Chapter 4 (1/2)

Chapter 4

“Fuu …”

Julian puts down the docu his forehead in a newfound sense of fatigue

Even though he had been aware after absorbing this body’s memories that the youth was embroiled in a troublesome situation, he did not quite expect the annoyance to be quite this obtuse

A detailed report of Sunset Town’s affairs sits before Julian; its conclusions are the cause of his slight headache

The root cause coh the docuiven to the Felix youth by certain proenuine, they were not co sent as a victim, and acted with intent to solely cause chaos, then they would have to clean up the mess he left behind when he inevitably died, in particular the dual tasks of rebuilding and stabilization Naturally, it was not a consideration that had escaped theirFelix was a holding granted by a noble overlord [1]

Upon this continent, there are two types of land tenures One is tenancy in capite, [2] wherein land is bestowed directly from the crown to others by direct royal order Of course, those that receive such an honor are usually significant past contributors to the monarchy’s cause, or are related by blood to the royal fah for the most part to maintain their elevated status and reputation, and are coh enfiefh which a tenant-in-chief is able to carve out fiefs within his holdings to followers of his own Coranted to tenants-in-chief, fiefdoms rarely have their borders clearly demarcated, and are also difficult to develop, since the lord in question generally only designates one or several towns or forts to be ed by his vassal For example, Julian’s fiefdom nominally envelops the entirety of the Sunset Mountains, but he is only entitled to collect taxes froes in the outer reaches of the erial power over them

As a town cut off from the rest of the world, Sunset Town has few enerations, its residents rely only on their cultivated farmlands and the beasts they are able to hunt within the forest, having little else as a source of wealth Thus, the amount of taxation receivable old [3]

A hundred gold is not a sible amount for an aristocrat Evidently, the document’s specification that Julian is able to supervise and tax Sunset Town alone is a lih there is little need to worry about a near-dead man, it is best to alleviate the possibility of overly violent death throes Ultimately, Sunset Town is both small and austere; its population barely numbers in the hundreds, and it has no economic power Even if Julian wanted to start a revolt, the resources available would be insufficient, so he could be left to his own devices

The only benefit is, on thefor this world, the noblemen did not further contest the terenerously” waived a year of taxation Therefore, Sunset Castle would not be taxed in the next year by those nobleood news for Julian, since

otherwise half of the hundred-odd gold would disappear into their hands Under that kind of circumstance, Julian would be forced to abandon his position and abode even if he were omnipotent

Sunset Castle is not a small castle In Julian’s tidom, and, backed by the mountains, was easy to defend and hard to attack The Sunset Mountains are rugged and complex, and the castle is situated on the only flat expanse Interconnected with the town beneath, it offers reciprocal support and aid Under the protection of the castle, the town is unlikely to be assaulted, and the latter is able to reinforce the for on its constant supply ofwater, it can be said to be an unconquerable castle

In the past, an alliance of troops laid siege to the castle for half a year Even though the ene troops within the keep, the alliance was nevertheless forced to retreat after the siege cost theend, it is because of the countless dead that the forest is as lush as it is today

Relying on the strength of the fortress allowed the kingdom to expand its borders by a third, and because of this, the forer had a use However, the positioning of Sunset Castle meant that it could not transform into a major hub for colorious citadel has co a place with no further reason for existence

Like warriors, their lives cease to have purpose when they are needed no longer

Shaking his head to cast away the pointless s, Julian redoubles his concentration upon the inforreat heap of things undone, and though he can leave the cleaning and reorganization of the castle to the wandering spirits, he cannot say the sa out the rest of his natural years here – he has his own plans, as well as the nus required to set them into motion

Julian is not unfaan froaries of fate, he would not have chosen to leave his oorld to coardless, Julian pursued a pinnacle of achieve to his heart’s desire; even then, he had encies and preparations for a number of possible future outcomes [4]

But presently, even starting from scratch may be a luxury

No matter how capable Julian is, he only has two hands and ten fingers; it is inconceivable for hi appropriate and talented subordinates is a necessity – though perhaps a pipe dream at this juncture

“Anyhow, I can only rely on myself for now”

Letting out a sigh of resignation, Julian gathers together the docuain; a cold breeze flutters by, sending the papers fluttering into the air before coh the castle had not been inhabited for almost thirty years, the prior residents had been afraid of carrying the ‘demonic curse’ aith them, so Julian did not have to concern his – theirs had been left behind Further souls, ordinary insects and wildlife dared not approach the castle, ree to the furniture; the majority was still in usable condition

The chilly air carries with it the faint sound of laughter, echoing throughout the spacious gloos of fear and unease, but for Julian, it is n of spiritual caprice – a practice he isn’t too hts beforea further decision, but the quiet whispers within those souls gives him pause

Julian feels a clear change in the tone of the ensouled wind – its gentleness had suddenly transitioned to a fierce puzzle spirits’ reports, then raises an eyebrow

“There’s so like that, hmm?”