Chapter 145: Coming in Too Sudden (5)
Chapter 145: Coming in Too Sudden (5)
The Schneider Barony, now absent of Patrick Schneider.
Even without Patrick, the seeds he had sown were growing vigorously.
There was the regular influx of external goods through the Red Merchant Group.
The cooperation between the soldiers and the Red Rock Tribe to fend off monsters emerging from the Great Forest.
Among these, the partnership with the Orcs was truly vital.
Given the nature of the territory, formidable strength was an absolute necessity for survival.
And today, as always, brave warriors were tempering themselves, sweating profusely at the estate’s training ground.
“Uwoooooo!”
“Dieeeee!”
A muscular green Orc swung his stone blade as if to crush his opponent.
The soldier facing him countered by wildly brandishing two twin swords.
Clang! Crash! Boom-boom-boom!
Both sides had coated their weapons in Aura, and the spectacle of their clash was anything but ordinary.
After exchanging a series of powerful blows as if trying to kill one another, the two pulled apart.
Once the distance widened, the soldier sheathed his twin swords and spoke.
“Tutan, you’ve improved quite a bit, you bastard.”
“You aren’t so bad yourself. Soldier A, you used to be a one-punch pushover, didn’t you?”
“When was that! And I told you my name is Oliver!”
“Do not lie. The Young Master said your name is Soldier A. Everyone else calls you that too.”
“That’s because…”
“I even heard your mother call you that.”
“…Die! You green-skinned bastard!”
“Perish! You human with the weird name!”
Kabaam!
The two collided violently once more.
Watching the pair fight as if they intended to demolish the training ground, one soldier turned to the man in charge.
“Captain Sanson, is it alright to leave them like that?”
“Training should be treated like real combat.”
Sanson, now a knight, nodded as he watched the fierce sparring between Oliver and Tutan.
Perhaps because their personalities clashed, once those two started, they fought until the bitter end.
To others, it might seem excessive, but the results were undeniable.
As a result of these radical, combat-like spars, their skills were improving by leaps and bounds every day.
A faint smile played on Sanson’s lips as he watched.
‘To protect the territory while the Young Master is away, we must become even stronger.’
Sanson felt a heavy sense of responsibility.
Even at this very moment, Patrick would be at the Academy in the capital, sweating and devoted to his training…
‘…Actually, probably not.’
Right. There was no way.
But regardless, whatever the case may be, the soldiers had to be trained strictly.
Currently, the training ground was occupied not only by the soldiers of the Schneider estate but also by the Orcs of the Red Rock Tribe.
They were neighbors who shared life in the territory and comrades-in-arms who shed blood together, so they trained as one.
The effect was actually quite good.
A sense of competition had developed, and through the process of rolling in the dirt and sweating together, a strong sense of camaraderie had formed.
Initially, Sanson had only requested cooperation from the Red Rock Tribe to push the soldiers to their limits in Patrick’s absence, but…
‘If the results are good, then everything is good.’
He spoke with a smirk.
“Break time is over. Today, we move into group mock battles. The condition is set at 1-on-10. Ten sets of ten minutes each. Start the rotation!”
At those words, the expressions of the humans and Orcs crumpled simultaneously.
The rotation.
It was a training method devised by Sanson, who had been entrusted with the training by Patrick.
In short, it was about enduring a 1-on-10 gang beating.
The soldiers cried out in protest at the command to do ten sets of ten minutes each.
“Captain, have you lost your mind?”
“My grandfather was right. Humans are evil.”
“Captain, you should just get lost and go to the capital too!”
“This is Orc abuse!”
Despite venting their grievances, the soldiers and Orcs moved together in groups to form their formations.
“Let’s decide the order first.”
“Aigo, I’m going to die again.”
“I want to go back to the forest.”
As the training began, the screams of soldiers and Orcs echoed through the air.
Meanwhile, a man dressed in a butler’s uniform approached Sanson.
“Sir Kainel.”
“Chandler? I’m in the middle of training, what is it?”
Chandler, the apprentice butler of the Baron’s family, bowed politely and spoke.
“The Baron is looking for you.”
“Hmm, do you know what it’s about?”
