Volume 4 Chapter 3 Future Policy ①
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
By the time Kian and his companions returned to a town on the eastern outskirts of the Franz Kingdom, the night sky had already settled in, its deep indigo pressing against the dim lamplight from the gate.
After speaking with the gatekeeper, they arranged for the east gate to remain open for an extra two hours.
Talia had just finished purifying her body with magic when an orange glow shimmered faintly across the snowy plains. It was the light of a magic stone lamp—Aliona’s magic tool, fixed to the front of the sled. Kian’s sharpened, almost inhuman hearing caught the rough, rhythmic breathing of Burgkain long before the sled came into view.
”It seems an acquaintance has arrived. Excuse me, gatekeeper,” Kian said evenly.
”Tch, what a privileged position, ‘garbage scavenger,’” one of the guards muttered under his breath.
Kian’s lips curved faintly as a voice asked,
’Hey, can I kill this bastard?’
(No.)
He stepped forward toward the guards holding torches, his expression still calm. These were men who had worked in the town for years, well-acquainted with Kian’s reputation as a garbage scavenger. But as he emerged from the torchlight, they stiffened—surprise flashing first, then a trace of fear.
Once, their heights had been roughly equal, but now Kian towered more than a head above them. Even with his magic power restrained, something about him radiated an invisible, oppressive weight.
”Here,” Kian said, handing each of the five guards a silver coin, “this is your overtime pay. Please enjoy some good drinks with it.”
”Ah, u-um…” one guard stammered, rubbing the back of his neck. “If you catch a cold, it’s your fault, garbage scavenger! Damn… if you weren’t Friedrich’s favorite, I’d beat the crap out of you.”
Friedrich, the head of the Adventurer Guild, effectively managed the town despite the magistrate from Maribel being the guards’ official superior. The area was plagued by monster attacks and crimes involving adventurers, making the Guild’s cooperation essential to maintaining peace.
If the guards ever offended Friedrich, their work would become nearly impossible, forcing them into reluctant deference.
’These fools don’t even know Kian has become the Duke of Dacia and a Master Knight.’
Kian considered it unsurprising; this rural region’s only news came from the merchants who occasionally passed through the street market. Without seeking out information, the townsfolk could remain ignorant for their entire lives. Even if he stood before them declaring, “I am Dacia the Hero!” they would scoff and dismiss it.
The truth was, their opinions meant little to him.
From the plains, the heavy breath of a giant wolf grew louder. Unease flickered across the guards’ faces. Kian left them at the gate and stepped into the open night.
Burgkain, now a massive black wolf stretching nearly fifteen meters from nose to tail, pulled a coffin-like black sleigh across the snow. Both sled and beast slowed until they stopped just short of where the frost ended.
The sleigh door swung open, and a young woman in a rose-red dress leapt gracefully down. The Leanan sídhe, Esther’s mother, was striking—her chestnut hair half-pinned with a red ribbon, her beauty a mirror of her daughter’s.
Holding a large black umbrella, she was followed by Isthbaran in a tailcoat, and then Aliona, the blonde elven beauty in a pristine white dress. Finally, Camilla, looking slimmer than before, hopped down—only to be caught by Isthbaran.
”Lady Camilla, please be careful,” Isthbaran said politely.
”You’re so noisy! I just stumbled a bit!” she snapped.
”The ground is like an ice rink,” Aliona observed, pointing toward it with the hand that held her white bag.
Three bird-shaped golems carrying magic stone lamps fluttered down, casting a warm light over Isthbaran and Camilla’s feet.
”Master, be careful,” one of them chirped.
”What should I do, Master?” Leanan’s deep voice rumbled.
”You wait here, Thunder Beast,” Camilla replied.
”Kuu…” The enormous wolf’s ears drooped.
Perhaps feeling sorry for him, Aliona handed one bird golem—this one clutching a candy and a lamp—toward the wolf. “Wait inside the sleigh. The bird will keep you warm.”
”Thank you, old lady,” Camilla said.
”I’m an older sister,” Aliona corrected, narrowing her eyes. “You can call me ‘old lady’ just this once. But do it again, and I’ll turn you into a statue.”
