~Aiz Brightwood~
It had been a while since we delivered our cargo and we were heading back to the territory. It had been peaceful except for a few beasts that the adventurers had taken care of without my help. Although we were classed as a barony we had some of the strongest men and adventurers in the country.
Our ancestors had fought in countless wars fighting for the sake of humanity rising the ranks of the country under the greatest king that has been lost to history. Once our king had come in to reign over the country he had made our familia a baron from a count status. He is afraid of us rebelling even though we are loyal to him just as our ancestors were to his father. While most humans live above 100 years old during the war most of my parents family had died extremely young with some not even making it past 25.
Before the kings father passed at the age of 120 he had assigned us a new title of vice duke just to have it ripped away immediately. The anger that I feel for comrades and family lost sickens me but I am still faithful to the cause my family set up long ago.
Be the shield for the country but a shadow to protect the people. To hide in the shadows and rain justice upon the enemy.
"Dad you look angry again"
"Oh sorry little one. I was just remembering old times."
suddenly I heard a bang on the carriage roof but I felt no presence above me. Grabbing my blade from next to me I readied myself for battle against a foe that surely must be strong.
Opening the carriage door I thrusted the blade upwards being careful not to hit the carriage as it was the only protection for the child. The blade missed it's target and as I turned my head to look there was... Nothing flinging myself onto the roof and getting ready to turn I heard a-
"Hello there"(???)
Doing a vertical slash I missed
"Calm down I'm not an enemy"(???)
Looking at who it was I was surprised it was him and the girl but what were they doing here I thought they were going to Erudite to claim their kill.
"What are you doing here? From what I was told by the lass I thought you were going to stay in Erudite until further notice?"(Aiz)
"Yeah about that a change in our plans has come into effect, we're going to your barony to stock up before heading to the capital."(Ren)
"Oh.. I see I guess that's no problem. Do you want to come in our carriage or do you have other transport?" Looking around I couldn't see any form of transport surely they couldn't have ran all this way.
"We'll stay on the roof where I can look for potential beasts and other enemies."(Ren)
"Suit yourself"(Aiz)
Heading back inside my child was looking on with curiosity. Probably wondering who could get the jump on me.
"Just those people from the last time it seems they are heading to our territory."
"Oh does that mean I get to talk to them? If they are stronger than you they may be able to help in my experiments."
"Perhaps. But you would have to ask them first. They seem wary of people in general let alone how they would react to nobles. Although I guess that is the fault of the nobility itself."
BANG
"What was that!!"
Jumping out the carriage I got ready for another fight.
"Don't worry I just sent a warning to a follower of yours and one that followed us."
A follower of ours? Wait does he mean!
"A spy?"
"Bingo"
"What does bingo mean?"
"Haah yes it means yes."
So the king really doesn't trust us huh. "But why was a spy following you?"
"In Erudite I had a few.. issues with nobility. They must have sent someone to find me."
"I guess we'll have to lay low in your territory. It's close to the meeting point of all the continents it may make a good place for a base of operations."
"When we get to your territory can you show us some of the property and land listings?"
"Sure I can do that but why do you trust me?"
Narrowing his eyes he let out a hint of bloodlust "I don't. I trust no one but Lilly. Double cross me and I will create a hell beyond your imagination"
A chill went down our spines. Hardened warriors who have faced countless high ranked beasts afraid of a single person. Trying to ignore the chill I shouted.
"Alright let's get moving towards the territory."
"Yes sir"
~A few days later~
~Ren~
It had been a few days of sleepless nights. It wasn't unusual when we were in the dungeon and it's not like we actually needed sleep but it was nice for the mental stability. The barony is more developed than I thought. It actually beats the capital in most aspects but the housing is sparse.
Almost everyone walking around had an aura of strength to them if I had to guess maybe they are c and d ranks. But what are they doing here? I thought that bastard king was in trouble and needed the heroes to fix that problem.
"Thank you for the work I appreciate it. Dismissed."
"Yes sir"
"Anyway let's show you the maps of the available territory."
"Lead the way "
Heading towards the small mansion in the centre I was surprised to see that it was converted into a city hall. Various receptionists in hand made information desks helped people with jobs and the stairs to the nest floor were guarded.
"Hmm I see, an info kiosk and housing upstairs for you huh."
"Exactly, It's not like I need all this space so why not use it for something"
"Efficient, I like it."
There was a girl that was peeking at us from the top of the stairs I also saw her when we left the group being escorted as the baron shown us around the place.
"Mary could you bring the property plans please."
"Yes my lord"
A few of the maps gathered were spread across the barony. But most of them were too lavish or didn't meet the requirements that I wanted.
"There is one place but no one has managed to get near it in over a hundred years. The beasts are too strong."
Taking out an old parchment from the pile he pointed to a plot of land that was perfect for our goals as it was near the meeting point of all three supercontinents, And it was still close enough to the barony to get supplies from a simple walk. The place had a description but no drawings. It was perfect.
"We'll take this land then. We should be able to handle it."
"All right the land is yours free of charge as long as you get rid of the monsters."