Chapter 52: The Second Volume Begins

Returning to Uxkhal this time, Draxel finally seized a rare opportunity to rest and rejuvenate. Given the current circumstances, this was indeed precious.

With the kingdom’s war efforts now holding the upper hand, King Harlaus X’s vast army has besieged the enemy territories of the Khergit Khanate, focusing on Dark Castle and Xiko Village.

Engulfed in the throes of war, the enemy was undoubtedly scattered and certainly too occupied to bother with Draxel.

Regarding whether the negotiations with Valkyrie Tianyan had taken place or succeeded, Draxel wasn’t about to dwell on such matters. After all, why should he care? His immediate concern was to foster growth in Uxkhal.

The entire trip until their safe arrival spanned about 5-6 days. Worn out, everyone retired early the night of their return, deferring all tasks to the following day.

Thus, when Draxel next awoke, greeted by the morning sunlight that teasingly warmed his rear, a whole week had already blissfully passed by.

It was once again the delightful time for tax collection.

While everyone else was still in the land of dreams, Draxel quietly liaised with the system, mentally bracing to conjure up some magic for explanations once they woke.

‘System, let’s proceed with the collection,’ he initiated.

At that, the system grumbled, [You’ve enjoyed your rest, and here I am, still drowsy.]

But grumble as it might, it proceeded with its duties, undeterred by rain or shine.

[From Uxkhal and its three subordinate villages, a total of 5300 denars have been collected this week. Congratulations, the vineyard operations have been exceedingly successful. Including your existing funds, you now boast a total of 8000 denars.]

‘Excellent, truly excellent. I must give that little rascal, Merchant Marnid, some well-deserved praise later. He indeed lived up to my expectations.’

Draxel internally strategized to construct watchtowers and training facilities in the remaining two villages, followed by recruiting 2nd-tier soldiers for all three.

[Construction successful, granting the remaining two villages the “Scouting 1” and “Training 1” skills.]

[Recruitment successful, netting you 9 2nd-tier Swadian soldiers. After recruitment and construction costs, along with recent provisions and wages, you’re left with 3000 denars.]

Draxel was thoroughly pleased with these outcomes and reviewed the overall condition of his forces.

[You command 9 2nd-tier Swadian soldiers, currently unled and on standby.]

[You command 3 5th-tier Swadian Knights, with Xiao Ming as their captain.]

[You command 10 4th-tier Tavern-hired Knights, led by Xiao Nan.]

[You command 4 2nd-tier Tavern-hired Veterans, leaderless, stationed as guards in Uxkhal.]

[You possess 3 special characters: Dragon Mother Safiya (Friendliness 42), Merchant Marnid (Friendliness 55), and the captive Noyan Tulu.]

Delighted by the expansion of his forces, Draxel felt exceptionally happy.

[System notification: You’re feeling joyous, while I’m struggling to keep awake. If there’s anything else you need, make it quick, or I’ll be signing off.]

‘Seriously, can’t you be a bit more energetic? Just one last overview of the character status, then you can take a break, alright?’

[Current Character Status: Draxel]

[Level 34, Strength 25, Agility 25, Intelligence 26, Charm 26, proficiency in all weapon categories 200.]

[Skills: “Tactics 1”, “Riding 1”]

[Reputation value 180, Honor value 12, title “Firebird Knight”, pfft, “Turkey Knight”, pfft… let’s settle on “Flame Knight”.]

[Current Gear: An ordinary linen headscarf, an ordinary linen shirt, ordinary leather boots, ordinary leather gloves, a sturdy travel horse, and the special weapon, the Sword of the Wolf King.]

[Evaluation: Just so you know, I’m not breaking my back working here for you. It’s for the readers who are sticklers for details. As long as they’re happy, I’m good.](Translator note: the system is the author. :D)

“Fine, you can TMD log off and hit the hay,” Draxel fumed, annoyed by the recurring mentions of Firebird and Turkey.

Who wouldn’t be irritated? After securing a title that sounded impressive, it was being ridiculed relentlessly.

After freshening up, Draxel joined everyone for breakfast.

Over breakfast, he announced, “After you all dozed off last night, I wielded magic, yes, Magic~ to complete the watchtowers and training grounds for the remaining two villages. Our defense system is now fortified.”

“Really? That’s wonderful! The villagers are sure to live safer and happier lives than before. You’re truly benevolent, Count,” Safiya replied with joy.

“However, the price of employing magic,” he continued, casting a sidelong glance at Merchant Marnid who was enjoying his mushroom soup, “is that it consumes a substantial amount of money.”

Following Draxel’s gaze, everyone turned to look at Merchant Marnid.

Feeling the weight of their stares, Marnid nearly choked, but after swallowing his soup, he managed to say, “Um, my distinguished lord, I believe the vineyard operations have been exceedingly smooth, surely you’ve collected a decent sum of denars by now.”

“Ah, my dear God of Wealth,” Draxel reiterated, “as I’ve mentioned, the cost of magic is significantly high.”

“You’re too kind, Count. I’m not the God of Wealth. I’m merely an ordinary merchant.”

“If I regard you as the God of Wealth, then that’s what you are. Here’s the thing, I’m a reasonable person. Marnid, I’ll give you three days to devise another money-making scheme.”

Draxel found himself using Valkyrie Tianyan’s favorite saying and realized how sensibly, indeed TMD effectively, it applied.

“Perhaps… Should we not consider expanding our grape business further?”

“No, Marnid. You must understand that grapes aren’t exactly a luxury commodity.”

After finishing a mouthful of bread, Draxel elaborated, “Currently, our high pricing is justified by the scarcity of such fruits across the kingdoms. However, if we were to increase our supply significantly, considering the finite population and demand within the kingdom, we’d be forced to lower our prices to make sales. Moreover, it’s only a matter of time before others start cultivating them, thus, expanding further isn’t a viable strategy.”

Safiya strongly supported the Count’s reasoning, echoing, “Moreover, expanding would overburden the villagers across our three villages. We are already operating at our maximum capacity.”

[Reward: Wisdom +1. Your prowess in business indeed far exceeds your martial strategies.]

Without waiting for Merchant Marnid to rebut, Draxel pressed on, “Marnid, save your breath. I won’t be expanding the grape venture. I do not wish to overwork the villagers, and I know you care for them as much as I do. I’d like you to put some more thought into devising another profitable venture.”

“Understood, my noble lord. I shall get right on it.”

With those words resonating with him, Merchant Marnid acknowledged, stood up, and retreated to his room to delve into deep contemplation.