Chapter 3: Serenissimum Mundum

Serenus: the name of the continent that Klaus and his group currently stays, it was a large continent surrounded by the vast ocean, there are 18 known kingdoms, empires and unions in the continent, but it often changes as countries often wage war with one another or catastrophic disasters struck the countries and fell into ruins.

The continent houses wide varieties of intelligent species, however the most prominent races were humans, elves, dwarves, dark elves, demi-humans and beast-kin. The human race were the most populous reigning over right half of the continent where nine countries were located. The human race spoke the same language known as Latinus, yet they were also divided in many cultures and belief.

The country Klaus particularly located was the Duchy of Norpor, located in the north of the right part of Serenus, surrounded by three larger countries, to the north is the Grand Duchy of Tetheters, to the southeast is the Diocese of Peland, to the southwest was the Kingdom of Harmouthia. They were inside the territory of the Earldom of Barlowleigh just beside the border of the territory of the Duke of Sazion, in Norpor, there were only two major nobles who held most of the power, the Duke of Sazion and Earl of Barlowleigh, others were just vassals nobles under them who held much smaller power.

The existence of the Duchy of Norpor was apparently an outcome from the last major war in the area between the Kingdom of Harmouthia and the Grand Duchy of Tetheters, at that time the two major nobles were serving in war but were tired of it and decided to rebel, the Duke of Sazion left the Kingdom of Harmouthia while the Earl of Barlowleigh left the Grand Duchy of Tethethers.

The two formed the Duchy of Norpor, named after the great river of Norpor, the source of wealth prosperity in the land it crosses, while the two were united as one country, they were pretty much separate in terms of governance, while the Duke of Sazion held the title as the Duke of Norpor, in fact he does not have the power to exercise rule over Barlowleigh, the country was only formed from the same goal of peace, prosperity and respect both noble held for each other.

The Diocese of Peland from the South recognize the independence of the Duchy of Norpor in effort to halt the war and maintain balance of power in the region, the end, the Harmouthian-Tetheters War ended in both side gaining nothing but only lost two major territories from them.

It was already around 50 years since the war, still the Duchy of Norpor didn't saw another war except some small conflicts and calamities.

"The Diocese of Peland also made effort to ensure that the two countries won't attack us here in Norpor so we were left with ourselves, and if your looking for a place to permanently stay, I would recommend the capital, Sazion. While Barlowleigh is pretty much good too, Sazion is still better economically since it's located next to the great river of Norpor thus trade was very active there, there are also four dungeons near the capital so it was bustling with adventurers, but if your planning for a more laid back life, I will be more than happy to accept you all in my village! You know, a powerful mage like you is always welcome! Hahaha!"

Klaus contemplated with the information he got, seeing him pondering, Albert gave his suggestion to Klaus, "My lord if you wish for an easy going life, we can settle in this village, I have already inspected the place, while it's not worth much in economic perspective, it still had the basic needs we need for living, while we can get other necessities in larger cities."

Klaus was about to agree to Albert, however, he wanted to do something new too, all his life, he fought in war after war, campaign after campaign, he wanted a new experience, "We have plenty of gold right? Perhaps we can start something with it?"

It was then Albert's turn to ponder, Carl, hearing that Klaus posses significant amount of wealth proposed an idea, "How about start a business in Sazion? If you have gold, you can start multiple types of business, just how much gold do you have Sir Klaus?"

Klaus then brought out a large bag full of golden bars, scattered across the table, seeing the amount of gold in the table, Carl's eyes widened and almost fainted, such amount of gold can already finance a small war campaign, he then began to put the scattered gold back in the bag and gave it to Klaus, "I have still more here, want to see it?"

Seeing his reaction, Klaus summed that mortal civilization really valued gold, "There's no need Sir Klaus, now it's apparent that you posses a huge amount of wealth, I must advice you to not show them in the public, people can always get greedy and do everything to obtain such wealth."

Albert nodded, approving of Carl's behavior and honesty, "How about you start a bank, Sir Klaus?"

"A bank?" Intrigued, Klaus questioned.

"Yes, it is a type of business where you lend money, offer loan, and invest, it's a new type of business that recently sprung, you can lend them your money in turn for interest and they will pay you in an agreed date, you can also ask for collateral so the lenders won't run away from you scot free, since most of the banks I know are small time, usually just merchants with extra gold, with your wealth, many will sought you, thus you can also expand you business by opening new branches and make new connections!"

"Ohhh" Klaus and Albert were both impressed, truly, Carl's suggestion was plausible.

"It's very similar to Soul Banks" Albert muttered.

"Soul what?" Carl asked.

"It's nothing, Chief Carl." Albert nervously laughed.

"So what do you think, Lord Klaus?"

"Yeah, that sounds very good! It's sounds a normal life, alright, Albert, prepare our carriage, it's now decided we will open a bank!" Klaus declared.

...

Three days went quickly, Klaus now found himself outside the village walls as now they head for Sazion, "Are you sure you won't take the loot with you Sir Klaus?" Carl questioned regarding the crystal drop from the goblins which can worth for several golden coins.

"You can have it, Chief Carl, you can use it to rebuild your village or buy food with it, plus it's also our fault for luring the goblins here." Klaus said while muttering to himself the last part.

"I won't convince you any longer Sir Klaus, thank you. Don't worry, we shall welcome you here in our village whenever you come to visit us here!" The two then shook hands as Klaus entered the carriage and rode off towards the capital of the duchy, Sazion.