I Build a Modern Shelter in Fantasy World

While waiting, the maids in Liam Duncan's residence served Gideon and his team well.

They had arrived early in the morning without eating anything, their stomachs empty in the midst of changing weather.

The maids brought out snacks, bottles of wine, and some fruit on Liam's orders. Luke had no hesitation in eating, Lyra along with the others followed him.

"What exactly does Queen Anastasya want to talk about?" Luke asked, sipping his wine.

"I don't know. I can't even be sure if she'll be able to grant me that Marquis title," Gideon replied.

"It's better to focus on listening to what she says first, then we can discuss how to respond afterward," Gideon added.

Luke and the others cleared their throats, still relaxing in the lounge while enjoying the dishes set on the glass table.

Not long after, a familiar voice to Gideon echoed through the house in the early morning.

Gideon turned his head, clearly seeing Norton Ashfield stepping out in his sleepwear, his muscular bodies revealed.

He smiled widely and shook Gideon's hand, glad to see him in Mischo City just as he had wished.

"I thought you would be the one to speak with me," Gideon said.

"Her Majesty the Queen is still in the city. It's better to let her speak with you directly," Norton explained.

"And there are also a few things I need to tell you, Captain Gideon," Norton added quietly.

Gideon noticed something strange in the way Norton called him captain instead of baron. It caught his attention, so he asked Norton to speak with him somewhere private.

Norton agreed. The two of them walked side by side, Gideon still wearing his blue fur-lined coat while Norton had his red one. They stepped outside.

Far enough from the door, where no one else was around, Norton began to say things that surprised Gideon.

"The situation in the north against Luthe is very critical. Martial law has been declared, young men are being drafted as volunteer soldiers."

"Luthe and Sisyla. Which one has the most potential to destroy Moko?" Gideon asked.

"Luthe!"

"They're a great kingdom, rich in minerals and soldiers. Sisyla is known for their agriculture, a food paradise," Norton replied.

"What was Moko's original reason for fighting both kingdoms at once?"

"No one knows. The war between the three kingdoms has been going on for hundreds of years."

Gideon fell silent, holding his chin as if in deep thought. There was no duty for him to help Moko, though he had to admit his noble title was a part of their kingdom.

But war wasn't only about lives and power. It also affected food, political influence, and social culture. If Moko didn't deal with this soon, they wouldn't last another three years.

"The Supreme General has already given the order. My elite troops and I will go north to fight," Norton said.

"I know this day will come."

"Battling in winter is a nightmare."

"I know. But I love my neck more than my skin freezing," Norton joked.

Sigh.

Gideon stretched out his hand, patting Norton's right upper arm lightly as a gesture of trust. He believed Norton would return safely with the war settled.

"Take care of yourself," Gideon said firmly.

"Of course, Captain. What about the defenses at the southern border?" Norton asked.

"It's fine. I'll take care of it," Gideon answered.

"I'm sorry I can't help you with that, Captain Gideon."

"No need to apologize. You have other duties as a commander. You're a loyal," Gideon praised him.

As they spoke, the first snow of the season fell on Gideon's head. People had said winter would arrive in a few days, but no one expected snow to come today.

Gideon raised his hand, catching the snowflakes in his palm before they quickly melted. Winter had arrived, a sign that problems would only grow more difficult.

"Captain," Lena called.

Gideon and Norton turned, seeing Lena step out of the house to call him. There was a reason for it, and Gideon noticed Princess Alanar standing near her.

"It seems Her Majesty the Queen has woken up," Norton said.

He and Gideon walked back toward the house and entered. Liam was in the lounge, relaxing with Luke and Lyra. The Queen, however, was not there.

"Queen Anastasya is waiting for you in Viscount Duncan's office on the second floor," Lena said.

"Straight to talking? Why not breakfast first? I thought I'd get a royal family breakfast," Gideon joked.

"Captain," Lena sighed.

"Alright, alright. Let's not keep her waiting," Gideon replied.

Lena nodded. Luke and Lyra said they completely trusted Gideon and Lena's diplomatic mission, so they would not come along.

On the second floor, one room was guarded by two armored soldiers in red, Moko's troops. Gideon and Lena walked up until they stood before them.

"Your Majesty, Baron Gideon has arrived," one of the soldiers said.

"Let them in," Anastasya answered.

The guards opened the door, allowing Gideon to step inside with Lena following behind.

Their steps faltered slightly when they saw Anastasya lounging on a long sofa, dressed in luxurious sleepwear that subtly revealed her beauty.

Her hand swirled a cup of wine, with bottles and snacks already set on the table as if prepared in advance.

"Baron Gideon and Lady Lena present themselves to Her Majesty the Queen," Gideon announced.

At first, Anastasya's eyes focused on their faces, but then her gaze dropped toward their waists.

Even hidden under their coats, she caught a glimpse of the black iron that could kill many people from a distance.

"Thank you for coming all the way to the city," Queen Anastasya said.

"It's an honor for us to meet you in person, Your Majesty. Your beauty is just as people say," Gideon replied.

"Stop teasing me, I'm 45," she countered.

"Amazing. You've kept your beauty and kindness untouched by time," Gideon praised.

"You didn't compliment me back in Rockvalley. What's you want?" Anastasya asked, suspicious.

Gideon drew a long breath, exhaling slowly. No more sweet words, now he needed to hear what Anastasya wanted, representing the King of Moko.

"We came at your calls, Your Majesty."

"We came to listen."

Anastasya fell silent, sipping her wine before pouring herself more, not once but three times in a row. She asked Gideon and Lena to drink with her.

At first, Gideon refused, but when Anastasya insisted, he had no choice but to accept. He and Lena took the wine and held it in their hands.

"Do you already know Moko's situation?" Anastasya asked.

Lena stayed quiet, then turned to Gideon. She only knew a little, while Gideon understood more of Moko's problems.

"More or less," Gideon answered.

"Winter is here. And yet two kingdoms push forward with a full-scale war. They keep hammering at the western and northern borders," Anastasya explained.

"You arrived unexpectedly, became a Baron in the south, and now you ask for a Marquis title just for saving Princess Alanar. The King laughed at you," Anastasya revealed.

"So King Moko rejected my request. Am I right?" Gideon asked.

"I'm sorry, Lord Gideon. Our focus is on the crisis in the west and north."

Gideon smiled. He already suspected asking for a Marquis title after saving Princess Alanar was foolish. He couldn't keep depending on the kingdom. They couldn't be relied upon this time.

"The discussion is over. We'll take our leave, Your Majesty," Gideon said.

Just as Gideon turned to go, his steps halted when Queen Anastasya called out again.

"Baron Gideon," she said, rising from her seat and walking toward him.

"Can you give us advice for this war?" Anastasya asked.

Gideon smiled faintly, turning back to look at her calmly.

"I'm only a Baron. I have no right to advise you on this war," he said.

"We'll take our leave."

Not long after, Gideon and Lena stepped out of Liam Duncan's office. Lena whispered a question to him.

"Can Moko survive?" Lena asked.

"No. They'll be destroyed."

"Let's return quickly to Rockvalley. Recruit independent forces. Buy as much food as possible."

"We need to use this moment to survive."