Chapter 106: The Count's Eldest Daughter
Rhett still felt somewhat regretful about the situation. After all, that rogue Ruilis had been eyeing his youngest son for quite some time.
Even after he had been promoted to Viscount, she still had the audacity to tease Tailes during the last simulation.
Unforgivable!
A child's misbehavior is the fault of their father.
Having missed the opportunity to thoroughly beat up Viscount Bolton, Rhett felt a slight sense of disappointment…
He would have to find another chance in the future…
Neigh! Neigh!
Rhett pulled on the reins, bringing his horse to a stop near a roughly built yellow wooden fence. He dismounted and tied Huige to a wooden stake.
Walking into Fire Mine Village, he stepped onto a twenty-meter-wide dirt road that stretched through the village, lined with houses on either side for hundreds of meters.
At a glance, the village had already begun to take shape.
Although the initial plan was to prioritize relocating strong male laborers to Fire Mine Village, many had arrived with their families, including the elderly and children. As a result, during the day, when the men were working in the mines, the village was left with only women, children, and the elderly, giving it a quiet and subdued atmosphere.
Cluck, cluck, cluck.
A rooster crowed.
A woman rushed out from a nearby alley, scooping up a large red rooster in her arms. Dressed in a loose gray linen dress, she bowed in panic, apologizing, "Forgive me, my lord, my chicken disturbed you!"
Rhett raised an eyebrow and replied gently, "Free-range chickens taste better. It's good to let them roam, but next time, keep them in the coop."
"Yes, yes, my lord!" The woman clutched the rooster to her chest and hurried away.
Walking down the main road of Fire Mine Village, Rhett reached the end where a group of carpenters was busy moving between stacks of lumber and half-built wooden houses. Kudin stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the village chief, Jowan, appearing deep in discussion.
"Kudin, how is the construction of the wooden houses going?" Rhett called from behind.
Kudin snapped back to attention, straightened his posture, and walked toward Rhett, greeting him respectfully, "Good morning, my lord!"
Rhett observed Kudin as he approached, his face marred by dark circles under his eyes. He pondered for a moment before saying, "Kudin, it looks like you've been working yourself to the bone these past few days. Take care of your health.
When I return, I'll have Sveta send you some nourishing food."
Gratitude flashed in Kudin's eyes as he replied, "Oh, thank you for your kindness, my lord. But watching this village rise from nothing through our hard work fills me with a great sense of accomplishment!"
"Kudin has indeed been working tirelessly these past few days, I can vouch for that," Jowan chimed in. "For the sake of Fire Mine Village's construction, he's been working day and night!"
"I'm pleased with the contributions you've made to my territory," Rhett said with a slight smile. "But I also care about those who work hard for my land.
Based on the recent rate of population influx, it seems to have slowed significantly compared to the early days. I imagine you'll soon have some time to rest, Kudin.
And there's no rush with Thorn Village's affairs. I've decided to give you a week off to recuperate!"
Kudin was caught off guard by the generosity. "Thank you for your kindness, my lord!"
After a brief conversation, Rhett left Fire Mine Village, leaving Kudin and Jowan standing in silence for a moment.
Jowan reached into his pocket, took out two eggs, and handed them to Kudin. "I also appreciate all your hard work these past two weeks. My family raises quite a few chickens. From now on, whenever you visit me, I'll make sure you have plenty of eggs!"
Kudin hesitated for a moment, then accepted the eggs with his dirt-streaked hands. "Thank you!"
Upon returning to Deep Rock Fortress, Rhett went straight to his room without stopping elsewhere.
Sitting at his desk, he reviewed everything he had accomplished over the past two weeks.
Tailes and Mina's wedding had gone smoothly at the beginning of the month. In fact, just a few days after their marriage, Mina was already expecting a child.
The latest caravan led by Ruilai had also returned, bringing back a small shipment of ore along with some auxiliary magical plants that were unavailable in the territory, intended for Henk to refine Moonlight Potions.
"Next up is the hunting plan for the Dark-patterned Eagle's branch," Rhett mused as he squinted at the white mist outside the window.
Besides that, he also needed to use the simulation to test Henk's loyalty.
After all, matters regarding the Snow Elves and Tailes' transformation into a mage through bloodline potions had been deliberately kept from him.
However, withholding this information could eventually hinder future advancements in alchemy.
Moreover, even if nothing was said, a second-tier mage living in Deep Rock Fortress might one day notice the unusual growth of magical plants.
Rather than keeping it secret indefinitely, it would be more efficient to verify his loyalty through the simulation.
With that thought, Rhett sank his consciousness into his mind and activated the system.
