Fantasy Family Simulator (FFS)

Naturally, except for Rhett, the rest of the caravan remained in place, taking a short break. After making sure he was out of sight and beyond the perception range of his companions, Rhett strolled leisurely into the forest.

"The scenery here in the Rainbow Pine Forest is quite pleasing. You don't see this kind of view on the front lines," Rhett mused as he clasped his hands behind his back, adopting a casual posture. The multicolored pine needles made the forest look like a luminous spectacle.

Taking his time to relax, Rhett still kept a portion of his focus on the forest surroundings. As expected, he didn't find anything of significance—just a few wild rabbits, some wild vegetables, and ordinary herbs, none of which piqued his interest.

When he rejoined the caravan and resumed the journey, the rest of the trip passed without incident.

On December 11, as the caravan stepped onto red soil, Rhett knew they were close. They had arrived at Red Iron Mountain, the territory of Baron Garret, just a few kilometers from Damm Town.

This area had once been a mining site. According to Rylee's report from the previous month, the Red Iron Mountain's vein had been exhausted eight years ago. The soil around this small mountain had turned red due to the remnants of iron ore.

Red Iron Mountain itself was a small hill, rising about fifty meters high. From a distance, its jagged rocks and uneven terrain were visible, but it also bore signs of careful planning. Several safe and convenient paths had been laid out for climbing, and numerous bronze-trunked magical plants had been planted on its slopes.

The plants were Ironwood Trees, among the hardest of low-tier magical plants, commonly used in constructing roads, fortresses, and even alchemical equipment.

Rhett's gaze sharpened as he easily identified the magical plants. During his time on the Gorge Front, he had often seen Ironwood shipped from the rear to be used in fortifications, equipment, and defensive mechanisms.

"However, this quantity seems excessive for a mere baron," Rhett thought, suspicion creeping into his mind. He scanned the area around Red Iron Mountain and noticed that Ironwood Trees were planted every few meters across the reddish soil, but nowhere else.

Piecing it together, Rhett knelt to scoop up some of the red soil, feeling a slight warmth, higher than the ambient temperature. Concentrating, he detected a faint, special earth elemental energy emanating from it.

"It seems this land benefits Ironwood Trees," Rhett murmured to himself. He recalled stories from his past—rumors that some ancient veins, with enough time, could create environments conducive to the growth of magical beasts and plants.

Although the exact mechanism was unclear, this phenomenon was said to be the last glimmer of an ancient vein's power. Like the fading rays of a sunset, it only lasted for a few years, or perhaps decades, before disappearing completely, greatly diminishing its value.

Satisfied with his observations, Rhett led the caravan to the gates of Damm Town.

Damm Town was relatively young compared to Hawkeye Town, having had about ten more years to develop. Baron Garret, the current lord of Damm Town, was its second ruler. His predecessor, like Rhett, had been a soldier on the Gorge Front who had risen to nobility through merit.

In fact, Baron Garret and Rhett were the only two noblemen to have emerged from the Gorge Front since its establishment thirty years ago. As such, Damm Town was the closest neighboring territory to Hawkeye Town.

Their current route took them eastward toward Twilight City, while heading west would lead back to the Gorge Front, a barren region where no third noble had yet been established.

"Welcome, honored guests! Enjoy your stay in Damm Town!" shouted the two knights stationed at the town gates.

Both Rylee and Tuck had visited Damm Town multiple times, and the seven-man guard team recognized them immediately. The knights also noted the emblem on the caravan's wagons—a soaring hawk—and the large haul of goods, confirming the visitors' identities.

Damys, one of the gate guards, narrowed his eyes as he sensed the aura of a magical beast from the last wagon, though the creature was clearly long dead.

"A Flame Lion? And from the size, it must have been a late-stage first-tier beast. The strength of Rylee and Tuck must be formidable," Damys muttered in amazement.

"But wait, there's someone new leading them," he added as his gaze shifted to the middle-aged man at the front. The man exuded a calm and steady presence, dressed in tight-fitting trousers and a white waistcoat, with a deep blue silk tie adding a touch of noble elegance to his appearance.

After staring for a bit too long, Damys caught the man's eye. Feeling a sudden pressure in his chest, Damys tensed up beneath his armor, only relaxing once the man had looked away and continued into the town.

"Could that have been the Lord of Hawkeye Town? Rylee mentioned last time that his father was returning soon," Damys pondered, deep in thought.

"What? I wasn't paying attention—who was leading the caravan?" another guard asked.

"You blind? I got a good look at the Flame Lion's chest. There was a fatal wound, probably caused by an earth spike spell. And remember, Rylee is a water mage. Their lord, on the other hand, is supposed to be a second-tier earth mage," the other guard explained.

Listening to his comrades, Damys' mind raced. Could that really have been the Lord of Hawkeye Town? His curiosity piqued, Damys made up an excuse to leave his post.

He planned to take the long way around, circling outside the town to deliver this news to the baron as quickly as possible. It might not be a major accomplishment, but it could still earn him favor with the higher-ups. Even the chance to secure a potion in the future would be worth it.

As he made his way around the town's outskirts, the weight of his armor slowed him slightly. However, thanks to the rigorous training in the town's knight academy, Damys managed to push through, channeling his battle energy into his legs to maintain his speed.

Finally, he reached the baron's manor, where he spotted the elderly butler tending to a flower bed.

Hearing the clanking of armor and the rapid footsteps, the butler, Péril, turned around. "Damys, aren't you supposed to be on gate duty today? The knight academy isn't your place right now," Péril remarked, raising an eyebrow as he recognized the approaching figure.

"Good to see you, Mr. Péril," Damys said, his eyes lighting up with urgency. "I have something important to report..."

After hearing Damys' whispered message, the old butler's expression showed a mix of surprise and contemplation. Finally, Péril patted Damys on the shoulder and said, "Alright, head back. I'll report this matter to the lord."

Relieved, Damys turned and hurried back the way he had come. Damm Town's strict rules meant he couldn't be away from his post for long.

As Péril watched him go, he reflected on the situation. Had this been the old lord's reign, Damys would likely have faced severe punishment for abandoning his duties. The previous lord had been strict, maintaining a military discipline in the territory, where obedience was more important than right or wrong.

But now, under Baron Garret, there was more room for flexibility. In this particular case, the baron might even be pleased with Damys' initiative.

...