Side: Rob Ashwood, Knight of Ashwood Rocksfall
We left the Ashwood territory and headed north. Although it was spring, the wind was so cold it felt like it was cutting through the skin.
The River Rhyber, which flows through our land, joins with several tributaries, widening its path.
Although we could travel down the Rhyber River by boat from our land, we never had the luxury of owning one until recently. A boat, which might only be used a few times a year, seemed unnecessary.
Thanks to the Horse King, our family has become prosperous. The revenue from the Horse King has reached tens of times the initial cost of building the workshop. It has been almost half a year since we started selling, and I never expected it to reach such sales.
“Truly, Thomas must be a messenger of the gods. I wonder what Marquis Lightstar would think if he knew about this.”
That family may be at the end of their noble line. They not only exploit the people of the land but also rob from the foster children and weaker nobles.
Sturm Perneia kept coming to me, demanding rights to the dungeon and the Horse King. I was getting really annoyed, and at one point, I almost blew my top. Of course, when I released a bit of killing intent, he collapsed in fear. Ha ha ha.
Last winter, several nobles, including myself, severed ties with Lightstar and sought refuge with the Bayerline Duke’s family.
Lightstar became a disgrace to the entire kingdom. And we, in turn, earned their hatred. We know it won’t end quietly, but Lightstar is not in a position to act carelessly. If they do, they’ll be taking on the Bayerline Duke’s family as an enemy.
In terms of titles, the Bayerline Duke’s family is naturally above. Moreover, the Duke’s family is part of the royal bloodline. The Bayerline Duke, and their family, have a claim to the throne. If they were to attack us, that could escalate into a major war.
“But… Lightstar is decaying, isn’t it?”
There is a possibility they will disregard what we are thinking and make a move. That’s how badly they’re deteriorating, and I remain on high alert.
That being said, it might be time to consider building a boat. The Bayerline Duke’s territory, as well as the royal capital, are connected via the River Rhyber. Considering this, having a boat could prove useful.
The journey proceeded smoothly, and by the afternoon of the third day, we arrived at Baron Rittenheim’s mansion. Baron Rittenheim was one of the nobles who severed ties with Lightstar alongside me. We both took in the former Marquis Lightstar’s child as an adopted son.
So far, no one has interfered with us regarding Thomas, but I’ve heard that Lightstar has tried to meddle in the engagement of Lady Talia, whom Baron Rittenheim adopted as his daughter.
Apparently, her fiancé is an elderly merchant on the brink of death, so it’s understandable why Baron Rittenheim would be furious.
It’s clear that this was a plan to secure the merchant’s wealth, and not for the sake of Lady Talia.
However, for Lightstar to try to decide who she marries, that’s utterly outrageous.
Naturally, Baron Rittenheim rejected the proposal. Though not a stranger, Lady Talia is currently under Baron Rittenheim’s protection, and for anyone to meddle in her affairs would be an overstep of authority.
From Baron Rittenheim’s mansion to the Bayerline Duke’s family is about half a day’s travel.
Furthermore, Lightstar’s Bald territory lies across the River Rhyber, so once we reach this point, the risk of an ambush decreases significantly.
