265th Episode
The moment Count Philip’s gaze became askew, a knock was heard, and Clemens rolled into the study in his wheelchair.
Clemens seemed to have overheard the conversation between Ray and the Count outside the door and began with a smile.
“While doing merchant work… I often came across those who suddenly amassed great wealth through sheer luck.”
“And?”
“How many nouveau riche have fallen due to reckless spending? On the other hand, my lord, you are exceptionally disciplined.”
With Clemens’ support, strength returned to Count Phillip’s neck.
Seeing the emboldened Count, Ray chuckled and waved his hand in the air.
“I’ve been thinking that your dignity doesn’t quite match the simplicity of this study. I was going to mention it anyway, but now it seems fine.”
“Hmm…”
Ray turned to Clemens while Count Phillip wore a satisfied expression.
“By the way, Clemens, are you busy these days?”
“Yes, I am.”
With the increased budget to manage, there was no way he could be idle. The surplus wealth couldn’t just sit in the warehouse; investments and various businesses had to be pursued.
Looking at Clemens’ excited demeanor, Ray lowered his voice slightly.
“If you need anything, feel free to ask—I’ll try to accommodate as much as possible. Alright? Don’t hesitate.”
“I shall remain vigilant always.”
Clemens bowed his head, accepting Ray’s warning.
Afterward, Ray lightened the mood with some small talk for a few minutes before bringing up the main topic.
“There are a few things I need to discuss… Ah, Clemens, listen too.”
To handle finances properly, one must understand how the world works.
Ray explained the recent events in the Imperial Capital and the current political situation to both the Count and Clemens.
While he didn’t go into every single detail, he did show them the Empire Guardian Medal.
Count Phillip was initially startled upon seeing the medal, then burst out laughing, almost amused.
“The Empire Guardian Medal.”
It was an object that felt detached from reality.
“Now, I clearly see why I must address you with respect.”
“Please don’t make me uncomfortable. And uh… you’ll need to be careful moving forward.”
“With what?”
“Increasingly, there will be people showing interest in Phillips County. You’ll need to screen them carefully.”
“I understand what you mean.”
“I believe you’ll handle it well.”
After tucking the medal back into his clothes, Ray changed the subject.
“A war is imminent. An evacuation order will likely follow.”
“An evacuation order…”
Count Phillip sighed deeply.
Though understandable intellectually, the thought of evacuating the territory weighed heavily on his heart.
Looking out the window toward the Sigini Mountain Range, Ray sighed similarly.
“The Sigini Mountain Range is vast. It’s difficult to detect hostile forces moving through it, and dealing with them would be challenging. Insisting on defending the county would be inefficient and dangerous.”
“I agree. It’s unfortunate, but unavoidable.”
Expanding the territory or continuing business ventures…
Phillips County was in the midst of exploring various projects for its revival, but everything had to pause for now.
“…However, Ray, if we completely evacuate, we won’t be able to prevent looting.”
“At least the key facilities can be protected by barriers. Still… haha, we should prepare for the worst and secure what we can.”
It was best to plan for the worst-case scenario.
Once the territory was evacuated, Rangers would inevitably come down from the mountains to snoop around for anything valuable.
The Count nodded.
“I’ll announce the evacuation order within a week and ensure preparations are completed within two weeks.”
“It’ll get busy. Please ensure the residents don’t fall into chaos. Maintaining order is most important.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
After discussing various issues with Clemens and the Count, Ray retrieved a sword from his luggage when the conversation wound down.
It was a ceremonial short sword adorned with gems.
“This is a gift for you, my lord. I think it’s about ten times more expensive than the one hanging on your wall.”
Ray handed over the sword.
Count Phillip looked at the ornate scabbard, chuckled awkwardly, then composed himself.
Since the Count liked it, Ray smiled faintly and continued.
“I’ve also brought gifts for the knights. If you could gather them before issuing the evacuation order, I’d appreciate it.”
The carriage was loaded with swords renowned enough to be called masterpieces.
He had also prepared combat-grade artifacts of mid-to-high quality for the knights.
Ray was now in a position where he could procure whatever items were requested.
For the next few days, he planned to stay busy distributing gifts.
“Ah, Clemens, I do have something for you, but let’s discuss it separately next time.”
“Yes, thank you.”
After concluding his discussion with the Count, Ray stood up.
There were still many people in Phillips County he hadn’t seen since returning.
Thinking of seeing his father, Ray felt oddly excited.
*
Before visiting Jimy,
Ray first went to check on the dispatched soldiers staying at the manor.
These troops were sent by the royal family to assist in the defense of Phillips County, but typically, such dispatched soldiers tended to act arrogantly.
Their logic was that their noble presence required automatic respect.
