Zion remembered what Hanette had said.
She wanted to move out of the Duke Adelaira estate and have her own place. If it was just the two of them, she would be content. Therefore, Zion was looking for land where a castle or mansion could be built, or where they could lay the foundation for one.
‘There are no suitable places.’
There was barely any land left for residential use. Over the years, the Alain Kingdom had expanded its territory and granted lands to nobles. The most prime lands were monopolized by the descendants of founding heroes and some nobles. While most land belonged to the kingdom, it wasn’t something that could be handed over just because someone wanted it.
‘It needs to be less important to grant land.’
Even a single plot of land could become a residence, connect regions with roads, and produce agricultural and livestock products, and specialties. If all the territories were owned by nobles, the production would be divided, weakening the royal power. The kingdom was maintained by the land owned by the king and the direct royal family.
‘This is getting nowhere.’
He couldn’t find the land he wanted. Even if there were some suitable land near the capital, it didn’t exist. Moving too far from the capital would be inconvenient or costly.
‘Should I focus on making money?’
Instead of struggling to find a place to live, it might be better to accumulate wealth. If lucky, he might be able to buy land or buildings from some nobles. Such opportunities were rare, so it was better to be prepared in advance.
‘Then I need to choose one of the three.’
He had to minimize labor and costs while maximizing profits. He needed to ensure rarity to draw high demand and avoid competition with others. The best scenario would be selling to royalty or nobility. If dealing with merchants, he would need support from the two families.
‘Managing a gold mine might be the easiest.’
A gold mine required digging tunnels and sending miners to extract gold. Although it was risky, ensuring a safe working environment would prevent casualties. It seemed simple: regulate working hours and provide food, lodging, and bonuses.
‘Specialty products require a lot of work.’
Specialty products needed seeds and had to be grown in specific climates and terrains. The cultivation process was difficult, requiring expensive specialized labor. If the product wasn’t well-known, it would take time to establish sales routes.
‘Tourist spots are hard to manage and need many people.’
Tourist spots required initial investments to develop the land. Then, buildings, landscaping, and decorations had to be added for aesthetic appeal. Operating a tourist spot also needed both specialized and general labor. Long-term maintenance, word-of-mouth marketing, and customer service were also necessary, making it a challenging venture.
‘A gold mine seems best.’
Everyone knew the value of gold, and as a luxury item, its worth increased. Nobles preferred gold jewelry and decorations, and merchants sought to profit from gold. Mines needed more general labor than specialized labor, lowering labor costs. Offering fair wages and safety would attract many workers.
‘Once the gold is exhausted, the land can be turned into a residential area.’
If there was a gold mine, it would attract attention from both nobles and commoners. With laborers settling, shops would spring up, and merchants would establish trade routes. This could lead to a community forming and eventually developing into a town or city.
‘So, I need to think about the future.’
Zion pondered deeply and then burst into laughter. He was trying to make the most cautious decision and considering the long-term future. Living with Hanette seemed that important to him.
‘…It is important. It’s Hanette, after all.’
Hanette Adelaira had become an integral part of his life. Though he had foreseen a potential separation during their engagement, now they were inseparable. Without the Three Demon Kings and the Four Calamities, he might have enjoyed a peaceful married life with Hanette.
‘This isn’t just friendship.’
Reflecting on his feelings, Zion found it hard to understand with his head but felt it clearly in his heart.
‘If I see Hanette as a woman….’
“Zion, what are you doing?”
Hanette knocked and leisurely entered the room. Zion, startled, met her gaze.
“…Why are you surprised to see me?”
“Oh… I was just thinking about something.”
“What were you thinking about?”
“About you.”
“Why are you thinking about me?”
“I need to discuss what land to choose with you.”
Regaining his composure, Zion continued the conversation. Hanette, with a suspicious look, sat across from him.
“You didn’t seem happy about it. What will you do with that land?”
“It’s better than nothing.”
“You don’t plan to build a house there, do you?”
“…It’s possible.”
“Seriously? How can we live there? It’s not fit for living.”
