Chapter 56.

Episode 56. A Leaders Knowledge (2)

Upon returning to Rheinperle, Seon-Hyeok was greeted by a territory that had changed drastically over the past few months.

We received help from the 24th Regiment and Mangsk, which made the construction projects much faster.

From atop a hill overlooking the village, he could see a mansion beginning to take shape. As it was yet incomplete, it was incomparably shabby compared to the castles owned by other lords. However, as Seon-Hyeok had lived in a barracks this entire time, his new residence seemed overly large and imposing.

Its a bit shabby and rugged to be considered a nobles mansion, but its functional.

Julians subtle tone as she spoke was that of a child seeking praise.

Good work. It seems like you were busy while I was away. Seon-Hyeok complimented as he casually patted Julian's head

W, what are you doing?! Julian angrily shouted, her face completely red. His young squire clearly wanted to be treated as a proper adult.

I... Initial construction for the cavalry garrison is also complete. The stable was built first at the request of the cavalry, and the barracks are currently being used as their accommodations. Construction for their new accommodations will be underway once your estate is finished.

Julians tone was now cold as she continued her explanation. However, Seon-Hyeok didnt mind. He was too busy looking at his transformed territory.

Although most of the people going in and out of the village were infantrymen from Mangsk or the 24th Regiment, he grew emotional seeing his territory so lively and active.

This is my land

In his old life, he had barely been able to call a few pyeong [1] his own. But now, he was the owner of a mansion large enough to house dozens of people and the lord of around ten villages and ten thousand people.

He couldnt imagine a more sudden rise to fame.

Seon-Hyeok remained speechless for a while, moved by and proud of his accomplishments. As though she understood his feelings, Julian stopped her constant reporting and allowed him to collect his emotions.

Lets go.

When he finally opened his mouth, Seon-Hyeok asked Julian to lead him to his home.

Wahhhh! M, mommy!

Heok! Whats that?

His excitement did not last long. The village was turned upside down at the sight of Goldrake.

What are you doing? Your lord is passing! Bow your heads and pay your respects!

Julian shouted out, but her voice was drowned out by the screams and panicked noises of the frightened villagers.

Just then, the soldiers appeared. It seemed they heard the commotion.

S, soldiers!

Theres a monster! A terrifying monster!

Goldrake remained calm and still, but the villagers treated him like a monster that had just devoured dozens of innocent people. Seon-Hyeok looked down at the soldiers, and they stared back, just as perplexed by the situation.

Kill it!

Drive out the monster!

Huddled behind the soldiers, the villagers hurled all sorts of harsh words.

You idiots! What are you saying to your lord?

Do you have a death wish? Lower your heads and bow down!

The soldiers scolded the residents.

M, Mister soldier. Theres a monster

Thats your lords drake, not a monster!

Are there idiots unaware that Rheinperles new owner is the Drake Knight?

The villagers looked bewildered when they saw the soldiers shouting viciously at them, and soon, they paled as they realized there was a man riding the giant monster.

L, lord!

The peasants of Rheinperle greet the lord.

Realizing the error of their ways, the residents prostrated themselves on the ground and shuddered. This was a world in which commoners could lose their hands or feet by disrespecting a passing noble, and they had dared to speak harshly against their own lord. They were not in a situation to complain even if they were put to death.

What will you do? Those two dared to call you a son of a bitch, and that one suggested you be put to death. Of course, those words were aimed at the drake and not you directly, but it is nonetheless deserving of punishment. It is customary for anyone insulting my lord to be hung for three days and nights as an example.

The cold words did not match the young girls voice. The residents bowed their heads at Julians words and begged for forgiveness.

Are you being serious?

Even if they were at odds with each other, Julians grandfather, Wittenfeld Royen Mangsk, was the type of easygoing person happy to exchange casual conversations with the lowest ranking of soldiers. It was shocking to see that mans granddaughter so easily say such harsh words.

Im only letting you know whats customary. The decision, however, is entirely up to the lord.

The villagers had simply called a monster a monster, and they had uttered such comments out of debilitating fear. It was incomprehensible for him to make a big deal out of the situation.

Dont say things like that in the future. I have no intention of following such barbaric customs.

Seon-Hyeok did not mean to suggest that there was no such social construct as classes, or that all people were equal. Such statements often fell flat even in the other world, where equality was held in high regard. It was even more true in this world, where there were strict social stratifications.

The people in this world were not ignorant beings to enlighten, and he wasnt a revolutionary with a burning desire to break down the barriers between classes. He was just an ordinary man accidentally thrown into this world. At the same time, he had no intention of treating commoners like horses or oxen as the other nobles did.

Lets keep going.

Instead of feeling proud that countless people were bowing their heads to him, Seon-Hyeok felt even more uncomfortable.

The lord has shown his grace. Thank and serve the lord for the rest of your days, knowing he showed you mercy instead of executing you for your sins!

Just as Seon-Hyeok was about to continue on his way, escorted by the soldiers, Julian turned around and threatened the residents one last time. He wasnt particularly pleased with her actions, but he also did not reprimand her.

By now, he knew very well what kind of world he was living in.

Seon-Hyeoks excitement had significantly cooled down by the time he reached his new residence. He felt burdened by the extreme