora had delayed the party for a year because he couldn't prepare a proper venue.

If he had used the former town official's residence, he would have been mocked as a poor viscount living in an abandoned house.

Sora, who was only eight years old, was already being taken lightly.

To tighten the corrupt officials' resolve, he needed to show them that he had a certain level of talent.

He needed to demonstrate a level of ability that they couldn't even think of surpassing.

The rare wooden structure, built with the latest and unique compressed wood technology, would likely make the officials break out in cold sweat.

"Still, where did Chaf go?"

Sora looked around. Razette was also scanning the surroundings.

"He might be practicing with his sword as usual."

"I need him to attend the party, though..."

Recently, Chaf had been practicing with his sword obsessively.

Probably because he kept losing to his guard, Felix.

After a moment's hesitation, Sora spoke.

"I'll go get Chaf. Razette, I'll leave the decorations to you."

"Understood. Take your time."

"Don't slack off, okay? Gorge, come with me."

Razette's figure was sucked into the entrance with a lackluster response.

"...Alright, let's go."

After confirming that Razette had disappeared, Sora smiled slyly.

Leaving Gorge, who looked puzzled, behind, Sora approached one of the workers.

"Is the thing ready?"

Sora asked the worker who was lying on his back.

Suddenly, the exhausted workers, who had been lying down, one by one woke up and sat up.

They showed their gleaming white teeth.

"Of course, sir!"

"We've come to love the viscount because of this!"

"We'll take you as a role model as men!"

"By the way, it's not installed yet."

The workers rambled on, showing their sloppy grins.

"Beloved citizens! I am proud of you all!"

Sora raised his clenched fist to the sky, dramatically praising the workers.

"Then, I'll be going. Make sure no one figures it out, okay?"

After warning the workers, Sora started walking with Gorge.

He ignored Gorge, who had a questioning look on his face.

The former town official's residence garden was Chaf's training ground.

When Sora entered the grounds, Chaf was kneeling on the ground, holding his right arm as if in pain.

Felix stood beside him, giving Chaf a cold stare.

"Even after preparing a wooden sword and calling you out in the morning, this is all you can do... Don't underestimate me."

Felix threw the wooden sword he was holding and sneered at Chaf.

He didn't even offer a hand to Chaf.

While ostentatiously yawning, Felix passed by Gorge.

"Hey, you—"

Gorge reached out to grab Felix's arm.

However, Sora pulled Gorge's clothes, stopping him.

"Let it be. This is Chaf's battle."

Pressed by Sora's serious gaze, Gorge reluctantly closed his mouth.

Sora approached Chaf.

Chaf was gritting his teeth, enduring the pain. Sweat was beading on his forehead.

"Did you hurt your arm?"

Sora bent down and asked.

Chaf's eyes widened. It seemed he had just noticed Sora's presence.

"N-no, it's not a serious injury!"

Chaf hurriedly protested.

Sora detected a lie in Chaf's voice.

"...Try shaking my hand."

Sora extended his right hand.

Chaf hesitated for a moment but, under Sora's intense gaze, reluctantly shook his hand.

"You're not putting any strength into it. Gorge, check it out."

Sora shook his head and ordered Gorge to examine Chaf.

Gorge caught Chaf's arm, which he was trying to pull back.

"The bone seems to be fine, but to be safe, it's best to immobilize it for a night."

"Wait. There's a party tonight."

Chaf objected to Gorge's examination.

Chaf held the title of advisor. During the party, he would have many opportunities to shake hands with the officials.

While he could manage with his other hand, the issue was whether he could shake hands at all.

"Chaf will not attend. The purpose of this party is to intimidate the officials."

If Chaf, the advisor, appeared at the venue with an injury, the effect would be halved.

An injury suggests failure or carelessness.

"I can attend without immobilizing it."

Chaf resisted the decision.

However, Sora calmly countered.

"What will you do if someone asks for a handshake?"

"That's—"

"Since you can't put strength into it, it will be obvious. Just rest quietly."

Chaf, unable to find a counterargument, looked down.

He felt miserable, knowing that his injury would affect his work.

Sora saw through Chaf's inner turmoil but said nothing.

Whatever Sora said would only wound Chaf's pride.

Instead, Sora walked away without hesitation.

– To be seen as a rival, transcending age, he would take action.

Sora sighed, looking up at the clear sky.