Fantasy Family Simulator (FFS)

The mist gently drifted down, subtly enhancing the growth of each water-based magic plant. Rhett inhaled the faint fragrance in the air as he watched the magic plant cultivation field thrive once again, feeling a quiet sense of fulfillment.

His gaze followed Nina as she moved. Suddenly, seeing her sprinkle ice mist over each plant once more, he thought, "Since Nina has grown slightly larger after waking up this year, could it mean that her abilities have also increased? Could her influence on water-based magic plants and magical beasts be stronger as well?"

This thought caused Rhett to squint slightly as he circled around the crystal lily flowerbed, extending his mental power to carefully sense any changes. After a moment, he shook his head and thought, "Hmm, for now, I can't detect anything noticeable. Maybe Nina's growth is too subtle, and even if her abilities have increased, the change might be minimal. I'll observe these plants' growth over time, and if this trend proves true, it would be significant!"

Exhaling deeply, a glimmer of anticipation flashed in Rhett's eyes as he watched Nina, hoping that time would bring pleasant surprises.

After blessing the water-based magic plants, Nina floated leisurely through the air. Suddenly, she noticed Hank standing still, staring at her. Surprised, she paused for a moment.

Hank, having stood motionless for over ten minutes, had accumulated a light layer of snow on his smooth, bald head, making it resemble a small snowball. Nina, curious, floated closer to Hank, tilting her head as if comparing the size of her head to his.

After a brief moment, Hank blinked, realizing what Nina was doing, and couldn't help but chuckle. He had watched the snow sprite's actions closely, amazed by how she accelerated the growth of water-based magic plants—truly an extraordinary sight.

Feeling fulfilled by witnessing the wonders of the snow sprite, Hank mused, "This world is indeed full of mysteries! We truly are like fools, unable to grasp the full picture of the world."

Rhett, reflecting on Hank's philosophical remark, nodded slowly. "The world is filled with mysteries, but human curiosity is even greater. As long as we keep a positive attitude, one day, we will turn the unknown into the known."

Hank's eyes brightened, and he nodded in agreement. "Believing in the pursuit of knowledge is indeed the right path, Lord Rhett."

...

The winter night consumed the light, and the fierce wind howled like a demon. The snowfall grew heavier, reminiscent of last year when Rhett had just returned. Once again, Eagle Town was covered in a thick layer of frost.

Rhett had no intention of stopping the snow with Nina's powers. The weather outside mirrored last year's, but unlike then, Rhett was no longer the sickly figure who had just returned. Inside Deeprock Fortress, the hall was warm and bright.

The fireplace crackled with warmth, fueled by a small pile of Firestone, replacing the usual wood and emitting a blazing heat that enveloped the entire hall, making it toasty. The warmth surrounded everyone, and the firelight reflected on their faces, revealing smiles of joy and contentment.

To celebrate Rhett's return, a lavish banquet was held in the castle that night. Maru, the cook, pushed a cart out from the kitchen, smiling brightly at the butler before placing plates on the long dining table. She gently lifted the lids, smiling warmly as she said, "Lord Rhett, please enjoy. I'll prepare some dessert for afterward."

"Thank you, Maru. You can make fewer desserts tonight—the dishes are already too sumptuous."

"Certainly, my lord."

Sveta, who had let the red wine breathe for an hour, poured it into Rhett's crystal goblet, then stood quietly behind and to the right of him. Rhett gently swirled the glass, watching the dark red liquid swirl as he softly said, "Sveta, I have something to instruct you."

"What is it, my lord? Please tell me." Sveta perked up, eager to hear what Rhett had to say after three months without tasks from him.

"I mentioned it briefly this afternoon, but let me explain in detail. I plan to implement a regular talent evaluation system in the town. With the population so low in the past, it wasn't necessary, but now, I hear Eagle Town and Fire Mine Village have a combined population of nearly a thousand, and this trend is continuing."

At this point, Rhett turned to Ryleigh and added, "Ryleigh, starting tomorrow, conduct a population census of the town. Ensure that everyone, every family unit, is registered accurately. As the population grows, neglecting this could lead to hidden dangers."

Ryleigh, already attentive to his father's words, turned and responded, "Understood, Father. I'll assign trustworthy people to conduct the census, starting with the current population and ensuring new arrivals are properly registered. Also, regarding the regular talent evaluation system, do you mean that everyone over 12 years old should be required to participate?"

Rhett smiled slightly, pleased with his son's quick understanding. "Exactly. You'll handle the announcement of this system. It would be best to start the census tomorrow and then move on to the talent evaluations. The census will be tedious at first, so I'll have Sveta assist you."

"Father, leave it to me!" Ryleigh agreed.

"I will fully assist Young Master Ryleigh," Sveta added respectfully.

Rhett nodded. "Remember, the census must be accurate—no falsification. If any ruffians or troublemakers try to sneak in, expel them immediately. My territory doesn't welcome such people."

Thinking of the spy from Windmill Town, Zoran, who had blended in with the refugees, Rhett emphasized the importance of authenticity without revealing too much.

