"What did you just say?"
Belinda felt lightheaded. She had watched Ghislain grow up, but somewhere along the line, he had become completely incomprehensible.
'He's lost it. It's not just ambition—he's just plain crazy.'
Belinda stared blankly before turning to Gillian, who was standing by Ghislain's side.
"Gillian! Say something to him, please!"
Sharing her worry, Gillian finally opened his mouth.
"Young lord, why not reconsider? Belinda's right. Even with the remaining funds, that money could be used for other purposes if we preserve it."
Despite Gillian's efforts to persuade him, Ghislain shook his head.
"I suppose it's time to explain a bit. Call in Kaor as well."
Once Kaor joined them, Ghislain began to explain his plan.
"As you know, we're nearly out of funds even before starting. At this rate, we won't last long. So, I'm focusing on generating revenue quickly."
All three of them looked puzzled, as if his plan was pure nonsense.
Exploring an undeveloped area meant securing land that no one had ever set foot on. They had no way of knowing what they'd encounter or what resources might be profitable.
Belinda, unable to hold back, spoke up again.
"Just call it off now. If we spend all the remaining money, we'll be completely stuck. Besides, you'll be discovered the moment you set foot in the forest. You might even get expelled from the territory."
With over a hundred mercenaries loitering near the estate, the vassals were bound to be on edge.
Belinda had told them they were constructing a new training ground and a mansion for the young lord, but as soon as Ghislain entered the Forest of Demonic Beasts, that lie would fall apart.
Gillian and Kaor also chimed in.
"If you insist on going forward, I will follow, young lord… but it's not realistic. You'll end up punished by the lord."
"We'll just fight and get paid, but you'll need a hefty amount of money to cover the costs and losses from the people who will die. Well, I guess we'll all get a little more famous—for being hired by a foolish young lord."
Everyone was skeptical of Ghislain's plan. After all, previous lords of Perdium had all abandoned the idea, so it seemed impossible for one person to succeed with a mere 20,000 gold.
Ghislain nodded, acknowledging their doubts.
"You all make fair points. I also think developing it in the usual way would be impossible. We'd likely fail."
"Then why are you being so stubborn about it?" Belinda snapped.
"Because that's not how we're going to do it."
"What do you mean?"
Belinda was taken aback. Instead of answering, Ghislain pulled out a map.
"Here, the Forest of Demonic Beasts is here, and we'll enter from this side."
The three of them examined the map as he pointed.
The forest was marked on the map, showing its rough size.
Ghislain took out a pen, drawing a line from the forest entrance before making a sharp turn.
"We'll make a path, something like this. That's the first objective."
"What?"
"The goal isn't to secure land but to carve the fastest path to the target."
"But I thought we were developing it?"
"Standard development isn't feasible. From the start, my plan was to go after the resources that could generate the fastest income. This spot is the closest area to our territory."
"And you're certain there's something valuable there?"
At Belinda's skeptical question, Ghislain smiled.
"Something immensely valuable."
They all fell silent, unable to speak.
To them, it seemed as if Ghislain was pointing at a random spot and insisting it would yield profit.
Gillian regained his composure and asked, "Young lord, what exactly is here that's so valuable? And how do you know about it?"
Ghislain let out an awkward smile, as if embarrassed.
"It's, uh, high-level information only I know."
"So how did you come across this information? No one who's entered the forest has ever come back alive!"
Belinda, growing frustrated, pounded the table. Gillian and Kaor nodded in agreement.
Ghislain hesitated, then looked at them seriously.
"Alright, don't be too shocked. I actually died once and came back…."
"Please don't joke around! This is serious!"
"I'm telling the truth…."
"Young lord! People's lives are at stake here!"
"Fine…."
Seeing Belinda's stern face, Ghislain clamped his mouth shut. He had tried to tell them the truth, but no one ever believed him, which made him feel a bit lonely.
Since they wouldn't accept the truth, he decided to improvise.
"I heard rumors. There's supposed to be something extremely valuable here."
"What?"
Belinda glared at him. Gillian looked dumbfounded, and Kaor just lowered his head, laughing quietly.
The forest was shrouded in rumors, especially about precious herbs or riches hidden within. It was enough to lure a few brave explorers in, despite the dangers.
But none of them had expected Ghislain to take such rumors seriously.
Kaor finally burst out laughing.
"Our employer really is mad. Even crazier than we are. Hahaha."
Risking everything on a rumor and defying the lord's orders, while spending the remaining funds—it was the kind of thing only a truly insane person would attempt.
Unfazed by their reactions, Ghislain continued.
"One day, we'll drive the monsters out and fully exploit the resources in the forest. But not yet. That would take too long. We need quick cash, so we're taking the shortest path to profits."
