Fantasy Family Simulator (FFS)

In addition to their past battlefield experiences, where they had entrusted their lives to each other, Rhett and Wydis shared an unshakable bond of trust. Wydis, being a Level 2 Knight, would naturally be a perfect candidate to serve as the chief of a village. Unfortunately, as mentioned in the simulation, Wydis wouldn't retire until the first half of next year, so Rhett would have to wait another six months before Wydis could assist him.

"No problem, Father," Ryley agreed, taking the teacup from his father's hand and refilling it with tea. Then, he posed another question: "Father, while it's clear that more people will eventually come to seek refuge with us, so far, we've only seen a little over a hundred newcomers. How should we allocate them? Should they be integrated into fledgling Eagle Town, or should they be sent to the newly established villages? And in what order should we establish these villages?"

Rhett had already considered this and replied, "First, we will establish the Fire Mine Village. Young and able-bodied men should be prioritized for this location. Once the population there reaches 200, we can begin setting up Thorn Village. As for Water Village, there's no rush. The aquatic magical beasts in the lake aren't abundant yet. We need to wait for them to reproduce and their population to grow before we consider fishing. For ordinary people, fishing with magical beasts present would be too dangerous. Therefore, we'll wait until we have more knights before constructing Water Village."

Ryley's eyes lit up with understanding. "I see, Father. I'll start making arrangements for this tomorrow."

"Since we have a plan, I'll leave this matter in your hands," Rhett said. As the lord, he had no intention of micromanaging every detail, especially now that the territory was rapidly expanding. The larger the domain, the more he needed to focus on overseeing the big picture from the highest vantage point. Handling every specific task himself would be both inefficient and exhausting.

In his view, a territory's ruler should focus on planning and personnel management. Ensuring that the plans are implemented and the system has no loopholes was sufficient.

The next morning, the strong autumn wind howled through the air. The trees, flowers, and grass danced wildly in response to nature's call, while the leaves hummed a soft, rustling tune. On the gray stone avenue, Sveta was feeling frustrated. He plucked a golden leaf that had stuck to his face and tossed it into the roadside bushes. This was the seventh time he'd been "teased" by the swirling leaves on his way back along the avenue.

"Oh, this cursed weather," Sveta muttered as he reached the manor's gate, supporting himself against the outer wall. Just then, he spotted Rhett emerging from Deep Rock Castle after breakfast. He waved and called out, "Good morning, Master."

Though the wind muffled his voice, Rhett's keen senses picked up every word. However, upon seeing Sveta struggling against the wind, Rhett couldn't help but smile. Sveta's hair was blown back, revealing his high forehead, and the dark, thin scarf around his neck was nearly parallel to the ground. Deciding to help, Rhett concentrated his mental energy and adjusted the wind element around Sveta.

Suddenly, Sveta felt the wind ease up, making his steps lighter. The annoying gusts seemed to move away from him. Looking around, he noticed that the plants in the manor's garden were still being battered by the wind, and the howling noise persisted in his ears. He realized it must be his master's doing and hurried over to Rhett, bowing slightly. "Thank you, Master, for your magical assistance!"

"It was nothing," Rhett replied casually, smiling. "Sveta, it's quite windy today. You should wear a hat to protect your hair. If you look in a mirror now, you'll see it looks like a broomstick."

Sveta chuckled along with Rhett's playful comment, adjusting his hair with his hand. "I didn't expect such terrible weather today, and unfortunately, my hat is still drying after being washed yesterday."

"That scarf looks nice, though. It's well-made. I haven't seen you wear it before. Did Debbie make it for you?" Rhett asked.

"No, Master. It was a gift from Maru a few days ago. She said the weather would be getting colder," Sveta replied with a laugh, glancing down at the scarf.

Rhett raised an eyebrow. "Chef Maru? I didn't know she had such a skill besides cooking. Impressive... You should make the most of this opportunity."

"Master, I got up early today and went to town. I heard that overnight and into the morning, another dozen refugees arrived," Sveta reported, seeming to avoid the latter part of Rhett's remark.

Rhett nodded, expecting this news. He was about to continue teasing Sveta about Maru when another voice interrupted them.

"Father, another dozen refugees have arrived?" Ryley stepped out of the castle, his blue coat whipping in the wind. "What strong winds today," he remarked before calming the air around him with his control over the wind element.

Seeing this, Rhett decided to drop the previous conversation and instead asked, "I'm heading to town. Would you like to join me?"

"That was my plan, too. I was already intending to go to town," Ryley replied, watching the golden leaves swirling in the wind and feeling a sense of joy.

Upon arriving in fledgling Eagle Town, Rhett immediately noticed a change. There were many unfamiliar faces, some dressed in tattered clothes, suggesting they had fallen on hard times. Others were better dressed, accompanied by their families and pulling carts loaded with belongings. Currently, the town had only one small inn, which could barely accommodate thirty people. The overflow of new arrivals had set up temporary shelters around the central square.

With the influx of people, the training ground's instructors and trainees had paused their regular activities to help maintain order and enhance security in town. Despite the diverse crowd, Rhett had not heard of any conflicts or disturbances, which he attributed to the fact that most of the newcomers were drawn by his reputation for eliminating the evil alchemy organization and were genuinely grateful. This had likely reduced the chances of troublemakers sneaking in.

However, even if some had managed to infiltrate, Rhett was unconcerned. He had the means to deal with them if necessary, though he preferred to avoid unnecessary complications.

As Rhett and Ryley approached the central square, the refugees seated in the makeshift shelters noticed their arrival. The middle-aged man walking in front of the group, exuding a noble demeanor, made them suspect his identity.

