After exploring the ruins near Tanzan Town, Gawain's group returned with a few valuable items. While these treasures weren't as miraculous as rumors suggested, they could at least help pay off Viscount Andrew's debt. However, Gawain understood that this meager income was far from enough to support the long-term revival plans for the Cecil family.
On the way back to camp, Amber noticed Gawain's pensive expression and couldn't help but ask, "We found some treasure, yet you seem deep in thought. Don't tell me you're still worried it's not enough?"
Gawain smiled faintly. "It's nowhere near enough. To revive the Cecil family, sporadic adventures and finds aren't sustainable. I'm considering how we can establish a stable and long-term source of income."
Rebecca, hearing this, looked puzzled. "A stable income source? But, ancestor, besides land and taxes, what other income can we have?"
Herti seemed to understand Gawain's idea and responded thoughtfully, "The ancestor means exploring new economic models. Most noble wealth in the kingdom indeed comes from land taxes and trade. But if we can find rare or innovative industries, our family might escape financial difficulties sooner than expected."
Gawain nodded in agreement and said, "In past eras, many noble families didn't rely solely on land and population yield. They developed their own workshops, mines, even unique crafts and trade routes. While our Cecil lands are currently barren, they still contain valuable resources waiting to be tapped."
Amber's eyes lit up. "So…we can establish our own commercial system and turn Cecil territory into a thriving economic center?"
"Exactly," Gawain replied. "With Cecil's advantageous location, we can start with mining, metallurgy, and textiles to stabilize our income base, then expand into more promising ventures."
Rebecca looked uncertain. "But to build these industries, we'll need substantial startup capital. Plus, the land is barren now, with few people around. Isn't this going to be a massive challenge?"
"It won't be easy, but we're not entirely without options." Gawain's gaze was resolute. "We could focus on technology—alchemy, mechanics, and basic magic. While these techniques are rare in most noble territories, I've seen their principles at work in the Gondor Empire. With research and innovation, we can incorporate them into production, creating unique competitive advantages."
After a moment's thought, Herti's eyes shone with newfound inspiration. "If we master such techniques, we could enhance productivity and attract more people to work on our lands. Of course, we'll need skilled technicians and the right materials."
"Labor shortages can be solved gradually," Gawain continued. "There are many displaced farmers in villages near our land. With fair wages and guarantees, they might be willing to work for us. Moreover, we could invite talented scholars and artisans to help us research new technologies. With the right approach, we could not only revitalize the land but also offer the kingdom a new economic foundation."
Amber suddenly interrupted, "So…should we look for friends who know alchemy or mechanics? I doubt we'll find any in the local town."
Gawain chuckled. "No, we can't rely on regular craftsmen. Alchemy and mechanics are still niche arts, but there are academies and organizations within the kingdom that specialize in them. With sufficient funds, we can hire skilled technicians."
Amber pondered for a moment before asking, "But…where will we get the startup capital?"
"Here's the key," Gawain said with a slight smile. "We can seek investment from other nobles or wealthy merchants. Our plan is ambitious but full of potential. With a solid proposal, finding interested investors is possible. Once we secure investment, we'll have the funds to launch the project."
Herti nodded, agreeing. "Investment isn't the same as a loan; investors also share in the profits. This way, we alleviate our financial strain while increasing our chances of success."
Rebecca's eyes sparkled with hope, her resolve growing. "If we succeed, the Cecil family could not only restore its former glory but become a true center of commerce and technology."
Seeing his descendants grasp the importance of family revival and their growing confidence, Gawain felt a touch of pride. "The revival of the Cecil family isn't only for honor and glory; it's about truly protecting the people of our land. Only by providing them a stable life can we earn their loyalty and make the family genuinely strong."
With Gawain's words, everyone in the camp felt a powerful surge of resolve. They understood that for the future of the Cecil family, the road ahead would be fraught with obstacles. But as long as they faced it together, undaunted, they would eventually find the dawn.
Gawain began to think of Viscount Andrew as an intriguing figure. Andrew was more of a merchant than a noble in many ways. However, to Gawain, Andrew wasn't exactly a shrewd businessman—a clever one wouldn't bring up negotiations and debts so openly. As a noble, he would have tactfully continued assisting the Cecil family, subtly extending his influence over the knights and soldiers he sheltered. By appealing to his status and solidifying a legal claim over Cecil's debts, Andrew could even present this debt to the king, making Rebecca's ability to repay almost irrelevant.
The country's laws and noble customs would ensure the transaction for him.
Gawain could empathize, however. The Cecil family's decline was well-known, and with the recent devastation of their core lands, Rebecca's "repayment capacity" was questionable.
"The Cecil family doesn't owe anyone anything," Rebecca said resolutely, though her tone lacked a bit of conviction. "We'll repay it all. Although we've lost our wealthiest lands, some outer forests remain. And as long as I'm the heir, there's always a loan waiting for the Cecil family at the Mithril Vault. At worst…"
Gawain cleared his throat, cutting her off.
He'd seen enough and had a clear picture of the situation. Rising, he said, "Rebecca, no need for hasty words. Viscount Andrew, try to look further ahead."
