93 The Hated Hero

Three days since Kirana arrived in Marina City.

Now, she, along with Legia and Reiss, has finally reached the edge of Death Valley forest.

Seeing the darkness within the forest only intensified Kirana's inability to fathom how her father could live in such a place, surrounded by terrifying monsters.

From Legia stories, Kirana learned that her father used a protective formation to keep his home safe.

Truly, Kirana couldn't imagine it.

The father she knew was not a fighter. Though he can use mana, his limits were very small, only capable of reaching Rank 2.

Now, someone at Rank 2 could live peacefully in the most cursed place in the world.

Kirana could only let out a dry laugh. She grew skeptical if that person was truly her father.

But considering Legia and Reiss' stories over the past few days, it seemed that figure was indeed like her father.

'This is bewildering.'

Kirana thought. She decided it was best to see him with her own eyes.

Legia had entered this area twice before, so Kirana was confident in their safety within Death Valley.

As for Reiss, the man had joined them because he had nothing else to do.

Currently, he was under disciplinary sanction for his actions in Blackwinter, where he assisted Huntara's victory without orders from the Farnodt government or military.

Reiss knew the punishment was inevitable, so when he received it, he didn't make a big deal out of it.

He felt relieved instead. With the current situation, if he were still part of the military, he would have to fight against his fellow Farnodt citizens, and that would be uncomfortable for him.

Reiss's punishment had an indefinite duration, leaving him wandering aimlessly without a job.

He would go to bars, engage in physical training at home, and sleep.

Fortunately, a letter from Legia arrived, informing him that Legia and Kirana would stop by as they wanted to go to Death Valley.

Reading that, Reiss's spirits lifted.

Death Valley!

Going there would be more enjoyable than staying in Marina. It's not that he didn't want to help the people of Marina during these tense times.

But for Reiss, he had grown tired.

His actions in Blackwinter may have somewhat improved Marina's image in Huntara's eyes, as he and several Marina adventurers had assisted in taking over Blackwinter.

But what did he get in return? Punishment and scorn from his comrades in the military.

He became a bad example for soldiers across Farnodt. While he might be a hero in Huntara, in Farnodt, Reiss was seen as a villain.

He was blamed for the current situation in Farnodt, for opening the gates of hatred from every kingdom onto his own.

That's why every time he went out, he felt many accusing eyes on him, although there were also minorities who supported his actions. Unfortunately, their voices of support were faint.

With such circumstances, Reiss felt weary in his own hometown.

He could only go to run-down bars that had been abandoned by many. Going to regular bars would only make him the center of hatred.

For the time being, Reiss wanted to step away from all the conflicts.

However, if the situation in Farnodt worsened and reached an emergency, he would return and lend his strength, whether they accepted it or not.

It just, there is a question that lingers in his mind… whose side he must support?

The Farnodt government or the rebels?

"Let's go."

Legia said, leading the other two as they walked ahead.

***

In another location, in an unnamed village within Death Valley, the atmosphere was still lively and peaceful as usual.

Construction of a school and hospital is underway.

Once these buildings were completed, Cien had further plans to create a meeting hall, a large room for important gatherings and smaller rooms for discussions with distinguished guests.

Shiwa's arrival made Cien realize that this place needed such a facility, a large hall for collective discussions. Like a parliament house.

Additionally, Cien's other plan was to purchase slaves, which he had shared with Shiwa, and she was ready to provide the slaves he desired.

However, Shiwa proposed a better alternative.

Instead of buying slaves, why not search for destitute people on the streets who were seeking a new life?

Similar to the current inhabitants of Death Valley, who were considered outcasts from their own homes in Blackwinter.

Upon hearing this, Cien smiled widely. He himself disliked the practice of slavery and only considered purchasing slaves because he needed a quick workforce.

Moreover, even if he bought them, Cien had no intention of acting as their master.

But Shiwa's suggestion was better for the current situation. Turning the place into a new home for those who had been cast aside. It was a brilliant idea.

Not only Shiwa, but Sella, who always attended their meetings as a servant, also listened to the conversation.

Sella immediately added that there were still many people like her in Blackwinter who faced discrimination.

Previously, they refused to come because they feared the terrifying rumors surrounding Death Valley.

However, if Cien sent some of the villagers from the village to invite them, there might be some willing to take the risk and join.

Afterall, just from the outward appearances of the villagers in this place. Anyone can tell that they live a good life.

With this, Cien's plan to increase the village's population began to take shape. However, before he ordered people to go to Blackwinter, Cien wanted to finish the ongoing construction first.

Once that was completed, in addition to the meeting hall, he would also build several new houses for the newcomers.

Only after everything was finished would he instruct one or two of the villagers to inform those in Blackwinter who wished to move.

The issues of population and workforce were now at least planned.

