The Count’s Youngest Son is a Player

Chapter 22

Certainly, his actions weren’t wrong. On the contrary, it was clear that more clinical and rational choices were necessary in preparation for the perilous future that lay ahead.

‘But is it really the only answer to follow the quests laid out by the system?’

Up until now, plans had been made from the standpoint of the player, Bae Dohyun. However, doubts arose whether this approach might have narrowed his perspective and options.

Things that only Raul, as a noble of Connect, could do.

Missing these could mean repeating past failures.

Having organized his thoughts, Raul quietly called out to Philip.

“Sir Philip, do you see those people standing there, looking dejected?”

“Yes. They must be people who haven’t been able to find their families.”

“I’m sorry, but could you have your men gather information about their identities and circumstances?”

“All of them?”

Looking around, Philip estimated there were at least a hundred. It seemed like it would take a long time to investigate properly.

“Yes, all of them. And for those who have lost families or suffered through abductions, deliver consolation money in the name of the Count’s family. It would also be good to look into job opportunities at the construction site.”

Even as he spoke, he couldn’t help feeling a bit sorry. They had just come back from a long battle, and now due to his whims, they were prevented from resting and had to work again.

But Philip didn’t seem to mind much. Instead, he looked at Raul with gentle eyes and said,

“That’s unexpected, young master Raul. I thought you only stepped in where there was profit to be made. Leave it to me. The men won’t complain. Well, there is one who might.”

“Why are you looking at me? I don’t dislike doing good deeds!!”

Jake grumbled, raising his voice needlessly, then stealthily approached Raul and whispered,

“But you’ll still give us a holiday, right?”

Just as Philip said, the subordinates followed Raul’s commands without any complaints. Some even looked at him with admiration.

The reaction of the citizens changed drastically, becoming more enthusiastic with the promise of money being distributed.

“Long live Count Ashton! Long live young master Raul!!”

Cheers erupted, and many kneeled, shedding tears of gratitude.

Seeing their reaction made things clearer.

‘Noblesse oblige. It works here too.’

The ideology that those who enjoy high status and wealth must also help those less fortunate was widely known in Connect.

However, very few actually practiced it. Earth and Connect were no different in this respect.

If a bit of money and effort could bring honor and reputation, it was a deal far from a loss.

Moreover, gaining the support of the citizens of Mira would undoubtedly be a significant help when dealing with other player guilds later on.

‘It seems our stay might extend longer than planned. It was good to leave with time to spare.’

It was unclear how many more days it would take to gather the stories of these people and explore the surrounding forests.

But, leveling up the subordinates and gaining as much practical experience as possible were always beneficial. Once they arrived at the capital, they’d likely have no chance for real battles or even hunting for some time.

Raul dismounted and approached an unnamed citizen at the back of the procession.

Although this action might have been somewhat calculated, for some reason, it made his heart warm. And someone watched the scene with interest before disappearing among the crowd.

* * *

Having gone to bed slightly late, Raul visited the city hall around lunchtime and had a meal with Mayor Reynaldo. They then sat in the office enjoying a light tea time.

“I owe you a great debt, my friend. Thanks to you, I’ve been able to breathe a sigh of relief,” Reynaldo said with a beaming smile as he expressed his gratitude.

“Ah, well, you would have solved the problem even without me,” Raul demurred, somewhat embarrassed, but Reynaldo became even more animated.

“No, no, that’s not the case. Although I hear some unsavory remarks because of my position as mayor, I’m not one to diminish others’ achievements. It’s the Empire, the Empire! That insane country teeming with the devil’s spawn! To think they targeted our Mira… It had my heart racing, kept me awake at night.”

Although they had left behind remnants of power armor and magical items, they managed to bring back something that served as evidence of an Imperial hideout.

Since Raul had submitted the report and evidence to Mayor Reynaldo well before the arrival of Count Randal’s party, the mayor was already informed of the situation.

“I was shocked myself. It’s one thing for the Empire to reach its claws out to the borders, but to extend them into the territory of the Ruben Kingdom, right into Mira… It seems they’ve been secretly building an army of demons for quite a long time,” Raul said, his voice slightly strained, darkening Reynaldo’s expression.

“The citizens have been disappearing and getting kidnapped not just recently. I was aware that there were bands of robbers in the nearby forests. The reason they weren’t subdued… was because of the treaty.”

In principle, the four Free Cities in each country, while independent due to the blessing of the gods, were subject to several restrictions.

The most fundamental of these was the prohibition on maintaining an army.

Therefore, Free Cities only operated guard patrols for maintaining public order and did not train separate military forces.

