Two Days Later
From what I learned, a 10 kg sack of grain is worth 7 copper in the market, and the council said okay to buying at that price.
I suppose food is never enough for anyone, especially with winter right outside the door.
Ten-kilogram sacks of grain cost 7 copper, and one bar of iron costs 10 silver.
So, seven tons of food would cover our need for iron for now. I don't think that old fox would sell me more, even if I paid extra.
My room's door opened and Allia came inside.
"My lord, did you call for me?" She looked happy. Is it why I think it is?
Don't get me wrong, young lady. I'm a decent man... maybe.
"Ahem, yeah, I called you. Take this and give it to our messenger." I took out a letter from my drawer and gave it to her.
"Tell your sister she should have ten tons of food ready by tomorrow too."
"Yes, sir." She was getting ready to run like always, but I caught her by the arm.
"Okay, don't run off yet. First report how things are going with the village and villagers."
I pulled her onto my lap. Her face and neck became completely red.
"My lord, everything is good. Everyone's working hard. Some people even made vegetable gardens or coops."
"I'm guessing the coop-makers are the soldiers?"
"Yeah. We found the people who can use magic and taught them how to make basic runes too. People don't even need our runes now." She looked happy—probably because her workload has decreased.
"You know, we can still sell them or send them to our new village, so you and the other maids should continue making them."
Her face darkened after she heard me. Hahaha, bullying people is the best.
"Yes, my lord."
"Okay then, you can go back to your work. Don't forget the letter." I patted her back so she'd get up.
"I'll go right away." She didn't run this time and looked dejected.
Back to my maps. The last map should finish today.
Town of Varess, in a Big Manor
"Father, are you sure about this?"
"Sure about what?" I said.
"You're going along with this human or whatever he is. This will create more problems for us," the oldest began in an angry but controlled tone.
"Yes, Father. Big bro is right. If we just cut off two more members, this island would be ours," the youngest continued, dejectedly.
"Hmph, you two don't even think. Let's say we get control of the whole island. What are we going to earn without the mountains?" I yelled.
"Father, that's—we can—" I cut him off.
"Okay, that's enough. We can't beat both the Spartans and the Wildlings in the mountains. Even if we did, we'd lose a lot." I looked at them with hope—maybe they'd finally understand something.
The oldest looked like he got a brain of his own for a second. "So you mean we should let them fight and get everything afterward, right Father?"
"Big bro, you're so smart."
Are they really my children? They're so dumb.
"You two, go out. I will rest a little."
"Yes, Father." They take their leave after that.
One day, everything will belong to us. I just need to wait a little bit more.
Tomorrow Morning – Spartan Village Training Grounds
Hmm… my people are really strong. Even with smaller numbers, I'm sure I can almost beat anyone, at least on this island.
I left my spear and armor at home since using them would be hard in the forest, but I still have my shield and sword with me.
"My lord, we've been training every day here as per your orders. I was letting the children watch and teaching them if they want to learn too," Drata said proudly.
I looked at the training grounds and saw two young girls fighting each other.
"That's fine. Teach them well and get ready for the winter."
"Is the group I asked for ready?" I turned and looked into Drata's eyes.
"Yes, my lord. They can go right now."
"Lead the way." I motioned for Drata to move.
I ordered Drata to arrange an expedition party. I can't always sit around in my manor—I want to explore a little.
We walked for a couple of minutes and came to the front of my manor. I saw five people standing and waiting.
"What the—what is this?" I covered my eyes.
My eyes nearly went blind. I opened them slowly and saw it.
The sun… ahem, no, it's just a bald head. Why haven't I seen someone like this before?
"My lord, these five will be the ones going with you. They're the best out of all our warriors—of course, after me," Drata said, and I saw someone roll his eyes.
There were some familiar faces. Two of them acted as my guards when I spoke with the beastkin council.
"Okay men, listen. As you know, we'll be going into the Whispering Woods and looking around for a couple of days. Did you get everything you might need?"
"Yes, my lord! Everything we need is ready!" they yelled in unison.
"Then let's go. We don't want to be late for adventure!" Everyone saluted and began moving.
"My lord, you called us?" Allia and Ellia came.
"Yeah, I was going to tell you two to look after the village and make sure there are no problems with the trade with the beastmen."
"You don't need to worry, my lord. We remember everything you told us," Allia said with a smile.
"That's right," Ellia nodded.
Okay, I'm going now.
We didn't take a horse since we're going into the dense forest and can't use one.
It's been a couple of minutes since we came to the edge of the forest.
"Baldy, you lead the way. Make sure your head is covered—we don't want to get too much attention."
He looked dejected. "My name is Tonsen, my lord." While saying that, he took out a cap from his bag and put it on.
Did he come prepared for that? Hahaha.
"My lord, I assume we won't use the road the beastkin made to their settlement inside the forest?"
"Yeah, let's go to the mountain through the forest, secretly." Tonsen nodded.
After that, he passed us and went into the woods. We followed.
This actually might be fun, but I shouldn't forget the real purpose. I need to get stronger. I don't have any friends on this island—especially not that council.