Chapter 149 – It’s Nice to Be Back. (1)


    Zwalter spoke earnestly.


    “Who would want to send their daughter to Ferdium? If you don’t want to end up like me, you absolutely cannot miss this timing. You need to get married quickly while you’re still young and doing well.”


    “…Ha.”


    It hurt just to hear it, but objectively, he was right.


    The husband spent half the year dispatched to the northern regions. At first nce, it might seem great to have no husband at home, but the problem was that it wasn’t just the husband who was absent.


    No one would be pleased with the idea of staying alone without a husband, in a rural backwater that was both poor and dangerous.


    That’s why the Ferdium Count’s family had always managed to arrange marriages by pleading with the noble families of the nearby estates.


    Ghiin and Amelia’s previous engagement had been arranged in a simr manner.


    It was fortunate even to secure an engagement. Zwalter hadn’t managed to find a proper match during his younger years.


    “Look at me. If I hadn’t met your mother by chance, I wouldn’t have been able to get married at all. Your mother was also from a fallen noble family, so you don’t have any maternal rtives, do you?”


    At Zwalter’s words, Belinda awkwardly turned her gaze away and scratched her neck. Ghiin’s mother hade into the family without a dowry, bringing only Belinda with her as a maid.


    Still, from Ferdium’s side, they bowed and thanked her for agreeing to marry, bringing her into the family with respect.


    The recitation of facts, which bordered on self-mockery, led to a moment of silence. The difficulties of marriage were not just a problem for noble families.


    Homerne cautiously spoke up.


    “Since the influence of the Young Lord has grown significantly, how about pushing for a marriage with Count Raypold’s daughter again?”


    “Amelia? Should we?”


    Zwalter’s expression brightened with interest.


    Amelia Raypold was the daughter of a prominent lord in the North, known for being noble, elegant, wise, andpassionate—a well-regarded match.


    Bing a son-inw to the Marquis of Branford would be more than enough, but honestly, that was a wish too ambitious to entertain.


    ‘That’s right, to survive in this harsh North, she has to be kind and good-hearted. But since they were once engaged, it should be easier this time. It’s only hard the first time, not the second, right?’


    Raypold was a major lord in the North.


    Though their rtionship had be somewhat distant due to some unpleasant incidents, their estates were close, and they had maintained a nominal alliance since the previous generations.


    Count Raypold had many children, and in the past, he had graciously allowed the engagement between Ghiin and Amelia.


    Now that Ghiin’s reputation had greatly improved, there was a high chance that they would ept it again.


    One by one, the vassals began to express their approval.


    “If it’s Count Raypold’s daughter, there’s nothingcking. Rather, she’s more than we could hope for.”


    “Apparently, Count Raypold is already looking for a new match.”


    “In that case, it would be better to go with us, his long-time allies. Reestablishing our rtionship is just a matter of effort, isn’t it?”


    As the conversation continued to lean in a positive direction, Ghiin’s expression began to twist proportionately.


    In the end, unable to hold back any longer, Ghiin burst out.


    “Absolutely do not contact them. I won’t marry that woman even if it kills me.”


    “What? Why not? To be honest, there’s no one in the North as great as Lady Amelia,” Homerne asked, looking puzzled.


    She had a good background, was beautiful, and was known for her kind heart. Her personality was quiet andposed, so she seemed like she would support her husband well. No matter how one looked at it, there was no one like her.


    “Is it because of what happened before? Marquis Branford is backing you now, so we can get past all that. In fact, we might be even more favorable now. Politics has always been like that.”


    “Oh, I said no. I absolutely won’t do it, so take it as a given. If you proceed with this, I’ll ruin everything. We’ll all just go down together.”


    Ghiin raised his voice, even ring, which was unlike his usual self.


    Marry two people who were currently grinding their teeth to kill each other?


    On their wedding night, they’d probably start nning how to assassinate each other.


    Faced with Ghiin’s fierce refusal, the others only clicked their tongues in disappointment.


    ‘Why is he so averse to this? Didn’t he like her before? Did he get rejected when he went to fetch that grantst time?’


    Zwalter inwardly clicked his tongue.


    There could be situations where differences in family status might hurt one’s pride.


    But even if things were rough between them when they’re young, affection would naturally grow over time as they lived together.


    Everyone around them seemed to live that way.


    Still, seeing how Ghiin was reacting as if he’d lost his mind, they decided not to force the issue for now.


    “Alright… we’ll talk about it againter.”


    “No, I’m not considering it right now, so don’t bring up marriage again. I’m leaving. Hey! Sort out the supplies quickly! We’re heading back to the estate!”


    Ghiin stormed off, fuming.


    Zwalter nced regretfully at Ghiin’s back. No matter how he thought about it, there was no better candidate for a daughter-inw than Amelia.


    * * *


    “Finally, we’re back! Home is definitely the best!”


    Passing through the outer walls of Fenris, Belinda expressed her joy.


    The mansion in the capital had been grand and splendid, but she couldn’t rx there because she was always worried about what trouble Ghiin might get into next.


    Truly, there was no ce asfortable as home—a truth that held through the ages.


    The rest of the group, though not as openly expressive as Belinda, showed signs of relief on their faces.


    At least here, there was no need to walk on eggshells, constantly minding the gazes of high-ranking nobles.


    As news spread that the lord had returned, the residents of the estate gathered.


    “The Lord is back!”


    “Wow! But what is all of that?”


    The people were astonished at the sight of the carts following behind Ghiin.