”Got it, old lady.”
Camilla smirked faintly. “Thunder Beast, I’ll give you some wine. Drink it while you wait.” Producing a ribbon-wrapped bottle seemingly from nowhere, she passed it over.
Burgkain’s form shifted into a grotesque, bipedal gorilla before he ducked into the sleigh alone, clutching his gifts.
”Mrs. Camilla, welcome. Have you been well?” Kian asked, embracing the vampire as Isthbaran supported her weight.
”It’s been three days,” she scoffed, brushing her cheek against his in a Western-style greeting. “Why are you acting like we haven’t seen each other in three months?”
”Hahaha, I would never say something like that to my parents,” Kian replied with an easy laugh.
He hugged Aliona next; this time they kissed each other’s cheeks properly.
”Thank you for coming in this cold, Ms. Aliona. How is life in the mansion?”
”I’m doing just fine. Thank you, Kian,” she said, her goddess-like beauty enhanced by subtle makeup. Her fingers lingered over his, and the refreshing scent of juniper perfume—popular, perhaps, among high elves—brushed against his senses.
”How is the thorn?” he asked quietly.
”No problems,” Aliona replied, touching her shimmering platinum hair. Beneath the hair, near the nape of her neck, faint traces of tentacle marks lay concealed under makeup—remnants of the Thorn Demon’s parasite.
Kian was keeping the cells inactive for now, but their removal was urgent. As he was no mage, Aliona herself would have to devise the method; his role was to procure her research materials and continue suppressing the threat.
”About the thorn cells,” she said, “I had a very simple and primitive realization. I’ll talk about it during the dinner party later.”
”Is that so?” Kian asked.
”It’s really not a big realization. Don’t expect too much,” she warned.
”Oh.”
”Kian, is my daughter doing well?” the Leanan sídhe asked, peeking out from beneath her black umbrella with chestnut eyes.
During the Labyrinth of Roses incident, she had sworn to kill him the next time they met. But circumstances had shifted, and now they seemed to share an unspoken truce.
Therefore, the Leanan sídhe did not harbor any murderous intent toward Kian, and Kian, in turn, chose to treat her with a certain level of respect.
”She’s doing well. It would be nice if you could see for yourself. We have plenty of time,” Kian said, his voice even.
”Leanan sídhe! You haven’t forgotten anything, have you? Do you have a proper souvenir for your daughter?” Mrs. Camilla asked, leaning forward.
”I have it, my master,” the Leanan sídhe replied with calm certainty.
”Well, that’s good. A present for a daughter of that age is definitely going to be cosmetics or perfume! It would be a hundred times more appreciated than a bouquet of roses!” Mrs. Camilla declared with a grin.
”I think a bouquet of everlasting roses is lovely too, though,” Aliona murmured with a gentle smile.
Kian looked around at the others and addressed the group.
”It’s cold here, and it’s snowing. Let’s move to the venue quickly. Isthbaran, can you escort Mrs. Camilla?”
”Yes,” Isthbaran replied without hesitation.
”Ms. Aliona and Ms. Leanan sídhe, please watch your step. Is it not possible for me to escort Ms. Leanan sídhe?” Kian asked.
”I’ll be fine since I’m flying low. Besides, I’m not wearing high-heeled shoes,” the Leanan sídhe said lightly.
”I would like to be escorted. Thank you, Kian,” Aliona added, taking his arm.
”Of course,” Kian said with a polite nod.
After bowing once more to the astonished guards, they began to walk. Snow flurried around them, the streets unusually empty of adventurers. The group moved straight down the main road, its cobblestones dusted white, passed the Adventurer Guild, and reached the west side’s The Boar’s Trot Inn.
In front of the store, Natra was waiting in a white dress, a fur coat wrapped tightly around her. She spotted them from about fifty meters away and raised her hand in a delicate wave.
”Oh, how cute,” Aliona breathed, her exhalation forming a small white cloud. Natra, just as she said, was cute—beautiful, in fact—carrying the budding allure of a girl who had just grown taller.