Andrew glanced at Gawain. The "supposed ancient hero" exerted enough presence to give the viscount pause. Relenting a bit, Andrew said, "I admit, I was…a bit greedy."
Gawain raised his eyebrows. "You're quite honest about it. There's nothing wrong with pursuing gain—let's just understand the current situation: a viscounty has been destroyed, a dragon was sighted in the kingdom, and monstrous creatures from the Mana Surge have reappeared. Amidst all this, talking business is rather premature."
Before Andrew could respond, Gawain continued, "But to address practical concerns, I'll be clear. The Cecil family can clear any debts. If you seize this chance, we might even bring you untold profit."
Andrew met his gaze. "Go on."
"Me," Gawain pointed at himself. "I'm your greatest investment."
Andrew's expression froze for a few seconds before he hesitantly replied, "Duke… Your Grace, assuming you truly are that Duke, I must remind you that you've been dead for seven centuries. Ansur is in its second dynasty. Your title, land, and assets have all been divided, inherited, depleted, or reclaimed by the crown. With respect, you're a legend, revered by all of Ansur. But as a viscount, I must prioritize my domain and my people…"
Gawain shrugged. "Think beyond coins and solid land, Viscount. Is tangible wealth the only thing of value?"
Andrew seemed intrigued. "You mean…"
"I hold permanent frontier rights." Gawain lifted his sword. "As long as I, Gawain Cecil, wield the Sword of the Pioneer, I am entitled to claim and settle any unclaimed lands, including, but not limited to, unoccupied territories within Ansur, wildlands beyond other countries' borders, and disputed lands like Gondor's Wastelands. Wherever this sword travels and where I can establish control, it becomes Cecil territory, and the Ansur crown is bound to recognize my sovereignty."
As he spoke, Gawain watched Andrew's eyes widen. He slowed his pace, explaining, "This frontier right was granted by Ansur's founding king, Charles I, and recognized by the West's Ogre Clan Nation, the East's Typhon Empire, the Southern Highlands Kingdom, the Elven Silver Empire, and Northern city-states. It remains valid indefinitely—as long as the pioneer, namely me, lives."
Gawain chuckled. "The founding kings never imagined I'd rise from the grave."
Andrew still seemed speechless, but Rebecca couldn't contain her amazement. "A-ancestor! Is that…true?"
"Who taught her history?" Gawain muttered, glancing at Herti. "Or has that law been rescinded? Because if so, this might be awkward for me…"
Herti blushed and clarified, "I taught Rebecca, but her grades…well, and no, this law was never repealed. During the pioneer knights' lives, no one dared. After they passed, the law became a part of Ansur's legacy, symbolizing humanity's resolve to rebuild civilization. No one would abolish it."
Andrew confirmed, "Not only was it not repealed, scholars and historians have enshrined it in the chronicles…"
"So, my revival is both a surprise and a boon to them—the seven-hundred-year-old law finally has purpose," Gawain said.
Andrew stared at him, particularly at the Sword of the Pioneer. "This is…a perspective I hadn't considered. With this right, you indeed have a chance to revive Cecil, but forgive me—it's
a very long-term venture. Do you realize how few open, fertile lands remain on the kingdom's frontier?"
"I do," Gawain said, glancing at Herti and Rebecca. "On our journey, they briefed me. Fertile lands have all been claimed. What remains are wild forests, toxic swamps, or territories bordering Gondor's Wastelands."
"So, where will you revive the Cecil family?" Andrew asked, gesturing with open hands.
"That's for me to determine," Gawain replied with a smile, an image of Ansur's lands from a bird's-eye perspective forming in his mind. It was an incredibly detailed satellite map, embedded deep in his memory. Although likely outdated by years, even decades, this map provided a clear direction for the future. "What you need to consider is the investment potential of a founding duke with permanent frontier rights."
Andrew looked down thoughtfully, at last taking the notion seriously.
After a long silence, he spoke, "If the crown confirms your frontier rights, this humble viscount would gladly assist in whatever way possible."
A perfect noble response—subtle, proper, showing courteous regard.
Rebecca's eyes widened. "Would the current king deny founding rights acknowledged by the founding kings and all neighboring nations?"
Gawain gave her an amused glance. "Oh, he'd prefer not to. In fact, he'll likely deny my identity. Even if Charles I himself verified me, the king and his advisors would probably pray I'd drop dead and go right back into my grave."
"But why?!" Rebecca's worldview seemed shattered. "You're a founding duke! A legend enshrined in temples! Don't they want you back to help the kingdom?"
Before Gawain could answer, Amber cut in with a grin, "Because they'd lose a three-day holiday!"
Glaring at Amber's antics, Herti muttered, annoyed, but Gawain waved it off. "Don't listen to her jokes. The real reason…" he said, glancing at Herti and Andrew, "is something you two already understand, I imagine."
Herti sighed, "Kings revere heroes because their image can reinforce their rule. But they don't want the hero himself. Once back, his image and renown are beyond their control…"
With Andrew present, Herti left unsaid the most subversive point—especially for a king whose lineage began as a mere bastard.
"So our task is now clear," Gawain looked down at the Sword of the Pioneer. "We only need to ensure that my frontier rights are upheld."