Hanette knew there wasn’t much suitable land available. The reward for defeating the Three Demon Kings and the Four Calamities was more symbolic, a gesture from the king.
Receiving land itself was a lasting honor and a way to elevate their status and legacy.
“I’m thinking of living there in the future.”
“What exactly are you planning to do?”
“Raise the land’s value and attract people.”
“…Do you have a plan?”
“It’s not perfect, but I’ve got an idea.”
“Hmm…”
Though skeptical, Hanette didn’t press further. Zion probably had some plan in mind, as always. As long as he didn’t risk his life recklessly, she could trust him.
“You want a particular land, right?”
“I think there’s a gold mine.”
“A gold mine? You mean gold?”
“Yes, gold.”
“How do you know there’s gold?”
“I’ve done some research. It’s hard to find, but it’s somewhere.”
Zion didn’t want to hide this from Hanette. She was his partner and companion in receiving the land. If she asked for details, he would have to come up with a plausible explanation.
“…You’re probably right. Do as you like.”
“You don’t have to go along with my plan. Tell me what you think.”
“I don’t have any land I want. So, I’m going with your choice.”
Hanette didn’t want to argue over trivial matters with Zion. If it was just about receiving land without a house or castle, she would accept it. Given the difficulty of using it as a residence, she trusted Zion’s judgment.
“Are you sure?”
“You killed the Abyssal King. It’s right to follow your plan.”
“That’s not true. Without you, I couldn’t have killed the Abyssal King.”
“……”
Hanette wanted to say something but remained silent. Zion had almost died because of her but had survived.
What were Zion’s feelings toward her?
‘He said we could get married now….’
Hanette had felt a shiver at those words. Whether it was fear or excitement, she didn’t know. She only vaguely understood that her feelings for Zion were changing.
‘My feelings don’t matter. As long as you stay with me….’
Hanette steadied her turbulent emotions as she looked at Zion. Until that day came, she had to achieve what she wanted.
‘I haven’t done anything yet. I’ve just relied on you.’
She had achieved nothing on her own. She had only followed Zion in defeating the Shadow Dragon and the Abyssal King. As a Magic Sword user like Zion, she believed she could reach a similar level.
‘When I become as strong as you, then let’s get married. I’ll be ready then.’
Duke Adelaira’s residence, Hanette’s room.
Zion and Hanette were meeting with a guest. Enrite had contacted them, and they had an appointment. Enrite couldn’t always monitor, so he decided to periodically entrust Zion with the task.
“Can I live here? It seems better.”
Leshia poured tea into her cup and looked around the room. She had already emptied three cups and had responded with a smile while enjoying the meal.
Robbenz, satisfied with her reactions, had treated her with utmost hospitality. Known as Enrite’s younger sister, Leshia was shown respect by the Setinos Quasar.
“The cathedral shouldn’t be that bad.”
“It’s bearable, but the food isn’t good. The food here is better.”
“…You didn’t say that in front of Serenine Apostle, did you?”
“No way. I don’t want to hear her say she’ll kill me.”
Leshia smiled warmly as she sipped her tea. Zion felt slightly relieved but couldn’t shake his unease.
“They look alike but have very different personalities.”
Hanette observed Leshia and spoke slowly. Apart from hair and eye color, Leshia was nearly identical to Enrite. However, their personalities were almost opposite, and they weren’t on good terms. Personally, Hanette found Leshia more comfortable.
“Maybe that’s why we don’t get along? Maybe I should change to be more like her.”
“No, don’t do that. She’ll think you’re mocking her.”
“How would that be mocking?”
“Serenine Apostle sees you as an enemy. How would you feel if an enemy mimicked you?”
“…I’d wonder why they’re doing that.”
“That’s why it’s mocking. Looking for a reason makes it seem hostile.”
“Hmm… I don’t get it.”
Leshia gave up thinking and emptied her cup. Zion was at a loss for words and resigned himself. Hanette pondered briefly before speaking.
“Just curious, are you as strong as Serenine Apostle?”
“Why do you ask?”
“Just wondering. You two look a lot alike. I thought maybe your skills are similar.”
“…Would you believe me if I said I’m stronger than Enrite?”