"Good morning, Lord Rhett!" called out Shirin, Tader, Kurs, Florano, and Laurene, who were stationed at the northeast, southeast, northwest, and southwest corners of the square. Seeing Rhett's arrival, they all approached to greet him.

"Thank you for your hard work, guarding day and night," Rhett replied with a smile.

Seeing this, the refugees, who had been sheltering from the wind, began emerging from their tents, moving towards Rhett.

"Please stop there!" Tader commanded.

The four training ground instructors stood resolutely in front of Rhett, blocking the crowd. The refugees halted five meters away, looking at Rhett with expressions of excitement. It seemed they had planned this beforehand, as they exchanged glances and then knelt down in unison, shouting:

"Thank you, Lord Rhett, for avenging us!"

"My homeland was destroyed by those people. Thank you, Lord Rhett, for capturing the culprits!"

"Lord Rhett has saved us. We pledge to follow you and help build this land into a beautiful home!"

"Lord Rhett, I wish to serve you for the rest of my life!"

...

Though there were only a few dozen people, their passionate cries of gratitude formed a powerful chorus, drowning out the autumn chill.

Rhett felt warmth in his heart as he addressed the crowd. "Everyone, justice will always prevail. As a noble of the Kingdom of Ginlon, it is my duty to punish evil alchemists. I understand that you have come to fledgling Eagle Town seeking refuge, and it is fortunate that we are currently welcoming new residents. I am pleased that you wish to join us. However, I must emphasize that there must be rules. Everyone who comes here must be prepared to follow fledgling Eagle Town's regulations and work hard to contribute to our shared home. In return, those who abide by the law and work diligently will be protected and can live here in peace."

As soon as he finished speaking, the crowd erupted in cheers:

"Long live Lord Rhett!"

"Long live Lord Rhett!"

...

Rhett's speech had successfully won over the crowd, sparking even greater enthusiasm. With a satisfied smile, Rhett gestured for Ryley to approach. "Bring some food from the castle to distribute to these newcomers."

Having witnessed the scene firsthand, Ryley, along with the four instructors, couldn't help but look at Rhett with admiration. "Don't worry, I've already arranged for a food cart to be brought here," Ryley assured him.

"Excellent. I trust your judgment."

Ryley stayed behind in the central square, overseeing the selection of able-bodied men for the Fire Mine Village. Meanwhile, Rhett began his usual inspection of the town.

An hour later, as the wind began to die down, Rhett prepared to visit the East Eagle Logging Camp to discuss the construction of the new villages with Coudine. However, just as he was about to leave, he sensed a mage approaching from a hundred meters away. Pausing in his tracks, Rhett's eyes widened in surprise as he murmured to himself, "A Level 2 mage? Could it be the alchemist mentioned in the simulation? It couldn't be anyone else at this time."

With that thought, Rhett headed towards the town gate, pondering, "So, he arrived seven days early? This change is unexpected..."

As Rhett walked, he wondered why the alchemist had arrived ahead of schedule. By all accounts, they had no prior connection.

"What changes did I make that influenced his arrival?" Rhett mused as he approached the gate.

Rounding a corner, Rhett saw Lawrence and Ackerman questioning a man in a patterned robe.

"Lawrence, Ackerman, let him through," Rhett called out calmly, standing by a flowerbed with one hand behind his back.

"Yes, Lord Rhett," the two replied in unison, then turned to the mage. "You may pass. Lord Rhett wishes to speak with you."

Henk's eyes brightened as he thanked them and quickly stepped through fledgling Eagle Town's gates. He had noticed Rhett's commanding presence the moment he emerged from around the corner. Though he couldn't gauge Rhett's strength, the vast mental energy surrounding him acted like an impenetrable wall, confirming that Rhett was a Level 3 mage. In fledgling Eagle Town, there was only one person who could fit that description—its lord.

With a sense of excitement, Henk, carrying a large bag and pulling a small cart with a five-cubic-meter box, approached Rhett and said with joy, "I have finally met you, Lord Rhett!"

"Welcome, traveler from afar. I can sense that you're different from the other refugees," Rhett remarked, feigning surprise as he studied the man.

Henk touched the wand at his waist and introduced himself, "My name is Henk Boyle, and as you can see, I am a Level 2 mage."

Up close, Rhett carefully observed the alchemist mentioned in the simulation. Henk appeared to be in his thirties. Reaching Level 2 as a mage while also devoting time to studying alchemy with considerable skill suggested he had a good deal of talent. However, a scar ran from the corner of his right eye to his temple, giving him a somewhat intimidating appearance. But for Rhett, who had witnessed death and bathed in the blood of the battlefield, this didn't faze him in the slightest.

After a moment of contemplation, Rhett directly asked, "So, Mage Henk, what brings you to fledgling Eagle Town?"

Henk's excitement grew as he replied, "Thank you, Lord Rhett, for avenging me!"

"Avenge you? Were you also a victim of the evil alchemy organization?" Rhett asked, pretending to be puzzled.

"Yes!" Henk nodded vigorously, taking a deep breath before continuing, "Three years ago, members of that organization attacked my family in the middle of the night. My grandparents and parents were all killed by them. Only my younger brother and I managed to escape. This scar on my eye is a reminder of that night."

Rhett's expression turned somber as he sympathized, "Those people deserved their fate."

Henk nodded in agreement, "Deserved, indeed! Thanks to you, I was able to fulfill my three-year quest for revenge! I have come to fledgling Eagle Town with only one purpose—to become your follower. Please, accept my request!"

Placing a hand over his heart, Henk sincerely declared, "Lord Rhett, I am also a Level 2 alchemist. Joining your territory will surely be of great help!"

...