Her glossy black hair hung straight down her back, a white artificial flower pinned to one side. The dress bared her shoulders, the oversized fur coat draping protectively over her frame. It was a style more suited to older women, something Mrs. Camilla herself might wear.
Her makeup was bold—dark shadow and heavy lipstick.
Despite her classic Azrael beauty, her styling leaned toward that of a fully grown woman. A lollipop dressed like a lady. There was something faintly illicit in the choice, evoking the dress code of a young prostitute.
Natra’s eyes narrowed slightly as she caught sight of Aliona holding Kian’s arm, though she kept her smile intact. Moments later, she smoothed her expression into a formal one and approached.
”Everyone, thank you for coming in this cold. Mrs. Camilla, Ms. Aliona, it’s been a while,” she said warmly.
”Sorry for the sudden visit. Did you rush to do your makeup?” Mrs. Camilla teased.
”No. The Nakash family motto is to always be prepared,” Natra replied with an elegant shrug.
”You look wonderful, Ms. Natra,” Aliona said evenly.
”…Ms. Aliona, you look wonderful too,” Natra returned.
A subtle tension hummed between the brown-skinned beauty and the blonde elf. Kian, sensing it, forced a chuckle.
”I never expected Natra to be dressed so beautifully. With this, I look foolish in just a shirt and pants.”
”Sir Kian, you look very handsome just as you are,” Natra said, a small, pale smile lifting her lips.
Her beauty made Kian slightly lightheaded. Since Sarah had been his first love, Natra’s looks were exactly his type. If he hadn’t already planned to spend the night with Esther, he might have invited her without hesitation.
As Kian studied her, the door to The Boar’s Trot Inn opened. Esther stepped out in a waitress’s uniform, followed by Robert, his clothes and posture still carrying the heat of the kitchen.
The Leanan sídhe glanced briefly at Robert, then turned to embrace Esther with genuine warmth.
”Go and talk with your family in peace,” Camilla told Leanan. “We’ll come for you once our discussion is over.”
”Understood, Master,” Leanan replied.
”Come on, Mother, this way,” Esther said, guiding Mrs. Camilla.
”Mr. Robert, we’ll borrow the hall,” Kian said politely.
”Go ahead, use it! I’m getting paid for it anyway!” the bear-like man replied heartily.
Robert’s gaze then shifted to the red-dressed woman before him—his ex-wife.
”…Ah… well, hello. Been doing alright?”
”…I suppose. Esther, let’s go,” she said curtly.
The Pigfoot family disappeared into the back of the inn, toward the main house where Robert and Esther lived. Tonight, they would catch up—it had been about a month since their last family meeting.
”Sir Kian, we should head in as well. Rufna and Serena are already waiting,” Natra said.
”Yes, of course,” Kian replied.
Inside, Rufna sat in casual clothes, Serena in a flowing negligee. The sight made Kian silently relieved. Melissa and Moimoi, both employees, emerged from the kitchen to guide them to their seats.
The table was already set with steaming dishes. Kian sat between Natra and Aliona, while Mrs. Camilla settled into place with some effort. Once everyone was ready, Kian addressed the group.
”Everyone, I apologize for the sudden gathering. Nevertheless, I can only express my gratitude for your presence here. I’m sorry to ask this right after you’ve taken your seats, but the Head Magician, will explain today’s agenda. Please hear him out before the meal. Rufna, could you take over?”
”Aisa,” Rufna said, snapping her fingers.
”Today, there are three main topics we need to discuss.”
At her signal, a beetle-shaped golem rolled forward, its smooth carapace hiding the unsettling features of its insect form. From within, it produced a small blackboard and held it overhead.
When Rufna gestured, chalk floated up and began to scratch words onto the board.
Topic One:
Regarding the development policy based on Dacia’s survey report.
Topic Two:
Regarding the request for support from Izerland Fortress.
Topic Three:
Whether or not to accept a confidential request from Priscilla.
”First, let’s start with the report on Dacia’s soil survey,” Rufna said, her eyes scanning the table. “To put it bluntly, the eastern plains of Dacia are suitable for cultivating crops—especially grains and oilseeds.”
