The Count’s Youngest Son Is A Player - Chapter 7
Episode 7:
Their destination [Free City Mira].
It was one of the ‘starting points’ that players visited first after completing the tutorial. And that meant there were tons of quests and hidden items there.
Raoul planned to stay in the free city of Mira and collect nutritious quests and equipment talents.
Of course, not alone, but with friends!
‘I’m so excited for the future.’
Raoul smiled slightly and thought about his future schedule. His smile seemed somehow evil.
5 days later.
Raoul’s group arrived at the border of the Free City of Mira without any problems.
‘It was okay even if I had some problems…’ In
order to quickly level up and regain my previous skills, I needed practical experience.
I even brought a reliable escort with me, but since nothing happened, I felt like I was losing money.
Raoul consoled himself with regret, climbed on a black courser, and looked at the wide forest spread out in front of him.
At that time, Philip, who was leading the group from the front, approached.
“Raul, just past that forest is the territory of the Free City of Mira.”
“Just as I heard, the forest is dense. “You must pass through this forest to enter the mummy, right?”
In response to Raoul’s question, Philip nodded and pointed toward the forest.
“That’s right. Mira’s borders are all bordered by this dense forest. However, because the trees in the forest cannot be cut down, it is said that it is difficult to pass through unless there is a designated path.”
Liberty City Mira. Another nickname for that place was [God’s Realm]. This was because everywhere in Mira, including the border forest, refused to be touched by humans.
Even if you cut down a tree, it will grow again in an instant, and even if you hunt an animal, a new animal will appear somewhere.
The same goes for monsters. No matter how many people killed them, they maintained their original population, making subjugation impossible.
The problem was that things like cut down trees, gathered herbs, hunted animals, etc. could not be taken outside.
It instantly turned into powder and disappeared into thin air, as if the things of God cannot be tampered with.
‘Well, it’s a hunting ground for players. It would be difficult for residents to mess with it carelessly.’
If the residents were able to extract resources, there would be no way the surrounding kingdoms would leave this place, a treasure trove of infinite resources, alone.
“There are rumors that bandits are running rampant around this forest path, but don’t worry. “Do you think my bastards would dare to mess with our Ashton family?”
When Philip spoke in a proud tone, Raoul nodded and gave instructions.
“Stop leaving. “I have to arrive at Mira today.”
“All right. “Everyone let’s go!”
Philip took the lead again. Raoul, who had been staring at the back, suddenly turned his eyes to the surroundings.
Armor cloak for knights and soldiers. The flag held by the flag bearers. Three carriages and the harnesses worn by the horses. The emblem of a roaring golden bear was engraved on all of them.
‘It’s really impossible to not know this way.’
The Ashton family was prouder than any other family in the kingdom. So, wherever I went, I proudly displayed my family’s emblem.
‘But you have to have a certain amount of strength to protect your pride. If they were that strong and proud, they wouldn’t have been the first to perish.’
We will be able to somehow prevent the family crisis that will come sooner or later. Because I already know the approximate incident and the culprit.
But what about after that?
There are limits to what you can do alone. I felt that keenly in my last life. So, in this life, I had to thoroughly utilize my family’s power.
As long as the Ashton family does not give up ‘it’, the threat will continue.
To overcome that crisis, Raoul had to become stronger, and the count family itself had to become stronger.
Raoul engraved the family emblem in his eyes once again and rode toward the forest.
‘A few guys have already shown up.’
I felt a presence spying on Raoul and his group through the forest.
Still, it is unlikely that anyone will attack us right away. As Philip said, the family’s power was too much for someone to attack him.
But something will definitely happen after I leave here. Not only will they have enough time to prepare, but the number of party members will be reduced by then.
‘I want you to bring as many people as possible. The more experience you have, the better.’
Maybe they can’t even imagine it.
What does it mean for a hardcore player to monopolize a hunting ground for a month?
* * *
As expected, Raoul and his group escaped the forest without any conflict. And what appeared was a very wide plain.
On the left and right sides of the plain, I could see small mountains and what looked like a lake surrounded by forests. Small and large villages were also visible in between.
“It’s much wider than I thought, isn’t it? I think this is almost equivalent to the county territory??”
Talkative Jake said with a surprised expression as he approached me.
“I guess so. Because it is not a single city, but a large area that includes dozens of dependent villages. “Shouldn’t it be this size to be self-sufficient?”
When Raoul answered as if it were obvious, Jake’s eyes sparkled.
“Then there must be a lot of things to enjoy, right? I thought it was the countryside, but I’m glad I did. Haha.”
“Better not expect much. The land is large, but it is not practical and the population is small. “They said the situation in the city wasn’t that relaxed either.”
But Jake didn’t seem to pay much attention to Raoul’s words.
That’s because the Liberty City of Mira, visible at the end of the horizon, seemed much larger than the Count’s main castle.
“How can it be that the city is that big? “You can’t just arrive later and be surprised that there are so many amazing things!”