However, Count Phillip mentioned that the soldiers were unexpectedly humble and currently staying quietly at the manor.
It seemed Ernst or the Emperor had given them some instructions.
Relieved but still curious, Ray wanted to meet them face-to-face.
The first face he encountered was familiar.
“Bang?”
“It’s an honor to see you again.”
Bang knelt immediately and greeted formally.
Ray reciprocated the warmth.
“Hey, good to see you again.”
Bang was the knight who accompanied him during the infiltration of Alimo to find Ulte.
In a very respectful manner, Bang guided Ray to the other dispatched soldiers.
There were eight in total: a mix of knights, mages, and paladins—high-tier combatants.
Except for Bang, Ray hadn’t met the others before.
However, they all seemed aware of Ray’s status and bowed their heads respectfully.
Not feeling the need to enforce stricter discipline, Ray gave a light warning.
“Don’t strut around causing trouble or scare the locals. Show respect to Count Phillips and Young Miss Phillips. If you’re caught acting rudely, it won’t end well for you.”
“Yes, please don’t worry. Call us if needed. Until then, we’ll remain quiet.”
Again, a polite response came back.
After exchanging pleasantries with the soldiers, Ray borrowed a horse to visit Jimy.
Alesya personally provided the horse and shouted after him.
“My knight! Do not leave so soon!”
“Well… I’m thinking of staying by Lady Alesya’s side for a while.”
Since they were alone, Ray spoke casually.
Satisfied but concerned, Alesya touched Ray’s cheek.
“You’ve returned after several months. Take some rest. You look tired!”
“I might not get a break anytime soon. The next few weeks look busy.”
“Is there another issue?”
“Today feels tough. I’ll explain tomorrow over dinner.”
“Understood! I will wait, my knight!”
“See you tomorrow.”
Taking the reins, Ray left the manor.
As the horse galloped, Ray spotted Karen far away, her red hair standing out. She was chatting and smiling with a village youth.
Seeing this made Ray feel inexplicably uneasy.
Dealing with Derin’s unwarranted gossip about Karen meeting other men and rural entertainment came back to haunt him.
Despite knowing it was meaningless chatter, it lingered annoyingly in Ray’s thoughts.
Meanwhile, Karen noticed the sound of hooves and turned around, spotting Ray.
Her smile deepened.
Waving cheerfully at Ray, Karen greeted him, and Ray reciprocated before continuing onward.
Ray felt strangely unsettled inside.
*
The sound of hooves echoed.
Jimy lit a cigarette he had quit years ago.
Hearing the approaching hoofbeats, Jimy muttered dramatically.
“Finally, here it comes.”
He already knew his son (or not) had returned to the territory.
Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Jimy prepared mentally.
“Dad!!”
Damn.
As Jimy trembled, Ray burst into the office.
Spitting out his cigarette, Jimy questioned Ray.
“Why are you back so early?”
“Because I missed you, Dad?”
Jimy squeezed his eyes shut and slumped back into his seat.
Sitting opposite, Ray started the conversation.
“What about Matthew?”
“He’s touring his territory. He’ll return soon once he hears about the war.”
“Oh, right. I should’ve brought him along if I knew he was nearby.”
Matthew’s territory was close enough to the capital for it to have been feasible.
Ray clicked his tongue lightly and inspected Jimy’s face.
“You look better since I last saw you. Did you reach a new level? You seem younger lately?”
“You, on the other hand, look terrible. Are you unwell?”
“Uh… do I really look that bad?”
“I’ve seen a few mercenaries with that same pale complexion as you.”
Jimy refrained from adding that those individuals didn’t live long.
Scratching his cheek, Ray changed the subject.
“What about Luna?”
“She’s busy researching something in the Sigini Mountains. She asked for help hunting live Wildboars a few times.”
“Wildboars?”
Could she be conducting biological experiments?
It wasn’t uncommon for mages to experiment with demons, though it was surprising to Ray that Luna showed interest in that area.
“Anyway… Jimy.”
Ray’s expression hardened as he adopted a serious tone.
This caused Jimy to straighten up, equally serious.
“What is it?”
“While I was gone…”
“…”
“Did Karen ever date anyone else?”
Jimy was impressed.
“Wow, that ranks among the top five dumbest things I’ve heard in my life.”
“Surprisingly, I agree with you.”
“From what I hear, she’s given up on you and has been dating different village guys recently?”
“STOP MAKING STUFF UP!!”
As Ray erupted, foaming at the mouth, Jimy pressed further.
“So, did you really think she’d pine for you forever? She’s in her prime!”
“STOP IT, JIMY!!”
“What if it’s true?”
“AAHHH!! JIMY!!”
Ray whined pathetically.
Mirror (3)
