Chapter 213: I Knew This Would Happen (2)
Chapter 213: I Knew This Would Happen (2)
The guests were shown to their rooms.
Isabella, perhaps having much to discuss with the mother she hadn't seen in years, left with her.
Thus, only the Schneider family remained in the reception room.
Butler Lawrence personally poured the tea before withdrawing, sending the other servants away as well.
Once the family was alone, Baron Schneider was the first to speak.
"You’ve been through a lot, Patrick."
"It wasn't much trouble, really."
Baron Schneider began by praising his son.
Though the boy had caused a scene the moment he arrived, making the Baron reach for his blood pressure medication, thinking objectively...
He’s a son I don't deserve.
Without any help, Patrick had succeeded on his own and spread his name across the entire continent. Where else could one find such a son?
Baron Schneider looked at his son with an affectionate gaze and said, "I had so much to say to you when you returned. But now that I’m looking at you, I don't even know where to start."
Patrick’s achievements were far from few.
Winning the Arcana and reaching the 7-Star realm at the youngest age ever were given. He had earned a massive fortune, sent it back to the territory to foster development, and even raised the family’s status by a rank.
Furthermore, his recent unconventional actions during his knight training, while reckless and dangerous, had ultimately served as a feat that made the Schneider name known throughout the continent.
Every time the Baron saw the children of the territory running around the streets swinging two sticks and shouting, "I'm the Double Dragon!" he couldn't help but feel immense pride.
To such a son, Baron Schneider spoke with total sincerity.
"If you wish, I will pass the title to you now. What do you think?"
Patrick thought for a moment before replying.
"Not right now. It’s not like being the successor makes things uncomfortable for me..."
"Still, wouldn't it be better to hold the title yourself?"
"That’s true, but I’m still technically a student."
"Ah..."
Come to think of it, his son was still in his fourth year. According to Kingdom Law, it was impossible for a cadet enrolled in the Academy to inherit a title. He would either have to graduate first or drop out immediately to receive it.
"Don't worry about it. Even without a title, I’ve been knocking around Counts and Marquises just fine."
The fact that this was the literal truth was what made it terrifying.
Baron Schneider nodded. "I see. Then I shall hold the position a little longer until you graduate."
As he spoke, the Baron stroked the seal ring on his finger. He had intended to pass it to his son today, but it seemed it would have to stay on his hand for a while longer.
It’s fine.
There was no need to rush. If it was his son, he would do a far better job than him, no matter when he took over. Was he not a son to be proud of anywhere in the world?
Perhaps finding his father’s gaze—overflowing with affection—a bit burdensome, Patrick changed the subject.
"I noticed on my way in that the territory has developed quite a bit."
"Mm, indeed."
"Raising the outer wall was a good move. A sturdy wall is the most essential thing for a territory adjacent to the Great Forest."
"I thought so as well."
If a true national-calamity-class monster were to attack, even a wall like that would crumble. However, it was a thousand times better than a flimsy wooden fence. Just by mounting ballistae on the walls and stationing soldiers, the territory could easily be defended against large species like ogres or trolls.
"It wasn't difficult, thanks to the ample funds you sent."
"That’s a relief. How is the scale of the territory? It looked like the population has grown."
"It surpassed 50,000 recently."
"50,000? That’s more than a tenfold increase, isn't it?"
Patrick was quite surprised. He could tell the population had grown at a glance, but he hadn't expected it to be that much. For a population to increase this rapidly, it couldn't have happened naturally. There must have been a massive influx from the outside.
Baron Schneider nodded. "There was a poor harvest in the Eastern Region recently, creating many refugees. We took them in, and that is how we reached this number."
"Refugees, I see..."
That made sense.
"A sudden, large-scale population increase usually brings various problems. Is everything alright?"
"Sir Kainel led the soldiers and kept public order strictly under control. Moreover, as the territory developed and jobs became plentiful, they were able to settle down without much trouble."
"That’s good to hear."
Population was the strength of a territory. Total productivity and consumption would rise, and recruiting troops would become easier. Normally, one would have to create an environment for steady growth, but the influx of refugees had solved this problem overnight. The poor harvest in the East had become a boon for the Schneider Barony.
Right. Everything up to this point was good. Since it was all good, it was time to move on to the main point.
"You’ve worked hard to develop the territory."
"It was nothing..."
"But you see."
"..."
Patrick pointed at the mansion, which looked even more dilapidated than before he had left.
"Why does the house look like this?"
Hahaha. This boy...
His son was smiling. It would have been perfect if not for that single vein throbbing on his forehead.
* * *
Baron Schneider had long been famous for being a "good person."
