My Lord Who Is Being Prudent! [EN]: Chapter 69

§ 69. Departure (1)

“Huh? Lord?”

A soldier who spotted Cian shouted.

At that voice, the other soldiers also noticed Cian.

“Lord? Huh? It’s really the Lord?”

“It’s the Lord! The Lord has returned!”

“The Lord is back?”

Soon, shouts about Cian spread like wildfire.

“Young Master!”

Soon, Hans’ voice was heard above the soldiers.

Turning his head, Cian saw Hans running towards him, pushing through the crowd of soldiers.

His expression looked quite urgent as he ran…

It was because Cian had informed Hans of the general situation in a letter.

“How… how did it come to this?”

Hans, who had rushed to Cian, asked breathlessly.

He would know about the meeting with Durak from the previous letter…

He seemed to be asking what had happened at the Imperial Palace.

But Cian couldn’t answer that question.

“I should be asking you that! What the hell is going on here?”

That was because of the scene before Cian’s eyes.

The soldiers of Ruben had stopped what they were doing and were all staring at Cian.

And the swords held by those soldiers…

Whoooong…!

The swords in the soldiers’ hands were all shimmering with Aura [a manifestation of inner energy]!

Is that… is that even possible?

“What the hell is going on?”

Cian genuinely wondered what was happening.

“That is…”

Hans slowly began to explain.

“It’s because of the Aura cultivation method that you told us about, Young Master.”

“No, well. I expected something like that…”

In a way, it was a logical outcome.

The A-grade Aura cultivation method that Cian bought for a whopping 100,000 gold.

Otherwise, there was no way to explain this situation.

But.

“How long has it been since I told you about it?”

To be exact, how long has it been since they learned it?

Cian acquired the A-grade Aura cultivation method in the capital, Darkan.

It was when he was waiting for Conrad at the Imperial Palace.

Of course, the distance from Ruben to the Imperial Palace was quite far.

But it wasn’t a distance that would take months.

That meant that the soldiers had acquired Aura in that short amount of time.

But was that even possible?

Aura wasn’t something that could be learned so quickly.

If it were that easy, wouldn’t every Tom, Dick, and Harry be using Aura and becoming knights?

“Lucas’ help was invaluable. As expected of an expert knight, he already understood the concept of Aura. And in fact… Jerry’s influence is the greatest.”

Jerry, who has a natural talent for magic engineering.

It seemed that he had discovered something else while exploring Elodie’s knowledge at Elodie’s Lab Lv1 [a research facility in the game or world].

Lucas’ know-how.

Jerry’s research.

And even the insane growth buff efficiency of the territory.

All of those things synergized to produce such an unprecedented result.

“Thanks to that, Lucas was also able to advance to intermediate expert this time.”

“What? Lucas became an intermediate expert?”

Hans nodded.

Intermediate expert was the same level as Cian’s brother, Nathan.

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Top.

In order to move up one stage in these subdivided stages, you had to put in truly bone-crushing effort.

In particular, the higher the level, the more effort was required exponentially.

The realm of expert itself was a realm that could only be reached by those called geniuses.

Therefore, expert beginner and expert intermediate.

It was no exaggeration to say that these two were virtually different realms.

But he broke through that wall…

The A-grade Aura cultivation method.

I guessed the performance would be significant.

‘Are you crazy?’

It was far beyond expectations.

“More than that, Young Master. What happened to you, Young Master?”

“Ah, I had a good talk with His Highness.”

At Cian’s words, Hans let out a small sigh of relief.

“Did you tell His Highness about the resurrection of the demon?”

“No.”

Cian shook his head.

Well, it wasn’t that he hadn’t thought about it.

But Cian didn’t bring up the story.

There was no definite evidence yet.

There was no point in bringing up the story in that state.

The devil is from a thousand years ago.

It was destroyed by the six Arnaises [powerful figures or heroes].