Ryleigh's expression grew serious as he responded, "Understood, Father."

Just then, Tales descended the stairs, dressed in a black suit, with Mina in a white gown by his side, her arm linked with his. The two approached together.

"Good evening, Father," Tales greeted cheerfully. He had spent the afternoon in his room after returning home.

"Tales, come here. I have something for you," Rhett said, taking a sip of the red wine. He didn't particularly enjoy the taste but drank it symbolically for the occasion.

Mina joined Clarina and Vanessa, the three elegantly dressed women becoming a beautiful sight in the hall.

Tales approached Rhett, curiosity shining in his eyes as he bent down and asked, "Father, what are you giving me?"

Rhett lifted a small bag from his waist and shook it in front of Tales. "Inside are six bottles of Moonlight Potion, made by Hank. You and Ryleigh can each have three bottles. I hope you'll become an apprentice mage soon."

"Wow! Thank you, Father, and thank you, Hank!" Tales' eyes gleamed with excitement. The last batch of Moonlight Potion his father had given him was long gone, and although he was currently at a bottleneck and couldn't use the potion, he had a feeling that a breakthrough was near.

"Alright, go ahead and sit down," Rhett said, patting Tales on the back. Tales obediently returned to his seat beside Ryleigh.

With everyone present, the twelve eyes at the table glanced toward Rhett, waiting for the head of the family to speak.

Rhett took a deep breath and cleared his throat. "In this harsh weather, it's wonderful that we can all be together as a family. I don't have much to say tonight. It's the end of the year, and I hope our family will always stay united. To unity!"

"To unity!" everyone echoed, raising their glasses.

"Yah...yah..." Dick, cradled in Vanessa's arms, babbled along with everyone, his fair skin glowing under the light. His innocence brought smiles to everyone's faces.

The long-awaited family reunion dinner, after three months apart, was filled with laughter and joy.

...

Three days later, Rhett did not conduct the population census and talent evaluation simultaneously as in the simulation. Instead, he chose to first complete the census before conducting the talent evaluation.

Yesterday, Zoran had been captured and interrogated. As in the simulation, he turned out to be a minor pawn from Windmill Town, sent by Baron Gaspar's eldest son, Dusty, with no other tasks. No additional information was obtained.

Rhett decided not to take action against Windmill Town for now. Next year, when he headed to the canyon defense line, Baron Gaspar would meet his end. Acting against him now would only complicate matters with the kingdom's laws, so there was no need to rush.

On this morning, in the fifth-floor hall of the castle, Rhett quietly listened to Ryleigh's report.

"Father, the population census is complete. While it's not exactly a thousand people as you mentioned, the number is very close. Including the original residents, Eagle Town and Fire Mine Village now have 913 people—470 men and 446 women, with a balanced gender ratio. There are 87 youths over the age of 12. However, there are also many young people between 12 and 20 who haven't had the opportunity to undergo a talent evaluation. Should we include them as well?" Ryleigh asked as he closed the thick notebook.

After a moment of thought, Rhett nodded and said, "Yes, include everyone under 20. Given the current shortage of guards, it makes sense to lower the threshold temporarily."

In this world, a person's body typically reached the threshold for training around the age of 12. However, this didn't mean one couldn't start training after 12. Whether becoming a knight or a mage, as long as one had talent, training could begin at any age, though earlier was preferable. However, for a territory, it wasn't cost-effective to invest resources in training older individuals with poor talent.

In more established territories with well-developed guard forces, the emphasis was on quality rather than quantity, so they only selected recruits from 12-year-olds. However, in special cases, such as exceptional talent, the rules could be bent.

For now, Eagle Town clearly lacked enough guards, and as the territory rapidly expanded, more people would be needed. Therefore, Rhett had no choice but to include those who had missed previous evaluations.

"Understood, I'll inform them right away," Ryleigh said.

At the knight training ground, although the heavy snow had stopped, the ground was still covered in thick layers of snow, making the temperature outside especially cold. Those who had been notified to undergo the talent evaluation shivered in the cold, their faces red but filled with excitement.

Hilin and Ryleigh stood on either side of the training ground with serious expressions. Before them stood 281 young men and women, lined up in formation, their eyes filled with anticipation.

Seeing that it was time, Ryleigh raised his voice and said, "You've all been called here today for a reason you're well aware of. Talent evaluation will determine the future path of your lives. If you pass, you'll join the ranks of Lord Rhett's guards as reservists. But even if you don't pass, don't be discouraged—you can still contribute to Eagle Town's development."

As his words echoed, the faces of nearly 300 young men and women grew even more excited. The legendary extraordinary powers they had only heard about from their parents were now within their reach.

They wanted to become knights!

They wanted to become mages!

Ryleigh, seeing the anticipation in their expressions, continued calmly, "Here's how it will work: Standing beside me is Hilin, the chief instructor of the knight training ground and the most powerful knight in our territory. She will guide you through the breathing techniques to test for knightly talent. Those who pass will stay, and those who don't will come to me. I will then guide you through meditation techniques. If you fail again, it means you're out of chances."