No matter how poor a territory is, if a noble sets their mind to exploitation, it isn't difficult for them to live a luxurious life. However, Baron Schneider had always lived frugally, eating the same food as his people.
His sudden rise to prominence was purely because of his son. As the monster known as Patrick Schneider performed brilliantly, the standing of the Schneider territory changed completely.
With his title rising and business cooperation with the Elvador Merchant Group bringing in money, the population surged. Meanwhile, several years of consecutive crop failures in the East caused the food situation to deteriorate significantly.
The Eastern Region had always had a poor self-sufficiency rate, but as things worsened, people began to starve to death in various territories. However, even in the midst of this, the people of the Schneider territory continued to live well.
The Elvador Merchant Group consistently supplied food and daily necessities at stable prices, and the territory's abundant finances were more than enough to handle the increased population.
When everyone else is struggling to survive, but you alone are living well? Usually, the nature of provincial nobles is to find any excuse to start a territorial war. However...
A territorial war with the Schneiders?
No. Impossible.
There’s no chance of winning. None at all.
They didn't even dare to dream of it. The Schneider territory had hundreds of soldiers equipped with heavy armor who could use Aura, and the Orcs of the Red Rock Tribe were also staying there. In terms of pure military power, there was no competition.
And most decisively...
[What? A territorial war?]
The moment they declared war, it was obvious the Double Dragon would come charging from the Academy in the capital with twin swords in his hands. A winner of the Arcana and the youngest 7-Star swordsman. How could they possibly handle that?
Ultimately, while they were at their wits' end, a noble from the East visited Baron Schneider and said:
"Baron, our territory is in such dire straits that our people are starving to death every day. If you could please lend us food and money, we will never forget it and will surely repay you."
In truth, he hadn't expected much. He was just trying anything out of desperation. He was going to go bankrupt anyway, so doing something was better than doing nothing. That was his mindset. However...
"If the situation of your people is so difficult, of course I must help."
Wait, really?
"I will gladly lend you the money."
The visitor was actually the one left bewildered by Baron Schneider's reaction.
What? What is this man playing at?
With all the other Eastern nobles struggling, Baron Schneider, with his solid funds and distribution network, held an incredibly advantageous position. If he were in the Baron's shoes, he would have demanded an enormous price in exchange for lending food. He would have taken the territory as collateral, charged high interest, and then swallowed the territory whole if they couldn't pay.
Having come prepared to even offer his young daughter as the Baron's concubine, he had successfully borrowed money and food without a hitch.
And Baron Schneider took his hand as he left and said, "It is a difficult time for everyone, but let us work hard and overcome it. If Yupinel watches over us, this adversity will surely end one day."
"Ah... yes..."
"Then, safe travels. If you need more help, please let me know then as well."
"Yes. I understand."
As he headed back, he thought: I was on guard until the very end, but he just lent the money and food without any strings attached. He even came out personally to see me off politely.
Usually, people called someone like that...
"A pushover?"
And so, the rumor of Baron Schneider being a "pushover" spread throughout the East. Then, the inevitable began to happen.
"Baron Schneider, I beg of you."
"Please help us. The children of our territory have nothing to eat..."
"If you help us this time, I will never forget this grace."
"You have no idea how much I have always respected you, Baron. I..."
It was like ants swarming over spilled sugar. Upon hearing that Baron Schneider lent money and food without conditions, countless Eastern nobles flocked to him for a hand.
And Baron Schneider...
"Hahaha... They say the children of the territory are starving; what else could I do? Saving lives must come first."
"Haa... haa... haa..."
"Son."
"Haa... haa... haa..."
"Is it really something to get that worked up about?"
Patrick was hyperventilating from his father’s suffocating level of being a pushover, clutching a paper bag to his mouth and gasping for air in the corner. He glared at his father with eyes full of resentment.
"I... I... urgh..."
You're going to pass out, boy.
Baron Schneider, feeling at least a little guilty, tried his best to look away from his son.
A moment later.
"Are you feeling better now?"
Ava asked as she handed a glass of water to her son, who had finally regulated his breathing.
His face was a mask of utter futility as he wiped his face with his hands. "So, the conclusion is that you squandered all the money I sent to the family by 'helping' the surrounding territories."
"Now, now, 'squandered' is a harsh word. How can helping people in need be called squandering?"
Baron Schneider scolded his son sternly. At that...
"I... I’m hearing those words again... Again..."
Patrick clutched the back of his neck and shuddered. Memories of his past life overlapped automatically.
His Master, who had donated a massive chunk of the sect's assets to help people who lost their homes in a flood while Patrick was away for a moment. When Patrick had confronted him, his Master had said the exact same thing.
