The Purple Bauhinia Adventure Team was chatting among themselves, unaware of the current developments.
At that very moment, Rennes was speaking with his wife.
"Rennes, you're back! Were you hurt during the expedition against the monsters?"Janice looked at him with deep concern.
She had been extremely worried ever since her husband left to face those dangerous creatures. If Rennes hadn't insisted on going himself, she never would have allowed him to take such a risk.
"Of course not!"Rennes smiled and acted as if he was completely unscathed.
He didn't want Janice to worry—especially not now. Stress was the last thing she needed, considering she was heavily pregnant.
To keep her from noticing anything suspicious, Rennes didn't dwell on the topic. He quickly changed the subject and, half-truthfully, began recounting his experience during the expedition.
Janice, who had never traveled far from home, was fascinated by the tale. She rested her head on Rennes' chest and listened quietly, absorbed in the story.
The couple cuddled together, and just like that, the day passed peacefully.
After defeating the Windfire Demon Tiger, Rennes returned to his normal routine.
He spent his days playing with his children, accompanying his wife, and enjoying occasional hunting trips in the forest surrounding his territory.
Life was comfortable.
In terms of territory development, Rennes had already laid solid groundwork.
With time, the Eagle Brewery gained greater recognition, and shipment volumes steadily increased. Trade began to flourish, drawing more visitors to the region.
As the local economy grew, the villagers became more prosperous. Encouraged by the thriving conditions, many free settlers began migrating to Eagle Village.
The population rose from just over 4,000 to more than 7,000, and it continued to grow at a healthy rate.
At this pace, it was expected that by mid-next year, Xiongying Village would be officially reclassified as Xiongying Town.
Of course, Rennes had ways to accelerate this process.
He still retained the knowledge from his previous life. With a little effort, he could easily establish pillar industries that would supercharge the village's development.
But he chose not to.
In this high-magic world, power was the true foundation of security. Without the strength to defend one's interests, creating too many "good things" could attract unwanted attention—and dangerous enemies.
Rennes had no intention of being reckless.
For now, his top priority was to ensure Janice's health and prepare for the safe birth of their child.
Time passed quickly.
Janice's due date drew near, and the Rennes household was fully focused on welcoming their new family member.
But just as the family was preparing for this joyful event, three noble lords, accompanied by over a dozen guards, suddenly arrived in Xiongying Village.
These three nobles were:
Cardia of the Black Baron family
Igor of the Yak Baron family
Cindira of the Merk Baron family
Their families had longstanding business alliances with the Habs family, particularly in the beer trade, and their relationships were friendly and cooperative.
The group rode into the village together.
"The Habs family's territory has developed incredibly fast!"Cardia was visibly impressed by the transformation.
Just six months ago, he had visited Xiongying Village to negotiate beer distribution rights. Back then, the village was filled with thatched huts and wooden shacks, connected by uneven dirt paths. It was a poor, backwater mountain settlement.
But now?
The old structures were gone—replaced by solid and elegant stone houses. The dirt roads had been transformed into well-paved cobblestone streets. Public toilets, commercial avenues, and other infrastructure were in place. Market stalls lined the roads, bustling with villagers going about their business.
It was a scene of prosperity.
If Cardia hadn't known better, he would have thought he had arrived in an entirely different place.
"Save your admiration," Igor said coolly. "Let's first pay our respects to Baron Rennes."
Cardia and Cindira nodded in agreement. They hadn't come just to sightsee.
They arrived at Habs Manor, presented their visiting cards, and were promptly led to the reception room by the butler, who treated them with utmost courtesy.
The butler then went to inform Rennes of their arrival.
A few minutes later, Rennes entered the room.
"Baron Igor, Baron Cardia, Baron Cindira—it's quite a surprise to see all three of you here. What brings you to Xiongying Village?" he asked, clearly curious.
"Baron Rennes, we've come to discuss an important matter," Igor replied, his tone serious.
"And what might that be?" Rennes asked.
"Have you heard the news about the impending border war?" Igor asked carefully.
"Border war?" Rennes frowned, caught off guard.
He hadn't heard a thing.
Lately, his attention had been focused entirely on Janice and her upcoming delivery. He hadn't attended any noble gatherings or followed regional politics closely.
"Yes," Cindira chimed in, explaining, "Two months ago, a massive iron ore deposit was discovered near the western border. Both our Kingdom of Lance and the neighboring Kingdom of Hilak claim ownership over the site."
"Now, tensions are running high along the border," she continued."Word is, our king has already begun preparations for war."
Rennes listened intently, still unsure what this had to do with him.
"What does this have to do with us?" he asked.After all, they were southern lords, far from the western front. Unless it became a full-scale war of annihilation, they wouldn't be directly involved.
"This war presents a rare opportunity," Igor said, his eyes gleaming.
"We're inviting you to join forces with us and participate in the conflict.""With the combined strength of our four families, we could distinguish ourselves in battle.""That would open the door to promotions in title—and bigger, richer fiefs."
Cardia and Cindira both nodded eagerly, clearly excited by the idea.
At that moment, Rennes understood their true intent.
But he wasn't moved by the picture they painted.
As a former soldier in the Lion Knights Legion, Rennes knew the brutality of war firsthand.
War was a merciless grinder of flesh and bone. Once it started, it devoured everything—especially lives.
And in a conflict between two kingdoms, the combined might of four minor baronial houses meant very little. A single unlucky battle could wipe them out completely.
"This kind of war is too dangerous," Rennes said, shaking his head."I'm sorry, but I can't agree to this plan."
With the cheat-like advantage of his golden finger, Rennes had limitless potential. There was no need to risk everything for uncertain gains on a bloody battlefield.
He had already made up his mind.
The future he was building—for his family and his people—would not be gambled on someone else's war.