Chapter 18 - Hidden Item (2)

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After leaving Madehaven, my destination was the Barony of Rossdale, the easternmost territory within our domain. My father insisted I take an escort for safety, but I knew that if there were eyes watching from the side, it could jeopardize my original goal.

After resisting countless invitations, I was finally able to set off on my own

And in fact, although there was a Troll incident this time, the southern part of the empire as a whole was a very peaceful region.

In the original work, Eugene traveled to various regions, but he never visited the South.

In the southern part, there were no large monsters, and the warm climate and the soil was fertile, making it a very optimal geography for humans to prosper. This geography allowed our family to thrive rapidly.

The only drawback was the looming threat of being at the forefront of the war against the demons in the future.

* * *

After a full day's ride on horseback from Madehaven, I arrived at the guard post at the westernmost point of Rossdale.

The guards were taken aback when I revealed my identity with the family badge; it seemed they hadn't expected a high-ranking noble to visit such a rural area.

I urged them to be silent and indicated my desire to pass without drawing attention. However, my status was too significant for the guards to remain quiet. Consequently, I found myself face-to-face with Baron Rossdale, who had come to meet me half a day after the guard post.

"Lord Edwin! Why didn't you send a message ahead?"

"It's been a while, Baron Rossdale. How have you been?"

The baron was an easy-going, white-haired old man with a long beard, a figure that might have been mistaken for an old man from the countryside if not for his attire and company.

Having been caught by the baron, I had no choice but to confess the purpose of my visit.

Baron Rossdale hadn't attended the last meeting and was unaware of the troll incident, so he appeared genuinely surprised when I shared the story.

"Oh my god. I've heard it with my own ears, but it's a truly difficult tale to believe. Trolls in the South..."

"I witnessed it right in front of my eyes, but your shock is understandable, Baron Rossdale. Anyway, I came here because my father instructed me to inspect the outlying villages east of the castle, listen to the residents, and report back."

Naturally, what I informed Baron Rossdale was only the official explanation. The baron listened to my words and then nodded in agreement.

"Um, if that's the case, then there's nothing I can't do. By the way, it's truly amazing that you'd take the lead in something like this at such a young age. My Lord, I hope my son learns from you, hahahaha."

"It is no big deal. Before, I had no choice but to reveal my identity at the guard post, but I would like to walk around quietly, alone, if possible, to avoid unsettling the residents. Could you please cooperate with me on this?"

"If Young Master asks, there is nothing that cannot be done. Would you rather be better than that? And truth be told, Rossdale isn't a place with much to offer. It's an underdeveloped province with a small population, so there are many shortages in terms of facilities."

"That's fine. More than that, Baron Rossdale, since we've met like this, I'd like to ask you a few questions. By any chance, what is the easternmost town in Rossdale?"

"It's Kirkside, East Coast, and Goldford, if I recall correctly. These three places are closest to the Eastern Wasteland."

"Is that so? I'd like to visit these three places first. Are there any special precautions or unique stuff to be aware of in these towns? Or even the peculiarity of the town... "

"Precautions? Heh heh, nothing of the sort. They are just rural villages. Ah! Speaking of which, the East Coast has a bit of an eccentric side to it. Perhaps, if Young Master goes there himself, you will understand what I mean."

An oddity? I listened to the baron with heightened interest, sensing a potential lead. This could provide valuable clues.So I asked the Baron for a little more explanation.

"Hahaha, you seem quite intrigued by the eccentricities of the East Coast," the Baron chuckled. "It's not much, really. The residents there are known for their large stature and good looks. It's a local tale, not widely known, but everyone around here talks about it. These folks are not just big; they're incredibly strong. One man from the East Coast can do the work of three men from other villages easily. We even joke that it's because they grew up drinking mana-infused water from the Forbidden Region that made them so robust. And as for their diet, well, potatoes seem to be their mainstay."

They have large stature, and the men and women there are good looking...

The description was vague, but it raised a little suspicion. To be honest, there was a bit of an awkward side when I came to the East Coast, but I feel like I could see a little bit of the way with even this level of clues.

"I see. After hearing what the Baron said, it has certainly piqued my curiosity. What kind of person is the chief?"

"Ah, the current village chief is from the second generation after his predecessor, and he is quite skilled at leading the village. If there is something to do outside, they say that they delegate it to the villagers they are close to. Oh, I know you're young, but how did that happen..."

The baron clicked his tongue and seemed genuinely sorry. Well, if I'm right, there must be another reason why we're not talking about it. I think I got all the information I could get from the baron.

""That will suffice," I said, " After hearing what you said, I definitely feel like I should go to the East Coast first. The baron's thoughtful explanation was a big help. Thank you."

"It is no trouble, My Lord. Despite the rural nature of the area, Rossdale remains steadfastly loyal to House Reed. The villagers express great satisfaction that their dedication is acknowledged. Rest assured, we shall extend our utmost assistance in any way possible."

Bid farewell to the baron, I mounted my steed once more, the hooves of my horse clattering on the dirt road as I set forth. Following the detailed directions provided by the Baron, I journeyed ceaselessly until, after a full day's ride, I at last arrived at a village that seemed to belong to the East Coast.

Nestled on the outskirts of the village, enclosed by a formidable fence, two burly sentinels stood sentinel on either side of the road. Their imposing figures hinted at their vigilance. One of them caught sight of me and gestured for me to approach.

