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Separate Territory

“How was the village while I was gone, Tom?”

“It’s been good, Master Ryan. Farmer Jonas is doing what you asked of him and nothing… nothing happened as of late that requires your attention,” Tom reported, a bit distracted by the gold baby dragon on Ryan’s chair.

It was difficult to focus on a conversation when there was a gold baby dragon staring at you—in the not friendliest manner at that, but Tom did his best to answer.

Ryan had also gotten used to the weight of Chrysus on his back.

“Really? That’s good to hear. It’ll still take a bit of time before we can harvest the Mana-Filled Oats. And thanks to Chrysus, we also have received gifts.”

“Yes! I'm amazing, aren't I, Ryan?” Chrysus flapped his wings regally, causing miniature vortex winds to flow in the room. “The Kobolds will continue to mine everyday, and I’ll ask them to bring your share every day.”

“You shouldn't overwork them that much. Besides, at the moment, it’s still better to store the gems at your cave, away from the attention of other people,” Ryan said. Right now, Stonefall Village was still under the reign of the Finis Kingdom.

“Y-yes.” Tom eyed all the sparkling gems that now decorated the room with awe. If other people were to hear of this, it would indeed be a disaster. “Is this what the royal treasury is like in the palace, Master Ryan?”

“I guess? But before you know it, we’ll probably be much richer than the palace,” Ryan said.

“R-richer than the Finis Royalty?” Tom stared at him and his jaw dropped a little.

“That’s what I intend to do. Ironcross Mountains has a lot of resources, and the fact that the Finis Royalty and Kingdom never utilized them is their own missed opportunity." Ryan said. “Which makes it a good news for us.”

“…You mean that you have no intention of returning back to the palace, Master Ryan?”

“Well, my relationship with the family will always be good even after I’m exiled. Of course, it would have been more appropriate if I hadn't been exiled in the first place, but the Crown Princess of Beleth Empire was troublesome,” Ryan said with some distaste in his voice. “I understand that my father could only resort to such a decision, so I can’t bear that much of a grudge.”

Tom already heard a bit of the story from Crowehaven, the nearest place to their village that was willing to deliver information via birds. However, hearing the details from the main character of the story was different.

“Of course, I am already considering reporting my intention of separating the Stonefall Village from the Finis Kingdom, becoming its own separate entity.” Ryan said with a casual shrug—well, he tried to. With Chrysus on his shoulder, it was a little hard. Dragons weren't light.

“W-what?” Tom was already bewildered by everything he had witnessed so far, but this was one of the things that even a mere commoner was aware of.

The reason why villages, towns, and cities gave up a portion of their crops to their Lords was because they wanted protection… but now Master Ryan was saying he wanted to separate?!

“Well, the only reason I haven’t done so is because of the huge amount of paperworks involved, as well as the fact that it's still more convenient to be under the Finis domain… It’d be harder to recruit people if they see us separate.” Ryan explained. “But once we have separated ourselves, we won’t have to give anything.”

“Haha, Master Ryan,. You are thinking of those things because you’re still the son of His Majesty, right?” Tom said. He hoped that his perception was right.

“Not really. Once we declare ourselves as independent, I am sure that other Lords in the area will try to seize us, and my father won’t try to intervene.” Ryan said with a shake of his head. “Of course, there will be those who will try even before that.”

— — — — — — —

“Baron Illus!” A young man with dark hair and blue eyes ran into the office.

“What is it, Steward Lewis? It better be good if you’re disturbing me right now.” Baron Illus barked.

The Baron was a plump man in his forties, and he was currently eating a mountain of food by himself.

The young man bowed his head with a document in hand. “May I ask if you know of Stonefall Village?”

“Isn’t that the backwater village where His Majesty’s sixth son was exiled to?” Baron Illus said.

“Y-yes, but that’s not all. Your great grandfather once contested it against the Barony of Luxem because its borders are actually closer to yours, and based on this document, we actually have won.”

“Oh, that. My father was crazy about it before, but I let it go. It’s not really worth fighting it over with Baron Luxem. They have a manor over there for some reason, so they’re nostalgic about it. Not to mention, its annual tax is not worth crying about, so best leave it be.” Baron Illus rolled his eyes.

Baron Illus’s ancestors were ambitious people and wanted to elevate themselves from the rank of Barony, which was why they tried to snatch even the territory of a small useless village in the past.

However, Baron Illus was unlike any of them. He knew his limits and preferred to indulge in his whims.

“But… I was able to detect something, Baron Illus.”

“You did?” Baron Illus’ eyes narrowed slightly.

“My Skill, Detect Opportunity, allowed me to detect that there is something there that could elevate us from our current position.”

“Are you referring to the former Sixth Prince? He’s really worth nothing. He may have some wealth from his father, but there’s also no use making any diplomatic relationship with him.” Baron Illus said, lifting his fork.

“Please verify with your own Skill, Baron Illus.”

“Very well.” Baron Illus narrowed his eyes but then whispered underneath his breath. “Assess Bounty: Stonefall Village.”

A huge sum suddenly filled Baron Illus’ mind, and he fell off his chair.

“T-this!” Baron Illus choked.

“Baron Illus!” Steward Lewis immediately went over to check the man. “Are you alright—”

Baron Illus seized and snatched the document from his Steward’s hands. “This is ours, right?”

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