NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 35: Rising Dawn of Ashford
As dawn broke, the first rays of light illuminated Ashford, with mist rolling over the nearly completed walls. Life stirred in the quietness—the chirping of birds, and the townfolk beginning their day with renewed optimism. Emerging from their homes in warm clothes, they conversed with their neighbors. Soldiers ran down the main street, their slogans rippling through the quiet town.
"With unwavering resolve, we shall dispel the shadows and safeguard our future with our own hands. Within us lies great strength and the promise of enduring prosperity."
Nearby, younger townfolk shouted excitedly, looking toward a bright future. New houses, shops, and a bustling marketplace contrasted sharply with the old dilapidated buildings and potholed streets, showcasing the town's gradual transformation into a thriving metropolis. Rome was not built in a day.
Their optimism was carried by the dawn wind, spreading across Ashford and creating a butterfly effect throughout Atheron.
After intense exercise, he immediately took a bath, wrapped himself in warm clothes, and walked outside. Engrossed by the tranquility of the morning chill, he sat down and called out the system interface.
---
**SYSTEM PANEL: Arvind, Baron of Ravengarde**
**Basic Overview**
- **Name:** Arvind Hale
- **Level:** 2 (Junior Baron)
- **Territory Influence:** Moderate (↑ steadily)
- **Town Name:** Ashford
**Personal Stats**
- **Knight Level:** 1 (Junior Knight)
- **Progress to Level 2:** 15%
- **Strength:** 11/20 (+1)
- **Intelligence:** 7/10
- **Charisma:** 7/10
- **Talent:** Mediocre (Enhancement Active)
**Recent Achievements**
- **Integrated Three Villages (Initial Stage):** +5% Territory Influence
- **Marketplace Construction Completed:** +2% Economic Growth
- **Rebuilt Damaged Housing:** +4% Public Happiness
- **Growing Military Power:** +3% Security and Stability
- **Supported Townsfolk to Become Merchants (Initial Stage):** +2% Trade Development
- **Fighting Spirit Awakening:** Unlocked Junior Knight Rank
**Basic Resources**
- **Gold Coins:** 900
- **Magic Crystals:** 53
---
**Quest: Establish Food and Shelter Security of Ravengarde (Final Stage)**
**Objective:**
1. Secure adequate food reserves for all inhabitants (Complete: 100%).
2. Construct sufficient basic shelters for all (Complete: 95%).
3. Complete Ashford's defensive wall (In progress: 80%).
**Reward:** Unlock system level 2; upgrade Talent from Mediocre to Average.
---
As he squinted his eyes, the results of his efforts were evident. The system upgrade to Junior Baron meant his voice now carried more weight beyond Ashford.
As his eyes shifted, he raised his fists, trembling with excitement. "Junior Knight," he whispered, although he had known it already. The elation of becoming powerful was beyond anyone's comprehension. Who would dare to consider him an ant now?
"Father, you would be disappointed to see that I have become a powerful knight, not the mediocre one you expected," he thought, his heart swelling with both triumph and a hint of defiance.
Yet, I am still weak compared to the great tigers among the barons and intermediate knights. But this is just the beginning. With the system and my past life's knowledge, becoming a senior knight is inevitable.
His lips curled into a smirk. The natives didn't know that being a reincarnator was his greatest edge. From everyday knowledge to advanced science, even though he had forgotten most of it, what remained was enough to make him an influential noble. Without realizing it, his mentality had become steady, transforming into something he never expected.
"Mn, the marketplace is already completed," he thought, surprised. He had been busy with the task of integrating the three villages. After returning, he became engrossed in the reform challenges he only now understood.
As he turned back, looking at the calendar on the wall, he realized how time had flown. It was now Luminith (September), marking the gradual transition from the warmth of summer to the cooler, crisp air of autumn.
Last month, he knew what to do with the plight of food in Ashford. The successful integration of the three villages marked the stability of Ravengarde under his rule and fueled his endeavor for prosperity.
Flying through his memories, he recalled the assistance of Anika, Faelan, and Eldrin. Despite the compromises he made in Warcraft village, he understood that the world did not revolve around him. The world was like a stubborn river flowing in one direction; going against it would only lead to drowning. But he wasn't the first to challenge its might, and he didn't have to be.
Counting now, he was a junior knight. Ravengarde had surpassed its initial indicators, from military power to the integration of villages. The hopeful mindset of the townsfolk and the bustling marketplace transformed his despair into confidence and energy. He was not alone anymore; he had loyal subordinates like Anika, Shankar, and others. His task now was to steer Ravengarde to the highest heights while advancing personally as a knight.
He stood up, stretching his arms and gazing at the sky, while the noise of activities buzzed below. Gripping his precious pendant, he vowed silently, a smile blooming like a flower, illuminating the path ahead.
