Fantasy Family Simulator (FFS)

Half an hour later, the caravan passed through the gates of Falcon Town, traveling down a straight road until it finally arrived at the manor's entrance.

Stewart, the steward, had woken up early, organized the manor's tasks, and stationed himself at the gate to wait. In fact, he had been doing this every day for the past three days. Although he wasn't sure exactly when his lord would return with the caravan, he wanted to be the first to welcome him back in person.

After standing for an hour, Stewart felt his legs growing a bit weak. He gently massaged them and couldn't help but sigh at how his body was aging. Winter was almost over, and a new year was on the horizon.

"Hmm... but today's sunshine feels nice. My old bones haven't felt this warm in a while," Stewart mused, stretching and looking up at the bright sun in the sky.

Clip-clop, clip-clop...

The rhythmic sound of hooves caught Stewart's attention, and he turned excitedly to see the caravan from Falcon Town approaching.

He hurried forward with a warm smile. "Welcome back, my lord! I've missed you dearly during your absence."

"I'm happy to see you too," Rhett responded with a slight smile.

Taking the reins from his lord's hand, Stewart seemed to be in good spirits. "It's almost noon, so I'll have Maru prepare a feast for you and the young masters."

"No need for that, Stewart. Just prepare a simple meal as usual," Rhett interrupted. "But I do want to host a banquet tonight in the castle. Please ensure everything is arranged properly."

He then added, "By the way, two rangers joined us on the way back. Please escort them to the secondary castle and prepare a spacious room for them. Make sure they have clean clothes and bedding—I'm sure I don't need to remind you of the details."

"That's wonderful news! I knew your charm would be hard for anyone to resist, my lord. Falcon Town will surely continue to thrive under your leadership." Stewart beamed, a few drops of sweat glistening on his forehead. "I'll make sure to carry out your instructions to the letter!"

Rhett noticed Stewart seemed warm and chuckled. "The weather is getting warmer; you shouldn't be wearing such heavy clothing anymore. That coat is better suited for last month's cold."

"Hmm, I felt it too. Since you mentioned it, I'll change into something lighter right away," Stewart replied with a smile.

After nearly ten days of recovery, Frano and Laurene's health had improved significantly. The wounds on their bodies had scabbed over, and they now peeked out of the carriage to take in their new surroundings.

"So, this is Falcon Town? It may not look bustling, but I feel an incredible vitality here," Laurene remarked, gazing in awe at Deep Rock Fortress.

"You're right, and it's all thanks to the lord," Stewart said as he approached their carriage with a kind expression. "Pledging loyalty to the lord is undoubtedly the wisest decision of your lives."

"It certainly seems that way," Frano replied with a smile, helping his wife down from the carriage.

"Pleasure to meet you. I'm Stewart, the steward of Deep Rock Fortress," Stewart introduced himself, sizing up the couple. "The lord mentioned that you were injured, so I'll have the cook prepare some broth to help you recover."

"That would be wonderful, thank you, Mr. Stewart!" Frano found himself growing fond of the friendly steward.

Returning to Rhett's side, Stewart pointed to the right side of the manor. "My lord, during your absence, the knight training ground was completed. It's been in use for two days now."

"Oh? That's faster than I expected," Rhett remarked, his gaze settling on the three-meter-high stone walls surrounding the training grounds, leaving only the main gate facing Graystone Avenue open.

As Rhett looked over, a figure hurriedly emerged from the training ground's gate.

Tadelle glanced around before spotting Rhett. His eyes lit up, and he enthusiastically greeted, "Welcome back, my lord! I'm thrilled to see you return—it gives me a sense of security!"

He then turned to Kurth, giving him a hug. "Hey, old buddy! It's been over half a month—it feels strange to be apart."

"Miss me?" he teased, elbowing Kurth in the chest.

Kurth shrugged, his face expressionless. "Still as narcissistic as ever. If you were a beautiful woman, I might think of you every night."

"Ha ha ha!"