The beetle extended a slender leg to present a vial of rich black soil.
”This is from the humus layer made from grass remains. Precipitation is low, and this fertile black soil lies deep across the plains. The estimated arable land exceeds fifteen million hectares.”
”That makes sense. East of the Griffin Mountains used to be Albert Cain’s ‘granary,’” Camilla remarked.
”Ladies, please be quiet,” Rufna said firmly. Camilla closed her mouth.
The lady seemed far more concerned with the pasta dish piled high in front of her than with Rufna’s careful explanation—thanks to the strict dietary restrictions imposed by Aliona.
”Furthermore,” Rufna said, gesturing lightly as if sketching the terrain in the air, “there is a huge river formed by spring water from the Griffin Mountains. It not only irrigates the farmland but also flows into the northeastern part of the Azrael Sea, making large-scale export of agricultural products by ship possible.”
”Are you saying that a territory capable of exporting grains like Ramsey could be created?” asked Kian, raising a curious brow.
”Yes, Master,” Rufna replied. “That possibility is very much there. One could say that, in terms of land alone, it likely has potential exceeding that of Ramsey.”
Rufna rose from her seat and walked toward the beetle perched nearby, her voice dropping as she added, “However…”
”Currently, it is extremely difficult,” she continued. “Simply attracting people without a plan and letting them cultivate wheat as they please could lead to Dacia becoming not just a degraded version of Ramsey, but the poorest territory in the frontier.”
”Why? Is it because there are many wild beasts?” he tilted his head.
”No,” Rufna said, though she gave a small shrug. “But you’re not entirely off.”
Crossing her arms beneath her blast breastplate, she swept her gaze across the room. “Ramsey has achieved large-scale and efficient agriculture by being led by the agricultural guild. They have all the necessary systems—sharing farming tools, planning fallow land, and working with the Adventurer Guild to remove dangerous monsters. In contrast, simply bringing people to Dacia won’t create such a large organization.”
”What is wrong with small-scale agriculture, Lady Rufna?” Aliona asked, leaning forward.
”It’s just that individual plots appear in large numbers,” Rufna explained, “so there can’t be any organized policy to export surplus produce overseas. Everyone hauls whatever they can’t eat to the nearest small market and sells it to neighbors at throwaway prices.”
”Hmm… can’t it be bound by law?” she pressed.
”That would be the same as imposing heavy taxes,” Rufna said evenly. “The key is not to extract produce for export from residents, but to create a natural flow where large amounts of surplus are generated and sold overseas—establishing the foundation of an agricultural nation. Binding it by law won’t make that happen.”
She paced slowly as she continued. “Furthermore, without central planning, there’s no way to coordinate fallow land. Most farmers would be unable to share large-scale magic tools due to lack of resources. While Ramsey increases harvests with the latest equipment, Dacia’s family-based farmers might end up tilling the soil by hand with a hoe.”
Aliona, tilting a glass of steaming water, set it down with a quiet clink. Her fingers rested neatly against the table as she looked up at Rufna. “I understand that small-scale agriculture cannot create a ‘nation of agriculture’ in Dacia. The problem is, how do we turn it into a land of large-scale farming? Is there a strategy, Head Magician?”
”It requires a huge initial investment,” Rufna said sharply. “Count Kian of Dacia must gather agricultural magical tools and livestock, and an organization to manage these facilities must be formed under his supervision. For long-term sustainability, ‘valued customers’ who will export the produce are also necessary. It’s about setting up the initial environment and ensuring continuous government support.”
”In other words,” Natra said quietly, “money is needed.”
”And also personnel to act as executives for the management organization,” she added, “as well as large customers to transact from the start?”
”That’s how it is,” Rufna confirmed.
”Haa… well, if you have people, goods, money, and sales routes, anyone can successfully run a nation,” Natra said, exhaling.
”Conversely,” Aliona replied gently, “if you don’t have them, failure is almost certain.”
The high elf Head Magician met Rufna’s eyes again. “Do you have a plan to generate money?”
”I do,” Rufna said with a faint smile. “In fact, I thought of it today. This.”
