Chapter 96

In the third year of the development, the population of the Arkvist territory exceeded 500 people.

At the foot of the Restio Mountains, a group of nearly a hundred craftsmen and miners had gathered, and in the capital Noena, over 400 farmers, craftsmen, and merchants lived, already boasting an unprecedented scale for a baronial territory.

And the scale continues to expand. Along with this, the urban area is also continuously expanding.

The development of the capital Noena began from the location of the current Arkvist baronial family's manor. From there, houses were mainly built to the north and east, and the urban area gradually took shape.

As a result, the manor stands at the southern end, with the town stretching to the north—this is the current scene of Noena, a typical village in the kingdom.

Noein planned to expand the town to the west as well. A river flows from the west to the south of the capital Noena, and he intended to eventually carry out flood control works to incorporate the river into the urban area, making it flow through the capital.

Additionally, he planned to incorporate the public baths, blacksmith workshops, and water mills in the southwestern area into the city limits and, ultimately, enclose all of them with stone walls to build a full-fledged city.

This was Noein's long-term urban planning.

The deforestation to the west was progressing gradually, while to the north and east of the manor, houses and wooden fences lined up, surrounded by farmland where the residents lived vibrant lives.

Noein was gazing absentmindedly at this scene from the window of his study on the second floor of the manor.

It was mid-afternoon, and Noein held a sandwich that the maids had made for lunch.

The sandwich was made with crispy potato slices fried in soybean oil and ham from pigs raised in the Arkvist territory, all sandwiched between bread made from Arkvist wheat.

With one bite, the salty ham released its juices, spreading in his mouth, and the crispy potato slices made a satisfying crunch.

"…It's delicious, Matilda."

"Yes, it's very delicious. I can feel the bounty of the Arkvist territory."

Beside Noein, Matilda was also munching on a sandwich while looking at the scene of the capital Noena.

Then, the voice of the head retainer, Yuri, rang out with a knock, "My lord Noein, it's me."

"Come in," Noein replied in a relaxed tone. Yuri opened the door and entered the study.

"What is it, Yuri?"

"It's nothing serious. I just brought the activity report of the territorial army for this week. I thought you might be in the dining room downstairs at lunchtime, but the maids told me you were in the study… Are you so busy that you have to eat in the study?"

When Yuri asked, Noein smiled gently and replied, "Not really. Actually, it's a bit quiet before winter… I just like looking at the scenery of the capital Noena from the window. That's why I sometimes have lunch here."

As he spoke, Noein's profile, seen by both Yuri and Matilda, seemed somewhat childlike.

Matilda moved closer to Noein, and Yuri also casually joined them, looking out the window.

Although it was almost winter, the sky was clear, and the town, full of vitality, looked warm.

"Is it really like that? From the lord's perspective, the scenery of his territory is something special?"

"Yeah… Not all noble lords may feel this way, but for me, it is special."

In response to Yuri's casual question, Noein replied.

"…When I came to this land, it was the first time I felt truly free."

Putting the sandwich on a plate on the desk and taking a sip of the tea—poured by Matilda—Noein began to speak.

"Even as a child, I lived without worrying about food in the Kivileft earl's household, but I was practically under the control of my father. I had no freedom. I had never even seen outside the manor. That's how I spent my childhood."

As Noein spoke, Matilda squeezed his hand tightly, and Noein squeezed back.

"Then, when I came to this Bazel Great Forest… At first, I thought it was a worthless piece of land. But as I gradually developed it, met Yuri and others, and refugees started to settle here… Now, I love this place. Coming here, I feel free for the first time in my life."

Noein continued, savoring his words.

"I like the scenery I see from this window. I love all the residents living in this scenery. Because I can enjoy this freedom and happiness thanks to them… thanks to you all."

"The same goes the other way around. We can enjoy freedom and happiness thanks to you, our lord. That's why we swear our loyalty to you."

"You're right, thank you always."

"…It feels a bit strange when you say it so straightforwardly."

"Huh? That's mean. The lord himself is expressing his gratitude."

To Yuri's teasing tone, Noein smiled as usual.

"Thinking back, I've been so focused on strengthening the territory over the past half year because I was afraid of losing this scenery. I've given the residents homes and land, making them captives of this territory, but I myself am also captivated by this land."

He built schools to start educating the next generation, organized the territorial army, promoted self-sufficiency within the territory, stored what couldn't be produced, incorporated new weapons into the military, and started reforming the residents' consciousness to cultivate a wide range of talents.

All of this was because Noein wanted to protect this land. From the current unstable situation in the kingdom, from the chaos that would surely come, or from the unrest that might arise in the future. He acted so that the Arkvist territory would remain here for years, decades, and generations to come.

"…You've accomplished quite a lot in just half a year. You must be tired."

Ignoring Noein's self-deprecating smile, Yuri praised his lord for his efforts in developing the territory.

"You're right, I am tired… but it's enjoyable. I'm always locked up in the beloved Arkvist territory, working to develop it."

"My lord Noein doesn't like going out much. Most noble lords enjoy going out for tea parties and dinners."

"I've been living in a room since childhood. I guess I just like being confined in one place."

"Haha, I see."

Exchanging casual conversation with his subordinate and laughing, with his beloved Matilda by his side, this peaceful daily life was comfortable for Noein.

"If nothing happens and we can just manage the territory and live peacefully forever… that would be nice…"

Even though he knew it was difficult, Noein couldn't help but murmur.

The military order to prepare for war against the Lancer Kingdom arrived in the Arkvist territory two days later.

This concludes Chapter 4. Thank you very much for reading. I hope you will continue to enjoy this work.