I Build a Modern Shelter in Fantasy World

After waiting for quite some time, Luke and Lyra finally arrived at the Baron's residence. When Luke pushed open the door, he was caught off guard by what he saw.

Gideon and Lena were sitting together in the lounge, relaxed and at ease, laughing at something only the two of them understood.

For a moment, it looked almost like they had forgotten the weight of leadership and responsibility resting on their shoulders.

Gideon's attention shifted as soon as the door creaked open. He looked toward Luke and Lyra, who stepped inside.

Their arrival was exactly what Gideon and Lena had been waiting for. They had both wanted to hear Luke and Lyra's thoughts about Norton's proposal, and now the moment had finally come.

"What is it?" Luke asked as his eyes darted between Gideon and Lena.

Gideon rose from his seat and walked over to them. In his hand was a small folded piece of parchment. He held it out to Luke without saying a word, letting him read the message himself.

Luke's eyes moved back and forth as he read the lines carefully. The contents were short, but enough to deliver the point.

Both Luke and Lyra now understood that Liam was summoning Gideon and his team to Mischo.

He wanted to personally deliver Queen Anastasia's opinion regarding Gideon's earlier request. It was also likely that King Moko himself had spoken to Earl Ashfield, who then relayed the matter further.

"They want us to come to them? Why doesn't he come here instead?" Luke asked, frowning as he handed the letter back.

Gideon took it without hesitation. He turned toward the torch fixed on the wall and held the paper to the flame.

Within seconds, the letter curled, blackened, and disintegrated into ash. He let it burn completely, knowing that once its message was read, there could be no chance of it falling into the wrong hands.

Throwing such a letter in the trash was too risky. Someone might be bold enough to retrieve it.

"To protect his noble standing. After all, Ashfield is an Earl. It would be improper for a noble of his rank to answer a summons from a mere Baron," Gideon explained calmly.

"Forget about noble status for a moment. Didn't he already agree to be your subordinate?" Luke asked sharply.

Gideon gave a small nod. He admitted that point, but explained further. He would not forget Ashfield's pledge, but the Earl still had to act in line with his position.

He needed Ashfield's influence and his power. Without that backing, the consequences of Norton's betrayal against the kingdom might fall fully on Gideon himself.

If Gideon had a massive army loyal to him and a strong economy supporting his lands, then perhaps Norton could sever ties with King Moko completely.

But that was not the case yet. At this stage, Gideon still had to admit that he needed Norton alive and in place.

"There are too many factors to consider. Norton's safety would also be at risk if anyone began to suspect his oath of loyalty to me," Gideon said seriously.

"No matter what, Norton is the main bridge between our team and the Moko Kingdom. If that bridge collapses, it will be very difficult for us to cross."

His words left a heavy silence hanging in the air. Then Gideon turned toward Lena. His eyes were serious.

"Clear your schedule for tomorrow, Lena," he said.

"Yes, Captain," Lena answered without hesitation.

"Luke, Lyra," Gideon continued.

"Hand over tomorrow's work to the villagers. Let the village chief supervise them. Set realistic targets for what they should accomplish while we're gone."

"Understood, Capt," Luke replied firmly.

"Everyone get ready," Gideon ordered.

"We leave at midnight."

The three of them straightened their posture and raised their hands in salute. Even though exhaustion was clear on their faces, their loyalty and determination outweighed fatigue.

Gideon turned away and called one of the maids over. He instructed her to fetch the coachman and prepare the horses.

The carriage needed to be cleaned, the tack checked, and the animals made ready for a long journey. The maid smiled warmly and nodded, perfectly understanding her lord's command.

After Lena, Luke, and Lyra went upstairs, Gideon followed behind. His steps slowed as he saw Viviene stepping out of her room. She turned at the sound of his approach.

"Lord Gideon," she greeted him politely.

"Viviene. How is your work coming along?" Gideon asked.

"It is finished. The maids assigned as tax collectors will be leaving tomorrow," Viviene explained, referring to those sent to Nemora and Rockvalley.

That news pleased Gideon. He could already picture how smoothly the tax process would go once the villagers became accustomed to paying regularly.

The income would give the village much-needed financial stability.

"My team and I will leave the village tonight. You will oversee things while I am gone," Gideon told her firmly.

Viviene nodded, her expression steady.

"Do not make any decisions in my absence. Wait until I return," Gideon added.

"I understand, Lord Gideon," she replied.

