Chapter 371: Epilogue
“Compared to the expenses for repairing the castle, the achievements of exposing the Chancellor’s crimes and repelling the Stampede are far more significant.”
It felt as if they were suggesting that such matters could be easily offset, but the idea of having deductions made unilaterally from an amount I had no intention of paying was somewhat irritating.
“Please consider that as compensation for the inconvenience.”
“Ah, yes, of course.”
It seemed my point had been understood, which was a relief.
“Now, as for your reward… While there are confiscated territories, I assume you have no interest in those?”
Clearing his throat to regain his composure, he spoke with a hint of uncertainty.
“That’s right. Governing a town sounds troublesome.”
I could probably throw that responsibility onto Mesaria, and she would handle it, but I might have been delegating too much lately.
“Moreover, the nobility in this country lacks motivation.”
“I understand that. Hence, the transfer of territory.”
“Y-Your Majesty!?”
A voice rose from the ministers standing behind, shocked by the unexpected declaration, but the king continued undeterred.
“Of course, the towns will not be included. That would be too much trouble for you, wouldn’t it? Our country has many mountainous regions, so even if we speak of territory, there are vast areas untouched by human feet. Ah, if it’s from the confiscated lands, I can also offer some plains.”
“Oh?”
The mention of a transfer implied land that belonged to no nation. I had thought about this when I borrowed land in Satanis Garden to set up a Camping House; having a place to return to felt quite nice. Now, if I could create an entrance to a Dungeon there, traveling back and forth would be easy, and perhaps owning land could be quite advantageous.
“Bring me the map.”
“Y-Yes!”
Seemingly pleased with the conversation, the minister quickly retrieved the map. Since he had mentioned excluding the towns, no complaints arose from the other ministers.
The unfolded map displayed the Kingdom of Faerdehelde and its surroundings. To the south lay the Commercial Nation Aresgute, to the west was the Arclight Kingdom, and to the north, the Forest of Enchantment. The east faced the sea, with about half of the territory being mountainous.
Heading south from Satanis Garden, one would reach the Royal Capital. Further south led to the border town of Zaluarts, retracing the path we had taken from the Commercial Nation.
“The entire southern border is mountainous. The southeastern border facing the sea is precisely Torgabeat County.”
“Hmm.”
To the east of the Royal Capital, a vast plain stretched all the way to the sea. However, heading south would quickly lead to mountains, reaching the border. The area indicated as the county had only about thirty percent of its land as plains, with the majority being mountainous, and the remaining plains situated along the northeastern coast.
“The distance from the southernmost village to the base of the southern mountains is about fifty kilometers, but there are no roads. Occasionally, Adventurers venture in, but only as far as the foothills. Aside from the border town with the Commercial Nation, the only way to cross is by boat over the eastern sea. You need not worry about territorial disputes.”
The absence of roads likely meant no resource extraction was taking place. This could lead to various opportunities.
“I see. It certainly feels like an isolated land.”
“Heh. An isolated land, indeed. Quite a fitting description.”
“Hmm. It feels a bit too vast for personal ownership, but it sounds intriguing.”
Rio’s eyes sparkled as she peered at the map.
Intriguing… Indeed, it did sound interesting. I had played games about developing towns before, and I remembered getting quite hooked on them. Plus, there was the sea. I had caught plenty of fish in the harbor town before, but I wondered what kind of fish might be here.
“I’m grateful to hear that. This remote area has yet to see any development from the kingdom, but I believe you could utilize it well… There are other lands available for transfer, but is this one acceptable?”
“…Are there any coastal lands available?”
As I lowered my gaze to the map, I inquired about other lands for transfer, and he pointed to the area adjacent to the Forest of Enchantment.
“This is the only coastal land available. However, if it’s you, I believe you could also develop the Forest of Enchantment.”
That was true. The Forest of Enchantment shouldn’t belong to anyone. There was no need to request a transfer. If it were a place like my master’s home, I could probably create it right away.
“That makes sense. Then I’ll take the county.”
“Very well. I’m relieved to hear that. I’ll prepare the necessary documents. It’s unlikely anyone will come, but it would be troublesome if the locals report you.”
I didn’t expect anyone to believe a certificate from the kingdom granting me land would be of much use, but it was better than nothing.
“I don’t quite get it, but… that’s amazing…”
While the documents were being prepared, Ivan gazed at the map in awe.
“If we leave it to Mesaria, I’m sure she’ll manage somehow.”
El seemed to have planned to delegate everything from the start. I intended to do the same, but I wanted to assure them that I would lay the groundwork.
“Shall we head out as soon as the documents are ready?”
“Let’s go, let’s go!”
“Yeah.”
“Woof!”
“I understand.”
In response to my call, everyone except the sleeping Phonia replied in their own way.
“Despite everything that has happened, I suppose it’s fortunate that you are here in this country.”
I shrugged at the king’s words. My impression was that only foolish nobles surrounded me, but acquiring a Dungeon might have been the best outcome for me.
“Well then, we’ll be on our way.”
After receiving the completed documents, I turned on my heel and exited the Audience Chamber.
“Take care.”
With the king’s words echoing behind us, we set our sights on the new land.
By the way, as we made our way from the castle entrance toward the gate, a voice called out to me, “Are you the Adventurer who attacked the castle? I entrust you with the first wave to shatter this rotten noble society!” It sounded like something out of a revolutionary army, so I promptly knocked him out.
End of Part Six
This concludes Part Six. Thank you for reading.
If you could follow the work and give it a star, it would be greatly encouraging.