I Build a Modern Shelter in Fantasy World

Operation Waterfall was a success. The waterwheel had been disabled, there would be no chance for them to use electricity, or even repair the wheel.

At the very least, Gideon and his team managed to handle even the smallest chance of a threat that could come their way.

Not wanting to linger, Gideon and his team quickly left the kitsune village. Their horse carriage was parked near the village, about a two-minute walk away.

Gideon said goodbye, stepped into the carriage, and ordered the driver to move out of the area. Just as Gideon and his team left, the wolfkin arrived at the kitsune village to search for their attackers.

Mitsuko met Bian, acting manipulative as she offered to help them find the attackers. Her trick worked, and the full attention of the forest wolfkin was drawn to the kitsune village.

She and her friends could breathe easily. They pulled down their neck buffs and smiled. The mission had gone perfectly once again, without a single difficulty.

"Operation Waterfall is done. You can rest later," said Gideon.

"Of course, Capt."

"What happens next? Will they suspect that we were behind this?" asked Lena.

"There's a chance. Considering this happened right after Bian rejected the plan to unite the mythological races."

"Their hatred will definitely turn toward us."

"Then what's our response?" asked Lyra.

Gideon fell silent. The Baron's soldiers numbered less than a single infantry squad, not nearly enough to protect a whole village from the mythological races that might attack later.

He had no other choice. Gideon could only rely on recruiting militias in every village or depending on Norton's elite soldiers.

"We need to form a force. A squad large enough to protect each village," said Gideon.

"I'll think about it later. What matters most now is returning to the village safely."

"Yes, Capt."

Up ahead, the southern gate of the village came into view, with the settlement growing quieter. Not many people were walking along the main road; most were gathered in places of nightly entertainment, such as taverns.

Gideon was tired from the day's activities. Relaxing at a tavern was not a wise choice for him. Perhaps he would return to the Baron's residence, take off his gear, and sleep soundly.

There was an important meeting waiting with Norton, according to the promise he had made, where he would give an answer regarding the reward Gideon and his team wanted.

That day, there was no further discussion about the upcoming meeting with Norton. When they arrived at the Baron's residence, Gideon and his team went straight to their rooms to rest.

***

The next day.

The Baron's Residence, Rockvalley Village.

Gideon was already dressed, standing at the entrance of the residence with Viviene by his side. Lena had gone back to the clinic, Luke and Lyra returned to the construction site.

A line of carriages and soldiers entered through the southern gate, painted with the noble red of Earl Ashfield. Gideon gave a faint smile. Norton had arrived right on time, as he wanted.

The carriage entered the front yard, where the maids were already lined up to welcome Norton's arrival. It was a noble protocol that had to be followed, even if Gideon was still not used to such customs.

The carriage door opened, and a broad-shouldered man in a noble shirt and red cloak stepped out. His face beamed with a smile as he greeted Gideon like an old friend, though Norton's status was far higher than Gideon's.

"Captain Gideon," Norton greeted.

"Earl Ashfield. How are you?"

"Good. You seem to have changed this village for the better, haven't you?" Norton asked.

"I only did what I thought I should do as their leader," Gideon replied.

"This is only one village. What if it were a city? Then a whole region? Even an entire kingdom? I can't imagine the glory that lies ahead," said Norton.

"Haha!"

"Come," Viviene said, inviting Norton inside.

Gideon walked beside him. They entered the lounge, where food and the finest wine had been prepared as hospitality from the Baron's residence. As both a soldier and noble, Norton's tastes were uncertain.

"Before we discuss your request, there's something I need to tell you," Norton said.

"What is it?" Gideon asked, while pouring wine into two glasses, waiting for Norton to explain.

"Her Majesty the Queen is impressed with you. She wants you to lead the army to conquer Sisyla."

Hearing Norton's words made Gideon stop pouring his wine at once. He raised his head and looked straight at Norton with full seriousness.

He hadn't misheard. There was no noise in the Baron's residence, and Norton spoke clearly without hesitation.

Norton had said that Queen Anastasya wanted Gideon to conquer Sisyla with the power he and his team held.

"After Moko learned about my strength, she's trying to persuade me to join their war?" asked Gideon.

"In recent years, Sisyla has kept invading the western border. Many soldiers are wounded or dead, food supplies are shrinking, taxes are rising, rebellions are breaking out," Norton answered.

"By defeating Sisyla, at least Moko has a chance to breathe and gain the people's trust."

"That doesn't make sense," Gideon said.

"At least stop the war and focus on stabilizing the country. If you keep fighting, the people will only suffer more," Gideon continued.

"Then what's your advice?" Norton asked.

"Propose a ceasefire. Put heavy taxes on the nobles. Lighten the taxes for common folk. Build factories or businesses, hire many workers," Gideon explained.

"That sounds difficult to make happen."

"Of course it's difficult, your kingdom has been taken over by the nobles," Gideon replied.

Gideon leaned back, holding the glass as he thought about Norton's words. For him, he would never raise a weapon to fight for someone else. He and his team would only fight for themselves and the people they protected.

"My answer is no."

Norton had expected it. Gideon would surely refuse, perhaps saying that Moko's problems were not his mission. Whatever Moko decided or did, it was not directly tied to Gideon.

"Very well. I cannot force you."

"Then, what do you want?" Norton asked.

"The title of Marquis. I will take the southern border region and control the frontier with the mythological races."

"Marquis?" Norton asked, shocked.

"That's right. With that, I'll have the authority to establish a city, won't I?" Gideon asked.

"Yes."

"With the title of Marquis, you will no longer be burdened with the responsibility of crushing the mythological races. I'll handle them myself."

"Are you sure?" Norton asked.

"I've thought this through carefully. This is my plan."

Norton fell silent. The title of Marquis could only be granted by a King to someone he found worthy. Gideon did not yet hold much influence in the King's noble circle. Norton believed it would be difficult for the King to grant Gideon's request.

But he would try to speak with Queen Anastasya. Let her be the one to persuade the King to bestow the title of Marquis on Gideon.

"I will try to speak with Her Majesty the Queen," Norton said.

"Do it quickly, Earl Ashfield. My territory is rebuilding. It's not impossible that in the future, you and your kingdom will need me and my lands."

"Of course. I will persuade her soon."