Chapter 14: The Declining Territory
"Our territory encompasses three major cities," I began, my voice carrying over the rhythmic clatter of the carriage wheels. "First, there is Aurelion, the capital city, known for its bustling markets and the grand Drakhan Manor, where the administrative duties of the earldom are conducted. It is the heart of our political power and economic influence."
Aurelion, with its sprawling markets filled with exotic goods from across the kingdom and beyond. The Drakhan Manor, an imposing structure of stone and marble, stood as a symbol of the family's long-standing power and prestige. The city's wealth was evident in its well-maintained streets and the opulence of its buildings, each one a testament to the prosperity that had been carefully cultivated over generations.
"The second city is Elarith, famed for its academies and schools of magic. Many promising magicians and scholars come from Elarith, making it a hub of knowledge and arcane study. The Drakhan family has always supported the pursuit of magical excellence, and Elarith stands as a testament to that commitment."
Elarith was where the brightest minds of the kingdom gathered, its streets lined with libraries, laboratories, and lecture halls. The academies there were renowned for their rigorous curricula and their ability to produce some of the most skilled magicians and scholars in the land. The city's atmosphere buzzed with intellectual energy, and it was not uncommon to see students and professors engaged in heated debates about the latest magical theories.
"Lastly, we have Valoria, the city of craftsmen and artisans. Valoria is known for its skilled workers who produce everything from fine jewelry to advanced magical apparatus. The quality of goods from Valoria is unmatched, contributing significantly to the earldom's wealth."
Valoria was a city where creativity and craftsmanship flourished. The artisans there were masters of their trades, creating works of art and tools of incredible precision. The city's workshops and forges were always busy, the sound of hammering and the glow of furnaces a constant backdrop to the industrious activities that took place. The products of Valoria were highly sought after, not just within the kingdom, but far beyond its borders.
"The wealth of the Drakhan Earldom," I continued, "is derived from the unique contributions of these three cities. Aurelion's trade and politics, Elarith's knowledge and magical advancements, and Valoria's unparalleled craftsmanship. Together, they make our territory one of the most prosperous in the Regaria Kingdom."
As I spoke, I could see the knights' expressions shift from mere curiosity to a deeper understanding of the significance of our journey. The Drakhan Earldom was more than just land and titles; it was a legacy of power, knowledge, and craftsmanship that required careful stewardship and a willingness to confront the challenges that threatened its prosperity.
The journey took about two days, thanks to the superb quality of the Drakhan carriage. After touching it with [Chyrisus' Touch], the carriage became even more comfortable and faster. What would have taken peddlers five days took us only two.
Despite the efficiency of our travel, I didn't sleep a wink. It wasn't due to any discomfort or lack of hygiene. The knights had set up the Drakhan's house-like tent and cleaned the area meticulously, providing truly noble treatment. However, thanks to [Herculean Physique], I didn't feel even a slight fatigue. Instead, I used the time to read the magic books I had brought along, immersing myself in their knowledge to make the most of the journey.
And now, we had finally arrived.
At the Earldom of Drakhan.
As we approached the Earldom of Drakhan, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of anticipation and apprehension. The feeling of having my own rich land where I'm a lord is something that would never have happened in my previous world as a mechanical engineering professor. This land, my domain, was supposed to reflect the grandeur and prosperity of the Drakhan name. Yet, as we drew closer, the reality began to unravel before my eyes, stark and disheartening.
The once bustling roads leading to Aurelion, the capital city, were now riddled with potholes and overgrown with weeds. Merchants trudged along with worn-out expressions, their carts laden with goods that seemed to have seen better days. The market stalls, which should have been brimming with exotic items, were sparse and poorly stocked. Aurelion's air, once filled with the vibrant hum of trade and politics, now carried a sense of fatigue and desperation.
As we passed through Elarith, the famed city of academies and magic, the contrast was even more jarring. The streets were lined with dilapidated buildings, and the once majestic academies showed signs of neglect. The libraries, which should have been hubs of intellectual energy, seemed eerily quiet, and the few students I saw looked more concerned with survival than scholarly pursuits. The magical wards that protected the city flickered sporadically, indicating a lack of maintenance and resources.
