The people that were rescued comprised mostly of the ones who were homless or orphans or the ones who were sold. I had gathered a bunch of around fifty such people who now were at the mercy of the Duchy.
"We can't keep them in the inn forever." Rune mumbled as we sat in the library with Silas, Duke Arthur and Viscount Ainsworth.
"We're not, I am going to make a township for them." Duke Arthur announced and I shook my head.
"I have a better plan." I piped in making them look at me.
"What?"
"But firstly, I need you to do something Viscount," the said man perked up as I called him.
"Yes, Young Miss?"
I pulled a map of the Duchy and had a look at the space that we had and we could utilize.
The kingdom was divided into a large portion which was connected to other human kingdoms Denril, Forhrer and Bruchest by land and past the northern borders which were guarded by the snowy mountains was the land of shifters. The sea routes connected to the other lands were inhabited by other species.
The sea itself was the domain of the merfolk, shark and whale tribes.
The closest non-human species that would be found in the kingdom would be the elves and dwarves who were treated as slaves.
The warning of 'it' appearing in 15 years was clear and to defeat that all the species had to combine strengths and a King was supposed to take lead who would support the co-operation.
I had no idea as of how I was going to do it but for the sake of everyone's survival it was a must.
"Buy this land under the name of the gentleman I had asked you to get a status for." I pointed near the western side of the Duchy which had a dense forest and was close to the Dragon's lair.
"All right, Young Miss."
"Why are you buying that land?" Silas asked.
"It will serve a huge purpose." I answered and then looked at Duke.
"I'll pay you legally for it and this will also help with our mine business." I said looking at Silas now.
"I don't quite understand." He admitted.
"We can't go around saying that we found magic stones from the mine that was said to be empty. It will attract attention from all over, and it will also be a bother for Father. So, the best course of action is for a third person to buy the land and then to discover the connection of the empty mine and the underground labyrinth which led to the magic stones."
"But it will still attract attention,"
"Not as much, I am still planning on not revealing the amount and since it will be exclusively a deal with the Mage's Tower so even you are not obliged to inform anyone about the details." I told Silas.
"That's... reasonable."
"The lair is enchanted so even if anyone got to know about it, they won't be able to get to it or enter it without my permission." I added making the others nod.
"So, who is the buyer?" Silas asked.
"The one who will sign the contract with you." I said and he tilted his head slightly.
"I'm sorry but the contract still has to wait for a while."
"It's fine, your plan seems more intriguing. Are you planning to announce of it in future?"
"If there is a need for it."
"What about those people?" Rune asked.
"The rest of the land," I pointed at the space near the forest.
"Will have a small township and it will be governed by the owner of the land."
"So, this person whom you had selected for the work will be the one who would take care of those people." Silas prompted.
"Yes,"
"But it won't be as easy, that person will have to present themselves before the King to get permission." Duke said.
"There's no need to." I waved my hand and pulled the papers regarding this person who was going to enter the plan.
"This Baron has the background of being a merchant who has travelled over to the South and East continents and finally he's settled down in Aurelius. I know his presence may be required but it's not necessary."
"Are you saying you won't let this person meet the King?" Silas asked and I nodded.
"There's no need for him to meet the King. It's only a small township for now, there's a lot more in future."
"More?"
"Revenue and business growth is necessary if we have to improve the condition of the Duchy. The King doesn't have time because of the war that we're having against the kingdom of Denril. His complete attention will be there so this the best time to focus on improvising so that we could be safer when a bigger problem arises." I explained.
"Bigger problem?" Silas asked.
"The situation of the current royalty isn't good, is it? If the king is so eager to fight with another kingdom for expansion then he might even wage a war with shifters or merfolk."
"Quite a plausible point but," Silas looked at me.
"How do you know so much about the war?" He asked and I sighed as I pointed at the newspapers that were on the other table.
I had been reading them every morning as a habit to have knowledge but it was still lacking and to fill the void I had to create my own network and it was possible only if I have enough money and power.
Silas's eyes went over to Duke and I cleared my throat, "Uncle?"
His eyes flitted over to me again, "I would need for you to make some special devices for me."
"Like what?"
"I'll give you a list and also provide the stones for it since it's my personal request." I said and he nodded.
"Viscount please hurry with the task I gave you, the work of the township should end before winter." I said and he nodded.
"Yes, Young Miss."
Giving the time limit of winter meant that I had only five months to start the groundwork.
After the meeting with everyone, I and Silas were the only ones in the library playing chess.
"You don't use your pawns a lot." He spoke making me look at him.
"What?"
"You mostly use your knights, bishop and Queen."
He was studying my way of playing chess. Well, it was true that I hated using pawns a lot, I only used them when I had to cut off the opponent's moves.
"I hate unnecessary sacrifices." I answered and he hummed.
I had already dominated the game taking out his both knights and rooks.
"Your way of playing chess also matches with how you navigate through your problems." He mused and I smiled.
"If I were to match with the reality then, I'm probably one of your knights now." He speculated and I shook my head.
"Nope,"
"No?"
"I have yet to find my knights, Uncle."
"Then, am I a pawn?"
"No, you're my rook." I said picking up my rook and taking out his unsuspecting Queen instantly giving him a check.
"Check."
Silas sighed as he stared at the game before I saw a smile tug at his lips.
"You exceed my expectations, my Niece." He said and I smiled.
The game concluded with Silas losing and I started writing the list of the things I wanted him to make.
I handed him the list and the brief description of the devices I needed, he was shocked at first watching the devices which were probably seen for the first time in this world.
"I'll try to get them ready as soon as possible." He answered despite the curiosity that was making his eyes glow.
"Won't you ask why I am asking for such things?" I asked and he looked at me.
"Will you give me an honest answer?" He asked and I smiled.
He had managed to see through me in our brief meetings.
"But I am curious about where you would use these devices."
"You will know in future." I answered and he sighed.
"You are unlike your father or mother,"
"Was that a compliment?"
"... Yes, you seem like a promising person."
I smiled at that.
"But don't show your intelligence before your grandfather." He spoke making me tilt my head to one side.
"My grandfather?"
"My father Marquis Desmond Fairisles."
"Oh, why?"
"He'll force you to become his successor."
I chuckled, "I don't have time for that."
Silas gave me a look but didn't ask anything.
I was actually happy with the fact that I had taken first step towards experiencing the warmth of familial bonds but I had no idea that within the coming two weeks, I would be forced to face my reality.
Why? Because I would not only bump into one but three of the candidates that could become the King in future.