And it hasn’t appeared once in a thousand years.

That’s because it was literally destroyed.

But suddenly a demon appeared?

Even the Demon Lord of Sloth, one of the seven demon lords?

No matter how much Conrad liked Cian, it was hard to believe.

He might have thought he was teasing him.

So it wasn’t good to bring it up rashly.

Above all, Cian had something important to do right now.

“Hans. Gather all the territory people now.”

“The territory people, you mean?”

Cian nodded and replied.

“I have something important to say to the people.”

#

Ruben Territory Square.

In fact, rather than a square, it was more accurate to call it the center of Ruben, where you can go to each district such as residential, agricultural, and industrial.

People were buzzing and gathering in such a central area.

A scene where humans and dwarves were mixed.

Literally all the territory people of Ruben were gathered here.

“What’s wrong with the Lord all of a sudden?”

“Well, he’s never done this as soon as he came back.”

“Did something happen?”

People were talking about the reason for gathering, buzzing with speculation.

“When I saw him earlier, the Lord’s face didn’t look good.”

“Maybe he lost money or something…? Sister Leia. Didn’t you hear anything?”

-I don’t know either. Cian didn’t even come home.

But no one knew the answer.

The people of Ruben gathered in the square.

How long had it been?

Finally, Cian revealed himself.

At the same time, the buzzing noise stopped abruptly.

Cian slowly went up onto the platform.

Well, rather than a platform, it would be more accurate to say that it was a raised area where you could see the territory people at a glance.

Cian went up to his spot and calmly looked at the gathered territory people.

Questioning eyes were all directed at Cian.

Cian met those eyes and slowly opened his mouth.

“I’ll tell you right away without delay. Everyone must be busy. The reason I called you like this is nothing special. It’s because I want to hear your opinions.”

With that, Cian began a story.

None other than the things Cian experienced after leaving Ruben.

The story of Cian visiting the Elandur mansion.

And meeting Durak there.

Finally, Durak was trying to call Cian back to the family.

“Uh…”

“W, what is that…”

“A lie… are you saying?”

As soon as Cian finished speaking, people started to panic.

Half a year.

If Cian’s words were true, Cian had to return to the family in half a year.

“Hey, the Lord must be joking.”

Someone dismissed it as a joke.

Cian’s expression was more serious than ever.

Cian slowly scanned the territory people and said.

“So I’m going to abandon the name of Elandur.”

“······!!!”

“······!!!”

At Cian’s words, all the territory people opened their eyes wide.

Abandon the name of Elandur.

No one here didn’t know what that meant.

“Maybe I’ll be at odds with Elandur. I have to turn Elandur into an enemy, and maybe I’ll have to wage war with Elandur.”

No, he had to wage war.

If things go well, Cian will abandon the name of Elandur.

As a result, Ruben will also become independent from Elandur.

A new family is being created in the territory called Ruben.

Wars between families were common in the Empire.

Of course, Durak couldn’t just sit back and watch.

Crown Prince Conrad will put pressure on Elandur in some way.

Likewise, Durak will suppress Cian in some way.

In the end, they will try to erase Cian and Ruben from history.

That’s why.

“I want to hear your opinions.”

Cian wanted to hear the opinions of the territory people.

“What do you mean by opinion…?”

“Whether to stay in Ruben. Or leave.”

Cian continued.

“Even if I abandon the name of Elandur. Elandur will somehow oppress me and Ruben. As I said before, I may have to go to war with Elandur.”

Elandur, one of the two pillars that support the Empire.

No family has survived in the past by opposing Elandur.

It wasn’t just hitting a rock with an egg [a futile effort].

That’s why.

“Those who are afraid can leave Ruben.”

Cian couldn’t force the territory people.

He couldn’t tell them to carry a haystack and jump into the fire [to face certain doom].

“And if all of you are afraid of opposing Elandur.”

Cian slowly opened his mouth.

“I will leave Ruben.”