[Would you like to initiate a text-based simulation? Each simulated year consumes 5 Fate Points.]
"Yes, simulate one year."
[Year 474 of the Jinlun Calendar, August 14th. You revealed the secret of the Snow Elves and Tailes consuming the bloodline potion to Henk. Although surprised, he solemnly promised to keep your secret.]
[August 15th. You set off with Tuck, Ruilai, and Tailes toward the Dark-patterned Eagle's branch. On the way, you encountered a third-tier Bloodhoof Boar and, after an intense battle, successfully slew it.]
[August 16th. You came across a small pack of Wind Wolves, led by a second-tier Wind Wolf Alpha and accompanied by nineteen first-tier Wind Wolves. You easily wiped them out.]
[August 20th. Upon arriving at the Dark-patterned Eagle's branch, you and your three sons began the outer perimeter hunt.]
[September 3rd. Due to Ruilai's extensive use of Moonlight Potions in advance, he reached the peak of a first-tier mage. The awakening of the Snow Elf pushed him to a second-tier mage.]
[October 11th. Count Nilo's eldest daughter, Karen, visited your domain. Upon learning of your absence, she left with regret.]
[October 29th. By this day, you noticed that the number of magical beasts in the outskirts of the Dark-patterned Eagle's branch had significantly dwindled. Realizing that you might have nearly cleared out most of the outer perimeter beasts, you decided to stop hunting to ensure sustainability. In total, you had slain eleven third-tier magical beasts, 115 second-tier magical beasts, and 349 first-tier magical beasts, yielding immense gains.]
[November 16th. Karen returned to your territory once more. Since she was the daughter of a count, you couldn't brush her off. Instead, you patiently accompanied her on a tour around your lands for the day.]
[November 25th. Tailes advanced to apprentice mage.]
[December 20th. As usual, you used Fire Element Essence to incubate a magical beast egg, but this time, it caused quite a commotion. You waited patiently, and finally, a Firefeather Eagle hatchling broke out of its shell, its eyes opening to see your kind and familiar face.]
[December 21st. With the continued population growth in your territory over the past six months, you decided to refine the population registration system for Falcon Town. First, you conducted a population census, registering all families and individuals, while also screening for potential spies or those harboring ill intentions. Additionally, all civilians aged 12 and above underwent talent assessments.]
[December 23rd. After two days of testing, six individuals with knightly talent and one with mage talent were identified and inducted as recruits for the guard force.]
[December 24th. During the census, a man named Zoran was caught fabricating his background. He was exposed by fellow villagers and, after interrogation, was revealed to be a spy from Windmill Town. He confessed to receiving orders from Dusty to infiltrate Falcon Town.]
[December 25th. Two homeless first-tier knights arrived at your territory seeking refuge.]
[December 28th. Tadel, who had been stuck at the peak of first-tier knight for a long time, found an opportunity to break through and successfully advanced to second-tier knight.]
[Year 475 of the Jinlun Calendar, January 3rd. Due to your territory's continuous purchase of ores for several months, a ruthless gang of bandits passing through the Buren region took notice of your growing wealth. They set their sights on your fortune.]
[January 5th. That night, your territory was attacked by this formidable bandit group. You rallied your forces to resist. The enemy had six third-tier knights, and in the chaos, Lorin and three knight apprentices tragically lost their lives. Halfway through the battle, Blackstar suddenly arrived and assisted in eliminating the assailants. You were deeply grateful for his aid, but he merely stated that he had other targets to deal with and left immediately.]
[January 17th. After nearly a month of careful nurturing, the Firefeather Eagle had grown to trust you completely. You decided to attempt taming it. Using Whitegrip, you intentionally provoked the eagle. When you "arrived just in time" to rescue it, the grateful Firefeather Eagle let out a soft cry of recognition, acknowledging you as its master.]
[January 29th. You were invited to attend a ball hosted by Count Nilo. At the event, Karen, with her graceful and alluring presence, invited you for a dance. Out of politeness, you accepted. That night, emboldened by alcohol, she attempted to share an intimate evening with you, but you mercilessly rejected her advances.]
[February 16th. Under the guidance of a second-tier alchemist, Ruilai became an apprentice alchemist.]
[March 12th. Under the guidance of a second-tier alchemist, Tailes became an apprentice alchemist.]
[April 15th. Ruilai's magical pet, the Wind-striped Tiger—Whitegrip, successfully advanced to sub-tier magical beast.]
[April 21st. News arrived from the Canyon Defense Line stating that they were offering inflated prices to purchase all types of ore due to a significant shortage. You took the opportunity to sell off your stockpile in one go, making an enormous profit.]
