A vein throbbed on Killian's forehead as he struggled to contain his anger after hearing Seth's plan. Waging war when the people of Arlecia were already suffering? It was madness. His fists clenched tightly, itching to strike the smug lord sitting before him.
Aiden, too, felt uneasy about the proposal. Even if Seth somehow managed to conscript the townspeople into the knights, their raw strength wouldn't stand a chance. They'd be crushed long before they ever reached Viscount Ludwig's castle.
"Do you even realize what kind of nonsense you're suggesting?" Killian growled, his voice filled with frustration. "War isn't an option, especially not with what you're planning."
Seth expected this reaction. To anyone else, the idea seemed reckless—suicidal, even. But to him, it was the only path to victory. Not only would it expose Viscount Ludwig's involvement with the One-Eyed Alliance, but it would also allow Seth to seize the fertile plains in Ludwig's territory.
Arlecia's mountainous terrain was notorious for its barren soil, making farming nearly impossible. The novel had mentioned the region's struggle with agriculture. But Seth knew the true value of the land lay beneath the surface, hidden deep within the Heins Mountains—the mineral deposits, including the rare mana stones, were there for the taking.
Trade in Arlecia had always been minimal. Few merchants dared pass through due to the lack of valuable goods. The barony had survived by taxing its people to the breaking point. But Seth had a different strategy—lower taxes and open a mine in the mountains. In the novel, it was Killian who had eventually discovered the vast wealth in minerals, including the coveted mana stones.
At this early point in the story, mana stones were virtually unknown, and magic users were scarce, their art nearly forgotten.
Aiden watched Seth carefully, noticing the lord had fallen deep into thought. Killian, now somewhat calmer, still wore a skeptical expression, waiting for Seth to elaborate on his seemingly insane ideas.
Taking a deep breath, Seth turned back to face Killian. "I know it sounds unrealistic. But did I ever say we were starting a war right now?"
A smirk tugged at the corner of Seth's lips as he watched Killian's reaction. "I dropped those gold coins for a reason. As the leader of a guild, you need funds to operate, don't you?"
Killian narrowed his eyes, unimpressed but still listening.
"Believe it or not, my land is about to become rich," Seth said with calm confidence.
He asked Killian if he had a map of Arlecia. When Killian confirmed he did, his men quickly brought it to the table. As the map unfolded, Seth pointed to a mountainous area near the edge of the infamous Forgotten Forest.
The Forgotten Forest was feared for the deadly beasts that roamed its depths. Some even claimed that a treant guarded the forest, ensuring no human dared venture too far inside.
"I'm going to open a mine here," Seth declared, tapping the map. "It'll create jobs for the people of Arlecia, and they'll be paid well."
Seth's smile widened, but his expression darkened slightly. "The problem is, the forest surrounding the area is dangerous."
He paused for effect, letting his words sink in before continuing coldly. "That's why I'm hiring the Raven Guild to protect my workers."
His tone sharpened, the room growing colder as he delivered his final statement. "And I plan to burn the forest to clear the way."
The boldness of the proposal didn't impress Killian. His skepticism was clear as he leaned forward, speaking in a low voice. "How do we know what you're saying is true? You're not a sage who can see the future."
Seth didn't flinch. "I'm no sage," he admitted, his voice softening slightly. "I'm nothing more than a tyrant trying to change."
He paused, his crimson eyes locking with Killian's. "I know not everyone will forgive me for my past, but at the very least, I want to secure a better future for my people. The people of Arlecia deserve that."
Aiden watched Seth closely, sensing something different in his tone. For a fleeting moment, Seth's expression seemed genuine, and it stirred something in Aiden—a flicker of admiration for the man he had once thought irredeemable.
Seth extended his hand toward Killian, offering a simple but sincere gesture. "Killian, I swear in the name of Arlecia, I'll prove to you that I can create a better future for my people. I won't abandon them again."
His red eyes gleamed with determination.
