The Verdi region lay in the southern reaches of the Iron Kingdom, Chervil. Even within Verdi, our land was the definition of a backwater. Unlike other regions that could at least boast local specialties like milk, cheese, or wine, our territory had absolutely nothing. It was to the point where I wondered if calling it a ‘territory’ was even appropriate.
A modest, small, and cozy rural village.
That was the image of home I held in my mind. My small, precious territory.
Yes, it had certainly been like that until not too long ago…
“This side is the West Plaza! The East Plaza is still under development, but the North, South, and West Plazas have been completed quite nicely. Over there is where the commercial district will be, and the residential district for the inhabitants is—”
“Plaza? I didn’t think our territory was large enough to be divided into plazas…”
“I used the funds you provided to purchase the surrounding land,” Hailyn explained brightly. “On top of that, I brought the neighboring lordless villages under our banner. In the Iron Kingdom, any land above a certain size must be owned by a noble of at least the rank of Baronet. When I looked into it, Young Master Arhan barely met the qualifications. You’re technically a fallen noble, but you still maintain the status of a Baronet.”
“There was such a law? In the surrounding villages, they usually just let the oldest person act as the village chief.”
“In remote countryside like this, people often follow old customs. Besides, the royal administrators wouldn’t come all the way here for an audit. Still, the elderly are afraid of what might happen if the law catches up to them, you know? So, I explained the legalities to the elders of the neighboring villages and persuaded them. I told them we would only be lending them our name—that they could maintain their positions as village chiefs within the framework of the law just as they do now, and that nothing would change…”
“…”
“So, all the surrounding villages were integrated into ours. For the uncooperative ones, I proceeded with hostile takeovers using the funds you provided. After integrating more than ten villages, I recruited local bards and spent money to hold successive festivals. Then, the chiefs of the nearby villages started coming to me first, asking to come under our wing.”
There was one thing I had overlooked.
“…What is this, Master?”
「 This is simply what wizards do. It happens often in the Empire or the Archipelago. The territories near the capital of the Iron Kingdom likely engage in such fierce competition. 」
“…”
「 To the village chiefs who were managing their lands modestly according to their own customs… it must have felt like a natural disaster had struck. 」
I had been too focused on Hailyn’s child-like appearance.
She was a wizard. Though she had been kidnapped by a Black Mage and subjected to forced education, she was nonetheless a full-fledged wizard. And wizards receive professional training not only in magical knowledge but also in how to protect and expand their ‘domain.’
“It’s a bit embarrassing since nothing is properly finished yet,” Hailyn said, blushing slightly.
Hailyn was excessively talented at ‘territory management.’ That innate talent, combined with her professional education, had essentially allowed her to sweep through the rural outskirts like a storm.
“…”
I was momentarily speechless as I looked at how grand my small and precious territory had become. After listening to Hailyn’s long-winded explanation, I finally reached a conclusion.
“The territory got bigger, so this is a total win.”
「 Ho ho, that sounds just like a Caravan. 」
For some reason, I felt like I was becoming more and more like my Master.
* * *
Thanks to the efforts of Hailyn, the genius of territory management, the Caravan territory underwent a dazzling transformation. Of course, it hadn’t surpassed the level of a ‘village’ yet, but even this was a massive leap forward.
What had our territory looked like originally? It was a place rumored to be a land of death, little more than ruins. But now, our territory had a place worthy of being called a plaza, and there were people constantly coming and going.
The golems Hailyn had modified from Jerry Selfit’s designs were tilling the fields, and workers from other villages were contributing to the village’s growth. I heard that quite a few people wanted to become permanent residents. Since it required the permission of the nominal lord—me—she said she hadn’t accepted them yet, but I readily granted the migration requests. I couldn’t leave the ownerless shacks abandoned and cold forever. Above all, I was pleased with the vitality returning to the village.
Our territory, which I thought would remain a dead land forever, had come back to life. Beyond being pleased, I was moved. If the butler, the nanny, or the residents who had been forced to leave this place could see this, they would have been overjoyed. To them, this territory was their hometown, their foundation, and their everything.
Along with the emotion, a pang hit my heart.
I told Hailyn she could freely use the money sitting in the 「Red Bank」 under my name. When Hailyn heard the exact amount of gold coins I had earned from Steel City, there was a brief incident where she started calling me ‘Master,’ but we eventually settled back into our usual dynamic.
The territory was a hive of activity. It seemed to shine even brighter than it had before that incident happened. I couldn’t help but feel proud.
“You’ve managed it quite decently with insufficient capital, haven’t you? But operating it this way isn’t efficient. It might be good for now, but it’s a loss in the long run. Hmph, it shows you had a mediocre teacher in that regard. Being blinded by immediate profit is exactly the operating style of Black Mages. I heard the Descendant of Steel killed Jerry Selfit; so you’re his disciple?”