[April 27th. A bard arrived in your territory, and you met him at the town's tavern. During your conversation, you subtly inquired about legends regarding the Deep Sea Mermen and other deep-sea treasures. The bard was surprised, admitting that he knew little, but mentioned that a friend of his, who lived along the Eastern Blue Coast, had studied such legends extensively. Expressing your interest, you asked him to relay a message inviting his friend to Falcon Town, offering ten gold coins as a reward. You also promised an additional tenfold payment if the friend actually arrived. The bard, delighted by the offer, readily agreed and left that same day.]
[May 9th. Your old war comrade, Vides, passed through your territory. He revealed that he had lost an eye and had retired in sorrow. You offered him heartfelt comfort, and that evening, the two of you drank together, reminiscing about old times. After some persuasion, Vides agreed to stay in your territory and was appointed as the village chief of Fire Mine Village.]
[May 15th. Kurs, who had been stuck at the peak of first-tier knight for a long time, found an opportunity to break through and successfully advanced to second-tier knight.]
[June 11th. News arrived from the front lines that the battle at the Canyon Defense Line had escalated once again, requiring urgent reinforcements from the rear. A full-scale alert was issued across the entire southwestern border. According to the kingdom's laws, all nobles were required to lead their forces into battle, and you were no exception!]
[July 15th. You brought Tuck, Ruilai, Henk, and Shirin to the familiar Canyon Defense Line.]
[July 16th. You quickly grasped the battle situation at the front. The beastmen reinforcements included 500 Blood Moon Werewolves and Phantom Venom Serpents, dramatically increasing the pressure on the defense line. Your task was to assist in eliminating the beastmen's royal bloodline reinforcements!]
[July 20th. At night, your unit was assigned a mission to ambush the enemy's royal-blooded troops behind enemy lines. After a grueling battle, you successfully wiped out a small squad consisting of five Blood Moon Werewolves and Phantom Venom Serpents. However, Tuck was accidentally struck by the venom of a second-tier Phantom Venom Serpent and died on the spot!]
[July 26th. You heard that the lord of Windmill Town, Viscount Gaspar, while on a reconnaissance mission, opportunistically killed three Blood Moon Werewolves and was credited with a major achievement.]
[July 27th. Frano, who had been stuck at the peak of first-tier knight for a long time, found an opportunity to break through and successfully advanced to second-tier knight.]
[August 13th. Your squad was once again assigned a mission to infiltrate and attack behind enemy lines. However, just as you stepped into a forest clearing, Gaspar suddenly shouted, and nearly a hundred Phantom Venom Serpents swarmed in, wiping out your entire unit!]
[Text simulation has ended. Would you like to continue?]
Bang!
Bang!
Rhett slammed the table twice in anger, flames of fury rising in his heart. Windmill Town—again!
He despised traitors the most!
And now his sworn enemy had become a traitor? That only made him hate Gaspar even more!
Taking a deep breath, Rhett sipped his blueberry juice, forcing himself to calm down before analyzing the situation. "The last few entries of the simulation… It seems Gaspar has colluded with the beastmen? His betrayal is undeniable!"
But then, Rhett narrowed his eyes slightly, gazing at the bright moon outside the window. Another thought crossed his mind: "If Gaspar truly allied with the beastmen, how did he coincidentally manage to kill three Blood Moon Werewolves?"
A frown crept onto Rhett's face. Something felt off!
Yet, based solely on these brief glimpses into the simulated future, he couldn't uncover more details.
And while his anger burned, he also understood that this was only a future projection. When that day truly arrived, who knew how much the trajectory would have shifted?
Setting aside those thoughts, Rhett reviewed the earlier simulation entries.
One particularly absurd detail stood out to him—Karen, the eldest daughter of Count Nilo, a noble widow, seemed interested in him?
Not only had she actively come to visit, but she had even attempted to spend the night with him…
Rhett shook his head. He was well aware of the notorious debauchery among nobles, but he wasn't that kind of person. He couldn't accept such shallow pleasures.
This was his way of honoring Nico. He believed that even if their roles were reversed, Nico would never have indulged in such frivolous behavior.
Besides, something about Karen always made him uneasy.
Why had this not happened in the previous simulation, but suddenly appeared in this one?
Thinking back to the subtle changes in Count Nilo's behavior, Rhett sensed something was amiss but couldn't quite put his finger on it.
For now, he could only remain cautious and keep his distance from Karen in the future.
Lastly, Rhett hadn't expected that his large-scale ore purchases would draw the attention of bandits. But then again, these weren't just ordinary criminals—they were truly audacious!
What surprised him even more was encountering Blackstar again.
Rhett's expression turned strange. "Could it be… wherever there are villains, Blackstar will appear?"