If that was the way to protect Ruben.

Cian closed his mouth after finishing those words.

“······”

“······”

“······”

At Cian’s statement, people couldn’t say anything.

It was because Cian’s words came as a considerable shock.

Turning Elandur into an enemy.

It was something they couldn’t even imagine, and shouldn’t even imagine.

It was not strange at all to call it a new type of suicide.

Therefore, in fact, it was safe to say that Ruben was over.

So they had to leave Ruben now.

That was the only possibility to save their lives.

People knew that.

“······”

“······”

“······”

People couldn’t say anything.

A desolate silence fell.

Even though so many people were gathered, not a single sound came out.

How long had it been?

“Really… that’s too much.”

Someone muttered.

Looking at that place.

There stood Duras, a soldier of the territory.

“Didn’t the Lord tell me to be the sword that protects Ruben? But… but now you’re telling me to run away. You’re going to leave.”

Duras showed eyes mixed with various emotions.

Various emotions that cannot be explained were mixed together.

But the clear emotion in it was ‘disappointment’.

And.

“If we were going to run away, we would have run away long ago. When you first met the Lord, when the goblin hordes attacked.”

It was Grayson.

“The Lord gets hurt all the time. If you get hurt while fighting Elandur, I have to treat you…”

And Ellie.

“I was just about to start running the merchant guild, but now you’re telling me to run away? I can’t do that!”

“At first, I followed the young lady’s wishes, but now it’s a precious place for me too.”

Amelia and Lucas.

“M-me too! At first, it was because you saved my mother… but now I like Ruben here. I don’t want to leave, Lord.”

“I would already be dead if it weren’t for you, Lord. I have no intention of betraying the grace I received from you.”

Jerry and Dana.

“You promised me you’d save Helen. I can’t leave Ruben until I keep that promise.”

Semir.

“What are you worried about, Cyan! I’m here! I don’t know what Elandur is like, but tell him to come at me with a wagon full!”

Leah.

“Ahem, it’s more livable than the underworld.”

Connor.

“I would have already been finished if it weren’t for the Lord.”

“I would have been dying in the Forest of Darkness.”

“But thanks to the Lord, because the Lord took us in, we learned what it means to live in Ruben!”

“Do you know what my son said yesterday! He asked when the festival would be again! He said it was so much fun. My son, who was always trembling with fear in the dwarf village! It’s the first time I’ve heard him say that! Hahaha!”

Numerous people of Ruben.

Everyone raised their voices and shouted.

Not a single person said they would leave Ruben.

Cyan stared blankly at them.

Hans approached Cyan and whispered.

“Surely not, Master. Did you gather the territory residents here because you thought they would leave?”

“······ A little.”

Cyan nodded slightly.

Of course, they also had to inform the territory residents of this fact.

And frankly, he thought that at least some would leave, if not all.

Because Elandur was Elandur.

“There’s no way that would happen.”

But it seemed that wasn’t the case.

Cyan seemed to have been mistaken a little.

“We are Ruben’s swords, and also the Lord’s swords!”

“Just tell us what to do! What can we do for Ruben and the Lord!”

“We are more afraid of the Lord leaving us than fighting Elandur!”

As much as Cyan thought of Ruben.

“Shouldn’t we also repay the grace that the Lord has shown us!”

Ruben, and the territory residents, were also thinking of Cyan.

A strange emotion welled up in Cyan’s heart.

It became clear.

From this moment on.

He would abandon the name of Elandur.

He didn’t know what consequences this choice would bring, but he would have no regrets.

Cyan erased the name of Elandur from his heart.

Cyan raised his eyes and looked at the territory residents.

The territory residents met Cyan’s gaze and made determined expressions.

A smile that he couldn’t help but make.

“Then what are you all doing! Get back to work! We need to earn gold quickly!”

Then the people also smiled like Cyan.

“Oh my! The Lord is angry!”