She placed a bamboo-like stalk on the table. Natra squinted at it, but Mrs. Camilla’s red eyes lit up, and she leaned forward eagerly.
”Whoa! Isn’t that sugarcane!” Camilla exclaimed.
”That’s right,” Rufna said. “Sugar is made from sugarcane. The trading hub is the Azrael Sea, where luxury goods abound. Powerful and wealthy people across Franz, Castile, and the territories of Azrael all crave high-quality sugar. Supply cannot keep up with demand.”
She leaned forward, her voice taking on a calculating edge. “Furthermore, to the south of the former Nakash territory lies a tropical country called Eldorado, where cacao powder is mixed with spices as part of the local cuisine. Since my time with the Nakash family, I have thought that if cacao were combined with sugar, it could create an incredibly delicious product for the world market.”
”In Eldorado, coffee beans are abundant, gold mines lie untouched, and massive insects and reptiles thrive in the tropics. It is a country rich in resources,” Natra added, her tone as composed as her words were sharp.
Rufna nodded. “Therefore, we will secure a provisional base for sugarcane cultivation and land to serve as a foothold for trade with Eldorado and Malc.”
She snapped her fingers. The beetle scratched the blackboard with its fourth leg, chalk moving of its own accord to sketch the outline of an island nation in the Azrael Sea.
”I have my eye on this—The Kingdom of Crete.”
* * *
The Kingdom of Crete
A rich and powerful maritime trading nation adrift in the Azrael Sea, its origins reach deep into antiquity. Bathed in strong sunlight and blessed by what they call the power of the gods, even the Empire of Night—the vampire empire—has never dared to approach. Each Cretan is a wealthy merchant, a seasoned sailor, and a fierce warrior of the sea.
In the records of the oldest and largest vineyard and garden—the territory of Count Cain—Talia had previously explained that it was written in such a way.
”Thanks to strong sunlight, powerful naval military strength, and economic power, there was no need to unite using religion like the Western countries to exclude vampires,” Talia said, her voice calm yet firm. “Therefore, they have believed in their own unique gods, unrelated to the Western Church, since ancient times and have cultivated a distinct ideology based on that.”
She gestured lightly toward Kian’s biceps as if to emphasize her next point.
”The Kingdom of Crete is a collection of countless islands,” Talia continued, addressing the group. “The three largest are ‘Fire Island,’ ‘Water Island,’ and ‘Grass Island.’ It is said these were the islands ruled by the founding heroes of the Kingdom of Crete. Collectively, they are also referred to as ‘the Three Great Islands.’ I don’t know if they are still called that today.”
”Have you ever been to the Kingdom of Crete?” Aliona asked, her tone curious.
Camilla frowned, her voice rising. “If you use silver, you can boil eggs in sunlight!? If we go to such a sunny place, there will be health issues galore!”
Serena glanced at her with a look that clearly said, Are you really going to talk about health issues? but she remained silent. She had learned to read the room over the past few months.
”We vampires might not be able to keep our eyes open properly,” Talia replied, shaking her head. “Of course, I have never been to Crete, just like the ladies.”
She moved on to the broader picture. “The Kingdom of Crete is also an uninhabited kingdom in parts. Currently, the capital is on the ‘Island of Water,’ and development is progressing on the ‘Island of Grass,’ but many areas of the ‘Island of Fire’ and other small islands remain untouched. The primitive organisms there are powerful, making it difficult for the Kingdom of Crete’s government to maintain complete control without disrupting the ecosystem entirely.”
Rufna pointed toward the northern island, the one closest to the Western Church among the three large islands.
”The Island of Fire,” she explained, “is, as the name suggests, a volcanic island. The average temperature is high, with heavy rainfall and humidity in the summer. It’s ideal for sugarcane cultivation. Thanks to ocean currents, the winters are warm enough for sugarcane to survive.”
”But isn’t the island owned by the Kingdom of Crete government?” Kian asked, his brow furrowing. “Even if you ask them to sell it, no fool would part with their territory.”
”About management, huh?” Rufna countered, her voice taking on a sharper edge. “Establish a merchant guild, develop untouched land without completely breaking the ecosystem. Monster damage can be suppressed by the Masters’ military power.”