With that, Gideon went into his room to prepare himself. He washed up, changed into fresh clothes, and readied his SIG M17 pistol along with two spare magazines.

He laid out the rest of his gear carefully, making sure everything was in order for the journey to Mischo.

Lena, Luke, and Lyra each did the same in their own quarters. By eleven o'clock, they would regroup in silence, meeting again just before departure when the household was at its quietest.

Time passed quickly. By the appointed hour, Gideon and Luke were already waiting near the northern gate at the back of the residence. The coachman was checking the horses and carriage.

"About five hours' ride," the coachman said.

"Five hours? Wait, isn't that faster than usual?" Luke asked.

"The geography makes it different," Gideon explained.

"Rockvalley is further north compared to Nemora."

"That's true," the coachman added.

"The villagers here normally use the northern road for trading with Mischo."

Soon Lena and Lyra appeared. They were dressed in tactical shirts under their gear, ready for the trip.

But Viviene intercepted them briefly, warning about the harsh cold at the end of autumn. She reminded them that without proper coats, they could easily freeze in the open air.

That was why Lena carried two thick blue fur-lined coats draped over her arms. She and Lyra already had similar coats on since leaving their rooms.

"Coats?" Gideon asked, raising an eyebrow.

"A wise choice, Lady Lena. Winter is coming!" the coachman quipped.

"Ha!" Luke burst out laughing at the unexpected joke. It wasn't the man's manner that amused him, but the phrasing itself.

"What are we? Starks now?" Luke added, chuckling even harder. Gideon and Lena laughed along, but Lyra remained silent. She simply didn't understand the reference.

Once everyone was ready, the four of them climbed into the carriage. The horses set off, pulling them away from Rockvalley and toward Mischo.

The journey stretched through the night. Lena and Lyra used the time to rest and sleep, but Gideon and Luke stayed awake.

Every so often, the carriage stopped in an open field so the coachman could rest briefly. Gideon insisted on it, making sure the man wouldn't collapse from exhaustion before reaching their destination.

After five long hours, the spires and walls of Mischo came into view. Morning light revealed the city bustling with activity.

A line of carriages was already waiting to enter the gates, most of them from Nemora, Rockvalley, and Algus.

"Show your entry permits," a city guard demanded at the gate.

"The southern border Baron seeks entry to answer Viscount Duncan's summons," the coachman declared, holding up Gideon's Baron's seal for the guard to inspect.

The soldiers shifted uncomfortably, realizing the man before them was no ordinary traveler. Unsure of what else to say, they stepped aside and waved the carriage through. The horses trotted steadily down the city's main road.

At that hour, only city guards training in the squares and food vendors opening their stalls could be seen. Ordinary citizens were still asleep.

The quiet gave Mischo a peaceful air, its chill morning breeze brushing across the cobblestones. Gideon appreciated how quickly they could reach the city center without crowds or traffic blocking their way.

No festivals, no parades, no loud merchants—only silence.

"Who are you?" one of the guards at Viscount Duncan's residence demanded as the carriage halted.

The door opened and Gideon stepped out, clad in his thick blue fur coat. The air was a bit cold, confirming Viviene's warning.

Winter truly was on its way. If Gideon failed to prepare properly, the season would bring new challenges for Rockvalley.

"I am Baron Gideon. We have come to meet with Viscount Duncan and Earl Ashfield," he announced.

The guard inspected Gideon's seal before hurrying inside. Moments later, the doors were opened wide, and the team was invited in. Gideon was informed that Queen Anastasia herself was present and waiting.

The strongest woman in the Moko Kingdom had not returned to the capital. She remained in Mischo with Princess Alanar, knowing that Gideon would soon arrive to press his requests.

Inside, a maid opened the grand door for them. The four soldiers stepped into the lavish residence.

Viscount Liam Duncan himself appeared, still in his nightclothes. He looked surprised, clearly not expecting Gideon so early in the morning. Even more, the Queen was still asleep.

"If you do not mind, you may wait in the lounge until Her Majesty wakes. I will wake Norton so he can join you," Liam explained.

"Very well. Thank you, Viscount Duncan," Gideon replied courteously.

Liam nodded and left.

Luke stood frozen for a moment, his eyes roaming across the chamber. It was the first time he had seen such wealth displayed under one roof. The house outshone even the Baron's estate.

"He is a Viscount, equal to a city mayor. A Baron is more like a district chief," Gideon explained.

"So, you're a district chief then?" Luke teased, smirking.

"Shut up."