Killian hesitated, doubt clouding his mind, but eventually, he offered his pinky, linking it with Seth's in a reluctant gesture of trust. "If I ever find out you're lying," Killian said coldly, "I'll kill you without hesitation."
Seth chuckled softly, surprising both Killian and Aiden.
"Feel free to kill me when my role is finished," Seth replied lightly, though a shadow passed over his thoughts. When my role is over, I'll leave this world to you, Killian. I hope you find the happiness I never did.
His gaze softened as he looked at Killian's displeased expression. This man... you were the reason I enjoyed life before. Now, I'll give everything to ensure your future is bright.
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The meeting ended as dusk fell. Killian informed Seth that he would give him an answer after consulting with his men. As they prepared to leave, Killian asked Aiden to stay behind, requesting that Seth wait outside. Seth nodded, though he noticed Aiden's reluctance to leave him alone.
Several minutes passed before Aiden finally emerged, slightly out of breath, his clothes disheveled. "I apologize for making you wait, my lord," Aiden said, brushing himself off. "Killian and I finished a sparring match we started before I joined your knights."
Seth nodded, though his thoughts were already turning to his plans for Arlecia. He was determined to use a large portion of the estate's funds to improve the lives of his people. He'd consult Royfield for his opinion later.
As they walked back to the carriage, the town seemed gloomier than usual. The streets were dark, with no lanterns lighting the way. The few remaining townsfolk quickly disappeared into the shadows as night fully took over.
While making their way through the streets, a small boy suddenly ran into Seth, tumbling to the ground. When the boy looked up and saw Seth's red eyes, his face paled in fear, frozen at the sight of the lord.
Aiden stepped forward to apologize, but Seth knelt down before the boy. "Are you alright?" he asked softly. The boy nodded quickly, though terror still gripped him.
Seth smiled gently, though it seemed to frighten the boy even more. Understanding the child's fear, Seth reached into his pocket, pulling out a gold coin and placing it in the boy's hand without saying another word. He then gestured for Aiden to continue toward the carriage.
That single coin could support the boy's family for a month. There were no luxuries in the town that required gold, but Seth knew the act would spark rumors about his newfound kindness.
Aiden's lips curled into a small smile. I like this side of him, he thought as they walked.
As they approached the carriage, Seth turned to Aiden. "Would you like to spar with me sometime?"
Aiden, surprised, responded enthusiastically, "Of course, my lord!"
"If I win," Seth added with a playful smirk, "you'll show me your full transformation. Deal?"
Aiden laughed. "Only if you can defeat me, my lord!"
The two shared a lighthearted moment, laughing as they climbed into the carriage and headed back to the castle.
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Later that night, Seth's chambers were cluttered with estate documents, maps spread across his desk, the floor, and even the sofa. He was deep in thought, planning his next moves. Royfield, ever attentive, fetched the papers and items the lord requested.
Despite the change in Seth's behavior, Royfield kept his thoughts to himself. It wasn't his place to question why the lord had suddenly thrown himself into estate business with such intensity, nor why he seemed so different. Still, Royfield couldn't shake the feeling that someone else now occupied the body of Lord Seth.
"My lord," Royfield asked cautiously, "are you certain you want to invest such a large portion of the treasury into rebuilding the town? Using seventy percent of our funds is... risky."
Seth nodded thoughtfully. "You're right. Let's make it forty percent instead."
He then instructed Royfield to begin recruiting workers for the estate. "Place an ad in The Daily Shines," Seth said, referencing the kingdom's most popular newspaper. "We'll need skilled workers from the capital."
Before Royfield could leave, Seth added, "Offer treatment for the Black Death as a reward for those who join."
Royfield paused, taken aback. The Black Death has no known cure. Still, he bowed respectfully and left without further comment. Whatever Seth had in mind, it wasn't Royfield's place to question.
Seth, however, knew exactly what he was doing. He was searching for someone specific—someone who could help him not only manage the estate but change Arlecia's future forever.