Chapter 18

“Survey of the mountain range?”

“Yes. It’s the Restio Mountain Range to the north.”

It had been about two weeks since the new settlers had arrived at their residence. Noein had gathered key figures of the domain, such as Yuri and Edgar, to discuss his thoughts.

The Restio Mountain Range towers over the northern part of the Lordberg Kingdom like a lid. The mountains line up, blocking travel between the southern and northern parts of the continent, and naturally, they rise even to the north of the Bezel Great Forest where the Earlkvist domain is located.

“Is it for the money-making plan you mentioned before?”

“Yes. I want to find a way to make money by winter so that we can build a house, if possible.”

“Well, that’s certainly true.”

Yuri also understood that it would be tough for the new settlers to spend the winter in the shabby tents. Noein had previously expressed his desire to secure funds to build proper houses for them.

“So, I thought if we could find some kind of ore vein at the foot of the Restio Mountain Range. It’s a distance that wouldn’t take more than half a day to walk through the forest from this settlement.”

“I understand that, but… who will you send for the survey?”

“I was thinking of going myself, but is that not possible?”

Noein’s suggestion was met with a somewhat troubled expression from Yuri.

“Lord Noein, you might not have the stamina for it. You would have to walk several kilometers through the forest to the foot of the mountain and then survey the rough mountain terrain.”

“Well… I thought my stamina had increased since coming to the Bezel Great Forest, and if I get too tired, I could have a golem carry me.”

“…No, it would be better not to. After all, you would be going to an unknown place. There are others who are more accustomed to walking through forests and mountains. There’s no need for the lord to push himself to go.”

“It would be a serious problem if something happened to you, Lord Noein. For the sake of the settlers, please let others handle this this time.”

Edgar agreed with Yuri’s point.

“Understood, I’ll refrain this time. So, for the personnel selection…”

“For now, let me go. With my ‘Far Talk,’ I can communicate directly between the settlement and the survey team. It might be iffy whether the Far Talk can reach all the way to the foot of the Restio Mountain Range, but it should be fine at least up to quite close to the mountains.”

Yuri was the first to volunteer.

“I also want to take a few of the retainers… Radley and Bart, for example. Since we’re not venturing deep into the Bezel Great Forest, that should be enough for the strength needed.”

“Fine. It’s always better to be cautious. Three people alone might not be enough, so let’s have a few more accompany them.”

“Then I’ll select some strong men from the former refugees and send them.”

“Thank you, Edgar. I’ll leave the personnel selection to you.”

…

A few days after the discussion, the departure day for the survey team led by Yuri arrived.

The team consisted of Yuri, Radley, and Bart, along with two large young men from the former refugees whom Edgar had recommended, Rick and Dant.

“Alright, Yuri, and everyone, make sure not to overdo it. If it gets too tough, turn back. And don’t forget to report regularly.”

“Yes. I’ll report the situation twice a day via ‘Far Talk.’ I’ll come back at least once within four days at the latest.”

“We’ll definitely find something.”

“So we just need to look for areas that are different from ordinary rock faces, right?”

“Exactly. The Restio Mountain Range is known for having many ore veins, so there’s a high chance of finding something.”

Since all the noble territories at the northern end of the Lordberk Kingdom are adjacent to the Restio Mountain Range, resource mining in the mines is active. The mountain range adjacent to the Earlkvist domain is likely to have some kind of ore vein.

“Well then, we’re off. Please wait with anticipation.”

“Yes, take care.”

The remaining group watched Yuri and the others as they left the settlement and entered the forest to the north.

“…I hope they find a good ore vein.”

“I think there were copper and iron mines in the neighboring Viscount Keinitz’s territory, so our mountain range should be promising as well.”

“If they find gold, that would be a big win.”

“Ahaha, yes. Other possibilities like silver, diamonds, or other gemstones… Rock salt mines would also be great. We could become wealthy all of a sudden.”

“Hehe. Well, for now, it’s all just wishful thinking.”

As Edgar, Pence, and Mai discussed such things, Noein returned to the development work at the settlement.

…

Despite encountering weak monsters like goblins and gluttony rabbits twice, there were no particularly dangerous situations, and Yuri and the team had progressed to about halfway through their journey.

“Alright, let’s take a break. Radley, take over and keep watch around us.”

“Yes, boss.”

“Fool, we’re no longer mercenaries. Call me ‘retainer captain’ instead.”

“Yes, sorry about that, Retainer Captain.”

With a wry smile at Radley’s persistent old habit even after more than three months, Yuri sat down on a nearby rock and took a long drink from his leather water bag.

“Rick, Dant, are you holding up well?”

“Yes, we’re doing just fine.”

“We used to walk through the forest a lot back in our village, picking up firewood and patrolling for monsters.”

The former refugees, Rick and Dant, answered cheerfully. Their physical strength was not just due to being strong, but also because they were used to the forest from their time in the pioneer village.

“Bart, have you marked the trail correctly up to this point?”

“Yes. I’ve carved markers into the trees at regular intervals. You won’t lose sight of them during the day.”

“Good. We’re about halfway to the Restio Mountain Range. Let’s proceed calmly for the rest of the journey.”

After checking on everyone’s condition, Yuri connected with Noein for the regular report via ‘Far Talk.’

“Noein-sama, it’s me.”

“Ah, Yuri.”

“Did I surprise you?”

“It’s quite an adjustment to suddenly hear a voice in my head. How’s it going there? Any problems?”

“Not at all. We’re halfway to the Restio Mountain Range. Once we arrive, we’ll start the survey within the available time and update you again by night.”

“Alright. Be careful.”

After finishing the regular report to Noein and taking a short rest, Yuri gave instructions to the survey team and set off again.

It took less than two hours to reach the foot of the Restio Mountain Range.

“Retainer Captain, is the ‘Far Talk’ working?”

“…No, it’s not. It seems like it’s barely connecting but not quite. We’ll have to go back a bit for the regular reports.”

When asked by Bart, Yuri confirmed that the ‘Far Talk’ was not working due to the distance.

“However, we’ll set up camp at this foothill. It will make the survey easier. I’ll take Rick and Bart to explore the nearby area, so Radley and Dant, please set up the tent.”

“Yes, leave it to us.”

“Understood.”

Dividing the team into two, Yuri led the survey team into the rugged terrain of the Restio Mountain Range.