“A guest from the capital is expected to arrive soon. They are likely bringing news of the Young Master.”
“I see. I’ll head over now.”
Sanson rarely left his post during training, but this was unavoidable.
He wore a natural smile as he spoke.
“I wonder what kind of news we’ll hear this time?”
*
“I wonder what kind of news we’ll hear this time?”
The same words, but a completely different atmosphere.
As if his stomach ached just thinking about it, Baron Schneider muttered while gently rubbing his belly.
Lawrence, as if used to this, brought water and stomach medicine to the Baron.
“My Lord, are you alright?”
“Would you be alright if you were in my shoes?”
“Hahaha. I would be fine. It’s not my son, after all.”
“You heartless friend.”
Baron Schneider sighed and took the medicine, lamenting the betrayal of his loyal servant who had been with him his whole life.
At first, it was good.
In truth, he thought he would be a bit lonely after his son left for the Academy, but…
That wasn't the case at all.
“Ah, so this is what peace feels like.”
The Baron realized anew.
He realized that most of the countless incidents and accidents that had occurred in the territory were caused by his son.
Of course, most of them resulted in good outcomes, but no one who hasn't experienced it knows the gut-wrenching stress involved in the process.
With such a son away at the Academy, peace had finally found its way into Baron Schneider’s daily life.
The monsters around the territory were handled by the strengthened soldiers and the Red Rock Orcs.
Furthermore, the territory’s budget had become incredibly abundant.
There was the reward money granted by Count Parmas and the 2,000 gold that House Landes agreed to pay in installments over ten years.
Since inheriting the title of Baron, he had never operated the territory with such a rich budget.
The Baron proceeded with territorial projects he had only dreamed of but never dared to start.
He did his best to reclaim farmland and construct waterways to increase the yield for the residents.
Additionally, the Red Merchant Group consistently dispatched merchants once a month, allowing the residents to purchase daily necessities and farming tools at affordable prices.
Securing safety and economic development.
The Schneider Barony was currently flourishing as if it had reached its golden age.
Everything was great.
Until news of his son started reaching the territory.
*
“My Lord. It is said that the Young Master crushed two sons of Marquis Panola’s family at the Academy.”
“The… Marquis Panola’s family?”
“Yes, that is correct.”
“The… their condition? Was it just a light scuffle? It was just a light scuffle, right?”
“It is said that the Marquis’s sons dropped out of the Academy and went into seclusion due to the shock.”
“Guh… Guuugh…”
At the news that his son had beaten the two sons of the Royal Guard Captain to the point of being unable to recover, the Baron clutched the back of his neck and collapsed.
He knew Patrick wouldn't stay quiet, but he didn't expect him to cause such a massive incident.
But this was only the beginning.
*
“My Lord. Someone from the Elvador Merchant Group has arrived with a letter from the Young Master.”
“The Elvador Merchant Group? Why would they come to us?”
“I am not sure of the reason, but they brought a letter from the Young Master.”
“Give it here.”
When the Baron hurriedly opened the letter, it read…
—To my father, who surely cannot sleep at night out of worry for his son…
Twitch.
He almost ripped the letter apart.
Barely regaining his composure, Baron Schneider continued reading.
—Your son is doing well. Living in the capital isn't as bad as I thought. It’s a good neighborhood for drinking. And through various circumstances, I’ve become friends with the son of the Elvador Merchant Group. So, we’re going to sell the territory’s local specialties through the Elvador Merchant Group. As for what we’re selling…? Well, just go ahead with it. It’s better if Father doesn't know.
This brat of mine…
—Regarding the products, I’ve asked Mother for a favor, so if you pass on my words, she’ll know exactly what to do. That is all. From Patrick Schneider, the world’s most filial son.
He almost ripped it apart one more time at the end.
Regardless, the Baron hurriedly prepared to receive the guest.
He would have to hear the details once they arrived, but for a figure from a massive organization like the Elvador Merchant Group to visit a rural Barony like this?
At the very least, he had to be fully prepared to avoid being a laughingstock.
And a few days later.
The person who appeared before Baron Schneider was…
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Baron. I am Aaron of the Elvador Merchant Group.”
“A… A… Aaron?”
