Chapter 53: The Side Quest Ceiling in the World of Novels

“Alright, Safiya, seeing how Marnid has been bustling about, pouring so much effort into our cause, don’t you think it’s time you pitched in as well?”

“Um… I can’t really think of what I could do.” Safiya found herself at a loss. She genuinely wanted to assist the Count but was unsure how to contribute effectively.

“Why not take those four seasoned guards along with Lein for a stroll, perhaps even go hunting? On one hand, it would get Lein some meat. I promised him a steak. And on the other, it could help the veterans sharpen their skills.”

“That’s a splendid idea! I’ve been itching to stretch my limbs too. But Count, does that mean you’ll be taking over guard duties yourself?”

Draxel nearly choked on his bread, laughing off the suggestion:

“Whoa there, I’m the esteemed Count. I’ve recruited nine lads recently, they’ll handle the guard shifts. Go ahead without worries. And Lein, remember to behave.”

“Roar. And if I don’t? What would you do, considering the last time I sent you tumbling from your horse? What can you possibly do to me, haha?”

Lein, the young dragon, now boasted the stature comparable to a 5-6-year-old child, It was very likely that if it came down to it, the Count might not stand a chance against him. Realizing his predicament, Draxel knew he had to resort to flattery. Lein had long outgrown the phase where threats held any sway over him.

“Oh, I’m well aware of your unparalleled strength. Yes, yes, you’re the most formidable, aren’t you? If you behave, it’ll make Safiya happy too, right?”

“Roar. Fine, but just so we’re clear, Count, I’m doing this for Safiya, not you.”

“Alright, off you go, and… go to hell,” Draxel muttered under his breath, relieved that Safiya had finally taken the creature outside, presumably out of earshot. In a rare moment of frustration, he let slip a curse.

‘Dammit, it seems like everyone needs coddling: women, dragons, even the damn system. What am I, a noble Count or some kind of escort duck? And then there’s this infuriating dragon and the system. One has a soft spot for Safiya, and the other’s obsessed with drawing lots for Ronnie. They’re constantly putting me in a bind.’

Just then, as if the system had tuned into his vexation, it whispered a taunt:

[Consider yourself lucky! Imagine if you fell for the Valkyrie Tianyan next. I’d love to see how you’d juggle that mess, hahaha!]

‘Get lost, will you? Weren’t you supposed to be tired a moment ago? Now here you are, causing more trouble? I’m making it clear now. Falling for the Valkyrie Tianyan is off the table. It’s not happening. I a reasonable person, and I most certainly will not—under any circumstances—fall for the Valkyrie Tianyan.’

Oblivious to himself, Draxel had unwittingly echoed her very catchphrase.

Intent on shaking off the conversation, he set his sights on visiting the soldiers’ rest area in town to delegate some tasks to Xiao Nan and Xiao Ming.

The rest area wasn’t far from the lord’s hall, and he arrived shortly.

There, Xiao Nan and Xiao Ming were in the midst of their morning drill, honing their skills with their weapons. Upon noticing their lord, they paused to offer a respectful nod.

“Good morning, my lord. What brings you here?” 

“Do you have any commands for us?” 

They asked almost simultaneously.

“Uh, I wouldn’t come without good reason. I didn’t just come to see you for nothing, I’m not into that sort of thing. That said, take the troops and visit the training grounds in the three subordinate villages.”

“My lord, does this mean we are to lead the training ourselves?”

“Absolutely, just make sure to train with wooden weapons to prevent injuring your comrades.”

“But if we’re all away, who will defend the town?”

“Don’t worry, I’ve recently recruited nine Swadian soldiers. Your task is merely to take the newcomers for training, while the cavalry remains stationed here. Besides, if there really is an enemy force, the village watchtowers will alert us. I will devise a new strategy by then.”

“Understood, my lord. We will depart immediately.” Xiao Nan and Xiao Ming, along with their troops, got ready to leave.

Draxel’s decision to send them to the village training grounds was to explore if it could help his Tier 2 Swadian soldiers advance without the risk of casualties that comes with real combat.

After organizing all tasks and delegating responsibilities, Draxel felt a wave of relaxation and contentment wash over him.

“At last, some downtime. I think I’ll head to the garden behind the lord’s hall to enjoy some fresh air, and maybe have Mother Bela prepare some of my favorite dishes.”

He talked to himself as he leisurely walked back, enjoying this rare moment of tranquility.

Regrettably, his peaceful moment was short-lived as the system decided to interrupt.

[It looks like you have some spare time. Why don’t we embark on a side quest? We’ve reached a hundred thousand words(chinese characters) and haven’t taken it easy yet.]

[Side quest: Make your way to Blacksmith Old Aubrey’s house for subsequent events.]

“Damn, I was planning to rest today, not get involved in this! If you’re looking to slack off, count me out. I, Draxel, will not be part of your schemes.”

[System Alert: Should you choose not to go, Blacksmith Old Aubrey and his family will vanish forever. This won’t greatly affect other developments, so consider your options carefully.]

With that, the system shamelessly signed off.

“Sigh… it’s like they’re forcing me to work overtime.” The compassionate Draxel couldn’t stand the thought of them disappearing without a trace.

Remembering that Old Aubrey had once crafted weapons for him and his wife had cooked a delicious meal, he resignedly decided, “Alright, I’ll go.”

After about the duration of a burning incense stick, Draxel arrived at the doorstep of Blacksmith Old Aubrey. Before he could even knock, he was greeted by the sound of sobbing from within.

“Ah… be careful, it hurts so much!”

‘What in the world? What sort of side quest is this? You want to pad out the story, but you’re veering into unsuitable territory. I’m not participating, goodbye.’

Just as Draxel was about to walk away, another outcry came from inside, “Ah!!! It’s excruciating, son, please slow down.”

‘What the…? This is intolerable. System, I understand now, you want me to exact justice on this despicable son, right? No problem, I’m on it!’

Without hesitation, Draxel kicked the door open, ready to unsheath the Sword of the Wolf King and confront the youngster.

“You vile creature, to dare treat your mother like this… What? You were helping her in removing an arrowhead? What’s happened here? How did she get shot? Where is Old Aubrey?”

The sudden intrusion by Draxel scared the boy, who, in a moment of panic, pulled the arrowhead out with such force that it came out with flesh and blood, ignoring his mother’s cries of agony.

“Ah!!! Uh…” The woman passed out from the sheer pain.

The boy, now in tears, asked with a sobbing tone, “Uncle Count, what are you doing?”

“I… I… Oh, I was merely practicing my sword skills and accidentally bumped into your door. What’s going on here?”

[System Alert: Your mind is all over the place. I’m not sure who’s venturing into inappropriate content. Seems you’re practicing being petty rather than swordsmanship.]