Chapter 64: Baron Romero's Dilemma (1)

Time passed.

It had been a month since the war with Barco ended.

At the regular meeting of the Dmitri family, the vassals reported one by one on the events that had occurred during this period.

"The fall of the Barco family has eliminated any force that could check Dmitri. In the absence of a rival, the forces that were once aligned with Barco have openly expressed their desire to form an alliance with Dmitri, and some have even offered substantial rewards. However, as you commanded, we have refused to engage in dialogue with those who were overly hostile to Barco. How should we proceed? While Dmitri will undoubtedly become the dominant force in the northeast, the forces that are now cornered have the potential to rise as a second Barco."

The fall of Barco.

It was a classic case of a third party benefiting.

Despite not being a direct party to the war, Dmitri reaped the greatest benefits.

As the vassal said,

All the families in the northeast have clung to Dmitri.

In particular, the heralds who had loudly supported Barco came to Dmitri daily with a sense of penitence, but Dmitri's people knew that their sincerity was feigned.

If a new rival like Barco were to emerge, they would undoubtedly betray Dmitri and flock to the new rival.

Baron Romero said,

"Even if a new hostile force appears, we do not need to embrace everything. Forming an alliance with the forces that have inflicted unforgettable wounds on us is not tolerance but arrogance. Do not allow any cooperation with them. We will show them the consequences of turning their backs on us."

"Understood."

"Let's move on to the next item."

The second topic.

The expansion of the military.

While Dmitri already possessed the strongest military force in the northeast, this incident had instilled a sense of vigilance.

"Barco demonstrated how an external force could create variables in a war. If Dmitri had faced Barco, variables like Flare and Homerus would have posed a significant threat to us. Therefore, we need to expand our military and secure sufficient magical weapons to prepare for such variables. Dmitri can no longer be treated as a peripheral family. As a solid power in the northeast, we need the strength to firmly secure our position."

Military power.

There is no surer safety net.

Baron Romero agreed, and he decided to invest a substantial budget in the military following this incident.

Moreover,

Dmitri had a stroke of good fortune.

"Master Roman was right. The astronomical amount spent on installing artifacts throughout the mine has increased iron ore production by 30% in a short period. Even without significantly increasing the workforce, this growth trend suggests that we might achieve over 100% production."

"What about the financial cost of the artifacts?"

"It's not a problem. The sharp increase in production alone is enough to cover the financial costs."

Roman was right.

A virtuous cycle of investment.

By investing first, they solved safety issues, and the workers could focus on their tasks in a comfortable environment.

It was a remarkable decision.

Looking at the results alone, one might wonder why they didn't think of it sooner, but predicting such results and investing a large sum before they were realized was not an easy task.

Roman made it a reality.

Without being asked, he took the initiative at the iron mine, experienced the problems firsthand, and came up with the most ideal solution through wise judgment.

From process to result.

It was perfect.

Roman's reputation, which had been rapidly changing, was now firmly established.

A vassal asked,

"My lord, what are your thoughts on the succession issue?"

The succession issue.

This question was a testament to the changed reputation.

People still thought the Dmitri family had not decided on a successor.

However,

That was not the case.

While it had not been officially announced, the successor had already been chosen in secret during internal meetings.

The vassal said,

"Three years ago, we chose Lord Lodwell as the next head of the family. At that time, Master Roman's actions did not suit the role of head, and the youngest master was considered too weak to handle important responsibilities. But now, the situation is different. Look at Master Roman's actions. He defeated the ranked Homerus in the war with Barco and solved the safety issues at the iron mine in the most ideal way. Clearly, Master Roman, who we once judged as lacking the qualities of a head, is now showing the dignity of a leader."

"You're right."

"We agree."

Everyone nodded.

Roman's actions.

They were shockingly impressive.

It was hard to understand how Roman Dmitri, who couldn't even wield a sword properly, had grown into a grandmaster knight, but it was clear that he was developing rapidly.

With his formidable martial prowess and his ability to solve Dmitri's problems, the vassals' hearts could not help but be swayed.

Lodwell Dmitri was also called a genius, but Roman's actions had surpassed even the realm of genius.

And,

"The selection of a successor has not been officially confirmed. We chose Lord Lodwell in advance to prevent internal chaos, but if Master Roman can prove his worth, I believe a fair competition is necessary."

A ripple spread through the calm waters of Dmitri.

With the established succession structure now in disarray, Baron Romero could not make a hasty decision.

