From Blade To Spell

At the dining table, three figures sat together, Duke Alaric, his daughter Alice, and the wandering knight Aaron.

The table was adorned with a vibrant spread of Verdia Kingdom's native fruits, some familiar, others exotic.

Aaron reached for a fruit that resembled a lychee from his previous life, though it was larger and more vibrant. He peeled the skin and took a bite.

The sweetness flooded his mouth, and for a moment, he was dazed, a memory stirred, distant and bittersweet.

Across the table, Duke Alaric sipped coconut water, then scooped out the soft flesh. As he ate, his gaze drifted to Aaron.

This fruit had always seemed useless… yet Aaron had unlocked its value. Perhaps curiosity was the key his people lacked.

He shook off the thought and asked,

"Aaron, how long will it take to create a parachute?"

Aaron blinked, returning to the present.

"Lord Duke, as I mentioned before, parachutes are only useful when jumping from high places. I've never built one for human use, so I can't give an exact time. But I can guide your craftsmen, my suggestions could shorten the process by a week or more."

Alaric nodded, satisfied. He understood that while the concept was simple, execution required precision, especially when factoring in weight, material, and safety.

He leaned forward with another question.

"We have a few vacant territories. They're far from Starfall Town, at least a month's journey. Would you still be interested?"

Aaron didn't hesitate.

"Of course, Lord Alaric. But if possible, I'd prefer territory with people already living there."

Alaric considered for a moment, then smiled.

"Naturally. A territory without people is just land. Don't worry, finish your meal, and afterward, you can choose the one that suits you."

Aaron nodded, then returned to his plate, savoring each bite of the fruit.

Across from him, Alice ate quietly, her thoughts unreadable.

A few minutes later, Duke Alaric unfurled a roughly drawn map of his province, its parchment edges curled and faded. Territories were marked with circles and crosses.

He pointed at the map.

"Aaron, the circled ones are already occupied. The crossed ones need a ruler. Take a close look and choose one."

Then, with a cryptic smile, he added,

"You may not ask me anything about the territories. You can only choose one. But I'll give you a hint, each of these three lies at the edge of Verdia Kingdom. One borders the Forbidden Place, one sits at the edge of the Sandy Desert, and the last rests at the base of Frigid Mountain."

"Of course," he continued, "each has its own advantage. You can expand your territory beyond its borders."

Aaron stared at the map, speechless.

All three sound like traps.

He hesitated.

"Can I choose within the next two days?"

Alaric laughed heartily.

"No way. That would ruin the fun. You must choose now."

Aaron's face darkened.

Forbidden Place? Sounds like death. Frigid Mountain? Eternal cold. Sandy Desert? No water, no trees…

Each territory came with its own brand of misery.

Then, with a sudden grin, Aaron said,

"Lord Alaric, I'll leave it to luck. May I have three pieces of paper and a pen?"

Alaric's eyes gleamed with amusement.

"Of course."

He handed Aaron three large dry leaves, along with a feather pen and inkpot.

Aaron sighed.

"Lord Alaric, please tell me the names of the territories."

"Red Fort, White Fort, and Green Fort."

Aaron quickly wrote the names on the leaves, folded them, and tossed them into the air. He caught one as it fluttered down and unfolded it.

"Green Fort."

Alaric's gaze lingered on the leaf, intrigued.

This method… I could use it to settle disputes or assign missions.

Then he looked at Aaron and said,

"I don't know what to say about your luck. All I can offer is… best of luck."

"You'll leave for Green Fort in a week. I don't want you running into a group of undead during your journey. It's rare, but not impossible."

"In the meantime, prepare your supplies. Tomorrow, come to me for your official appointment letter and your badge."

Aaron stepped out of the room, a dazed look on his face.

He hadn't expected to receive a territory so easily.

Green Fort… my own land.

A quiet pride bloomed in his chest. For the first time, he could call himself a noble.

Back inside, Duke Alaric sat before the map. He picked up a quill and began crossing out several red circles with black ink.

He muttered to himself,

"Fortunately, I was clever enough to trick Aaron into choosing a territory near the Forbidden Zone. In truth, all three options were dangerous… but he picked the worst of them, Savannah Mountain Range."

Unaware of the Duke's thoughts, Aaron walked down the corridor, his steps light with excitement.

He spotted Alice and Fiona ahead and greeted them casually.

"Hello, Miss Alice."

Alice's eyes lit up. She stepped forward eagerly.

"Aaron, did you choose your territory?"

Aaron nodded, his tone tinged with pride.

"Of course. I've chosen Green Fort."

Alice blinked in surprise.

Fiona's eyes widened, admiration flickering across her face.

Aaron walked past them, feeling even more proud under their gaze.

Once he was out of earshot, Alice turned to Fiona.

"Fiona… when was the last time Green Fort had a ruler?"

Fiona hesitated, searching her memory.

"Ten years ago. We were still children. I remember the noble who took over Green Fort… he died. Monsters from the Forbidden Zone attacked. The news spread everywhere."

Alice nodded solemnly.

"Yes. And wasn't that noble Duke Theodore's eldest son?"

Fiona's face darkened.

"Indeed. I didn't expect Sir Aaron to take over Green Fort. He's… truly courageous."

After stepping out of the castle, Aaron wandered aimlessly, unsure of where to go next. The excitement of gaining a territory had left him dazed, but now he realized, he had no plan.

So he turned back.

As he re-entered the corridor, he spotted Alice and Fiona again. Without hesitation, he walked up and asked,

"Miss Alice, do you know where Garric, Elwood, and Edrin are?"

Alice tilted her head and replied casually,

"I don't know."