บท 16: Concerns

The rumors that the prince was growing his forces had spread through the nearby villages; everyone wanted to swear loyalty to him and have the chance to belong to his army.

They knew for certain that, with an army of armored bears among his people, Haldor would go as far as he wanted without anyone being able to stop him.

In a short time, a few weeks had passed in this frozen place.

"Those of you who have not been accepted into the first training squadron need not worry. If you are willing to be disciplined soldiers, you can join the second squadron. We have not yet formed a complete battalion, so stop worrying."

Haldor's words made those around him feel somewhat relieved.

His eyes settled once again on those authoritative elders, and he said, "My current territory is not sufficiently developed. If you have anything useful, you can bring it to my tower."

"The new cabins are being built strategically, so we should have something more decent in the coming months."

The elders were the most difficult to convince, but knowing that Haldor was a gracious prince, they did not object to any of his orders.

"We will do your will."

The village where they were located began to make preparations to move to a safer place, guarded by armored bears, after hearing Haldor's words about the dangers of winter.

"We have found much metal that we can reuse for the new swords, axes, and spears that the armored bears are creating," Kofun said from one side.

"Really?"

Naturally, Haldor knew that the weapons made by the armored bears were the best in the world. No human could compare to the armored bears in smithing and metalworking.

"The villagers say they have been attacked by strange creatures."

"Can I hear the story of what happened here?"

"Sure, I'll find someone who knows."

After Lucian found an elderly man with some mobility difficulties, Haldor saw that beneath his pants were a pair of wooden legs.

Seeing no trace of disdain in Haldor's eyes, both the elder and Toad instinctively respected him more.

"Lord, we have been attacked by wolves in the form of humans. I couldn't do anything because of my leg, but I am sure it was those creatures from the dark forests."

Haldor knew that winter was approaching and planned to take everyone to the Shadow Tower to endure this dangerous weather, ensuring that very few would starve.

"We will take that into account. We will seek out and hunt those who have attacked you," Haldor said compassionately.

He thought there might be worse things hidden in this place, but he was mistaken. Even so, knowing the dangers that might be lurking around, he would spare no effort to be cautious and avoid being attacked.

Moreover, considering everything they were working on to avoid being underestimated by anyone, there was nothing better than being careful with strangers.

Whatever had planned to attack him, Haldor thought about it the moment he entered the room, and that thing ignored everyone except the last one to enter, who was Haldor.

This was not something he had thought of instantly; Haldor would not expect anything else to try to take his life, especially not in this place.

He had had enough, with many wanting him dead at home. At least when he returned, he would make it clear to those who wanted to take his life.

His concerns were dying, being poisoned, attacked from behind, or being cowardly, as had happened in his past life.