'Roman and Lodwell.'

Two sons.

They had different dispositions.

Roman, who had experienced life as a commoner, might have collapsed under the sudden disparity in status, while Lodwell had worked tirelessly to overcome the limitations of his status.

Lodwell's ambition was great.

He showed such a strong desire for the position of successor that he did not consider his older brother a rival, and he was unlikely to react positively to the family's decision to encourage competition.

Baron Romero feared

a family feud.

If Roman had been merely competent, he would have followed the previous decision, but now he could not ignore the results before his eyes.

Baron Romero said,

"…There is still time. Let's observe the situation and consider what decision to make."

"Understood."

That day's meeting.

It was the moment when Baron Romero's dilemma deepened.

After the meeting,

Baron Romero called Hans.

Hans was Roman's closest confidant.

Since the days when Roman was called a fool of Dmitri, Hans had served him, and he thought he could help with the succession issue.

"I have come to see you, my lord."

Hans bowed.

Baron Romero, skipping the formalities, went straight to the point.

"Hans, what do you think of Roman Dmitri?"

"What do you mean…?"

"I'm asking if Roman Dmitri is suitable as the successor of the Dmitri family."

In response to the direct question,

a moment of silence ensued.

Hans appeared to be thinking, then looked up at Baron Romero and spoke frankly.

"If you had asked me the same question three months ago, I would have said he was not suitable. Master Roman, while kind-hearted, showed actions that were not fitting for a successor, and this was a fact that anyone could have told you. But now, Master Roman is different. I'm not just talking about his recent achievements; the Master I've observed has grown into someone worthy of being a successor."

"Explain in detail."

"During the Blood Gang incident, Master Roman personally punished the evil group that oppressed the people of Dmitri. I still vividly remember that day. He asked the law of Dmitri to the evildoers who were disrupting the peace and even went to Lawrence to completely annihilate them. This incident was a blessing for the citizens of Dmitri. Those who suffered from usury had their chains broken, and finally, hope emerged in their lives."

The first incident.

The justification was simple.

Baron Romero had ordered the handling of the Blood Gang, and Roman, moved by the situation, took action himself.

However,

Hans saw it differently.

He interpreted Roman's actions in his own way (or perhaps misinterpreted them).

"Even in the recent incident at the iron mine, you can see this. Master Roman said he worked at the iron mine to understand the reality of the people of Dmitri. No one forced him to do this. The Master bowed his head to understand the hearts of the people and faced the reality of Dmitri by working alongside the miners. During the collapse, he risked his life. Because they were his people. As someone who bears the name of Dmitri, he believes it is his duty to take risks."

Hans' words

were like describing the actions of a hero.

It couldn't be helped.

As someone within Roman's circle, Hans knew the value of the protection he received.

"I understand. You may leave now."

"Yes."

Hans bowed and left.

And,

Baron Romero fell into even deeper contemplation.

He thought Hans' experience would be helpful, but the blind praise only added to his confusion.

'Lodwell has already determined himself to be the successor of Dmitri. Is it right to form a competitive structure now? Roman has proven his worth in a short time, but Lodwell has shouldered all the responsibilities of a successor from a young age. He has dedicated himself to swordsmanship, tactics, and political studies, and even learned how to handle iron at the forge whenever he had time.'

Still,

he lacked confidence.

Most importantly, Roman had no interest in the forge.

This was a difference from Lodwell Dmitri, and because of this, Baron Romero could not make a hasty decision.

Ultimately,

the succession issue required the agreement of key figures.

The vassals.

The master of the iron mine.

Finally, Master Blacksmith Hendrick.

At least three of these forces needed to agree for Baron Romero to be prepared for the chaos and initiate the competition.

Baron Romero called a servant.

"Tell the master of the iron mine that I have questions about the recent incident at the mine."

The second hurdle.

This time, it was Jacob's turn to give his opinion.

Not long after,

the servant's voice was heard from outside the door.

"My lord, the master of the iron mine has arrived."

"Bring him in."

Creak.

The door opened.

However,

the guest was not alone.

Behind Jacob was another man, and when he saw the puzzled look, Jacob cautiously explained,

"I heard that you wanted to hear about the incident at the iron mine. I thought that someone who had directly spoken with Master Roman at the scene would be more suitable than me."

A glance.

Jacob gave a hint.

Then,

the man stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

"I am Morcan of the iron mine."

Morcan.

He was the spokesperson representing the iron mine.