Chapter 74: The Direction of Territory Development

A chill ran through Simon’s heart, and his understanding of the young master he had watched grow up was completely overturned.

“Grandpa Simon, thank you for your dedication all these years,” Charles said, not intending to explain further. “If you encounter any similar issues in the future, just tell me—I think I can handle them.” After all, such things would only become more frequent. He might as well lay his cards on the table now.

The old steward had served the family for decades, and his children and grandchildren had all worked for House Maesterlin. There was no need to worry about his loyalty.

“Very well, then. I’ll go calm the frightened townsfolk,” the old steward sighed. His steps were much slower as he left, clearly shaken.

Baron Buyano had been a forceful man as well, but even his most extreme orders—such as having the guards kill—were within the bounds of Simon’s expectations.

Now, however, so many things had gone completely beyond his imagination, leaving him with a sense of being obsolete and outpaced.

In this world, only power stands as the ultimate truth. Charles was now utterly convinced of this. He had no time to quibble with Viscount Mark.

True, the viscount commanded over a thousand private soldiers, including several officers who were advanced warriors—but none of them concerned Charles in the least. He didn’t even need to call upon Vajra Miro; the venomous wasps alone could wipe out Mark’s entire force.

Charles opened the map and placed his finger on Moonlight Forest.

Deep within the woods lay Moonlight Lake, the source of several small rivers in the region. Beneath it, abundant groundwater fed torrents that merged into the Seine River at the northernmost point of Shining Gold Town.

The Seine began in the snow-capped western mountains of Antu County, north of Faen County, and flowed to Stormport, where it met the sea—a river as grand as the Pearl River in his former life, forming a vital transport artery linking the two counties.

Yet Shining Gold Town could only provide the cheapest timber and furs. Even with such a golden waterway, development had proved impossible.

“My time here is short. I must quickly find a path for sustainable development for the territory,” Charles murmured, his eyes fixed on the map—especially the northern and western lands.

He planned to study in Morent for two months, then return and use both the knowledge he gained and his special abilities to establish a vast base of operations.

Charles knew better than to try to do everything himself. Having a team of talented subordinates would smooth the road ahead.

This trip to Morent, he was determined to bring back several future geniuses, even if he had to kidnap them!

Talent was not only crucial in his previous life; it was every bit as important in this otherworld.

“The simplest way now is for me to cultivate a few evolved-grade totems adept at clearing paths and cut a road straight to the iron mine,” he said to himself.

With the strength of evolved-grade totems, the power of a Vajra alone was dozens of times that of an ordinary man. Armed with a sharp enough blade, one could fell hundreds—if not thousands—of trees in a single day.

The real issue, however, was transport. Timber could be floated downriver to Stormport, but road construction would require moving stone and leveling the path.

“It’s a pity I don’t have more time, or I’d really like to try my hand at the ‘farming simulation’ approach,” Charles mused, shaking his head to clear his thoughts. He left the study, ready to get started.

He had barely stepped outside when a lively young girl approached—none other than Irene, now free of her disguise.

She looked utterly transformed from before, so much so that the guards and servants passing by couldn’t help but steal glances at her.

With her natural appearance restored, her long silver hair gleamed, smooth and glossy. Her skin was fair and dewy, lending her a more captivating beauty. Though petite, she looked lively and healthy, her cheeks tinged with a rosy hue.

And she was dressed in clothes Charles had specially designed for her: a black, pointed mage’s hat, a silver-white mage’s robe, black high boots, and a pale-red cloak. An intricate magical sigil was embroidered on her chest—she looked just like a character from an anime, standing before him in the flesh.

“Charles, this outfit is so beautiful!” Irene, now embracing her true self, spun around happily, a hint of shyness in her voice as she asked, “Does it look good?”

“It’s wonderful—far better than I expected,” Charles answered, clapping softly, genuinely impressed.

Irene’s life, as he recalled, was a tragic one.

It seemed as if fate itself was punishing her, a seer of the future: until her totem beast underwent super-evolution, it was frail and weak, barely able to fight, and she had to rely on others.

Many people had tried to exploit her visions of the future for their own gain. Among the Seven Fated Ones, even three had attempted to use her; only heroes like Roddy and Leslie, upright and honorable, ever thought to cooperate with her rather than manipulate her.

In the end, the Prophet became wholly devoted to Roddy, the King of Power, serving as his most trusted aide. To help him go further, she didn’t hesitate to cast a fate-consuming prophecy to find him the key he needed—but perished as a result.

Roddy’s ultimate victory owed much to her.

Now, this very person stood before him alive, treating him as family.

“Hehe, I didn’t expect your taste to be so good—I’m very pleased,” Irene said with a grin, patting his shoulder in a sisterly, affectionate manner.

Sister… The word struck a chord in Charles’s heart, reminding him of his long-absent, nominal sister.

Sadly, neither he nor the body’s original owner had much attachment to her. Perhaps, if the chance arose, he’d look for her in the future.

“Are you thinking about another woman?” Irene asked, tilting her head, her intuition as sharp as ever.

“Not really. I just thought of Sister Leah. I wonder how she’s doing,” Charles replied honestly, his face clouded with a touch of sadness.

“Sister Leah? I heard she went off to join the campaign to suppress the rebels. It’s been almost a month, and she hasn’t returned—a real cause for worry,” Irene sighed.

She was already familiar with Charles’s family situation and suspected nothing.

“Let’s hope Sister Leah comes home safely,” Charles said, his voice low and somber. Then he greeted her. “I’m heading out, Irene. Would you like to join me?”

“Where are you going?”

“To town. I need to find a few people and check on the state of the territory—after all, I’m in charge of Shining Gold Town now.” Charles smiled.

“Of course! If you don’t mind, I’d love to come along,” Irene replied, eyes sparkling. Coming from a humble merchant’s family, she knew little of noble affairs and was instantly intrigued.

“Then let’s go.”