The one who brought the supplies was Lowell. He arrived with a hundred knights and a thousand soldiers to guard the massive shipment of provisions. Lowell, visibly exhausted, spoke to Ghislain. “How have you been? This should provide enough supplies to sustain the fortress for several months. I’ll make sure to bring more on schedule next time.” “What? Why did you come personally? You’re a spy, not a delivery boy. Don’t you have work to do?” At Ghislain’s question, Lowell’s face darkened. “The chief insisted I go myself because the load was so large. He didn’t trust anyone else. He also told me to gather intelligence on the surrounding territories while I was at it and report on their conditions. Apparently, I’m now in charge of diplomacy, too.” Though spying and diplomacy seemed unrelated at first glance, the two roles often overlapped. Being in a diplomatic position allowed Lowell to meet key figures and discreetly gather information while officially visiting other territories. Of course, it also came with higher risks, but the benefits outweighed the dangers. “That’s not too bad. No matter how much information you collect, it’s still better to see the situation for yourself.” Ghislain’s approving nod only made Lowell grit his teeth. Now he had to gather intelligence in person, traveling from place to place, and once back in the estate, he’d have to analyze and categorize all the intel collected by other spies. ‘I swear, I just want to run away from all this.’ As a former war prisoner, he knew that desertion meant death. He was stuck with this endless work, running back and forth. Thud! Thud! Thud! Fenris soldiers began unloading massive sacks of wheat from the wagons and stacks of frozen meat from the ice carts. The people around them gasped in amazement. “Wow...!” Even seeing it with their own eyes, they couldn’t believe it. Many of them had never seen such an abundance of food and meat in their lives. ‘In these times of famine, how did he manage to bring so much food?’ ‘Look at all that meat! It must taste incredible.’ ‘There’s way too much here. Is he planning to sell it? I wonder at what price?’ ‘I heard he’s a noble. Does he also run a trading company?’ They stared, awestruck and hesitant to approach. This was the fortress where Ghislain, the monster-slayer, resided and where Kaor, who took down a Twin-Headed Ogre alone, trained. Even though Kaor was injured and resting, Ghislain and the knights remained fully capable. None of the onlookers could stand a chance against them. Watching the people overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of provisions, Ghislain spoke up. “Tired of eating monster meat every day?” They nodded vigorously. “Frustrated with how expensive bread and meat are?” More nods. “I’ll sell you meat and wheat at pre-famine prices. Interested?” “Oh!” The crowd’s eyes widened, half-disbelieving. They knew well how food prices had skyrocketed outside the fortress. The offer to sell food at pre-famine prices sounded too good to be true. Seeing their surprise, Ghislain continued. “There’s one condition. Payment must be in monster hides and tendons only. I’ll match the price of these items to pre-famine levels, as well.” The people readily nodded. Hides were valuable, but nothing compared to the current price of food. Monster materials, including hides and tendons, were abundant here, making them cheaper than in other regions. ‘Trading now would be a bargain.’ ‘Besides hides and tendons, there are plenty of other valuable monster materials.’ ‘I’m done with monster meat!’ Hunters quickly rushed to fetch their stored hides, eager to trade as soon as possible. “Let’s trade! I want meat, give me some meat!” “I need wheat! I have premium hides right here!” “I’ve got hides too! Not premium, but plenty of them!” As people flocked to the inn, the front turned into a chaotic marketplace. While the knights and soldiers kept order, Ghislain turned to Lowell. “Alright, start trading.” “...Me?” “You’re the only one who knows the exact quantities, and you’re quick with calculations.” “...True.” Lowell’s speed at calculations was well-recognized throughout the estate. Though he had made a small mistake in the past, it had saved his life. Unable to rest from his journey, Lowell jumped straight into handling the transactions. As a result, a pile of hides and tendons quickly accumulated. Watching the process, Ghislain nodded approvingly. ‘With continuous hunting and food-for-trade deals, we’ll have a steady supply of hides and tendons.’ News of the provisions brought by Ghislain’s trading group spread quickly within the fortress, attracting not only hunters but also other merchants operating there. They saw an opportunity to buy provisions and resell them at a profit elsewhere. Naturally, Grant, the fortress commander, joined in as well. “We have plenty of monster materials for the royal treasury. I’d like to trade some for food.” Good meals were essential for maintaining soldiers’ morale, and Grant wasn’t going to let this opportunity slip. Ghislain nodded and proposed a new business idea. “I’d like to trade with all the fortresses near the Shadow Mountains. Could you help?” “All of them?” “Yes, it’d take too long to visit each one myself.” “There are about fifty fortresses guarding the Shadow Mountains. You’re saying you could trade with all of them?” “I’m known as the ‘Grain King of Northern Ruthania.’ Haven’t you heard?” “No, can’t say I have.” “...Anyway, just make the connections. Get royal authorization so others don’t interfere. I don’t want to waste time.” “Understood. I’ll relay this along with your contributions from the recent battle. I’m sure the royal family will approve.” Grant quickly sent out messengers to various fortress commanders and the royal court, emphasizing Ghislain’s skills and financial resources, with a hint that this was a golden opportunity to secure a powerful ally from Luthania. The Turian Kingdom, committed to supporting its fortresses, carefully selected its commanders and trusted their reports. Within days, royal permission arrived. **Official Decree from the Turian Royal Court:** The royal court hereby grants permission for official trade with Count Fenris of Luthania. — The royal court guarantees the credit of the Fenris Trading Company. — Fenris Trading Company members may travel freely within the kingdom. — No taxes will be levied on food sales by the Fenris Trading Company. — All commanders and lords are instructed to protect the Fenris Trading Company. This was an unprecedented privilege. Few trading companies had ever received such treatment. The royal court prioritized fortress stability, fully supporting the Fenris Trading Company for its contributions. Grant’s strong recommendation and Ghislain’s noble status as a Luthanian played a significant role. Ghislain grinned in satisfaction. ‘I knew Grant would get us something like this.’ In his previous life, while they hadn’t been close, Ghislain had seen Grant frequently at the fortress, and they had maintained a friendly rapport. Grant was competent and had served at the fortress for a long time, being the son of a powerful marquis in the Turian Kingdom. His skills and noble lineage ensured his voice would carry weight. ‘This will bring in even more wealth.’ Securing resources and funds from trade with other kingdoms was part of Ghislain’s plan. Right now, the goods were limited to food, but once they were established, he could expand to include items like cosmetics and iron ore, building a substantial fortune. ‘Kaor and the knights can enjoy some comfort now.’ Even after his departure, Grant and the Turian Kingdom would offer protection, ensuring their safety. While leaving his troublemakers behind was a bit concerning, he couldn’t hand them everything on a silver platter. “Hey, how’s your body holding up?” Kaor, wrapped in bandages, pouted in response to Ghislain’s question. “Tell me who hit me while I was down!” “I didn’t see anything.” “Tsk... I’m gonna knock out everyone here.” Kaor grumbled, unable to shake off his frustration. He’d hoped for a grand exit but ended up being smacked around. The irritation was almost unbearable. Ghislain stayed for a few more days, hunting monsters and training the knights. Kaor, still recovering, was dragged along and pushed to his limits. The hunters who had joined under Ghislain’s leadership were beginning to realize the depth of their commitment. ‘This is a nightmare... we signed a thirty-year contract...’ ‘I shouldn’t have taken the advance... how am I ever going to repay it?’ ‘I can’t believe the kingdom’s protecting them...’ They were forced to hunt alongside the knights, even acting as porters and butchers. They wanted to run away, but now they couldn’t. ‘So that’s why they gave us the advance! We can’t leave until we pay it back!’ They had blown through the hefty sum on drinks and entertainment, making escape impossible. As for overpowering the knights, it was out of the question. Kaor was now the strongest fighter in the fortress. Even if they somehow succeeded, they’d be hunted down by Grant’s forces. There was no way out. They were thoroughly trapped. “Make sure you hunt hard and collect hides and tendons. When the trading company arrives, send the goods with them. Got it? I’m heading back. Kaor, keep up your training.” “Yes, sir...” The knights and hunters nodded reluctantly at Ghislain’s words. Some knights even tried to negotiate with those who had arrived with Lowell. “Please , let’s switch! I beg you!” “This place is amazing! You’ll have all the freedom you want once you get back!” “You’ll improve so fast here!” But the newcomers quickly shook them off, understanding the situation all too well. “Who are you? I don’t know you.” “You’re crazy! I’d never stay in this hellhole!” “Stay safe, see you alive someday.” The diligent knights breathed a sigh of relief, glad they’d kept up with their training. Otherwise, they’d be stuck here, suffering alongside Kaor and his crew. Leaving the groaning knights behind, Ghislain returned to his estate with Lowell. Only Kaor was grinning as he shouted, “Ha! Now everyone knows I’m the strongest here! If anyone disobeys, I’ll beat you down! Got it?” With hundreds of hunters following him and the Turian Kingdom’s protection, Kaor was now the undisputed powerhouse in the fortress. “Ha ha ha! I’m the king of Ironcliff now! The king!” He loved every moment of it. * * * Even in Ghislain’s absence, the estate ran smoothly. Everyone worked diligently, aware of the consequences if they didn’t. The estate was developing rapidly, even while he was away. Upon his return, Ghislain received updates on everything that had transpired. Given his long absence, it was time to assess the progress. The first report concerned the road construction project with the Marquis’s estate. “The road construction is progressing smoothly. We’ve already connected with neighboring territories.” “This has increased the use of our Arrow Courier service, though it’s still operating at a loss...” “However, we’re starting to collect road usage fees from nearby territories. Although growth in the north is limited by low population and few trading companies, we expect higher revenue from the capital’s nearby region under Lady Branford’s management.” The road and courier projects were progressing without any issues. With the Branford Marquis estate’s involvement, everything was running smoothly. As long as they continued this way, the estate would generate more profit over time. The next reports focused on estate development. “Galvanium production is exceeding expectations. The blacksmiths are working overtime, almost as if they’re addicted.” “The Fenris region is now mostly cultivated. We’re using the money from food sales to continuously purchase resources and essentials.” “Other areas are filling with workshops and hatching facilities, significantly increasing production.” “Most of the residential construction is complete. It’s now rare to find a resident without a home, though the relocation process for some villages has been delayed.” The plan to merge small villages with nearby fortresses and towns was underway, but it was a challenging process. People were reluctant to leave their long-established homes, and the relocation itself required considerable manpower. While village integration was slow, once residents settled in their new homes, complaints were minimal. With improved facilities, the quality of life in the estate had risen considerably. The loyalty and satisfaction of the residents had soared compared to the past. For a poor northern estate to develop this much was a miracle, thanks to Ghislain’s knowledge and relentless determination. “It’s no exaggeration to say we’re the best in the north. Our surplus production is increasing steadily.” “With economic activity picking up, tax revenue is growing, though expenses are still higher...” “All the residents speak highly of you, my lord.” Desmond and Rayfold were known as the wealthiest estates in the north. But even they couldn’t ensure prosperity for every resident. Like other territories, they struggled with income inequality. Few places on the continent could boast that all residents lived comfortably and free from worry, as Fenris did. Satisfied with the praise, Ghislain nodded. “Good. The estate’s foundation is stronger than ever. So, you all know what’s next, don’t you?” “...” The retainers remained silent. They had a good idea but didn’t want to say it. Ghislain said it for them. “It’s time to prepare for war again, isn’t it?” As expected, they looked despondent at his words.