    Weapons, various materials, and fine warhorses.


    Behind them, there were more carts loaded to the brim with all kinds of daily necessities.


    It looked simr to the processions of merchant guilds entering the estate, but never before had so many goods arrived all at once.


    “Look at those carts. They’re incredible, aren’t they?”


    “They said he was selling cosmetics or something. Looks like it was a huge hit!”


    The estate residents ogled the carts with bright, expectant eyes, hoping that once again Ghiin would distribute the goods he had brought back for the benefit of the estate.


    Whenever he brought something back, he always dedicated it entirely to the estate. The food shortages had been resolved, and the number of amenities was gradually increasing.


    Anyone who was willing to work had the opportunity to do so and was paid a fair wage.


    Although they couldn’t yet call it prosperity, it was still a far cry from the days when they were constantly on the brink of starvation. For that, they were deeply grateful.


    “I’m so d he made it back safely.”


    “Exactly, I was really worried too.”


    “It was so unsettling while the Lord was away.”


    In their minds, the terrifying memories of the former lord’s and other nobles’ tyranny still lingered.


    They feared that if anything unfortunate happened to Ghiin, those kinds of men might return, and the thought kept them awake at night, anxiously waiting for news of the lord.


    The residents were genuinely happy just to see that he had returned safely.


    “We’re so d you’re back safely!”


    “Lord! Please look over here!”


    “Don’t leave again!”


    Unlike in other estates, the people here did not cower, prostrate themselves on the ground, or tremble as the lord passed by.


    It was because Ghiin had always been approachable, and he had been generous in his support to the residents.


    ude, the estate’s administrator and Chief Overseer, did not let this opportunity slip by.


    He immediately dismounted his horse, climbed onto one of the moving carts, and shouted loudly.


    “Hear me! This trade expedition by our lord was an immense sess! He has achieved great profits and strengthened ties with the kingdom’s high-ranking nobles! In particr, the Minister of Protocol, the Marquis of Branford, has be the lord’s patron…”


    The residents blinked nkly.


    What did people who lived in the countryside, farming all their lives, know about who the Marquis of Branford was?


    But they paid attention to the words that followed.


    “…And with those profits, we have purchasedrge quantities of goods needed for the estate… This is a policy aimed at stabilizing the suddenly rising prices, so the residents will be able to purchase these items at lower prices than the usual market rate… Let us all be grateful for the lord’s generosity, as he wishes to improve the lives of all the estate residents!”


    “Wooaaaahhh!”


    “The Lord is the best!”


    “As expected, the only one who takes care of us is the Lord!”


    A thunderous cheer erupted, so loud it felt as if the ground itself was shaking.


    Some of the residents, ovee with emotion, even burst into tears and copsed.


    Although a bountiful wheat harvest had helped alleviate some of the food shortages, people couldn’t survive on bread alone.


    They needed clothes, and once in a while, they deserved to enjoy something tasty, too.


    However, since the surrounding estates were in much the same situation as Fenris, procuring everyday necessities had always been a struggle.


    People even had to share cooking tools and pots with their neighbors.


    While merchant guilds frequently came to sell goods near the lord’s castle, the supplies they brought were far from sufficient.


    The situation was even worse in viges farther away from the castle.


    But now, the Lord had returned withrge quantities of much-needed goods just for them.


    The items on the carts before them were not luxurious products for the Lord’s personal use but various essential items.


    For those who had lived day by day, grateful simply for not starving, this was an incredible gift.


    ude, beaming with pride, shouted again over the waves of cheers echoing around him.


    “There’s no need to worry about anything in the future! If any problems arise, the Lord and I will take care of them! Never forget that the best way to repay the Lord’s kindness is to do your best in your respective duties! Hahaha!”


    The residents pped and cheered, responding enthusiastically to ude’s words.


    “Wooaaaah! Long live the Chief Overseer!”


    “We’ll work hard!”


    “The Chief Overseer is just taking the credit!”


    “Who said that? Show yourself!”


    “You must have misheard! Wahahaha!”


    Ghiin watched theughing and chatting residents with a smile, shaking his head.


    He had nned to make an official announcement soon, but he hadn’t expected such an impromptu reveal.


    That guy certainly had a knack for smooth-talking.


    “Well, it’s not bad.”


    When he first arrived, the residents had been slowly wasting away without hope.


    Seeing their brightened expressions now filled him with pride and satisfaction.


    ‘I need to prioritize fixing the roads, too.’


    Most of the Northern merchant guilds didn’te as far as Fenris; they usually unloaded their goods at Raypold instead.


    This was partly because Raypold was arge and wealthy estate, but also because the journey to Fenris was treacherous.


    Making it easier for the merchants toe and go, and ensuring the smooth transport of cosmetics to the capital or other locations, would require proper road maintenance.


    Amidst the endless cheers from the residents, Ghiin slowly made his way toward the lord’s castle.


    Like the others, he too felt a sense of ease upon returning to the estate.


    It seemed like there hadn’t been any major incidents, so now he could proceed with his next n quickly…


    Boom!


    Before he could finish his thoughts, a deafening explosion rang out from the direction of the castle, followed by a plume of mes shooting high into the sky.


    A hole was punched straight through the clouds where the red light had passed.


    “…?”


    Ghiin stared at the castle in shock.


    Why had there been such an explosion all of a sudden? Was someone attacking?


    As he struggled to make sense of the situation, Ghiin’s eyes widened as he remembered what facility was located at that exact spot.