"Chapter 3: Meeting"

It was decided that we would meet with Margrave Schwarz and the other forces at this mining city of Kirisch. Thirty years ago, copper ore was discovered in these mountains, and mining began. The copper mining continued and gradually expanded in scale. Currently, a considerable amount of copper is produced, supporting the prosperity of the northern kingdom. As the mines expanded, the town at the base of the mountain grew larger and more prosperous. Now it had developed into a proper mining city surrounded by walls.

Truly, since the discovery of this mine, the northern region has developed significantly. They buy our wool and other products, so the benefits extend to my domain as well, making it somewhat more prosperous. I'm grateful for that.

Our forces also reached the gates of Kirisch.

Ryu informed the gatekeeper of our purpose. "We are the forces of Viscount Han. Please open the gate." "We've been expecting you. Please enter," said a knight who appeared to be the head of the gatekeepers, and with that, the gate slowly opened.

With me at the front, our forces entered the city in an orderly fashion. As this was my first time entering this town, I looked around out of curiosity. "If you look around too much, you'll be thought of as a country bumpkin." "I am actually a country bumpkin, so there's no need to put on airs. But this town is interesting." "Well, it doesn't really matter, but it is rather disorderly."

Inside the gate, a stone-paved road continued inward, with stone buildings lining both sides. The style of these buildings wasn't uniform; various architectural styles coexisted, giving an undeniably chaotic impression. However, cooking smoke rose from here and there, and the sound of hammering iron echoed from what appeared to be blacksmiths. Many people were also coming and going—men and women, young and old, all mingling in a jumble. Amidst the commotion, there was a bustle that unmistakably conveyed the town's prosperity.

The guiding knight led us to the central plaza. It looked like a park that was normally used for various gatherings. It was a vast paved square with a pond in the center. Many tents were already set up in the plaza. Soldiers were busy around them, presumably preparing dinner. It seemed that most of the forces had already gathered.

However, there was enough space to pitch our tents. Indicating the location, I said to the unit commanders:

"Right, set up the tents here. Sleeping warmly is important. I'm counting on you." "Yes, understood," Yan and Stein chorused.

"Kim, hurry with the meal preparations." "Understood. I'll prepare the food." "I'm counting on you. A warm meal is important too." With a warm bed and warm food, the soldiers should be satisfied. Please make it happen. I've gone through so much trouble for this.

"This way, Viscount. Margrave Schwarz is waiting," said the guiding knight, leading me and Deputy Ryu to the mansion of the town's lord.

This town prospered because of its high-quality copper ore. Many miners gathered here, and initially, establishments providing meals and lodging for these miners were created. As more people gathered, shops for daily necessities emerged. And as the town became more affluent, gambling houses and brothels appeared, contributing to its development.

Because the town gradually expanded outward from its center, buildings were constructed according to the trends of each era, resulting in a lack of uniformity and giving the entire place a disorderly impression. However, this ironically made the town seem alive, filled with vitality throughout.

Fortunately, there is no slavery in this country. The current king abolished it. I think that alone deserves respect. He has also forbidden racial discrimination. His other policies are also wonderful and can be considered benevolent governance. He deserves to be called a wise ruler. I think he's a good king too. Since he became king, my territory has become quite prosperous. Now there's no one dying from starvation. I'm grateful.

The current king of the Burg Kingdom is King Albert Friedrich. He ascended to the throne 30 years ago and is now in his mid-50s, I believe. Immediately upon his coronation, he abolished checkpoint taxes and began improving infrastructure such as roads and ports.

Initially, this was costly and ran at a deficit, but once the highways were developed, goods began to flow: southern products traveled north through the capital, northern products went south through the capital, products from the capital went to various regions, and imports from the eastern ports reached the capital. People who saw these unusual items wanted them, stimulating consumption, and the economy continued to improve. Products from our territory also started circulating to the capital, bringing in considerable money. That's how we were able to buy food. It's all thanks to the king.

Normally, when production increases and distribution is promoted, there's a shortage of currency, leading to deflation and economic decline. However, as production increased, gold, silver, and copper mines were discovered, supplying currency which prevented deflation, and the economy continued to grow. Currently, the country is booming economically.

The common people believe that even the discovery of mines is thanks to the current king, and his reputation is excellent. But in truth, these achievements are due to Baron Grosser, who was promoted from provincial governor to prime minister when the king ascended the throne. Upon becoming prime minister, he anticipated future needs and dispatched prospectors to various regions. It's amazing that someone could have such foresight.

The king was actually the fifth son of the previous king and was never expected to inherit the throne. Because of this, it seems he was quite rebellious in his youth and mixed with commoners, even doing some rather bad things. However, after his brothers died or were adopted out, only his eldest brother and he remained. Then when his eldest brother suddenly died of illness, the throne came to him. Now it seems his experiences from his rebellious days in the city are serving him well in various ways. Life is full of surprises, isn't it?

So, there are no slaves in this mine. Fortunately so. I hate slavery and slaves too. I don't want to see those lifeless eyes. Instead, though it's not quite the same thing, there is forced labor imposed on those who have committed crimes. It's mainly for those guilty of serious offenses like slave trafficking, robbery, and rape, so I don't feel too sorry about making them do hard labor. And in this country, murderers are executed unless there are exceptional circumstances, so there are no murderers here.

I entered the lord's mansion with Ryu. In the great hall, all the nobles summoned this time were assembled. "Viscount Han is here. I apologize for being late." "Good, now everyone is here," said Marquis Schwartz. "Yes!" everyone replied in unison. In the center was Marquis Schwartz, the commander of this army leading fifteen hundred men. He is a rock-like giant with blond hair and blue eyes. I've heard he's about 45 years old.

To his right was Count Angel, commanding five hundred soldiers, a seasoned military commander with gray eyes and white hair. He must be over 60 years old.

To his left was Lord Edel, also commanding five hundred soldiers, a rare female noble and a stunningly beautiful woman of about 20 with blonde hair and blue eyes. Apparently, she has practiced swordsmanship since childhood and has now reached the level of a master, so she comes to battle instead of her father and eldest brother. There are also rumors that she is a formidable wildcat. Her father seems to have already given up, and she is participating here with special baroness treatment. I think she's doing well.

Further to the left was Viscount Kreutz, who commands two hundred and fifty cavalry like me. This Viscount Kreutz, being from the same cavalry unit, often competes with me, which is annoying. He's glaring at me even now. I wish he would stop that. It's really troublesome. I'm not that exceptional.

"Everyone has safely gathered. The march to this point has been honorable. It's already late tonight, so let's hold the war council tomorrow. Everyone, please rest."