"Ugh..." Jon let out a small, annoyed groan as he looked at his sword. The blade, which had seemed flawless, cracked as the sound of clicking and cracking could be heard before the blade shattered completely and fell to the ground in pieces, leaving only the hilt. Looking exasperated, Jon slumped his shoulders before looking at Luwin, who watched with a touch of fascination.
The Maester knew that this result wasn't due to Jon's strength; it was something else he couldn't quite grasp yet. For weeks now, Jon had managed to complete his quest [Way of the Sword (1)], so Jon knew it was due to the skill he received as a reward, but one he couldn't fully control. No, it was more like saying that the skill had taken a turn where it always remained activated.
[Test of the Sword]
[Description: A skill that allows one to determine the creation of swords and their performance. Test the sword. Test the cuts, test the sword's handling. This is also a method for measuring the sharpness and performance of swords. The user can freely draw on the power bestowed upon a weapon, to the point where it can even be used to its full potential, to the point where the weapon would self-destruct in a single blow.
The problem wasn't really Jon, but the swords. None were good enough to withstand the skill. Every time he tests a weapon, it breaks, even without having to use it to its full potential. Even the weapon his father had given him ended up breaking to the point where the hilt was rendered useless.
In the end, Jon shook his head, hoping to buy a good sword with his points from the chat group. He only had two thousand of them, but he would receive three thousand more upon completing the quest he'd been given after completing the first part of the Way of the Sword. The second part wasn't actually that difficult; it involved blocking arrows, stones, or any object that could be thrown at him. He didn't have to cut them, just block. And with his new senses, it wasn't complicated.
As for his responsibilities, Jon was satisfied. They had settled entirely into a fortress east of the new gift, which consisted of large rolling hills that reached the Shivering Sea. The fortress they were in didn't have a real name, but it was surrounded by high walls and had four large towers and more distant tower houses. Surrounding this fortress were several villages where most of the people lived. And as for the people, Jon sighed with some relief that they accepted him without too much trouble.
"Maester Luwin, how are the crops? Also, have any letters arrived from Winterfell?" Jon asked as he left the pieces of several swords in place, looking at a nearby guard, tacitly indicating that he should be removed.
"Good. In fact, very good. I'm impressed by your ideas, Jon. Some bees have been seen around, which is good for the people. It will allow for honey gathering, and even bee keeping. As for letters, one actually arrived. Lady Catelyn's pregnancy has gone very well, but I am needed."
Jon nodded with a smile. Lady Catelyn's pregnancy had been something that had surprised him a week after arriving at the keep. Apparently, the woman was already pregnant before he left Winterfell. But months having passed, she needed the assistance of someone like Luwin.
"Then I'll have to thank you for all the help you've given me."
"It's my job, but your thanks are welcome, Jon."
"When will you be leaving, by the way?"
"Tomorrow, at dawn is when I will leave," Luwin replied before looking at Jon with a small smile.
"You know, I'm amazed at everything you've done. Not only have you managed to run this place, but you go out of your way to help people. Not just anyone would do such a thing."
"I think it's necessary," Jon replied seriously. "My job is to see that everyone is well, so I do such things. Besides, it also helps me learn new things."
"Your father would be proud."
Jon nodded before saying goodbye to Luwin, walking through the fortress's courtyards. Inside, there were four courtyards in total, separated by open, roofed corridors. The castle wasn't too large, but it had several towers and tower houses attached. The kitchen, bedrooms, and armory were inside the castle, while the stables and other items were in one of the courtyards. There was a blacksmith working in the castle, as well as multiple women and men working to keep everything neat and clean.
However, Jon thought it was too small. This wasn't about things like ego or greed, but about protection. Winter was coming, Jon knew. And at those times, many would seek shelter within the fortress and castle. The villages would be crowded, and houses would be insufficient.
When Jon arrived at his manor, in one of the castle towers, he sat behind the table and looked out the window behind him. He needed to think of things that would help his people in their darkest times. He needed to keep them safe.
Frowning slightly, Jon stood up and walked to the door to lock it. He then returned to his chair and took out his smartphone before contacting Rias via video call. Before long, Rias appeared with a small smile as she waved. Jon could see she was sitting in a comfortable chair.
"Something up, Jon?"
"Not really, but I needed some advice, or maybe several."
"Sure. Anyway, I was free," Rias smiled more broadly. Jon was younger than her, but he behaved like an adult; it was pleasant to chat with him. Even more so when said conversations revolved around governing and leading people. She probably wouldn't admit it, but she felt proud of what she had accomplished with Aeternum so far, and her growing reputation and power.
"It's been about three months since I began ruling these lands. And while I've begun to gain the people's true respect, I feel it's insufficient. Then there are the issues of protection. We have guards, but that's not enough in the event of a wildling raid that might sneak in from beyond the wall."
"There's also the issue of growing these lands. The winters are incredibly harsh, always. And when winter approaches, people gather in all sorts of strongholds."
Rias listened attentively, nodding occasionally, understanding Jon's concerns. It didn't matter if people respected Jon; when it came to duty, lives and results mattered more.
"The problem with a world in an era like yours is the construction of futures. Jon, as important as it is to earn people's respect, there will come a point where they simply won't be entirely satisfied, no matter how well you do everything. In fact, how do you think they feel in the capital? I don't know it personally, but the rumors you've mentioned say it's not really that great a city. If the King didn't have so many guards or even powerful armies, do you think those people would stay quiet?"
"What you have to do is help people create a future with their own hands. Jon, you can give them hope, but they themselves have to be able to use their hands for their futures. For example, you can create a building, not too big, but enough for two dozen people to be comfortable. In that space, you can teach some to read and write. Then, those you taught can teach others. Being able to read and write, even knowing their numbers, will create new opportunities in your lands."
"How many people do you think can learn new things if they know how to read and understand books?"
"Children who reach adolescence knowing these things can have the potential to become various things. If women can learn things like medicine or healing people, even more so. With this alone, the lands you manage will grow little by little without you having to do much."
"You can recruit men for the guard as well. Teach them formations, the proper way to conduct themselves in battle, and the use of weapons. Hand out the tools, Jon. The rest will emerge little by little over time."
"And if you want more people, then you have to make the land where you are flourish. People will see that it's a good place to live and will come looking for opportunities. But keep in mind that, while this is good, these people would need to be paid for their work, or they won't perform well. At the same time, let them have at least one day of rest a week."
"Coins... Ugh... that's another problem. We don't have that much. The cultivation is fine, it's working perfectly, but it will take a while for it to truly bear fruit."
Rias He sighed a little, but smiled nonetheless. Ruling a place, no matter how small, wasn't easy. Jon was also young, so he had no experience.
"Jon, there are many things you can do to trade with other lands. Wine, alcoholic beverages in general. Food dishes that become something you only find there will generate visitors if it's good enough. You're close to the sea, so you can also generate salt with the right procedure."
"I'll send you some documents that will help you."
"Thank you very much, you're very helpful," Jon breathed a sigh of relief. Rias always gave good ideas and advice. And on those points, Jon couldn't help but think that any child Rias had with Harry could be a monster.
"Are you thinking something strange?"
"Huh?" Jon looked at her, a little surprised.
"Hahaha. Never mind, just think things through, Jon. You'll always have help with us."
Jon just nodded before Rias cut them off. Minutes later, several interesting files were sent. From recipes with images of beautiful dishes to the preparation of drinks and different learning methods.
The young Stark couldn't help but think about the future. He wanted these lands to become something great that could help the North.
That same afternoon, notices were left throughout the castle, the fortress, and the nearby town, encouraging anyone interested in learning to attend classes led by Jon the following day.
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