Meanwhile, the Witch Audrey looked at the territory with interest. Since Audrey had nothing to do until I reached a sufficient realm, she took an interest in Hailyn. I informed Hailyn that Audrey was a Witch and a precious guest, adding that she shouldn’t be treated carelessly and that Hailyn should try to stay on her good side.
Hailyn had nodded and said she understood.
“It’s true that I was the disciple of a Black Mage. You’re Lady Audrey, right? Since you must have received a much better education than I did and possess outstanding professional knowledge as well as magic, I would be grateful for any teachings you could provide.”
However…
“…Um. But I find it hard to agree that this is a loss in the long run. If we do it the way you suggested, it takes too long. For now, it’s right to pull in money in the short term to produce visible results. That way, we can naturally absorb the surrounding villages, right? To be blunt, the people of the Verdi region are uneducated. You don’t persuade such people with numbers and theories; it’s more effective to persuade them with clear, visible changes. In that sense—”
Hailyn was a wizard after all.
“Are you contradicting me right now? What you said is only right if you limit it to the Verdi region. If you apply it to other territories, I’m right! According to what I’ve learned…”
“Since we’re talking about the Verdi region right now, it’s right to limit it to the Verdi region. What you said, Lady Audrey, might be used efficiently in other territories. But this isn’t another territory, is it? Are you only capable of armchair theories, Lady Audrey? You’ve learned well, but you don’t know the practical side.”
“Wh-Why you…!”
“Furthermore, you shouldn’t only look at financial gain. Time is also a resource. That’s what I learned. Do the Witches of the Sky Empire only categorize pure wealth as a resource? I’m more disappointed than I expected.”
“You… take that back!”
“I’ll take it back once I’m logically convinced.”
“W-Wait. I’ll show you. Why! I’ll show you why what I said is right!”
I couldn’t tell who was right just by listening, but seeing Audrey’s flushed face, I could tell who had won the argument. Usually, the one who gets excited and angry first is the loser in a verbal spat. Hailyn had won a debate about territory management against a Witch who stood at the pinnacle of wizards—and she was just a girl who had never been properly taught and had only just started managing a territory.
What insane talent.
Hailyn, who had been hiding a legendary talent for territory management, continued her conversation with Audrey. Looking at them, the two seemed to get along quite well. It was a relief. I had been worried about what to do with a Witch who kept saying unpleasant things and whining, but as soon as we arrived at the territory, someone to handle Audrey had appeared.
“You… you. I’ll acknowledge your territory management. But how much magical knowledge do you have?”
“My magical knowledge is very limited. But I’m in a position where I was kidnapped by a Black Mage and given forced education, while you, Lady Audrey, are a Witch chosen by the Great God. Wouldn’t you naturally use magic more skillfully than I do? If you’re trying to win with that, I’ll forfeit.”
“Wh-When did I say I was trying to win? It’s not that, it’s just… ah, how annoying!”
“There’s no need to be annoyed. I’m also a lacking person. If there’s anything I don’t know, may I ask you questions at any time? Not just about territory management, but about magic as well…”
“Of course! Do you think I wouldn’t be able to teach you something like that? Despite how I look, I was told I was the smartest among my sisters. In the Sky Empire, my nickname was ‘Clever Audrey’…”
Furthermore, Hailyn even gained an opportunity to train in magic. I smiled warmly as I watched Audrey talking triumphantly and Hailyn reacting with wide-eyed wonder. I had succeeded in offloading a troublesome burden.
My evaluation of Hailyn was revised in my head. Originally, Hailyn was a ‘useful mage kid.’ Now?
A problem solver who takes care of annoying things on her own.
By my standards, it was the highest praise.
* * *
Hailyn took charge of the Witch Audrey.
The two had many arguments, but they were beneficial discussions. Since the development of our territory would be decided at the end of those discussions, I felt proud.
As for Seol-yoon? As always, as soon as she returned to the territory, she took her sword and disappeared toward the training ground.
“I want to refine what I’ve gained,” she had said. It was a common occurrence.
With Seol-yoon, Hailyn, and even Audrey gone, I was left alone with Caretaker Tom. Tom and I strolled through the territory together. The changed scenery was full of life. Being a rural backwater, there were no young people; most were elderly. There were no people clinking beer mugs in taverns, no boisterous conversations, and no men and women sharing passionate love. However, I was satisfied even with this subtle overflow of vitality.
It felt like I was walking through the territory as it was before that incident happened a long time ago. When I walked aimlessly like this, my mother used to call me to eat dinner. Or my father would appear and play a funny prank. When my curious self tried to enter the forest, the hunters would stop me, saying it was dangerous, and the butler would scold me. Smoke would rise from the chimneys, and when I moved toward the delicious smell, generous people would offer me food. The roast chicken I ate while walking the path around this time after playing hard was truly delicious. Yes, truly.
“Young Master.”
“Yes.”
“You look happy.”
“Do I?”
“You do.”
Tom smiled kindly as he looked at my face. “In Steel City, you often seemed rushed. Like someone being chased, as if you would die if you rested for even a moment.”
“I see.”
“Yes. But now, you look very much at ease. This place seems to be a very precious location to you. It’s good to see. Very good to see.”
Tom’s voice warmed my heart. It resembled the voice of the butler who always looked after me at the mansion a long time ago. Tom and I walked in silence for a while. As we walked, we reached the hill of the territory. There was a tombstone on the hill. Beyond the tombstone, a vermilion sunset was visible. Twilight.
“It’s romantic. I’m glad I followed you to this village. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this at peace. I feel like I’ve used a meaningful vacation.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. As I get older, I like these things. Comfort and subtle happiness.”
Tom grinned. I looked at him and said, “Tom.”
“Yes.”
“The Hall of Fame weapons I took. You said you would teach me how to maintain them.”
“That’s right. Depending on how you maintain an old blade, its condition can vary wildly.”
Tom spoke with the twilight at his back. “In the past, there were many people like me who specialized in maintaining old blades. Now we’re mocked for being old-fashioned, but in the past, there were those who believed a soul dwelt within a blade.”
“A soul?”
“A long time ago, a blade was a lifelong companion to a swordsman. The blade they chose when they first picked up a sword was usually carried until the moment they died. Even if it broke, they would somehow fix it and use it. Because they believed a soul dwelt within the sword.”
“…”
“The sword of a fighter who fought bravely, the sword of a mother who swung it blindly to protect her child during the war era, the sword that pierced its own throat unable to endure hunger—people of old believed that every sword held its own soul. Though everyone scoffs at it now. That’s why there are almost no people left who collect or maintain old swords. Everyone thinks it’s meaningless.”
Tom laughed.
“I am a man of the old ways, Young Master. I still believe a soul dwells within a sword. That’s why I find managing the Hall of Fame so rewarding. Grinding and polishing the blades that must have held the souls of brave fighters, managing them so their light doesn’t fade—it’s very enjoyable.”
“…”
“You might think so too. Perhaps you just played along because I’m an old man who likes blades so much. In your heart, you might be thinking I’m a pathetic old fool who can’t act his age.”
The twilight gradually turned redder.
“I told you before. I am your fan. The duels you show are passionate and enjoyable. When I look at your sword, I really come to think that there is a soul in the blade. Strength, speed, technique—such things seem to become meaningless before you. That’s why I like you. I like your burning sword and the duels that make my heart race.”
Tom smiled purely. It was a boyish smile that didn’t match his wrinkled, old face.
I looked at Tom and said, “Tom.”
“Yes.”
“Can you promise me that you won’t cut me down, no matter what I say? Can you promise to remain my fan and my friend in the future?”
Tom didn’t ask why I was suddenly saying that. He simply nodded.
“I swear upon my soul under the Nine Goddesses and the Seven Chief Gods.”
“Is it okay to swear like that? Without knowing what I’m going to say?”
“It’s fine. The soul of a fighter is reflected in the duel they perform. I believe I saw your soul by watching your duels. I don’t know what you think, but I consider you a friend and a wonderful fighter. So, it’s okay. Don’t be too afraid and tell this old man whatever is on your mind. I will listen, slowly.”
After hearing Tom’s words, I slowly turned my head.
Then, I erased all the excuses I had thought of until now from my mind. I threw away the stupid excuses like losing the weapons by mistake, having them stolen by a vicious robber, or selling them off because of poor financial circumstances. I didn’t want to say such things in front of Tom, who had shown his sincerity.
Tom hadn’t visited my territory solely for the maintenance of the weapons in the first place. Tom had goodwill toward me and came here willingly because he considered me a friend. His saying he would come here was an excuse to write a letter of recommendation for the Infinite Duel. Even if I had declined the invitation, Tom would have gladly written the recommendation for me. I knew Tom’s sincerity.
A boy and an old man.
Standing before the twilight, the difference in the years they had lived was stark just by looking at them. But what meaning did that have before the burning vermilion sunset?
“Tom.”
In this moment, just for a brief second, I set down my doubt. I also set down the lies I always lived with. Under the reddening sky, I spoke in a boyish voice.
“Do you know about the family called ‘Caravan’?”