”Are you saying we should do something like a mock Adventurer Guild?” Kian asked, leaning forward.
”That’s right,” Rufna said with a grin. “What the order of knights of the Kingdom of Crete cannot do, the Masters’ merchant guild will accomplish—the elimination of dangerous monsters and the effective use of neglected land. When negotiating with the Kingdom of Crete government, ask not for the transfer of ownership but rather to be hired as a management contractor. From there, we will gradually expand our influence and power.”
”I see,” Aliona said, snapping her fingers. “So that connects back to the earlier discussion about Dacia. The Kingdom of Crete does not have the land or soil to produce grain in large quantities. They must be relying on Azrael for wheat. There, Kian—acting as a government-approved management contractor—will provide grain at a lower price. It’s highly likely the Kingdom of Crete government will prioritize transactions with you.”
”Ms. Aliona is right,” Rufna said, settling back into her seat. “Moreover, the wheat from Azrael would be the wheat from the former Nakash territory.”
She leaned back, moving away from the beetle she had been studying earlier. “As you are aware, the Nakash family—Milady Natra’s family—has completely collapsed due to the recent coup. The family that raised the banner of rebellion is called the Lee Family, a clan with roots in the east. Rumor has it that Lord Jibril was pulling strings from behind the scenes to eliminate Nakash’s influence.”
Rufna’s voice dropped slightly. “Almost all of the experts knowledgeable about flood control of the Nile River have either been killed or fled abroad. It’s likely Lord Jibril’s intention to prevent the Lee Family from becoming the second Nakash. Since he also possesses vast granaries in the Tigris–Euphrates river domain, it might be a relief for him to see powerful business rivals diminish. Eventually, he probably plans to swallow the entire Nile River area along with the Lee Family.”
Still, Rufna shook her head, thinking that the intentions of that smiling nobleman were of little concern for now.
”Returning to the topic,” she said briskly, “the Kingdom of Crete is facing a dilemma regarding where to source wheat. With Nakash fallen and the border granary Ramsey having sustained critical injuries four months ago, the start has been delayed. But our Dacia still has ample room to enter the competition.”
”Depending on the efforts of the Masters’ merchant guild in the Kingdom of Crete—tentatively named—it should be quite feasible,” she concluded.
”I hear that the Lee Family has begun constructing dams upstream to control the flooding of the Nile River,” Natra said, her eyes narrowing. “In my prediction, the construction of the dam may actually ruin the granary area. The floods of Mother Nile bring many blessings to the soil and wash away the pests within. Coexisting with nature was the foundation of the agricultural powerhouse Nakash. If one tries to suppress nature like the Lee Family, it will surely cast a shadow on the crops.”
At that moment, Serena, who had been quietly listening, raised her hand slightly. “So, that means we will create connections with the government in the Kingdom of Crete for the development of Dacia and also rent land for sugarcane fields, right?”
”Yes,” Talia replied, “as the Head Magician of the Master, I propose an expedition to Crete. Until Serena completes her training, I believe the Master should work for the future in Crete.”
”Then, Ms. Priscilla’s request is quite timely,” Serena added. “Two thousand gold coins, with travel and accommodation costs covered. She will even lend us a villa. So, everyone is feeling like they are accepting Ms. Priscilla’s top-secret request?”
In response to her straightforward question, the people present showed a variety of reactions.
”Uh… well, that is…” Rufna began hesitantly.
”Isn’t that right, Ms. Rufna?” Aliona pressed.
”Well… I wonder, Master?” Rufna said, tilting her head.
”So you’re throwing it to me?” Kian muttered, exhaling sharply before glancing at each of his companions gathered around the table. His gaze lingered on each of them before he finally spoke again.
Notes:
• Isthbaran – The High Warlord of the ‘Storm Herd.’
• Camilla – A woman; the subject of the chapter; her body was used to seal Erynys’ soul.
• Serena – Wolfmen Girl
• Mag – The wolfwoman under Yelmar—the one who was caught by Kian’s group earlier.
• Count Cain – Talia’s father.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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