“And truthfully, not only because of the treaty but also because the guards could only use their power within the city. Just a bit away from the city, they couldn’t use even half of their capabilities, nor could they receive the protection of life…”

Sharing such information with Raul indicated the level of trust he had developed in him.

Raul simply smiled, generously indulging the mayor’s complaints.

“Ah, yes! Just as you said, people from Count Randal’s Household came this morning. They appeared very imposing, ranting about how they had destroyed the hideout of wanted criminals and spies, demanding a reward…. Honestly, if it hadn’t been for your request, I would have wanted to send them away.”

“It went as expected then. But as I mentioned, this case…”

“Yes. It’s going to be spun as a heroic tale of the justice-filled youths of Count Randal’s Household. But aren’t you a bit disappointed? If packaged correctly, this could have garnered great fame, and even a reward from the palace might have been possible,” Reynaldo asked, looking at Raul with curious eyes.

However, Raul calmly sipped his tea without responding.

“Hmm. You’re so prudent for your age. While it’s reassuring to have you as a partner, you’re a bit too old-souled for any fun. I’ll handle it, don’t worry.”

“Thank you for your consideration,” Raul replied.

Since the mayor said so, it seemed that clearing up the Empire’s hideout would be credited to Randal’s wrongdoers.

And attracting the Empire’s attention would also become their responsibility.

“But…”

The mayor dragged on, looking at Raul with a hint of contemplation.

“I’m not sure what to offer you as a reward. You have more money than I do, so it feels odd to just give gold. Is there anything you want?”

Finally, the mayor said what Raul had been hoping to hear.

To be honest, he had previously brushed off casual inquiries about his needs.

Receiving a reward in one significant sum was far more beneficial than collecting smaller ones. And in Reynaldo’s question now, there was a genuine sincerity that he would grant almost any request. Raul pretended to ponder for a moment, dragging out time before speaking nonchalantly.

“Honestly, I didn’t do this for a reward. But it would be rude to refuse too staunchly, so may I ask for just one thing?”

“Ah, finally I get to hear what you desire from your own mouth. Go on, speak.”

Reynaldo’s eyes sparkled as he leaned in to listen, and Raul, scratching his chin with an awkward gesture, said, “I’ve heard rumors that in the mayor’s mansion, there’s a library collecting precious books passed down through generations. If it’s alright with you, could I have a chance to look around that library?”

“The library?? Ah, that place! Yes, there is such an archive of ancient texts. But, I doubt there are any books of real use…”

That library was a place often visited by Reynaldo’s grandfather and father. Reynaldo too, out of curiosity, had meticulously examined the books in the library but found nothing except a collection of peculiar and random texts with no significant value.

“Feel free to look around. And if you want, you may take a book with you. But that seems too scant a reward.”

Reynaldo said generously, though with a slightly dissatisfied expression.

“Great. For you, I’ll also show you around the secret storeroom. And you can pick a gift from there.”

Raul, now entitled to not only books but also equipment, hummed a tune in his heart but showed no outward sign of it.

“Thank you for your generosity. Mayor, you really are magnanimous!”

“Right?? When needed, I know how to give generously, don’t I? And yet some dare to call me a miser! Those old fools must be blind.”

Although it was a reward he had to give, Reynaldo seemed to be showing off, which indeed made him seem somewhat miserly. However, keeping his thoughts to himself, Raul appeased Reynaldo’s ego. Shortly after, under the guidance of a steward, they visited the library deeply situated within the mansion. Reynaldo had dismissed it as a collection of trivial books, but in reality, it was an incredible treasure trove. This was none other than a library of ‘Skill Books’. Absentmindedly pulling out a book from the forefront, a message popped up.

-Would you like to acquire the B-rank Skill Book [Thunder Stab]?

Raul couldn’t help but smirk as he placed the book back. With about 200 books shelved, the sight of all these skill books was overwhelmingly rich. But Raul was searching for just one book. Picking any other skill book by mistake could have been disastrous. No matter how friendly he had become with the mayor, there was no guarantee he could visit this place again. Raul calmly browsed through the library until he finally found the book he was looking for.

It bore the lengthy title [A Study of Ancient Rites, Spells, and Training Methods for Mental Cultivation]. But in reality, it was…

[Quercus Meditation Technique]

Grade: S Restrictions: Exclusive to supernatural ability users

Effect: Grants a 24-hour continuous meditation effect. Mental imagery training possible.

Description: An ancient meditation technique used by superhumans to cultivate spiritual power. It enables one to purify the soul while communicating with nature, even amidst daily life, and facilitates training using mental imaginations. A popular saying suggests that meditating near an oak tree enhances efficiency.

Reading the information that appeared before him, Raul clenched his fist. An S-Rank meditation technique exclusive to supernatural ability users was now in his hands!

(To be continued)