Next came the matter of business. Cien and Shiwa had made an agreement where Cien would order some essential materials such as iron, tin, silver, herbal plants, and more every three months.

Conversely, Shiwa ordered weapons from Cien, not unique weapons like Bluminous or magical artifacts, but regular weapons to be given to the Amary territory's soldiers.

Weapons like Hellteak spears, swords, and daggers.

Shiwa had seen the quality of Cien's weapons in the shop's display.

She was extremely satisfied with the craftsmanship, making her confident that her territory's military strength would significantly improve.

In addition to weapons, Shiwa also ordered some alchemical potions, such as healing, antidotes, energy boosters, and more.

Furthermore, Shiwa requested permission from Cien to conduct trade in the village.

Technically, the village did not belong to Cien, but the villagers already regarded him as their leader, whether Cien accepted that role or not.

So, he had indeed become a village head. With that responsibility, Cien accepted Shiwa's proposal and granted her permission to conduct business in the village.

With that, many goods started arriving in Death Valley. Shiwa planned to open another shop in Death Valley, focusing on selling clothes, ceramics, household items, farming tools, and stationery.

Cien welcomed the presence of the new shop, knowing that it would contribute to the prosperity of life in Death Valley.

Shiwa reserved a place to build her shop and paid Cien for the land and construction fee. Cien wanted to refuse, but Shiwa wouldn't accept any rejection.

As a result, additional construction plans were added, and the Mia's knights who had become professional builders now had more work on their hands.

With the business discussions concluded, both of them decided to observe the progress of their businesses before considering further and larger cooperation, such as spreading Cien's weapons throughout Huntara or even Kastia.

Now, with all the business talks behind them, Shiwa went to enjoy her vacation in Death Valley.

She had received permission from her husband, Nicolas, to be away for two months.

The journey from her territory to Death Valley took two weeks, a relatively fast pace without much rest. Then, it took about one week to finalize the business projects.

To return home, Shiwa estimated it would take three weeks, as she wouldn't need to rush.

This meant she had two weeks to enjoy her vacation in Death Valley. Shiwa sat and reclined on the balcony of her guesthouse, basking in the warm sunlight with a cool breeze from the forest gently brushing against her.

The rustling of leaves and the chirping of insects in the woods added to the serene atmosphere, bringing peace to her heart.

Despite sometimes hearing roars of monsters in the distance, for Shiwa, who had been in Death Valley for a week, the sounds had become like the ordinary calls of wild animals.

No need to make a fuss; just enjoy it.

"Ah~ I never expected that in this cursed place, I could finally rest."

Shiwa said while sipping fruit juice from the small table beside her chair, then her eyes returned to the book she was reading.

A servant stood behind her, refilling Shiwa's empty glass with juice.

"This place feels like a dream, ma'am. It's a pity that the Master couldn't come," the servant added.

The statement made Shiwa smile faintly. It was indeed a great pity.

Nicolas had initially wanted to join her and even insisted on coming along. Unfortunately, the royal family didn't permit it.

Nicolas and Jeanne had to go to the eastern region of Huntara, where a minor war had broken out with the Abyss.

It wasn't as threatening as the previous war, as the royal government believed the Abyss forces were remnants of the previously defeated army by Signa.

So, yeah... Nicolas couldn't come. Shiwa could already imagine his envy when he heard her stories of the experiences in this place.

"Mother!"

A girl's shout suddenly echoed from the front area of the house.

A servant on the balcony walked over to see Veronica arriving with a large stag's corpse.

Shiwa followed suit and looked at the monster. "Whoa, did you hunt it, darling?"

"Hmph! It's a Blackwood Stag, only Rank 3. So, what do you think? Should we eat it or sell it to Uncle Cien?" Veronica asked with excitement.

Shiwa smiled widely, "This is the first time I have seen your hunting achievement. Of course, we'll have it for ourselves!"

Hearing this, Veronica's face lit up with joy. Her efforts over the past week to hunt had finally paid off.

Until now, she could only hunt when there was Terrion around, as most monsters were far stronger than her.

But today was her lucky day. She encountered a monster on par with her strength. She didn't waste the opportunity and hunted it herself, intending to present it as a gift to her mother.

"It looks like we'll be feasting on stag meat tonight!"

"I'll prepare it right away, ma'am!"

"Mm, thank you!" Shiwa then turned to her daughter, "Hand your game to the maid, clean up yourself, and then we'll take a walk to the village!"

"Okay!"

Seeing her daughter enter the house, Shiwa returned to her seat and resumed reading, waiting for Veronica to finish bathing.

"Ahhh~ perhaps it would be better if I also built a private residence here."

The thought crossed her mind as she relaxed in the serene atmosphere of Death Valley, feeling grateful for the peaceful and refreshing time she was experiencing.

It seemed that the decision to take a break from the conflicts and visit this place was proving to be an excellent choice for Shiwa and her daughter.