Valoria, the city of craftsmen and artisans, was perhaps the most heart-wrenching sight. The forges and workshops that once bustled with creativity and craftsmanship were now silent or operating at minimal capacity. The artisans, once proud and skilled, appeared worn and defeated, their tools rusty and their materials of poor quality. The streets were lined with closed shops, and the overall atmosphere was one of decline and disrepair.
I clenched my fists, feeling a surge of anger and frustration. The hint of grandeur could still be seen in the architecture and the layout of the cities, but it was overshadowed by the evident hardships and difficulties. The biggest reason for this decline was clear to me: Draven's stingy personality had deemed all treasures and resources should be hoarded for his personal gain, not for the development and prosperity of the region. It was illogical and foolish, a short-sighted greed that had led to the suffering of the people.
I guess there are lots of people in this land who would rejoice in my death.
"We've arrived, my lord," Alfred's voice broke through my thoughts. The carriage rolled to a stop in front of the Drakhan family's castle. The servants and guards around us were visibly surprised at my arrival. Whispers spread quickly, and I could sense their curiosity and apprehension.
"I am here for an inspection and a certain research business," I stated indifferently, ignoring their startled reactions. Their surprise did not concern me; my focus was on understanding the extent of the issues plaguing my domain and finding solutions.
As I entered the castle, I was taken aback by its grandeur. Despite the decline outside, the interior was surprisingly well-maintained. The castle's stone and marble walls were adorned with intricate tapestries and paintings, each telling a story of the Drakhan lineage. The floors gleamed with polished tiles, and the chandeliers sparkled with countless crystals.
The fields surrounding the manor were lush and meticulously cared for, a stark contrast to the state of the cities. Servants moved about with practiced efficiency, tending to the gardens and maintaining the pristine condition of the grounds. The guards, dressed in their polished armor, stood at attention, their expressions a mix of surprise as I passed.
Inside, the castle was even more breathtaking. The hallways were lined with statues and suits of armor, each a testament to the family's history and achievements. The grand hall, with its vaulted ceilings and magnificent stained glass windows, was a sight to behold. The attention to detail in the carvings and decorations spoke of a time when no expense was spared to create a haven of beauty and opulence.
My private chamber, the Earl's Chamber, was a sanctuary of luxury. The walls were lined with bookshelves filled with rare tomes and scrolls, and a large desk stood by the window, overlooking the sprawling estate. A four-poster bed with rich, velvet drapes dominated one side of the room, and a collection of fine weapons and artifacts was displayed on the walls. Among them, a particular sword caught my eye, adorned with intricate engravings and an aura of power.
I turned on my [Vision] and I could see a raging aura of dark mana on it. It must be something that goes well with the Drakhan's blood. I took it in hand, feeling its weight and balance.
But admiration would have to wait. I had more pressing matters to attend to.
With the sword secured at my side, I made my way to the courtyard, intent on visiting the hidden tomb of the king of heroes, a place greatly cherished by my father. However, as I prepared to leave, I was approached by the captain of the Drakhan Knight Order, Modric.
"My lord," he began, a hint of disdain in his eyes, "you should not venture to such a dangerous place alone. Allow me and my men to accompany you for your protection."
I could sense his strong sense of duty, even if it was laced with an underestimation of my capabilities. His expression clearly suggested that he doubted my strength and skill. A hint of raging wrath appeared on my stomach, but I knew very well it was Draven's feelings.
The one he's underestimating is the former Draven's abilities.
Not mine.
"Very well," I replied, nodding.
As we prepared to depart, I walked over to the stables where the Drakhan Head Family's steed, a magnificent black horse, awaited. The horse was a beautiful and mighty creature, its coat gleaming in the sunlight.
"Master. It's a steed that only the former head's personal-" Modric seems to be uttering something, But I didn't care.
Without hesitation, I mounted the horse with ease, its powerful muscles rippling beneath me. The horse is surprisingly tame. I could feel its loyalty towards me somehow, as expected of Drakhan's head family's steed.
"Could mount..." The captain's eyes widened in surprise, his demeanor shifting from disdain to a newfound respect. "Impressive, my lord," he muttered, his tone more respectful. His men followed suit, their attitudes noticeably more deferential.
I wonder what happened to them?
"Now, let's go. I don't have all day,"
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone