A Promise Of Prosperity

“Why do you look so surprised? What kind of era have you lived in to have not seen a magical book? Am I surrounded by monkeys?” The Grimoire shook in Ryan’s grasp, trying to free itself. “The height and era of magic must have fallen so pitifully if you are shocked by my ability to speak… but then again, there is no book so similar to me even if they are magical! I will allow you to save some face, but only because I am so kind and munificent… and so long as you release me.”

“I mean, there is still magic,” Ryan said, his composure back and keeping his grasp on the book. “However, I just didn’t expect to receive something like this from my mother. I wonder where my grandfather had found you. You say you’ve been building kingdoms even before I was born?”

“Yes, I have been around this world for over a thousand years!”

“Interesting… only if your words were actually true. You can be lying for all we know,” Ryan said.

“You dare call me a liar? Hah! You really need to be taught a lesson! I have built a multitude of successful kingdoms. Do you know of the great Ruth Kingdom?! Surely, you as a human should know of it. That has been my most recent project and I’ve elevated it to its current position. I do not know how long it has been, but I am sure that it exists even until today due to my meticulous teachings!”

“Kingdom?” Ryan asked.

“Yes! It was one of the most flourishing and powerful kingdoms when I left it. I considered my task done upon its success and decided to look for other kingdoms that needed to be helped in order to prosper. I am a generous and kind book—as I’ve already said.”

Ryan didn’t want to believe a book outright just because it said something, but because of its statement, it suddenly had more credibility.

‘This Ruth Kingdom that he is speaking of is probably none other than the current Ruth Empire of today.’ Ryan thought, feeling impressed, and he smirked slightly. “Very well. You seem useful, Builder. Then I will use you to ascend the ranks.”

“Ah, this arrogance! One does need the confidence to be able to achieve their ambitions,” the Grimoire said. “But wait, did you just call me Builder?”

“Of course, calling you by your full name is too long. Now tell me, how do I use you?” Ryan asked.

“Use me? It is the other way around! I shall be the one utilizing you so that this pitiful hovel you call a kingdom can rise properly… behold, I recognize you as my next project! I herby declare you as the new project of myself, the Kingdom Building, Done Right Grimoire!”

‘It really is a mouthful to say all of that.’ Ryan thought with a shake of his head. But a bright glow flashed within the room, filling it with a powerful magic aura. Once the light faded, Ryan heard the words of the Grimoire uttered with a touch of authority.

“Now my first advice and mission to you, young prince, is that you search for a trusted individual! No man is an island! A man needs friends, allies, servants, retainers, and armies… but for now, we shall start with one person who will swear fealty to your name. No kingdom was built in a day! We begin with one subordinate and then many!”

The Grimoire opened its pages and revealed a section dedicated to him alone.

‘As expected. There truly are benefits to having the Grimoire with me.’ Ryan thought as he read its contents.

— — — — — —

< Special Quest: First Subordinate! >

— The Great Grimoire of the Kingdom Building, Done Right! has provided your first task in order to properly build your kingdom. Have one loyal subordinate swear fealty to you.

< Rewards >

— The number of Grimoire Points you will receive is based on the quality of your subordinate. This will take into account the skills, knowledge and experience of the individual, so choose wisely!

— — — — — —

“We are ready to leave, Your Highness.” Joan stepped into his room with a polite smile.

The carriage was prepared alongside the parting gifts and inheritance that Ryan received from his mother and father.

It didn’t actually amount to a lot, probably because King Reginald was still fearful of the possible backlash from the Beleth Empire, contrary to his mother who had given her all.

“You really didn’t have to come, Joan,” Ryan said as the carriage started to leave the palace. “I cannot offer you a good salary, especially when compared to what you earn in the palace.”

“That is fine, Your Highness—!” Joan insisted. There was a determination in her emerald eyes that wasn’t there before. She was livelier than she had ever been.

It made Ryan smile because it finally felt like Joan was opening up to him after all these years.

“Well, I have to admit that I’m quite thrilled that you came with me. It’s going to be hard in the eyes of others, but I assure you that I will elevate us into positions higher than before. I promise you. That Stonefall Village? We’ll usher it into a new era of prosperity unlike what you’ve ever seen before. Actually, you made the right decision to come with me.”

“You…” Joan started slowly and stared at him as she bit down on her lip.

“Yes, me?”

“I mean, Your Highness…”

Normally, Joan wouldn’t say another word to the Sixth Prince. She had already heard all of his ideas before and allowed all of it to pass through one ear and exit another, unless it was relevant to her job, but things had changed.

Joan’s cheeks tinged slightly pink as she averted her gaze and looked out the window. “It will take several days before we get to Stonefall Village. I will take care of you until then, and, of course, afterwards too, Your Highness. I owe you my life.”

“You know that you could always have spoken your mind around me,” Ryan said with a chuckle. He was happy with the progress in their relationship. It was a step in the right direction. “But, ah, yes, thank you, Joan. I will also do my best to take care of you, too.”

“You don’t have to, Your Highness!” Joan protested, face flushed in a shade of pink that almost matched her pink hair.

It was the first time that she had ever heard someone promise to take care of her, and the fact that it came from the Sixth Prince of all people made her stomach churn in an unexpected way.

“Well, unfortunately for you, Joan… I want to. You can’t stop me either,” Ryan said with a grin.

The next few days passed by in a flash. Around this time, Joan and Ryan became much closer than ever.

Although Joan was rather stiff at first, unused to opening up to others, she became much more relaxed around the presence of Ryan. By the time they were near the Stonefall Village, she had opened up completely.