‘I will be very disappointed when I find out the truth. ‘I didn’t come here to have fun anyway, so it doesn’t matter.’
Raoul couldn’t help but click his tongue inwardly.
After riding for a while, I was able to reach the city.
And the moment he reached the castle gate for inspection, a small ringing sound was heard and a twinkling message appeared in the corner of Raoul’s vision.
-The system has been updated.
-A new feature [Connect Community] has been opened.
-The new feature [Guild] category has been opened.
-New quests [Adventure Starting Line] and [Skill Collector] have been registered.
Raoul’s eyes sparkled as he checked the message without any expectations.
So far, the game system has been limited to checking the information window and inventory. So, I was worried that I might not be able to use other functions until the official service…
‘Great!! ‘If certain conditions are met, more features may be unlocked!’
If that happens, we will be able to widen the gap with others.
Raoul was excited and tried to check out the new features, but Philip came up and started talking to him.
“Raul. They say the mayor is waiting for Confucius. Would you like to visit right away?”
“That’s right. “Let the group find temporary lodgings, and only the drivers will come with me.”
“All right.”
It seemed like checking the system would have to be postponed. First of all, it was more important to meet the person in charge of the city.
Raoul got into the prepared carriage and looked at the streetscape, lost in thought.
‘It’s a world of difference from when I visited before. At that time, I worked hard for a year just to see the mayor’s face…’
As a player, it was difficult to even meet middle management if you did not increase your contribution to the city. To receive good quests, you had no choice but to increase your contribution by completing low-level quests, whether you liked it or not.
But now, as soon as I arrived, I was invited by the mayor and even got a ride in a private carriage, which made me feel refreshed.
The mayor probably invited him out of courtesy since he was the count’s son, but Raoul had a lot to gain from the mayor.
‘It won’t be a bad story for you either. So, I hope you make a wise choice, Mayor Reynaldo.’
Raoul hummed and smiled leisurely as he watched the official residence approaching.
* * *
Reynaldo Hart.
This 44-year-old man had brown hair and was wearing a neat suit.
At first glance, he seemed like an insignificant scholar, but he was the mayor of the free city of Mira.
He, who had been mayor for eight years, was very depressed.
His slumped shoulders and leaden expression gave us an idea of his feelings.
When I first became mayor, I was confident.
‘My old father was reluctant, but I am different. I will definitely turn Mira into the best city on the continent!!’
And he actually tried to change the structure of the city by carrying out ambitious new projects.
But it was all just nonsense.
It was impossible to pioneer God’s territory as if it were not God’s territory for no reason. The wizards, priests, and priests of different races who had been invited all shook their heads.
Although it attempted to transform itself into a tourist city, proud nobles were not attracted to a city full of ordinary citizens.
It attempted to become a trading city by processing special products, but it was difficult to attract large-scale commerce due to insufficient raw materials and inconvenient transportation.
In the end, all that was left was to become a training ground or resort for knights and noblemen, as it had been until now.
For Reynaldo, who dreamed of the city becoming truly independent, it was a reality that was nothing short of a frustration.
“So who came to visit??”
Reynaldo’s voice showed signs of exhaustion.
“This is Prince Raoul, the youngest son of the Earl of Ashton. “It is said that he visited with as many as 50 attendants.”
Reynaldo’s expression softened slightly at the secretary’s words.
“Ah, the third horse that is famous for being weak. Since he couldn’t have come to practice, did he come to recuperate? “Anyway, since there are a lot of people, I guess I’ll spend some money.”
The situation in the city was already not good, and the children of noblemen who had recently visited were upset because they were driving around and causing accidents every day.
Although Raoul was weak, there was no such thing as a fool, so it was fortunate.
“Let them in when they arrive. I brought out some nice tea. “He’s a pretty big customer, so you have to show sincerity.”
After giving instructions, Reynaldo leaned back against the backrest and slightly closed his eyes.
‘How long do I have to live my life chasing after children? I hope that the ‘day’ of the true oracle comes.’
A legendary oracle that has been passed down from generation to generation in the Hart family since the creation of the Free City.
A story that one day, strangers will visit who will pioneer God’s territory and bring great change to the continent.
Even if that was true, he didn’t know if that day would ever come in his life. I didn’t want to wait for that day to come like my father, who passed away recently.
But now Reynaldo himself was getting tired of having to rely on such an oracle.
Right at that moment when I was sighing deeply. The secretary’s voice was heard along with a clicking sound.
“Mayor Prince Raoul has arrived.”
“okay? Ask them to come in.”
Reynaldo raised his tired body from the chair and prepared to greet the guests.
‘First of all, we need to put out the urgent fire first. If it’s the Ashton family, they’re a family that makes a lot of money from monster by-products, so I’ll have to lure the kid and get some investment.’
And the moment the door opens.
“Welcome, Prince Raoul. “A warm welcome to the Free City of Mira!”
A bright, welcoming smile appeared on Reynaldo’s face.
There was no sign of fatigue at all.
(Continued in the next part)