- Fantasy Lord: Start with Daily Intelligence
- FLDI Chapter 41
Chapter 41: The Arrival of Racios Assad
Thor had been eagerly anticipating the arrival of Racios Assad. In the midst of this anticipation, time seemed to pass quickly. Before long, the month came to an end, and a new one began. As it did, a caravan appeared on the road leading from Loren City to Eagle Ridge.
Of course, there hadn’t originally been a road here.
However, after Thor and his men had traveled the route several times, a path naturally formed.
It was along this very path that Racios Assad’s caravan slowly made its way.
At the moment, his entourage was rather modest, consisting of only forty to fifty people, with no more than a dozen knights. Still, they were transporting several heavily loaded carts, the deep ruts in the ground a testament to the weight of their cargo.
At the head of the group, Racios Assad rode a snow-white steed.
“Sir, we should reach Eagle Ridge by tomorrow,” said Ram respectfully.
“Understood!” Racios replied. “Pick up the pace. Let’s aim to arrive by noon tomorrow. I trust my friend will offer us the finest hospitality.”
He spoke with a smile, but deep down, there was a hint of worry and unease in his eyes.
It wasn’t just concern for his own situation but also uncertainty about Eagle Ridge itself.
That day, after meeting with a particular figure and envisioning a brighter future, Racios had been swayed into selling flame oil to the heir of Dresrosa.
But as time passed, he couldn’t help but doubt the promises made by that member of the Dresrosa family.
The Dresrosa family was even weaker than the Assad family, so would they really offer such strong support to one of their own?
After all, they were talking about a force that included a great knight and dozens of full-fledged knights.
Even for a count, this kind of strength was significant.
In Racios’ experience, his older brother, who had also chosen to become a pioneering knight and had gained their father’s favor, had only managed to secure around twenty full knights and over a hundred apprentice knights, along with some wealth amounting to no more than ten thousand gold coins.
Thor Dresrosa’s words had certainly left him suspicious.
So, after much deliberation, Racios decided to come and see for himself.
On one hand, he wanted to confirm the situation. On the other, he was curious to see if Thor Dresrosa’s territory could truly help him realize his ambitions.
If it couldn’t, he’d have to consider other options.
“Perhaps I should try other territories,” Racios mused to himself. “But my strength is still too weak, and I don’t have many items that would appeal to other lords. It would be a risky move.”
Deep in thought, Racios continued the journey, and soon, the day passed.
By noon the following day, as the sun climbed high, Racios and his party finally reached the Maine River Valley. There, they saw fields and buildings stretching out before them.
But when Racios caught sight of Eagle Ridge, his eyes widened in astonishment. He even rubbed them instinctively, unable to believe what he was seeing.
The territory before him was nothing like he had expected.
There was no chaos, no desolation, no wilderness. Instead, everything was orderly and unified. Fields of wheat stretched out across the landscape, and in the distance, a massive castle stood tall at the center—majestic, towering, and solemn.
It was completely out of place for the territory of a newly minted lord.
Had Racios not been certain that this was indeed Eagle Ridge, he might have believed he had stumbled upon a baron’s land.
“My god… He actually built all of this,” Racios muttered in disbelief. “A castle… he even has a castle.”
His voice trembled with shock. Racios was well aware that Thor had only become a pioneering knight a few months ago.
Yet the scene before him—the scale and organization of the territory—was something most pioneering lords couldn’t achieve in two or three years, let alone four months.
Amid his astonishment, a glimmer of excitement spread across his face.
At that moment, several riders galloped toward them from a distance.
Seeing who they were, Racios’ smile grew even wider. He quickly dismounted.
The approaching figures did the same.
Thor strode forward and embraced Racios.
“Welcome, my friend!” Thor said warmly, his smile genuine.
“I’ve been looking forward to seeing you, my friend!” Racios replied, his voice filled with emotion. “To be honest, I’m amazed. In just four months, your territory has grown to this scale.”
“The blessings of the Goddess of Life have allowed everything to go smoothly.”
“Come, I’ve prepared a feast for you, my friend. You must be hungry,” Thor said, smiling and inviting Racios in.
“It would be my honor,” Racios responded with a smile.
Thor then led Racios and his group into the territory.
As they entered, Racios became even more astonished.
The territory was better than he had imagined—clean, with wide roads, and the air was filled with the sound of people laughing and chatting.
Racios could see no trace of the apathy, despair, or lifelessness that typically plagued other territories. Instead, there was only hope, anticipation, and admiration for Thor Dresrosa.
It was unbelievable.
He knew full well that these people had been slaves just a few months ago.
Since when had slaves been so full of life?
Racios glanced at Thor, a newfound respect in his eyes.
When they reached the castle, Racios was once again shocked.
Knights passed by, and many of them were full-fledged knights.
Though Thor had mentioned having over forty full knights, seeing so many in person left Racios deeply shaken.
These were full-fledged knights.
At this scale, Eagle Ridge truly rivaled any barony.
In fact, in some ways, it had developed even better than some baronies.
It was almost unimaginable.
Amid his astonishment, Racios’ smile grew even brighter.
The more prosperous Eagle Ridge became, the better it would be for him as well.
His previous anxiety, nervousness, and doubts vanished entirely in that moment.
Instead, he was filled with anticipation.
Anticipation for the future.
There was no doubt now. Given the current state of Eagle Ridge, Thor would undoubtedly become a baron, and with the backing of a barony, Racios’ trade could truly flourish.
(End of Chapter)