The castle kitchen buzzed with activity as servants shuttled around, preparing breakfast. Mira, the head cook, inspected the area with her arms crossed, nodding with a satisfied smile. Outside, a male servant fed hay and common elemental plants to the horses, which munched contentedly while swaying their tails. The morning rays glared, casting a warm glow over the scene.
On his way to the dining hall, Arvind noticed Anika in a new white fabric, giggling in the corridor. She looked stunning. Approaching her, he said, "What's up? Has our Anika found her other half?"
Anika blushed, denying, "No! You misunderstood, my lord. I'm just excited about the upcoming Festival of Luminescence."
"Oh!"
"Come on, my lord, it's a festival. We should cheer!"
"Yeah!"
Anika grabbed his hand and danced around, making Arvind smile helplessly. "The town is becoming livelier as it draws near. You can see smiles and houses decorated with lanterns, my lord. It's your achievement, and I look forward to what you will accomplish next."
The day of the radiant light burst forth from the heavens symbolized the unity of the elemental gods. It is said that this light restored order and balance during a time of great elemental turmoil and inspired hope among all the races of Atheron.
Arvind leaned against the wall and said with gratitude, "Thanks, Anika..."
"Mn." She leaned against the wall, her gaze distant as memories flooded back. "I miss the head maid who scolded me when I did wrong and your departed mother who kindly nurtured me. The hustle and bustle of servants in training..."
"Haha, the dismissive 'my lord' that got scolded every time during training and after shouted, 'The stupid pig doesn't see my strength.' Then deflated at Count's stern gaze. Haha."
"The exercises were inhuman at that time, and I was just a child."
"Yeah," Anika smiled, eyeing him. "You've changed, my lord... The previous timid you has gone and become more mature like your father."
He looked away, rubbing the back of his neck, knowing that he was still far from his father's level. But he didn't realize it himself until now.
A few minutes later, he reached the dining hall. After a meal, while pondering his schedule for the day—a council meeting where departments would report on progress and new budget allocations—he drank a cup of ale in one gulp, wiped his mouth with a cloth, and stood up. As he walked towards the meeting hall, his mind drifted back to the Festival of Luminescence.
The festival held deep significance, not just as a celebration of radiant light but as a powerful symbol of unity and hope. It was a reminder of the time when the elemental gods had restored balance to the world during a period of great turmoil.
This unity among the gods inspired the people of Atheron to seek harmony in their own lives. For him, the festival was a beacon of his responsibilities and the potential he had to bring about positive change. It was a time to reflect on his achievements and to renew his commitment to his people.
With these thoughts in mind, he felt a surge of energy as he approached the meeting hall, ready to tackle the challenges of the day.
As he entered the hall, everyone stood up and greeted him. "Good morning, Your Excellency Lord Baron."
He nodded with a smile, waving his hand, and took his seat at the main chair, arms relaxed. His eyes moved around the room, taking note of those present: Aldric, Faelan, Eldrin, Shankar, and Bramir. Erik, of course, was not here, as he had not yet returned.
Shankar, the butler, stood up and announced the start of the meeting. "Let's begin with the Department of Commerce and Trade. Faelan?".
Faelan nodded and rose. "First of all, thanks to my lord's grace. Our department has been busy with caravans from which we have purchased goods like herbs from the townsfolk, allowing money to circulate and benefit our local market. We have implemented a straightforward process for merchants to register and facilitate their ventures. So far, more than ten merchants have registered, and five have been profitable."
"And today, our caravan, led by me, will depart to Eladoria. This will boost trade and bring an influx of goods and money to our barony. This is crucial for ensuring growth in the economy. We have also planned incentives for the three villages, but those will only be implemented upon our return. The plan includes favorable policies for aspiring merchants, which will foster inter-village trade between the villages and Ashford."
Arvind responded, "Although your plan is great, Faelan, it is too dependent on merchants and the purchase of goods from citizens. This is not enough. We must actively intervene by creating castle-run enterprises so that people will not be left behind and to further accelerate development."
Faelan nodded while shaking his quill pen.
Next, Eldrin began, sweat on his forehead. "My lord, our department has finished constructing the marketplaces, and we are now laying the foundation for roads leading to the two baronies. We also plan to start a road project toward River Village. From our department alone, we employ more than 500 people, which makes us the largest job creator among all departments."
As Eldrin sat, Shankar said, "My lord, our department has introduced loan incentives for townsfolk aspiring to become merchants, and the results have been significant. As of now, more than ten residents have applied for loans, including serfs and commoners. We plan to continue this incentive to create 50 merchants from Ashford."
Arvind listened with a satisfied smile. He had emphasized treating both serfs and commoners equally, knowing that talented merchants could emerge from either class. The ten new merchants were significant, as initially, Ashford had only one shop.