“Let’s go quickly!”

Once again in Ruben.

A widespread smile began to bloom.

#

After sending all the territory residents back.

Cyan separately called Amelia and Lucas to the Lord’s manor.

Knock knock.

“Lord, it’s Amelia. Lucas is here too.”

“Come in.”

With Cyan’s words, the door clicked open and two people entered.

Amelia, who is in charge of Ruben’s trade.

Lucas, who commands Ruben’s soldiers.

“Sit there.”

At Cyan’s suggestion, Amelia and Lucas took their seats.

Cyan looked at Lucas for a moment.

‘As expected…’

‘Is it true that he has reached the intermediate level of Expert [a skilled warrior ranking]?’

The energy felt from Lucas had become even stronger.

Cyan smiled slightly and said to Lucas.

“I heard the story. Congratulations.”

“It’s all thanks to the Lord.”

Lucas bowed respectfully.

“What do you mean by thanks to me? You did well.”

Cyan waved his hand.

That’s because the real Cyan didn’t do anything.

Maybe just the growth buff [a temporary increase in stats]?

Well, that could also be said to be thanks to Cyan.

In the end, it could be seen as Lucas’s effort.

However, Lucas didn’t seem to think so.

“The Aura Cultivation Technique [a method to enhance one’s inner energy] that the Lord gave me allowed me to learn it and take it one step further.”

“Hmm? Really?”

Cyan opened his eyes slightly in surprise.

He had heard earlier that Lucas had learned an A-grade Aura Cultivation Technique.

However, most knights insist on their own Aura Cultivation Technique.

It was not easy to change the cultivation technique that they had been training for a long time.

Unless it was a significantly superior Aura Cultivation Technique, they would not change it easily.

The fact that Lucas changed his Aura Cultivation Technique despite that…

“I can’t say for sure, but perhaps… there aren’t many things on the continent that are comparable to this Aura Cultivation Technique.”

Judging from Lucas’s reaction,

It seemed that the A-grade Aura Cultivation Technique was indeed crazy.

“Hmm… so all the soldiers have learned that Aura Cultivation Technique now.”

“That’s right.”

“Lucas, then what is the overall level of the soldiers now?”

Then Lucas answered without hesitation.

“It’s safe to say that everyone is at least a Trainee Knight.”

“Crazy.”

Cyan blurted out without realizing it.

All the soldiers in the territory are Trainee Knights?

What kind of nonsense is that?

Even more than that.

What territory in the world has Trainee Knights as soldiers!

The Knights could all be Experts.

However, it was impossible for ordinary soldiers to all be knights.

“The soldiers’ growth rate is tremendous. There are daily practical battles with monsters, but I wonder if this is possible.”

Lucas said with a face mixed with surprise and admiration.

It seemed that the effects of spending money were creating synergy everywhere.

‘Should I spend more money then?’

To do that, what is needed is gold.

And the 1.5 million gold received from Isabel.

He spent money on removing ads and an A-grade Aura Cultivation Technique, but there was still quite a bit of gold left.

‘But these days, Mobile Lord seems to be getting stronger.’

Cyan turned his head and said to Amelia.

“Amelia, how is the merchant guild preparation going?”

“Yes. It’s almost finished. And I’ve decided on the name of the merchant guild as ‘Ruben Brahe’. How is it?”

This place, Ruben, and Amelia’s family, Brahe.

It was a simple name that combined the two.

“Of course.”

Cyan shrugged his shoulders.

As long as they made a lot of money, he didn’t care about the name of the merchant guild.

“Did you hire the guild members?”

“Yes. But since the Lord was absent, I received approval from Hans and immediately put them to work. Now that we’re on the subject…”

“No. It’s okay.”

Cyan waved his hand.

Hans would take care of it well.

“Have you decided on the items for this trade?”

“Yes, of course!”

Amelia answered energetically and took out a piece of paper from her arms.

The paper was densely filled with writing.

