In Ivan's original plan, once he retrieved the shell of the hero sword, he intended to use Village of the Sword as a base for future expansion. However, the king's promise of a direct title shifted his perspective.
Granting land seemed unlikely—prime territories were long divided. At best, he might receive a decaying domain or even an active warzone, leaving him no time or space to develop.
More realistically, he'd be awarded a title without land, an honorary rank. "The land is already distributed" would serve as the perfect excuse.
If he intended to climb higher, he'd need to make a viscount's position vacant at the top.
"Winry, what do you think of Viscount Hicks?"
"Eh? Why the sudden question?" The girl's face turned pale as if recalling something horrifying.
"Just tell me your honest opinion."
"Ugh…"
Winry looked around nervously before leaning closer to whisper in his ear, "Viscount Hicks has a terrible reputation—not just for his oppressive taxes, but for being truly despicable in his treatment of women in his territory. Many commoner girls, especially young ones who are cute, have fallen victim to his abuse. Some cases even ended in death. Thankfully, Village of the Sword is remote, so he's never visited before. But this time, I'm sure he'll come, and I'm terrified he'll…"
Her body trembled with fear, her petite frame looking especially helpless.
"Say no more; I get the picture. I'll prepare the largest bullet for him," Ivan said, patting her shoulder to reassure her.
The little village chief was indeed a capable leader. Despite her young age, she had managed Village of the Sword efficiently, a rare talent for internal administration.
"Don't worry. Nothing will happen."
As soon as the words left his mouth, Ivan realized how empty they sounded. Reassurances wouldn't ease Winry's anxiety. Giving her something concrete to focus on might be better.
"The village itself can remain as it is for now. Let's focus on the external appearance. For the road, widen it to accommodate carriages and patch up any potholes. Start as soon as you're done eating; the sooner it's done, the better."
"Mm-hmm." Winry nodded half-heartedly, clearly still distracted.
Ivan sighed. Redirecting her attention could only do so much. Until the root problem was resolved, she'd likely remain on edge.
After having lunch at the village chief's office, Ivan headed back to his room. Along the way, he passed adventurers and villagers enjoying a post-meal stroll, exchanging nods of acknowledgment with them.
Eventually, he ran into Martina, who was carrying a lunchbox, likely on her way to deliver a meal to her father.
Her expression was a bit strange, and when she saw Ivan approaching, she was clearly flustered. Stammering, she said, "A-about what happened last night, I really didn't mean anything by it. I was just trying to express my gratitude..."
Ivan teased, "The way you're seriously explaining this is kind of hurtful, you know. Are you saying I don't have even a little bit of charm? Or do I just look that bad?"
Martina frantically waved her hands.
"Ah? No, that's not what I meant… Uh, I'm sorry, I think I've said something wrong again."
Ivan smiled. "Just kidding. I was joking. Don't take it seriously. Where are you headed?"
"To the woods east of the village. My father is chopping wood there, and I'm bringing him lunch."
"I'm heading back to my room. Mind if we walk together for a bit? I actually have a question for you."
"Sure."
Martina lowered her head, following half a step behind Ivan, looking even more reserved than she had last night.
"Martina, I wanted to ask: how much do you know about Viscount Hicks?"
Martina's face immediately went pale, and she quickly shook her head. "…I can't say."
Her attitude already spoke volumes, so Ivan didn't press further. Instead, he shifted the conversation to lighter, everyday topics, gradually easing the tension.
But the calm atmosphere lasted less than a minute before being disrupted by the plump herald, Felo.
At that moment, Felo stood at the entrance to Ivan's lodging, commanding slaves to throw items outside. Among them were gifts from villagers and adventurers who had expressed their gratitude to Ivan.
"Are you the one staying here?" Felo asked, his tone haughty as he looked down at Ivan. "The best room in this village, of course, must be prepared for Viscount Hicks. We can't have any trash cluttering it up."
"Oh? Is the Viscount planning to arrive early?" Ivan's expression didn't show a hint of anger. "It's my honor to give up my room for Viscount Hicks."
"At least you're sensible," Felo said, his tone softening slightly. "After all, His Majesty's carriage won't pass through Leaf City but will head straight here. Naturally, our noble and heroic Viscount Hicks will need to rest here for two days to prepare himself to meet the king in perfect form."
Ivan nodded. "I see. As expected of Viscount Hicks. Has he already set out? How long until he arrives? I'd like the opportunity to admire him in person."
"Judging by his usual pace, he should be here by evening," Felo answered absentmindedly. But then his gaze shifted past Ivan to Martina, and his eyes lit up.
"To think such a beauty exists in this backwater village... You there, the one with the lunchbox. You'll serve as a maid for Viscount Hicks over the next few days. There will be plenty of benefits for you."
"!!!"
Martina turned ashen. Though she was usually a bit naive, she fully understood what "serving" implied. She froze in terror, her hands trembling as she looked at Ivan like he was her last hope.
"Why are you looking at me?" Ivan said casually. "Quickly hand the lunchbox to the herald and let him taste whether it suits the Viscount's palate."
Seeing Martina still frozen, too scared to move, Ivan took the lunchbox from her hands and thrust it into Felo's.
"If she can cook, then she should be in charge of preparing meals for the guests. That's a cushy job."
Felo opened the lunchbox, scooped up a bite with a spoon, and popped it into his mouth.
Thud—
The two-hundred-pound man dropped to the ground like a sack of potatoes, producing a dull thump.
"Tsk, youth is such a blessing," Ivan remarked, looking at the fat man's rolled-back eyes. "Falling asleep just like that."
Glancing at Felo, who clearly wouldn't wake up anytime soon, Ivan turned to Martina and said, "Go home and stay with your father for now. Don't go anywhere else. I have a little matter to deal with."
"But... will he really be okay?" Martina stammered. "The herald represents Viscount Hicks, and offending him will definitely bring trouble..."
"Don't worry."
Ivan's lips curved into a warm, spring-like smile. "I'll make sure Viscount Hicks has his mind opened, wide and clear."