[Now, now, how can you call helping the poor and needy a waste? Are you truly the Great Disciple of the Twin Dragon Sect?]
Aigo, aigo...
What sin did I commit in my past life...
I lived so virtuously that I was called a Great Hero, so why can't I escape this 'Pushover Hell' even after being reborn? Why?
Patrick stared at the ceiling with a look of total existential dread. Then, clinging to a sliver of hope, he asked, "What about the promissory notes?"
"..."
"You got promissory notes, right? If money changed hands, it’s only natural to leave an official document with both parties' signatures. Right?"
My father has at least that much common sense, right?
At his son’s gaze, Baron Schneider gave a bright smile and said, "Son."
"Yes?"
I have a bad feeling about this. I’m getting chills.
"Since ancient times, trust between people is—"
"Gwaaaaah!"
Patrick didn't even want to hear the rest.
"I... I... urgh..."
Patrick looked like he was about to collapse while clutching his neck. The Double Dragon, whom even the 10,000-strong regular army of the Caesar Kingdom and the demons lurking behind the Elves couldn't take down, was finally about to fall. However...
"I made sure to get them."
"Mother?"
"You did?"
Ava’s single sentence saved Patrick. Receiving the gazes of both her husband and son, Ava said, "I thought it would be best to keep a record, so I collected them."
"Mother..."
Oh, light! Oh, hope! Oh, the single sip of water and pinch of salt granted to this parched world! Her name is Mother.
Patrick clasped his hands together reverently as he looked at Ava.
"You really have them?"
"Yes. I’ve organized them in a ledger."
"Hehehe. So there’s a ledger, is there?"
The corners of Patrick’s mouth curled upward. His shoulders began to shake. The vitality that had been draining away returned—no, it was replaced by a madness that began to overflow from his body.
"Bwahahahaha!"
Right. So while I was away, you all fleeced my naive father and sucked my money dry, did you?
Patrick’s eyes flashed.
"You're all dead."
The nobles of the East needed to learn. They needed to know exactly who had returned to this land.
* * *
Sanson Kainel.
A knight of the Schneider territory and a powerhouse who had achieved the 5-Star realm. He had gathered the soldiers and was currently addressing them.
"As you’ve all heard..."
"..."
"He has returned."
The impact of those words was not small.
"Dammit!"
"Bloody hell!"
"Shit!"
The soldiers were in deep despair. For the past four years, they had been happy.
Of course, their workload had increased to maintain order amidst the sudden population growth, and they had to triple their monster patrol range to ensure the safety of the workers while the walls were being built...
But they were still happy. Even though they had to perform high-intensity duties and engage in fierce practical sparring with the Orcs...
They were still happy. Yes, for one reason and one reason only.
[Still, it’s much better than when the Young Master was here, right?]
[Obviously.]
[Is that even a question?]
[Where the Young Master isn't is Heaven. Where he is, is Hell.]
Indeed. The mere absence of Patrick Schneider made them happy. And they had hoped this happiness would last just a little bit longer.
"Dammit, doesn't he still have a year left before graduation?"
"Maybe he skipped grades and graduated early."
"The Academy doesn't have grade skipping."
"It’s the Young Master we're talking about, isn't it?"
"Ah..."
What couldn't that monster do? If necessary, he’d probably grab the Academy Chancellor by the collar and shake him until he got his diploma.
Regardless, reality could not be denied. Patrick Schneider had returned. He had finally come back.
The soldiers stood at stiff attention as Sanson spoke to them.
"The training intensity will likely skyrocket now that the Young Master is back. After checking your progress, he’ll probably work us like dogs. Goddammit..."
Sanson knew. He knew that he, too, would not be an exception to being worked like a dog. What did it matter if he was the territory’s only knight? Now that that man was back, a future of equality awaited both knight and soldier alike...
SLAM!
It was then. The door to one side of the training ground shattered, and the devil... no, Patrick appeared.
Patrick, looking as if he were literally breathing smoke, looked at the soldiers before him and said, "You're all gathered, I see. Sanson."
"Yes, Young Master. I am here."
"It’s been a while. I assume you’ve made some progress?"
"...I have... worked hard."
At Sanson’s words, Patrick spoke with a dull gaze.
"Well, we can check that later. Let’s handle the important business first. Sanson—no, Sir Kainel!"
"Yes! Please give your command!"
Sanson trembled. Yes. This was the first official order he was receiving from the Young Master since becoming a knight. It was a great honor for a knight to carry out the first command of the Young Master, whose fame reached even this rural corner of the East...
"Grab your gear immediately and get the boys ready."
"..."
Are we going to take over a back alley or something?