Belinda struggled to suppress her anger and asked, her voice trembling.
"So, according to this 'rumor,' there's 'something' here that will make money?"
"Exactly. We'll secure that resource first, use the profits to expand further, and keep reinvesting. Simple, right? Haha."
As Ghislain smiled brightly, Belinda fought the urge to hit him. Gillian sighed heavily, his expression grim.
Kaor seemed unbothered, more interested in the amusement and payday.
Ghislain surveyed their conflicted faces before speaking decisively.
"You may not understand right now, but this is necessary. I'll take full responsibility if anything goes wrong."
Seeing the resolve in his eyes, Belinda and Gillian were unable to argue further.
"Just trust me and follow along. If we each do our best, we'll succeed."
Belinda sighed, murmuring with a weary expression.
"I hope this is the last rebellious act of your teenage years. You're too old for this now."
"Whether this rumor is true or not… since you're committed, I'll support you however I can," Gillian said, his face set with determination. Kaor just chuckled.
"Well, it'll be fun watching the heir to the estate get locked up. Just make sure the final payment is settled first."
Despite their half-hearted acceptance, Ghislain inwardly smiled.
'If everything goes as planned, we'll bring in a fortune.'
The location he had targeted was close to the forest's entrance and contained resources that could quickly be converted to cash.
It was information he couldn't explain to them, but it was no mere rumor.
'The Duke Delphine found these resources in my previous life.'
After overthrowing the kingdom, the Duke had invested the entire kingdom's strength into developing the forest. Driven by hatred, Ghislain had researched it himself to uncover the Duke's intentions.
'I never found out why they initially entered the forest, but I did get my hands on a map and logs detailing the location of major resources.'
Having memorized it all in his past life, Ghislain was finally able to put it to use.
'Thank you, Duke, for all the hard work. I'll put it to good use.'
The Duke Delphine had amassed vast wealth by developing the forest. This time, Ghislain intended to claim it for himself.
That wealth would be a valuable asset to defend against the looming threats surrounding Perdium.
"Alright, let's get to work," Ghislain announced.
Everyone returned to their posts.
Gillian supervised the mercenaries near the territory, putting them through simple drills to keep them ready.
Belinda oversaw the laborers, focusing on constructing the base camp.
Despite doing their work, their minds were troubled.
Belinda, especially, lost so much sleep over it that dark circles formed under her eyes.
"Who knows what monsters might appear in that forest. If he dies in there… he'll be cursed as a fool even in death."
Every time people insulted Ghislain, it hurt Belinda deeply.
She had always found him endearing, even if others didn't see it. She sometimes felt she had failed him as his tutor for all the ridicule he endured.
If he lost his life in the forest, she'd never be able to face Countess Perdium, who had entrusted her with Ghislain's care.
"If it gets dangerous, I'll just knock him out and drag him out."
Belinda examined her collection of poisons.
"Let's see… which one can knock him out without causing any lasting harm?"
She knew Ghislain's skills had improved, so she carefully chose a poison that would only make him pass out.
If things got dire, she planned to stab him with it and carry him out.
While aware of everyone's concerns, Ghislain remained resolute. For once, even he was visibly tense.
The Forest of Demonic Beasts was dangerous; the powerful Duke Delphine had faced repeated failures there in his past life.
For Ghislain, this mission would be almost impossible to accomplish on his current strength alone.
The only assets he had were his past life's knowledge and experiences.
He meticulously reviewed and adjusted his plans to ensure the safest, fastest route to his target.
'But information is just that… reality can throw anything at us.'
Still, this was the best way to save his territory. Every other solution would take too much time.
The Duke Delphine was already moving. A slow response would mean certain death for them all.
No matter the cost, Ghislain needed to act quickly.
'I will succeed… I will protect my territory and family.'
Time passed as Ghislain continuously reviewed his plans.
When Belinda and Gillian finished their preparations, they returned to him.
They had planned to make one final attempt to dissuade him, but upon seeing Ghislain's face, the words died in their throats.
The usual playfulness was gone, replaced by a chilling resolve.
Seeing his icy expression, which looked ready to face death, they could only report their progress.
"Young lord… the base camp is ready to the point that we can use it for basic shelter. But I don't think we can delay any longer."
"The mercenary training is likewise complete. The vassals have started to deploy soldiers, pressuring us to move."
"Hmm."
Ghislain pondered for a moment.
He would have liked more time, but this was the limit. The only reason they had managed to last this long was because he was the heir.
With a bitter smile, Ghislain stood up slowly.
"Alright, we can't delay any longer."
Time was always scarce, but this mission's success would finally buy him some.
Exhaling deeply, Ghislain firmly issued his next command.
"Gather the mercenaries."
[T/L: Please support me and read extra chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans ]