Chapter 139: Return to Giaris
After leaving Grass Villa, Raven returned to the Rosehall Inn and fell into deep thought.
[What's on your mind, kid?] Zera asked in his head.
'What will happen to those young knights and those around me if I die in this upcoming war? What about my aunt? And I worry about my sister every day. Is she doing okay at the Royal Palace? Or is she being tortured? I'm worried,' Raven said with an anxious expression. Although he had grown into a fine young man and even managed to absorb Runeth's memories, he was still a child at heart.
[You're not a Legendary Wizard who can protect everyone, kid. Why are you getting anxious? Stop worrying about others. If you want to protect those you love, get strong. Become stronger than anyone else in the world. Then, you can end this meaningless war with a wave of your hand,] Zera responded.
Raven's mind cleared upon hearing Zera's words, and he decided to take things one step at a time.
That night, he stayed at the inn to rest.
At dawn, he mounted his war horse and left Ythendale Town.
After traveling for three hours, Raven arrived at Azmar Town and noticed Quincy, Marcellus, and the others gathered near the town gate.
What surprised him was that they were all fully equipped, seemingly preparing for battle.
"What happened?" he asked as he rode up to them.
"Reece found a large Orc settlement to the southeast, My Lord. We're on our way to subdue it," Marcellus replied with a bow.
"Need a hand?" Raven asked, jumping down from the carriage.
"I don't think it will be necessary, My Lord. We're planning to use this opportunity to train the young ones," Marcellus replied, glancing at the young knights.
Quincy, Reece, Leona, and Felicity nodded in agreement.
"That's good, then. Sir Marcellus, please watch over the town for a while. I'll be heading out for a short period," Raven said after a brief pause.
"Will you be all right on your own, My Lord?" Marcellus asked with concern.
Instead of replying, Raven smiled.
Only then did Marcellus realize he had calmly faced an Expert Necromancer and even triumphed.
"I was worrying for nothing, huh?" he chuckled and nodded.
"Do whatever you need to do and return safely, My Lord."
Quincy and the others waved as he departed.
Raven didn't linger in Azmar Town and continued riding toward Giaris City.
Though he took a few brief stops along the way, he didn't delay long and reached Giaris by nightfall.
Before long, he arrived at Bristol Street and returned to the Holmes Mansion.
Rebecca and Jacob were surprised by his sudden visit and quickly inquired about the situation in Azmar.
"Nothing major. Marcellus and the Sepoy Mercenaries are training the young recruits using the surrounding monsters," Raven said as he walked inside and greeted Stephanie.
Due to her being a mortal, her face and hands had begun to show small wrinkles.
'She's getting old.' Truthfully, he had never asked much about her personal life. But he knew she had a family of her own and took one day off each week to spend time with them.
'If I remember right, she has two kids. Both must be teenagers now, probably enrolled at the Knights Academy. Her husband used to be unemployed, but he runs a small shop on Market Street now.'
"Once I rebuild Azmar Town, I want you and your family to move there, Stephanie. I'll allocate five acres of land outside the town and build a single-story house for you. Will you come?"
Stephanie froze for a moment before answering.
"I'd love to, My Lord. But my family needs to stay here for now," she replied softly, her voice filled with gratitude and hesitation. "My husband's shop is just starting to make a profit, and my kids are enrolled at the Knights Academy. Their education and future depend on staying in Giaris... I'm sorry."
Raven didn't look disappointed. He nodded calmly and said, "That's perfectly fine, Stephanie. I understand."
He paused, then continued, "But the offer still stands. The land and house will be yours, whether or not you move. I'll have everything registered in your name."
Stephanie's eyes widened. "My Lord… I—"
"No need to say anything," Raven interrupted gently, raising a hand. "You've been with me through thick and thin. This is the least I can do."
He then turned to Rebecca, who had been silently listening.
"Rebecca, prepare the property documents. Allocate five acres on the northeastern edge of Azmar Town under Stephanie's name. Make sure it's properly registered."
Rebecca nodded with a smile. "I'll take care of it first thing tomorrow, My Lord."
"Thank you." Raven turned back to Stephanie with a soft smile. "Even if you don't live there, you can visit anytime. It'll be your second home."
Stephanie bowed deeply, her eyes glistening. "Thank you, My Lord. I don't know what to say…"
"No need for thanks," Raven replied, his expression turning serious. "Rebecca, I also came to ask something important. Have the families of the missing people started showing up?"
Rebecca's smile faded as she reached for a folder nearby.
"Yes," she said after a pause. "Out of fifty-two, only thirty families have come forward. We suspect the rest are from nearby villages."
Raven nodded.
"Double-check their identities. Once confirmed, compensate the families with one acre of land each. That's the best I can offer for now."
"My Lord?" Even Jacob looked stunned.
Although one acre of land in Azmar Town wasn't highly valuable, it could easily sell for over 40 gold coins.
"Just register the land under the family head's name and give them proper documents. It's up to them whether to move or sell it," Raven said, waving his hand.
Then, as if remembering something, he added, "Also, inform Sir Luke of my arrival. Tell him I want to discuss the road construction project."
"Yes, My Lord," Rebecca responded.
After that, Raven went up to the second floor to rest.
…
The next day.
Raven woke up early and rode to the Zenith Royal Bank located in the southern quarter of Giaris. The bank, a majestic white-marble building with arched windows, was already bustling. Guards in red uniforms stood at the entrance, nodding respectfully as Raven passed.
Inside, he was guided to the upper offices by a clerk who immediately recognized him.
As the door opened, Raven stepped into a neatly arranged office filled with ledgers, scrolls, and a large oak desk. Behind it stood a familiar figure—a middle-aged man with sharp eyes and a neatly trimmed mustache. He stood the moment he saw Raven, his face lighting up with warmth and respect.
Raven adjusted his monocle and glanced at his nameplate.
'Jack, huh?'
"Lord Raven!" Jack greeted with a broad smile. "It's been a while. I heard about the recent events. Congratulations on recapturing Azmar Town!"
"Thank you, Officer Jack," Raven replied, shaking his hand.
Jack motioned for him to sit and added, "I have a message to deliver. Once Azmar Town's reconstruction is complete, the higher-ups are considering opening a branch of the Royal Bank there. It'll be the manager's call, of course—but talks are underway."
Raven gave a small nod. "That would certainly help the development. I'll speak with Count Andres and make arrangements when the time comes."
Jack smiled. "Yes, Lord Raven."
Raven then leaned forward. "That aside, I'm here to make a withdrawal. Using the VIP account."
Jack blinked. "Ah, of course. I'll notify the manager—"
"I need one million gold coins," Raven said calmly.
A stunned silence filled the room. Jack blinked again. "Pardon...? One million?"
Raven nodded. "Yes. Transfer it in platinum."
Jack stood abruptly and hurried out. Moments later, he returned—this time with the bank manager and several high-ranking officers. Though their expressions were tense, they remained professional.
It took nearly an hour to gather and process the amount. Finally, ten thousand platinum coins—packed into secure, rune-sealed chests—were brought before Raven. The manager confirmed the count and handed Raven a scroll-bound receipt personally.
"Please come again, Lord Raven," the manager said, still sweating.
Raven calmly accepted the receipt and left the bank.
Afterward, he headed to the Giaris Mercenary Guild and met another familiar face—a man with sharp, elongated eyebrows, a celestial nose, and olive skin. It was none other than Jose, who had helped him during his early days.
"I didn't expect you to achieve something this big so soon, Mr. Holmes. Congratulations on becoming a true Lord," Jose said with a smile.
"Without the Sepoy Mercenaries' help, none of this would've been possible. I'm deeply thankful to you for recommending them."
"I didn't recommend them, though. Kyler did," Jose corrected with a chuckle.
Raven nodded. "True."
Jose's expression shifted slightly as Raven asked, "By the way, how's Head Constable Kyle?"
"He got into an accident while chasing some thugs and ended up in bed with injuries. But he's recovering well. The doctors said he'll be up and walking in another week," Jose replied, then added with a chuckle, "Still grumbles about how he didn't catch the thugs."
"I'm glad to hear he's okay. I gave him my word," Raven said seriously. "Once the town is rebuilt, I'll request Count Andres to establish a proper police station in Azmar. I want Kyle to supervise it."
A flash of surprise appeared on Jose's face.
"I didn't expect you to remember that promise, Mr. Holmes." He paused for a moment and added,
"I suppose I should start addressing you as 'Lord' now."
Raven chuckled and added,
"My offer to you still stands, Mr. Jose. If the Mercenary Guild plans to open a branch in Azmar Town, please come and help me develop it."
"That's a tempting offer indeed." Jose smiled and continued,
"I'll speak with the Guild Leader and keep you informed."
After that, Raven didn't stay much longer at the Mercenary Guild and soon left.
It was nearly 10 a.m.
He returned to the Holmes Mansion and entered the second meeting room, where Luke—the owner of the Lucas Company—was already waiting.
The middle-aged man with blond hair stood up immediately and bowed slightly. "My Lord."
"I apologize for making you wait, Luke," Raven said as he sat down. "Let's not waste time. I've received Baroness Elara's approval. You're authorized to begin construction of the cobblestone road from Ythendale to Azmar Town."
Luke's eyes lit up with excitement. "That's wonderful news! I've already sent some of my men to survey the terrain."
Raven took a gold card from his inventory and added,
"Lady Elara also told me to use this card to visit the Parish Trade Guild and gather as many employees as possible."
"Parish Trade Guild?" Luke's eyes widened.
"If we use Lady Elara's house seal, they'll definitely help us with the manpower."
Raven nodded in agreement.
"I want the road construction completed within three months. Town walls and housing must be done within a year. I'll fund the entire construction from my personal account—but I expect results, Luke," Raven said firmly.
Luke straightened his back. "You have my word, My Lord. I'll assign my best workers. Once it's done, that road will last for generations."
"Good." Raven tapped the table lightly. "Also, ensure resting posts are set up every ten kilometers. I want it to be travel-friendly."
"Understood."
As the meeting continued, the two discussed finer details such as labor management, route optimization, and budget allocation. Raven's mind remained calm and focused throughout.
After more than two hours of discussion, Raven gave Luke half the required amount for the road construction and instructed him to begin the work immediately.
…