Chapter -09: The Broder War Starts

As Rennes prepared to reunite with his wife after bidding farewell to the adventurer team, he suddenly found himself being embraced by her. Janice rushed toward him with concern in her eyes.

"Rennes, you're back! Did you sustain any injuries during your crusade against the monsters?" Janice inquired, her worry evident. She had been anxious the entire time he was away, not agreeing to his risky venture if it hadn't been for his insistence.

Rennes grinned, his eyes twinkling with affection. "You worry too much, my love. I promise, not a scratch on me. Monsters were no match for our brave team."

Janice let out a relieved sigh and playfully swatted his arm. "You always say that, but I can't help worrying. You know I couldn't sleep a wink until you're safely back."

Rennes leaned in, whispering with a mischievous glint in his eye, "Well, you could always join me on the next adventure. We could be the most fearsome duo in all the land."

Janice chuckled, her worries momentarily forgotten. "As much as I'd love to see you in action, I think I'll stick to being the voice of reason in this partnership."

Time flew by, and life resumed its usual rhythm for Rennes after vanquishing the monsters. He spent his days playing with and teaching the children, as well as accompanying his wife. Occasionally, he ventured into the forest surrounding their territory for a hunt when time allowed.

Life was incredibly comfortable. Rennes had laid the groundwork for territorial development, and over time, their brewery had gained popularity, leading to increased shipments and a surge in customers. The local villagers too were on a path to prosperity, attracting more settlers to the village.

The population of Pendragon Village had swelled from 4,000 to over 7,000 people, with a sustained high growth rate. It was estimated that it would soon be renamed Pendragon Town.

Rennes had the means to expedite this process, thanks to knowledge from his previous life. However, he refrained from overproducing and destabilizing the delicate balance of power and wealth in the Sword and Magic world. His primary concern was caring for Janice and ensuring a smooth birth for their child.

As the days passed, Janice's due date drew nearer. Just when the Rennes family was preparing to welcome their new addition, three noble patriarchs and a dozen bodyguards unexpectedly arrived at Pendragon Village.

The three noble patriarchs were Cartier from the Baron Laike family, Igor from the Baron Yake family, and Cyndila from the Baron Merck family. These families, allies in the brewing business, had a close and prosperous relationship with the Pendragon family.

"Look at how quickly the Pendragon family's territory has developed!" Cartier marveled at the transformation. Half a year ago, he had visited Pendragon Village to secure the rights to sell their beer. At that time, it was an impoverished mountain village with thatched and wooden houses and muddy, undeveloped roads.

Now, those dilapidated structures had given way to solid, beautiful stone houses, and rough dirt roads had become smooth stone paths. A bustling commercial district and other infrastructure had sprung up, making it a scene of prosperity.

"Enough marveling; let's go visit Baron Rennes first," Igor suggested, and Cartier and Cyndira concurred. Their visit wasn't for leisure.

They presented their greeting cards to the butler, who promptly escorted them to the living room and hurriedly informed Rennes.

A few minutes later, Rennes arrived. "Baron Igor, Baron Cartier, and Baron Cyndella, what brings you here?" Rennes was genuinely surprised by their unexpected visit.

"We're here to discuss something of great importance with you, Baron Rennes," Igor stated solemnly.

Curious, Rennes asked, "What's the matter?"

"Baron Rennes, have you heard about the impending border war?" Igor inquired.

"The border war?" Rennes frowned, unaware of this news. His recent focus had been on Janice's imminent childbirth, and he had limited involvement in aristocratic gatherings, leading to a lack of information.

"Indeed, two months ago, a massive iron ore deposit was discovered on the western border. Both the Kingdom of Lance and the neighboring Kingdom of Greece claim it as their own. Tensions have escalated, and it's rumored that our King is preparing for war against the Kingdom of Greece," Cyndyla explained.

Rennes remained puzzled. "What does this have to do with us? Our territories are far from the western border. Unless it's a full-blown war of extermination, it shouldn't affect us."

Igor leaned forward with enthusiasm. "That's precisely the point. This war presents an opportunity. We invite you, Baron Rennes, to collaborate with us and join this conflict. Combining the forces of our four families could yield significant gains, including potential title upgrades and larger fiefs."

However, Rennes, a former soldier of the Phantom Knight Legion, was well aware of the brutality and danger of war. He declined their proposal, recognizing the immense risks involved.

"The scale of this war is too perilous, and I cannot agree to such cooperation," Rennes firmly declared. With the potential for a bright future, there was no need to engage in the deadly gamble of war for wealth.