"Greetings, traveler, and welcome to the East Coast. State the purpose of your visit?"

"I am but a tourist, exploring the South, and by sheer chance, I came across a town by chance. Alas, the evening descends swiftly, and I find myself bereft of shelter for the night. Might I beseech your hospitality for just one eve?"

I resolved to maintain my guise as a mere traveler, recognizing that in this place, unlike the previous encounters, revealing my true identity might lead to unforeseen consequences.

The two guards exchanged meaningful glances and after a prolonged moment, one of the guards stepped forward and spoke, "I shall dispatch the message, but you must understand, our village's longstanding principle is to restrict the entry of outsiders, save for special occasions. It would be best not to expect much."

As the explanation concluded, the guard went into the village, leaving me to wait patiently by the roadside. While I waited, I entertained myself by braiding grass strands and fiddling with my fingers. Approximately ten minutes later, the guard returned, standing beside me, his gaze earnest.

"Come, let us proceed. While lodging is not an option, we can offer you tea for a brief respite. Before that, however, we must conduct a cursory body search…"

Yes! My heart leaped with relief; I was thinking about what to do if I was denied entry at all. Once I get in, there was a way somehow.

After the meticulous body search, I followed the guard deeper into the village. As I walked, the scrutinizing gazes of the residents met mine, their eyes filled with caution and curiosity.

Baron Rossdale's description held true; the villagers, both men and women, were of large stature and good-looking. Unlike an ordinary rural village, most of the population seemed to be young, but what was unusual was that there were no children to be found.

Several circumstances were making my suspicions more and more intense.

While I was thinking about this and that, the guard and I soon reached the front of a large manor in the center of the village.

"Let us proceed. This is the residence of our village chief, occasionally used for hosting visitors. However, the chief is ailing, and meeting him in person may prove to be difficult. Please understand this, and pardon the inconvenience."

Guided only to the manor's entrance, I entered, where I was greeted by a young woman clad in modest attire. In contrast to her attire, the woman's appearance showed off her eclectic color, her beauty rivaling even the most refined ladies of the capital.

An intriguing detail drew my attention: a necklace adorned her neck, an oddity in her otherwise modest attire. The necklace exuded a wild aura, as if it were woven from animal teeth and small jewels; and the necklace, which had appeared unexpectedly, was the final piece that completed my conviction.

'I found it.'

I had to make a desperate effort to keep that happy inner feeling from being revealed.

"Welcome, esteemed guest," the woman said as she approached, her head bowed, "My name is Isana. In the absence of our ailing chief, I have been charged with the duty of hospitality. If you could please follow me..."

She led me to the reception room inside the manor, where she bid me to be seated. With practiced grace, she prepared tea, bringing forth a kettle and two delicate teacups.

"Because it's an insignificant country town, the only thing we can serve you is this flower tea. Even if you're not satisfied with it, I'd appreciate your understanding."

"It's okay. I'm rather overdeserving of receiving unexpected hospitality."

"You are a very generous person. But as the guard said, our village is unaccustomed to receiving outsiders, especially for overnight stays. In fact, it is very unusual to bring them into the village like this. I implore your understanding."

I chuckled softly, attempting to dispel the tension. "Ah, it is a stroke of luck, then. Actually, I didn't come here for the purpose of lodging."

"Huh...?" she uttered, visibly perplexed by my statement.

After confirming her true identity, I chose to dispense with the ruse and speak plainly. "So, how fares the West Continent?"

"Huh...?"

"It was a really great camouflage. If someone I didn't know saw it, they would have been fooled. In fact, looking at it like this now, I can't find anything different from us."

I... I do not comprehend your words, esteemed guest. Your jests are veiled in mystery. Cease this..."

"No jests here. Can't you see? I'm just giving you a chance to reveal it for yourself."

A moment of silence settled upon the room after my words were finished. Suddenly, the woman's countenance contorted grotesquely. Her pupils transformed into snake-like, vertically-slit forms, while small projections sprouted from the sides of her head, swiftly growing into menacing horns.

The once-warm tea grew cold in an instant as her mana permeated the room. A hissing voice escaped her throat as she glared at me, her true nature revealed.

"Who are you?"

To be honest, I was a little taken aback by that cool voice, but I soon made up my mind.

There were still a lot of things to do, but I couldn't do anything if I was already eaten up by the momentum.

'Who are you…'

I lifted my chin, meeting her gaze with an air of arrogance, "If you dare to ask, I'll answer. My name is Edwin Reed. If you have been here for a long time, you must have heard of our family, right?"

"Reed... Reed...?"

"Yes. My father, Albert Reed, Count and Protector of Madehaven by the Emperor's decree, the rightful owner of the land beneath this very soil. I have come here on his behalf, a messenger of House Reed. You, resident of the East Coast, must exemplify the standards expected of you."

With this declaration, I observed the woman closely. As soon as my family name was uttered, her demeanor shifted, embarrassment replacing her earlier bravado. The forcefulness that had defined her moments before dwindled into uncertainty. Even those who hid themselves in the countryside recognized the hierarchy; they knew the name 'Reed.' My tactic had proven successful; I had seized the initiative.

A subtle smile curved my lips, and I added, "Now that our identities are clear, shall we engage in an open conversation?" It was then that Isana, the woman who had undergone a startling transformation, met my gaze with a puzzled expression, her true nature laid bare before me.

If you want to read the first 25 chapters for free and read up to the final chapter for a cheap price patreon.com/Makima02