The crisis in the industrial valley had been contained, but Mikhail knew it was only the beginning. Word of the repelled bandit attack spread quickly across the region. Some whispered, "The young Armanov lord is building an army." Others murmured, "Something secret is happening in that valley…"
Mikhail paid no mind.Rumors were tools—useful ones.
Work in the valley accelerated. The waterwheel turned steadily, craftsmen began laying the foundation for an early iron furnace, and the workers felt an unspoken excitement. Everyone sensed that something far larger than a settlement was being born.
Just as everything seemed stable, the system chimed:
[New Condition: Regional Tension Increasing][Danger Level: Moderate]
Mikhail narrowed his eyes."So someone wants to take a closer look…"
That someone arrived sooner than expected.
THE PRESSURE OF NOBLES
Three days later, five horsemen appeared at the valley entrance. Their gold-trimmed cloaks and crimson banners made their affiliation obvious:House Volkov, the second most powerful noble family after the Armanovs.
The lead rider dismounted and shouted:"Young Lord Mikhail Armanov! We know you're here! We come bearing questions from House Volkov!"
Mikhail stepped forward calmly with Aleksey and Leonid at his sides. Boris lingered behind, visibly uneasy.
"What brings Volkov riders to my valley?" Mikhail asked.
The man smiled coldly."We heard unusual activity here. Our House takes an interest in any unauthorized military or economic expansion in the region."
Mikhail answered sharply:"This is Armanov land. What happens here concerns me."
The man stepped closer."Indeed. But the kingdom is unstable. Any rising power… is a threat to the rest."
Mikhail smirked inwardly."Then you fear me already."
The man's jaw clenched."This is a warning, young lord. Our House will be watching."
Mikhail replied softly, almost pleasantly:"Watch closely. Perhaps one day you'll understand why this valley matters."
As the riders left, Boris approached."Sir… the Volkovs might become your enemies."
"They will," Mikhail said calmly. "But enemies trembling before you means your power grows."
The system responded:
[Diplomacy +1][Threat Level Identified: House Volkov → Moderate]
BORIS'S TRIAL
That night, Boris was summoned to Mikhail's tent. The man entered nervously.
"Boris," Mikhail said quietly. "I observed you today. When the Volkovs arrived… your eyes said much."
Boris swallowed hard."I… was afraid, sir. They are ruthless. If they become your enemies—"
"They will," Mikhail cut in. "But that's not what concerns me."
The system flickered:
[Loyalty: Boris 56% → Unstable]
Mikhail gestured for him to sit."Boris. You may leave now if fear guides you. But if you stay… you will help build something greater than any noble house."
Boris trembled."I want to be loyal… but I am afraid."
Mikhail leaned forward."Fear does not destroy loyalty. Fear tests it."
Silence.Then Boris lifted his head.
"I will stay. To the end."
The system responded instantly:
[Loyalty Increased: Boris 56% → 72%][New Trait Unlocked: Fragile Loyalty Detection]
"Good," Mikhail said."Soon, I will have an important task for you."
Boris left the tent with darkened eyes—yet also with a sense of belonging he had never felt before.
THE FIRST IRON
At dawn, the craftsmen rushed toward Mikhail.
"Sir! We have produced the first iron block!"
Mikhail hurried to the workshop. On the table lay a small but solid iron ingot—the first ever produced in Armanov territory.
It was history.
The system's notification was immediate:
[Quest Progress: 48%][New Building Unlocked: Workshop Level 2]
Mikhail held the ingot tightly."This… is the first stone of the future."
Aleksey smiled proudly."This place is no longer a village, my lord. It is a force."
"Not yet," Mikhail answered."But soon… it will be a nation."
As dawn rose over the valley, Mikhail felt the shift within himself.He was no longer merely a noble.He was slowly, steadily becoming the king he was destined to be.