SWNOVELXO Chapter 11
Exile
「... Don't lie, Lars. I've received enough reports about your daily life.」
The intense gaze and voice suggested anger, making me realize that any chance for redemption was impossible. Father probably had no intention of listening to what I had to say.
As I silently endured the unreasonable treatment, Johanson sighed again and tossed a parchment that had been sitting on the desk toward me. I watched it fall to the floor, then scanned its contents while still standing.
A map. It was undoubtedly a map detailing the lands of our count's family. After picking up the map from the floor, I returned my gaze to Johanson.
「This is the map of the Fallentail family's territory, isn't it?」
「At least you knew that much,」
Johanson said with a slightly surprised expression upon confirming it was a map. I was truly astounded. What kind of reports had he been receiving? I no longer had the energy to complain.
「So, what is this map for?」
I asked again, and Johanson narrowed his eyes and drew his chin back.
「A decision has been made to urgently develop the untapped forest in the north. To the east of this land lies the Theodora Kingdomm, a powerful nation comparable to our Harvey Kingdom, and to the west is the Mundo Empire. This means the developed land will eventually become an important stronghold. I plan for you to undertake the development there.」
What came next was an unbelievable story. Even a prodigy like Lars would be speechless.
Could Father comprehend the words he had just spoken? The northern untapped forest lay along the borders of three countries because it was an impenetrable demon jungle. With treacherous mountains and deep forests that were home to powerful magical beasts, it was dangerous territory.
To develop such an area would take decades, even with extensive manpower. Mobilizing the full resources and knightly orders of our Fallentail family could take over a century. In fact, undertaking such a task would likely be the downfall of the family.
As I stared in stunned silence at Johanson's stern face, he responded with a light clearing of his throat.
「... Of course, I'm not asking a ten-year-old to do it all alone. I'll provide you with funds to hire ten servants and some mercenaries. Departure is tomorrow.」
What Johanson told me was tantamount to a death sentence, to say the least. Despite this, a part of Johanson must have felt some reluctance since he didn't even meet my eyes when delivering such a grim decree.
「To clear the forest, you'll need a thousand-strong knight order to fend off large magical beasts and manpower to fell trees and sustain food production. Moreover, merely clearing the forest isn't enough; you must have subsequent plans in place, or it will be an unfinished expansion. And yet, you're telling me to manage this with just ten people and mercenaries?」
In my anger, I retorted with words unbecoming of a ten-year-old to Johanson. Well, if I were to be exiled from the house, it hardly mattered. I resigned myself to that fact.
Johanson's eyes widened in surprise, then he flushed and began to radiate anger.
「What is that tone? Don't you have the fortitude to serve our count family? By undertaking this great task of developing the forest and succeeding, the count family will flourish greatly. This important duty...」
「If it's that simple with just ten people and mercenaries, then it only shows that the past lords of our count family were incapable for overlooking such an easy project.」
「What...!」
I reflexively replied in a combative tone, and Johanson looked crestfallen. Upon seeing his expression, I realized I had gone too far. After all, he was my biological father and the head of an upper-class noble family. It was an incredibly disrespectful statement.
「... I've said too much. I apologize. Now, I'd better prepare for tomorrow's departure. I have some contacts among mercenaries, so I'll reach out to them. If you'll excuse me.」
Saying anything more would likely prove counterproductive. With that in mind, I conveyed only the necessary points and exited the room. As I stepped out, I thought I heard something from the Johanson room, but I no longer cared.
Outside, Irinya awaited me with a slightly anxious look, but I paid it no mind as I addressed her while beginning to walk.
「We don't have much time, but do you think we can contact Olof and the others today?」
「What? Um, let me check. Are you going on a magical beast extermination again today?」
To her inquiry, I shook my head, forcing a wry smile.
「No, apparently I've been tasked with developing the northern forest. Since I can hire mercenaries, I thought it would be nice to have people I know.」
Upon saying that, I heard Irinya catch her breath. Turning back, I noticed Irinya's face had turned pale.
「That...that is... um...」
Seeing Irinya hesitating, I returned a knowing smile and nodded.
「It pretty much means I'm being kicked out of the house.」
The moment I said that, Irinya, teary-eyed, shouted.
「That's so unfair!」
Whether she was sad or furious, I couldn't tell. Regardless, I felt like I was witnessing Irinya express her emotions so openly for the first time.
「Thank you.」
That was all I could manage to say. But, amidst countless enemies, Irinya's sentiments truly warmed my heart.
-------------= Author's Notes -------------=
If you found yourself curious about 'what happens next,' it would make me happy if you could press the ☆ button at the bottom of the page!
It motivates the author!・:*+.\(( °ω° ))/.:+
-------------= Clacky's Corner -------------=
【ദി(⩌ᴗ⩌ )】MC snapping back on the count shows that he's not just a doormat.