"Shankar, your department should follow Faelan's lead and provide loans to the three villages. Don't forget that farmers also need loans to plow more land."
"I will remember, my lord," Shankar replied.
Then Aldric stood and said, "My lord, our military has been busy training new recruits, and new talents have emerged among them. Also, three of the 39 knights have advanced to junior knights, my lord. This will strengthen our military power and better protect us from external threats."
Arvind smiled, never having imagined that the apprentice knights who had followed him from his father's castle would achieve such progress. "Tell them not to go anywhere. I will visit them after this meeting."
His eyes then turned to Bramir. "You can begin now."
"Thank you, my lord," Bramir said. "On my side, we have successfully mended the aftermath of the last nexus disaster, and the department has worked on overcoming challenges generated by the crisis, such as irrigation bamboo pipe blockages and clearing mutant plants. We have collaborated with the farmers to ensure a smooth harvest next month."
As he sat, Shankar rose, smiling at everyone. "Now we are on the last part of our meeting: the budget allocation."
Everyone lowered their heads, gazing at the budget allocation.
Arvind had allocated 600 gold coins from the castle treasury for this allocation, and now 300 still remained. With a heavy heart, reluctant to part with his shiny coins, he knew that if he wanted the horse to run, he had to invest more initially.
Aldric knitted his eyebrows and slammed the desk. "What!!! 100 gold coins? This is contempt for us in the military. What kind of budget is this? Shame, we don't even have decent barracks yet. What about equipment? We are now only training with wooden swords. If we go to the battlefield, the enemy will laugh until their stomachs hurt."
"And Bramir, why does your department need so much money? You don't even have workers under you, let alone the need to spend this amount..."
Arvind's head ached at Aldric's bluntness. One gold coin could equip a knight with full body armor and a sword, and even if made by themselves, it would still cost a silver coin. His eyes turned to Bramir, who remained silent.
"Bramir, tell us about your department's needs."
Bramir shrank back and said, "My lord and everyone, although we have no workers under us, we plan to distribute iron tools to farmers freely to improve farming efficiency. We also plan to construct a waterwheel project, as the current irrigation facilities are insufficient to meet our increased demand."
After an hour of wrestling like animals fighting for food, they successfully reached a compromise.
The Department of Defence and Security received 180 gold coins for the construction of barracks and their plan to ask Rurik to make weapons. Bramir's Department of Agriculture and Resources received 80 gold coins. Eldrin's department received 200 gold coins, as their tasks were heavy and important for the barony right now.
The rest of the budget was allocated to other departments, except for the Department of Magic Technology Industry, which Arvind headed.
As the allocation concluded, Bramir smiled bitterly, thinking that the military could not be reasoned with at all.
Meanwhile, Arvind clapped his hands and said, "Okay, we have successfully reached our conclusion. Let us adjourn our meeting now."
As they left the room, each of them had different expressions etched on their faces. Arvind leaned back in his chair and drank a cup of water, staring at the empty chair. After that, he went out, as he had more things to do.
---
A few hours later, he remembered the three newly promoted junior knights he had yet to congratulate. He decided to visit the military camp with Anika.
Upon arrival, he noticed the soldiers parading with surprising discipline. Though discipline alone cannot directly enhance combat effectiveness, it does strengthen teamwork and resilience on the battlefield. Observing them, Arvind felt confident about the future.
As he turned his eyes around, he noticed the knights engaged in intense exercises. Aldric, along with three knights, approached him. They must be the newly promoted knights, he thought.
"Good to see you here, my lord. These are the three newly promoted knights: Cedric, Galen, and Elian," Aldric said.
"Your Excellency, Lord Baron, good morning," the three of them greeted with excitement on their faces. Being acknowledged by the baron was what they had strived for, and it marked their ascent to high ranks within the military.
Arvind nodded with a smile and offered them encouragement. After a few moments of consideration, he announced their new ranks as officers under Aldric. He knew that junior knights, with their strength, could change the dynamics of battle, as they could directly engage in fights with magical beasts and other threats.
The three knights trembled with excitement. Meanwhile, Aldric's mind wandered back to the day he talked with Faelan. At that time, his mind was clouded with resentment about his destiny. Now, looking at Arvind, he was optimistic that his lord would certainly become an influential noble, if not on the same level as his father.
Aldric harbored a hope that in the future, his lord would assign him land and make him a landlord. He envisioned Ashford becoming as prosperous as Silverhold City and inviting his family to move there, knowing he could protect them and secure jobs for them. What Aldric didn't know was that his assignment to Arvind would become his proudest moment in the future.
"Aldric!!..." Arvind's voice brought Aldric back to the present.
To be continued...