Chapter 5 (2/2)

Industrial revolution was impossible, but there was still a chance to introduce certain scientific ways of development.

Liszt was very confident of bolstering the development of Flower Town.

…

Very soon, the town was nowhere to be seen. They had left the flatlands and entered the sparse woods. They were on the edge of Thorn Hill.

“Lord Baron, monsters often appear at the edge of Thorn Hill. I hope that you can stay close behind me.” Marcus began to lead the way. He also said to the four squires, “Protect the baron. Do not let the monsters get past you until you become bodies. Can you do that?”

“We can!” Carl and the rest of them shouted back.

Civilians were not obliged to go to the battlefield, which was reserved for nobles and knights. However, squires had to go to the battlefield even though they were civilians. With better privileges came greater responsibility.

To avoid the monsters, they could only detour at the edge of Thorn Hill.

The trees were rather exuberant. Wildlife such as rabbits and foxes could occasionally be seen, but there were few large animals.

“In spring, summer, and autumn, the food in Thorn Hill is enough for the monsters, so they barely visit Flower Town. But in winter, hungry monsters always invade Flower Town. Some unlucky fellows are taken as food every year.”

Although Marcus was not happy about the job, he still offered the information he knew.

I wonder if we will encounter any monster today. Liszt searched his memories and recalled several monsters. Different from common beasts, monsters had magic and could unleash powerful spells.

A small monster was once raised in Tulip Castle: the Fire Rabbit.

A rabbit that could release little fireballs, it was delicious and had beautiful furs. The nobles liked the rabbit meat, and their wives liked the clothes made of the rabbit furs.

He also saw a powerful monster before: the Giant Berserker Bear. The Earl of Coral Island’s favorite chair was covered with the furs of a Giant Berserker Bear. It was most intimidating.

It was said that eight earth knights of Coral Island died in the hunt for the Giant Berserker Bear.

Even a battle against human beings did not often have such heavy casualties.

Besides, even more beginner knights were killed.

On the way, Liszt recorded the terrain of Thorn Hill, marking the places that were suitable for ramparts, irrigation facilities, or farmlands. That was the obligation of a feudal lord who owned the land.

“It’s lunchtime. Auden, prepare lunch here.”

“Yes, my lord!” Auden Shoepad immediately spread a blanket on a flat area and placed the food overtop.

The simple lunch included bread, caviar, fruit salad, and milk tea.

There were also goat loaves that were reserved for Liszt.

They thought that it was going to be a simple lunch, but Marcus’s face changed after swallowing a piece of bread. “My lord, something is wrong! I smell monsters!”