Amelia read them out one by one.

“150 oak barrels of beer made by the dwarves. 200 each of dwarven weapons and armor. 500L of troll blood. 600 lycanthrope teeth…”

Amelia continued to recite the items for a long time.

Cyan quietly listened to Amelia’s words.

But why is that?

“300 sacks of wheat and barley left over from the harvest in the farmland last time. There are also various monster by-products and things from the monster farm. And… ah! Soap. There are also about 2,000 soaps. And…”

She didn’t seem to be thinking of ending it at all!

As she properly built a merchant guild, Amelia’s abilities were going crazy.

Cyan unknowingly closed his ears in the middle.

But what was so exciting for Amelia?

With a beaming face, she recited the items one by one to the end.

“That’s all!”

After a long time, Amelia shouted.

“You’ve prepared diligently…”

And you’ve made a lot.

It seemed that the territory had been running diligently while Cyan was away.

No, it wasn’t just diligent, it was running like crazy.

And if they sold all of those…

They would earn a tremendous amount of gold!

“Then have you decided where to go for the first trade?”

“No. Actually, I was worried about that, so I was going to consult with the Lord. Since it’s the first trade…”

Cyan nodded and said.

“Then how about the western part of the Empire?”

“The western part of the Empire? Hmm… it’s not bad. No, it’s good. After all, it’s a region where commerce is developed.”

The west, adjacent to the coast and a commercial hub.

Although the best commercial city in the Empire was Lucia.

Nevertheless, when it came to commerce, the west of the Empire could be counted.

“It was also the region where our family was active.”

In the first place, Amelia’s Brahe family was also located in the western part of the Empire.

“But it’s difficult to go to the west now. I heard that the west is in chaos due to monsters? Suddenly, monsters have sprung up, and the situation seems to be quite serious.”

As expected, she was a merchant with quick information.

Amelia knew the situation in the west.

“So it’s a bit difficult to go to the western region for trade now.”

That’s why she seemed reluctant to go to the west.

“Then let’s go to the west.”

“······ Yes?”

Amelia tilted her head and said.

“Monsters are rampant? Isn’t it too dangerous?”

“That’s why we’re going.”

Amelia expressed concern, but Cyan said nonchalantly.

First of all, there was Conrad’s request.

“If it’s chaotic, other merchant guilds won’t be trading often, right? Then it’s good to aim for a niche market. And I’m going too, so prepare immediately.”

“The Lord too···?”

Amelia questioned again, but Cyan immediately said to Lucas.

“Lucas, this time, we’re going to take the soldiers with us, so go now and summon the soldiers.”

“The soldiers as well?”

Lucas also tilted his head and questioned.

That’s because Cyan’s words now.

That meant that in addition to trading, they were leading the soldiers to the western part of the Empire.

Until now, Ruben had only protected the territory.

They had never gone out like this.

But why suddenly···?

Whether he knew the feelings of Amelia and Lucas or not.

“It’s a sortie [a military operation].”

Cyan smiled.

#

The western part of the Empire is a region adjacent to the coast,

It was a gateway through which various goods from the continent were constantly entering.

As a result, commerce naturally developed.

It was a region where the most gold in the Empire was circulated, and the financial industry also developed.

The one who dominates the west dominates the commerce of the Empire.

But dominating the west was actually like a dream.

There were so many merchant guilds in the west.

It was virtually impossible to reign over all of those merchant guilds.

Just once.

In the past, the Brahe Grand Merchant Guild had briefly touched that dream.

But dreams are just dreams after all.

An unprecedented situation occurred in which an internal member of the merchant guild absconded with astronomical funds amounting to hundreds of millions of gold, and Brahe eventually collapsed.

Anyway.

The western part of the Empire was a region where trade was usually active as a commercial hub.

But now.

“Certainly… the atmosphere is very chilly.”

Amelia muttered, looking at the surrounding scenery.