The Ducal Territory: Millenia

Nobles, marquises, barons, knights, and so on—the hierarchy is established, but it doesn't necessarily reflect the actual balance of power. Lower-ranked titles often surpass higher-ranked ones in terms of territory size, tax revenue, military strength, and so forth.

The prime example of this is my ducal territory. Although my rank is that of a duke, my land doesn't reflect it.

Upon entering the territory, I was surprised by the existence of the stellar drome, akin to an airport but for mechas and space cruisers.

After taking some rest at the castle, along with my new steward—who is also the first vanguard of the kingdom—we decided to take a stroll through the territory.

The metropolis sprawls expansively, encircled by towering energy barriers pulsing with a protective hum.

A network of gleaming maglev tracks crisscrosses the urban landscape, while a carefully preserved river runs at the center. We stroll across a bridge, passing over roadpods.

But there's something off...

The town is large enough to accommodate tens of thousands of people, yet there are certainly not that many residents.

A deserted market, with few people on the main streets. There are no maglev trains running on the well-maintained tracks, and there is no traffic in shops or inns.

"Why does it feel so rundown?"

Seriously, the wind blows, tumbleweeds roll, and it feels like there could be a showdown with gunmen any minute.

"It's just as described in the data we got," General Lorenzo suggests, and he's right. The documents described the state of Millenia perfectly.

Millenia, located to the south of Astromark, was once a military base on the front lines against the enemy nation. After the federation was established, soldiers and local residents who were stationed there settled down, and the city developed.

But that was all in the past.

After the federation was established, a new capital was built in the center of each country, and all military garrisons were deserted. The trade route through Millenia fell into disuse, leading to the town's decline.

"It's troublesome that it's just as described in the documents."

"Is it really? The metropolis may not be prosperous, but it is large. And the cities around Millenia are also included in the ducal domain. I think we can expect more tax revenue than most noble families."

"But that's not enough."

Yeah, it's really not enough. Since my plan of being so strong to survive and maintain my status as crown prince failed.

I really need a better alternative, and money is needed for that. I have to become like Elon Musk.

"I see. How much money exactly are you seeking, Duke Ryker?"

"As much as possible. But at the very least, I want ten times the revenue of this domain."

"That's... going to be challenging."

"Yes. So, General Lorenzo, you will have to work hard."

"I'm not quite sure about my skills to manage a territory, but understood. I will support you with the best of my abilities."

Huh? He looked so exasperated earlier, but now he's nodding obediently.

'He agreed so easily?' I tilted my head in wonder. How is this man so calm after losing his retirement life and being sent with a boy duke to babysit him?

Does this person not have any complaints about being sent to such a remote domain in the first place?

"Are you okay with this?"

"What do you mean?"

"In various ways."

Hearing my question, General Lorenzo chuckled wryly.

"Haha, I've carried the central role in a military faction, sent my daughter as a hostage, fought on the front lines as the First Vanguard against the four kingdoms, and various other things, so I'm quite used to it all. I don't have much to say about this matter."

General Lorenzo continued, "I heard about it in the capital. You came to space in place of Saffron, right?"

"Yeah, well, that's right."

"As her father, I deeply appreciate it. And as the commander of the Vanguard Array, I believe that the fact that there were no casualties or serious injuries that day was thanks to you, Lord Ryker."

"Well, I guess it's thanks to me that there were no casualties or injuries and that General Lorenzo is still alive?"

"So, I see this as a great opportunity to repay the favor."

When he says that, I start to feel a bit embarrassed.

But well, if he says so, then I guess I don't need to hold back.

"Thank you. I'm counting on you."

"Yes, leave it to me."

General Lorenzo then opened his mouth and said, "Do you have any plans to enrich this territory, Lord Ryker?"

"I do. I plan to develop it with considerable force. As an economic capital."

Martell family.

The Martell family plays a significant role in my plan to become an economic giant in the Astromark kingdom.

The Martell family's income will run out in about a year and a half from now. Although there will be some leeway after that, it will be difficult to earn a large amount of money during this period.

So, I'll use brute force.

I'll use outrageous brute force.

"Well, let's put that aside for now. It's about time for the officials to gather, isn't it?"

As the new lord, I was supposed to meet with the key figures of this territory for future meetings as well.

"Yes, let's return to the mansion."