Chapter 3: First, Gather People! — City Building Begins with Debt
“Valzen Ducal Calendar Year 10, June 20 — In the capital.”
[Perspective of Glenn, a Former Foot Soldier Turned Baron]
The pouch of gold coins I borrowed from the great merchant Dario Bolani felt heavy in my hands.
But considering I was about to build an entire town, it was like pouring a single drop of water into a vast ocean.
“—So, first of all, I need people.”
When I said that, Dario nodded generously and called out to the slender man standing beside him.
“Leo. Go with Baron Glenn here and help manage the money.”
“Y-… me, sir?”
The man called Leo narrowed his eyes behind his round glasses in confusion.
He looked like an honest and diligent type.
“The baron may be a genius in battle, but he’s an amateur when it comes to finances. Leo, if your bookkeeping causes losses, I’ll fire both of you from the Dario Company. Kukuku.”
“…I will keep that firmly in mind.”
And so, my first retainer was decided—a money manager named Leo, who also doubled as a watchdog for my debt.
Next, we headed to a shabby tavern where mercenaries gathered.
The oil-stained floor reeked of spilled alcohol and sour sweat.
Amid the swirling heat of rough men, one group stood out.
Leading them was a female swordsman with beautifully braided silver hair and a supple physique clad in leather armor.
She was Ilia, the captain of the recently renowned “Silver Wolf Mercenary Band.”
“Oh? So you’re Baron Glenn. The one they say rose up from a mere foot soldier.”
Ilia downed her drink while eyeing me as if measuring my worth.
“I want you to come to my town. I need a skilled mercenary band.”
“A town? I heard your land is just wasteland. What, you want us to farm there?”
The surrounding mercenaries burst into crude laughter.
Unfazed, I looked straight into her eyes and spoke.
“No. I want you to fight. My town will eventually become the front lines. I promise you won’t be bored.”
At my words, Ilia’s predatory eyes gleamed sharply.
“…Interesting. Don’t you dare go back on those words. Fine, I’ll bet on your ‘luck.’”
Next, I went to a shelter where people displaced by the recent war had gathered.
Inside the dim chapel, it was filled with quiet sobs and the anxiety of an uncertain future.
After explaining the situation to the Duke of Valzen and securing permission to accept them as new residents of the Helden Hills, I stood on the platform.
“Everyone, listen! I am Baron Glenn! I will give you a place to live and work!”
A murmur spread.
Before hope, voices of suspicion rose.
I raised my voice without hesitation.
“If you follow me, I promise you’ll have your fill of food! If you can’t believe that, fine! But instead of rotting away here, why not bet on my words!”
My voice echoed through the silent chapel.
Soon, an elderly woman stood up and bowed deeply.
That became the spark.
One by one, people lifted their faces from the depths of despair, and light of hope began to shine in their eyes.
And so, with Leo the money manager, the “Silver Wolf Mercenary Band,” and about a hundred new residents, I returned to the Helden Hills.
The construction of the town began with building defensive facilities.
“We don’t have the time or money to build stone walls! First, dig a moat! Use that dirt to build embankments and pack them down into temporary walls!”
Under my command, both mercenaries and civilians worked together as one, digging and carrying earth.
The houses were crude log cabins built from trees cut from the nearby forest.
However, there was one building that didn’t fit this frontier settlement at all.
It was an unusually sturdy shop and office building being supervised by Leo.
“Hey, Leo… why is your building the only one that’s so solid?”
(My own house looks like a log cabin that could leak in the rain…)
When I asked with a suspicious glare, Leo adjusted his glasses and replied calmly.
“Naturally. This will become the commercial center of this town in the future. It’s an investment in the future, Baron.”
“Merchants really do have money, huh…”
I muttered without thinking, and Leo added with a cool expression.
“Don’t worry. The construction costs are being added to your loan, Baron. And please don’t forget the interest.”
At that moment—
A messenger came rushing in, carrying a personal letter from the Duke of Valzen.
“My report! A message from the Duke of Valzen to Baron Glenn! In the coming days, he will dispatch an army to subjugate the remnants of Marquis Caledon’s forces! Accordingly, he will establish his main camp here in the Helden Hills!”
Leo and Ilia both held their breath and looked at me.
This newly built town, which still only had a moat and earthen walls.
It was about to become a frontline base for a massive army.
(A trial and an opportunity… both have arrived at once…!)
I couldn’t suppress the shiver of excitement at the approaching storm.