Chapter 18

"Survey of the mountains?"

"Yes, in the Restio Mountains to the north."

It had been about two weeks since the new settlers arrived at their new home. Noein gathered the central figures of the domain, such as Yuri and Edgar, to discuss his plans.

The Restio Mountains towered like a cap over the northern part of the Rodenberg Kingdom, a vast mountain range that blocked travel between the southern and northern parts of the continent. Naturally, it also rose to the north of the Bazel Great Forest, where the Alcquiest domain was located.

"Is it for the fundraising you mentioned before?"

"Yeah. I want to find a way to earn money by winter so we can build houses, if possible."

"That's true, indeed."

Yuri understood that it would be difficult for the new settlers, including Edgar, to survive the winter in those tattered tents. Noein had previously mentioned his intention to secure funds to build proper houses for them.

"That's why I thought if we could find a vein of some kind at the foot of the Restio Mountains. From this settlement, it's only about half a day's walk through the forest."

"I understand that, but who will you send to conduct the survey?"

"I thought I would go myself, but is that not a good idea?"

Noein's suggestion made Yuri give a subtle look.

"Lord Noein, do you think you have the stamina? You'll have to walk several kilometers through the forest to the foot of the mountains and then conduct a survey in the rugged terrain."

"Hmm... I feel like my stamina has increased since coming to the Bazel Great Forest. If I get too tired, I thought I could have a golem carry me."

"...No, I think it's better not to go. It's an unknown place, and there are others who are more accustomed to walking in the forest and mountains. There's no need for the lord to push himself unnecessarily."

"If Lord Noein were to get hurt, it would be a big problem. For the sake of us, the settlers, please leave this to someone else this time."

Edgar also agreed with Yuri.

"Alright, I'll sit this one out. Then, who should we send...?"

"Let me go. With my 'Telepathy,' we can maintain direct communication between the settlement and the survey team. It's uncertain if the telepathy will reach from here to the foot of the Restio Mountains, but it should work at least up to a considerable distance."

Yuri volunteered first.

"Also, a few of the retainers... I want to take Radley and Bart. We won't be going deep into the Bazel Great Forest, so I think that will be enough in terms of combat strength."

"Alright. Better safe than sorry. Three people might not be enough, so let's have a few more go with you."

"Then, I'll select a few strong men from the former refugees."

"Thank you, Edgar. I'll leave the selection to you."

...

A few days after the discussion, the day of the survey team's departure arrived, with Yuri as the leader.

The team consisted of Yuri, Radley, and Bart, along with two tall young men, Rick and Dant, recommended by Edgar from among the former refugees.

"Alright, Yuri, and everyone else, don't overexert yourselves. If it gets too tough, turn back. And don't forget to report regularly."

"Sure. I'll report the situation twice a day via 'Telepathy.' We'll return no later than four days from now."

"I'm sure we'll find something."

"Right, we just need to look for parts of the rock that are different from the usual ones, right?"

"That's right. The Restio Mountains are known for having many veins, so I think there's a good chance we'll find something."

All the noble domains at the northern end of the Rodenberg Kingdom border the Restio Mountains, and each has active mining operations. There should be some kind of vein in the mountains bordering the Alcquiest domain as well.

"Then, we'll be off. I'll be counting on you to wait with anticipation."

"Sure. Be careful."

The remaining settlers saw Yuri and the others off as they headed north from the settlement into the forest.

"...I hope we find a good vein."

"The neighboring Count Koenitz domain had copper and iron mines, so our mountains are also promising."

"If we find gold, we'll make a fortune."

"Hehe, that's true. We could also find silver, diamonds, or other gems... even a rock salt mine would be great. We could become rich quickly."

"Fufu, it's all wishful thinking for now."

While talking with Edgar, Pense, and Mai, Noein returned to the settlement to continue the development work.

...

The team encountered weak monsters like goblins and gluttonous rabbits twice, but they proceeded without any dangerous situations.

"Alright, let's take a break. Radley, take over the watch from me."

"Sure thing, boss."

"Idiot, we're not mercenaries anymore. Call me Captain, not boss."

"Sorry, Captain."

Yuri chuckled at Radley's old habits, which hadn't changed even after more than three months, and sat down on a nearby rock to drink water from a leather bag.

"Rick, Dant, are you holding up?"

"Yes, this is nothing for us."

"In our hometown village, we often walked through the forest for firewood collection and monster patrols."

The two young men from the former refugees answered energetically. Not only were they strong, but their familiarity with the forest from their village life was also a significant advantage.

"Bart, are the markers along the way in order?"

"Yes, I've been marking the trees at regular intervals. We won't lose our way during the day."

"Good. We're about halfway to the Restio Mountains. Let's proceed calmly for the rest of the journey."

After checking the team's condition, Yuri connected with Noein via 'Telepathy' for the regular report.

"Lord Noein, it's me."

"Ah, Yuri?"

"Hehe, did I scare you?"

"Having a voice suddenly appear in your head is quite a shock. How's everything going? Any problems?"

"No, everything's fine. We're about halfway to the Restio Mountains. Once we reach the mountains, we'll start the survey if time permits and report back tonight."

"Alright. Please be very careful."

After finishing the regular report to Noein, Yuri rested for a while before giving the order to move out again.

They reached the foot of the Restio Mountains in less than two hours.

"Captain, is the 'Telepathy' working?"

"...No, it's not. It's just on the edge of the range. We'll have to move back a bit for regular reports."

Yuri confirmed that the 'Telepathy' was out of range and answered Bart.

"However, we'll set up camp here at the foot of the mountain. It will make the survey easier. I'll take Rick and Bart to check the area nearby, so Radley and Dant, please set up the tents."

"Sure thing, leave it to us."

"Understood."

Yuri divided the team and led the survey group into the rugged, rocky Restio Mountains.