The leader of the Elvador Merchant Group himself had appeared.
Baron Schneider, who had expected a middle manager at best, couldn't close his gaping mouth.
Who could have predicted that the leader of the kingdom’s top merchant group would show up in a tiny rural estate at the edge of the East?
Aaron spoke to the stunned Baron.
“My son is deeply indebted to Young Master Patrick. To express my gratitude, I have brought some modest gifts.”
“No, what do you mean…”
“Bring them out.”
At Aaron’s command, the merchant group’s employees began unloading gifts from the carriages behind them.
No, they started unloading them.
Liquor brewed by Elves.
Artistic masterpieces made by Dwarves.
Pearls made from Sirens’ tears.
The latest magical tools created at the Tower of Truth.
Rare ancient books from the Holy Kingdom.
Dresses from the Benator Empire.
Baron Schneider’s jaw dropped at the endless barrage of gifts.
Aaron spoke with a smile.
“I wasn't sure what you’d like, so I brought a bit of everything that seemed decent. Please, accept them.”
—I didn't know what you’d like, so I brought it all.—
Indeed, the wealthiest man in the kingdom was on a different level.
*
Leader Aaron stayed in the territory for three days, building a friendship with the Schneider couple.
The conversation mostly revolved around their children, as there was no easier topic to bond over.
Once they became close, they discussed business in earnest.
The business talk was primarily led by Ava and Aaron, and whenever Baron Schneider tried to chime in…
“Honey, please leave this to me. I can handle it.”
Ava pushed her husband aside with a gentle smile. A wife pushing her husband aside to talk business.
Aaron was greatly surprised by this.
‘Oh dear, this is problematic…’
He expected Baron Schneider to fly into a great rage.
In a typical noble family—no, even among commoners—if a wife tried to push her husband aside to handle external affairs, the husband would usually get angry, feeling insulted. However…
“Hmm, if you say so, then I shall.”
Baron Schneider, possessing the traits of both a pushover and a devoted husband, simply stepped back with a compliant smile.
Aaron was the one who ended up flustered by the Baron’s reaction.
‘Now that I see it, the father isn't normal either.’
For several days, conversations took place that excluded Baron Schneider.
After his wife showed Aaron some samples of something and guided him somewhere to show him production facilities, the two discussed detailed terms and drafted a contract.
All Baron Schneider did was press his seal onto that contract.
Truly a pushover…
Regardless, as a result, two things happened in his territory. One was…
“Madam, would you perhaps be interested in taking the position of branch manager for our merchant group?”
Aaron had made such a proposal to Ava.
Ava declined with a soft smile, and Aaron told her to contact him if she changed her mind, as the door of opportunity was always open.
And the second was…
“Then, I will leave this as a down payment. The rest will be paid after I receive the goods.”
He had held out a single check as he spoke.
“Well then. I look forward to seeing you again, Baron.”
“Yes, safe travels, Leader.”
As the carriage carrying Aaron moved away, Baron Schneider checked the amount on the check.
‘Just how much is it that he’s using a check instead of cash?’
He knew business talk had occurred, but for an amount that required a check…
“Huh?”
“What is it, My Lord?”
“No, my eyes must be acting up.”
At Butler Lawrence’s question, Baron Schneider rubbed his eyes.
Was he lacking sleep lately?
The numbers on the check looked a bit strange.
He rubbed his eyes and checked the numbers again. And then…
“H-Heh!”
Baron Schneider was horrified.
There seemed to be three more ‘0’s than the amount he had expected.
“Just what is the matter… Gasp!”
Butler Lawrence, who checked the amount from the side, also let out a gasp.
And beside them, Ava spoke with a beaming smile.
“It’s not bad for a first transaction, is it?”
“W-Wife. Just what are you planning to sell?”
To her stuttering husband, Ava gave a beautiful and enchanting smile.
She placed a finger to her lips and spoke softly.
“It’s a secret.”
“……”
The pushover did not ask about his wife’s secret.
*
Not long after Leader Aaron left.
News of Patrick reached them from the capital once again.
This time, it was good news.
“My Lord. It is said that the Young Master took first place in the midterm evaluation.”
“Ooh! Is that true?”
“Yes.”
Indeed, it was good news.
Baron Schneider was genuinely happy at the good news brought by the employee of the Red Merchant Group.
His son had taken the top spot at the Academy, where the most elite talents of the kingdom were gathered.
What father in the world wouldn't be happy about this?
This was truly good news.
“How? Tell me in detail.”
“He beat up every single one of the Academy professors.”
“Urgh…”
Only the first part was good.
Baron Schneider, who fainted while clutching the back of his neck, fainted once more later upon hearing the news that his son had been chosen as the representative for the Arcana.
*
And so, now.
“My Lord, preparations for the welcome are complete.”
“Hmm, good work, Sir Kainel.”
Baron Schneider steeled his heart and prepared to receive the guest coming from the capital.
Ava, who approached his side, spoke.
“I heard a distinguished guest is coming. I wonder who it will be?”
“Whoever it is, let’s keep our wits about us. There’s no telling what kind of trouble Patrick has caused.”
“Fufu. I’m looking forward to it.”
“……”
He loved his wife dearly, but he couldn't understand her.
Where did her unconditional tolerance and love for their troublemaker son come from?
Just then, a four-horse carriage, decorated flamboyantly with flags held high, appeared in the distance.
“It seems someone of very high status is coming.”
“Indeed. Wait, is that…?”
Baron Schneider was startled.
As the procession drew closer, the crest on the flags became clearer, and it was definitely a crest he had seen many times before.
A crest that any noble of the kingdom would recognize.
Seven stars entwining the moon.
The symbol represented by that crest was undoubtedly…
“The Royal Family?”
As the carriage arrived, the person at the front shouted loudly.
“Jacob Schneider, Baron, receive the Royal Decree!”
“What!? Yes!”
Baron Schneider hurriedly knelt.
The carriage door opened, and someone stepped down, escorted by a knight.
Then, a gentle voice spoke.
“Please, raise your head, Baron.”
It was a voice so kind and soft that one wouldn't think it belonged to royalty.
When Baron Schneider raised his head, he saw a noblewoman who looked to be in her late thirties with black hair, wearing a gentle smile.
She spoke.
“I am Rose Jenova, here with the Royal Decree.”
“Jeno… Ahem.”
Baron Schneider was terrified.
He had bitten his tongue because he was so startled, and he hurriedly bowed his head again.
“I greet Her Highness, the Seventh Queen.”
He never imagined a Queen would visit his humble territory.
Even if a Royal Decree was being delivered, a messenger would suffice, so why would a Queen come herself?
Queen Jenova slowly resolved Baron Schneider’s confusion.
“I shall deliver the Royal Decree.”
“Yes. Please, speak.”
“First, as Young Master Patrick Schneider has brought great honor to the kingdom by winning the Arcana…”
“Pardon?”
“…I haven't finished yet?”
“M-My apologies.”
The Baron hurriedly bowed his head.
Even so, his mind was a mess.
Winning the Arcana? Winning? My son? At the Arcana? Winning?
To him, who had reached the peak of confusion, Queen Jenova continued.
“Accordingly, the Royal Family commends the merits of the Schneider Barony and promotes the Barony to a Viscounty.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
“Furthermore, in commemoration of the engagement between Patrick Schneider and Princess Isabella Black Atronia of the Royal Family, ten treasures and a reward of 10,000 gold shall be granted.”
“Thank… what?”
“……?”
Baron Schneider hurriedly lowered his head.
“My apologies. But just now… if I didn't hear wrong…”
“You mean the part about the son of the Baron—no, the Viscount—being engaged to my daughter.”
“……”
Viscount Schneider’s mouth fell open.
Engagement? You mean that engagement made between lovers promising to marry each other?
Who? My son and the Princess?
“Ah…”
Baron Schneider was certain.
“This is a dream. I should sleep more.”
With that, he fainted with a happy smile.
“My Lord!”
“Honey!”
“Baron! No, Viscount!”
The people around him hurriedly rushed to his side, and Queen Jenova spoke in bewilderment.
“I haven't even mentioned the reward for his merit in reaching the 7-Star rank, or that I’ll be staying here for a long-term recovery.”
And that was how Baron Schneider became a Viscount.