NOVEL NEXT 10: Knowing the Outside of the Mansion for the First Time
Spring arrives in early April.
During the winter, my level increased to eight.
As the snow melts and the sun warms up, it marks the beginning of gardening season. I managed to successfully persuade Father to lease a large piece of barren land for me. My puppy dog eyes really did the trick!
Actually, today was the first time I ventured beyond the estate grounds. Perhaps it’s natural since the forest where magic beasts appear is nearby. Or maybe my family is just overprotective?
Our home sits atop a hill, surrounded by five-meter-high stone walls. These strict walls are also defense measures against magic beasts. Well, if they attack from the sky, there’s not much we can do. But with Fuu and Pikka around, I wonder if aerial defense is strengthened? Probably wishful thinking?
At least they’ll notice if something happens!
Stepping out of the gate for the first time and surveying the outside, I see a gentle path leading to the village and vast wild grasslands.
In the distance, the peaks of the mountains are still covered in snow, shining white, while the forests stretching across the foothills seem to extend far into the distance. It feels like the looming mountain range is called the Sacred Mountains.
Kind of like a baby Alps!
The cold wind stings my cheeks. Taking a deep breath, I inhale the chilly wind and slowly exhale. No matter how cold the wind, the spring sunshine feels warm.
It’s the season of budding!
Beyond the village, I can see a river. You can tell it’s the village’s water source.
From what I see, it feels like a peaceful rural village.
I don’t mind it.
As I leisurely survey the surrounding scenery, Father walks up beside me, patting my head and teaching me.
“That’s our first village, Rook Village. It’s named after the first lord who cultivated it. The population is roughly two hundred. Agriculture, forestry, and animal husbandry are the main industries.”
Rook Village is also surrounded by high stone walls. They grow wheat outside the village, in the soil. Livestock farming takes place in the nearer forest.
“Father, is the village not afraid of wild animals attacking it in the forest?”
I raised a simple question and looked up at my father.
Father smiled and squatted down beside me, meeting my eyes.
“Of course, livestock is important, but the first priority is to protect the people. If magical beasts attack, livestock can act as a diversion. During that time, the people can flee into the walls. Calves and lambs are raised inside the walls with their mothers. If they survive, we can start over. Besides, to prevent magical beasts from swarming out, your father and others are regularly patrolling and hunting them down. The forest is vast, so magical beasts rarely gather in large groups.”
Well, certainly, unless there’s a sudden emergency, magical beasts with different growth areas won’t gather in one place, will they?
This isn’t a game.
However, this forest is a vast magic essence.
Nobody knows what’s beyond this forest.
This is said to be an extensive and fearsome forest.
How much hardship did our ancestors endure to open up this forest?
Thinking about it made me happy for no reason when Father smiled proudly, and I realized that it was something that we inherited from our ancestors.
“Half a day’s journey southeast from here by carriage lies the second village, Camille Village. The forest there is relatively shallow and it’s safer and more comfortable to live. The population exceeds three hundred.”
Camille Village is named after the second lord.
Compared to Rook Village, Camille Village has fertile land and specializes in wheat cultivation as its main industry.
It seems there’s a highway extending along the river visible from here.
By the way, from Camille Village, you can reach the border county’s domain, Collar Village, in another half day. It’s said you can travel between villages without camping, so transportation isn’t that inconvenient.
Rook Village and Camille Village are part of the Radcliffe domain, with a vast area but very few people. Judging by the size of the villages, the Radcliffe family is at the level of a magistrate, even though they worked hard to expand the kingdom by reclaiming dangerous frontier lands, and were granted a barony by the king for their achievements. Our ancestors were amazing.
Now, Father brought up today’s main topic.
“You’re free to use the grasslands on both sides of the road to the village. However, it’s lean ground with many stones. Is that still acceptable?”
He looked at me and asked.
“I’ll try little by little.”
I nodded vigorously.
I think I can do anything with my skills.
“Very well. But here are some conditions.”
Don’t go out alone.
Always have guards with you.
Don’t plant tall grass that obstructs your view.
Be careful not to disturb the ground.
Keep the road clean.
Never approach the forest.
“Above all, avoid getting injured. Otherwise, you’re free to do as you like!”
Father smiled with a manly grin and lifted me up. Surprised by the sudden increase in height, I instinctively clung to Father’s neck.
“Oh no, be careful!”
Puffing up my cheeks in worry, Father said, “Sorry, sorry,” and kissed me.
As a child, you really feel loved.
I love you, Dad!
I hugged him tightly.
Father and I played around, giggling.
I want to make the village a little more prosperous for Father’s sake.
We have to escape from poverty at the bottom!