Tadelle laughed it off, unfazed by the joke. Bantering between brothers was all in good fun.

He then scanned the caravan, noticing Frano and Laurene's unfamiliar faces. After a brief pause, he looked up at Rhett on his gray horse. "My lord, with no casualties among our men, the journey must have gone smoothly."

"More or less," Rhett replied, then added, "The couple you just saw are rangers who've joined our territory. They'll be in charge of archery training."

"Archery instructors?" Tadelle raised an eyebrow in surprise. "That's perfect! Kurth and I are terrible with bows. We were just worrying about how to train the apprentices, but now we finally have a solution."

Kurth grumbled, "Hey, Tadelle, don't lump me in with you. My archery skills are way better than yours."

"Really? Who was it that couldn't hit a goldfinch from twenty meters away?"

"Oh, you're asking for a fight, aren't you, Tadelle?" Kurth rolled up his sleeves. "Let me explain something before we start—I just didn't practice enough. Otherwise, I'd be an excellent archer by now! I just prefer close combat. Hand-to-hand fighting is what real men do!"

"Tsk tsk, you're not wrong. I'm itching for a fight too. This new training ground is spacious and well-lit—if you've got the guts, come on then..."

Rhett found himself amused by Tadelle's teasing expression. On the other hand, this playful exchange made him realize that the two men had fully integrated into Falcon Town, treating it as their true home.

...

Back at the manor, Rhett felt the air somehow fresher—though it was likely just his mood. He took a deep breath, dismounted, and entered the castle, picking up a bottle of juice from the dining table as he made his way to the fifth-floor hall.

Sitting back on a long chair, Rhett gently swirled the goblet in his right hand, creating a small vortex in the dark purple blueberry juice. His gaze grew distant as he mulled over his plans.

Since he had already decided to hunt in the Darkfeather Eagle Branch of the Beast Mountain Range, he knew it wouldn't be without danger, as even the branch areas harbored third-tier beasts. To prepare for any unforeseen events, he needed to simulate the future again and make some adjustments to his plans.

He activated the system.

"Would you like to initiate a text simulation? Each year simulated costs 5 Destiny Points."

"Yes, simulate for one year."

Kinlun Calendar Year 473, December 30: The caravan returned. That day, all the medium-level water magic plants were planted, and the Snow Fairy used its power to accelerate their growth. A bountiful harvest is expected. In the evening, the castle banquet fosters unity, and hope for a bright future in Falcon Town is high.

Kinlun Calendar Year 474, January 2: Stewart reported that the black horse, Blackgrip, is pregnant.

January 3: A second-tier Ironhorn Sheep and a second-tier Flame Hound clashed by Sun Lake on the western side of your territory, both ending up seriously injured. You had been lying in wait nearby and ultimately claimed the spoils.

January 4: The Snow Fairy entered hibernation.

January 8: A traveling merchant visited your territory. When you inquired about his hometown, he became wary and left with a hostile attitude.

January 9: You, along with Reilly, Tack, and Tyles, set out for the Darkfeather Eagle Branch of the Beast Mountain Range.

January 10: You encountered a first-tier Flame Lion and killed it with ease.

January 11: You encountered two first-tier Wind Wolves and killed them effortlessly.

January 13: You encountered a second-tier Blazing Rhino and, after a fierce battle, emerged unscathed.

January 14: You reached the outskirts of the Darkfeather Eagle Branch and decided to hunt on the periphery, avoiding the deeper areas of the mountain range.

January 15: The lord of Maple Forest Town visited after hearing news of your recovery, but you were away. He left a letter before departing.

February 3: By this day, you had slain thirty-seven first-tier beasts and eight second-tier beasts in the Darkfeather Eagle Branch's periphery.

February 4: A third-tier Frost Crystal Tiger arrived at Ice Crystal Lake on the outskirts of the Darkfeather Eagle Branch. You encountered it. After a grueling battle, your three sons were killed by the tiger. You managed to hold out for an hour before succumbing to the Frost Crystal Tiger's attack and perishing by the lake.