Reborn with A Simulation Coin!

In just two months, the plague had spread to the territories of two or three neighboring lords, leaving devastation in its wake. The outbreak wasn't isolated; it was growing, unpredictable, and spreading like wildfire.

The repeated instances of these outbreaks forced Harry to halt his expansion plans. He needed to focus inward, solidify his own defenses, and ensure the plague didn't find its way into his territory. The chaos outside was a stark reminder of how quickly everything could fall apart.

Early one morning, as Harry stepped out of his room, a messenger approached with news that caught him by surprise.

"A letter, my lord, from Thorn City," the messenger said, handing over the sealed envelope.

Harry raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Thorn City?" He broke the seal and unfolded the parchment, scanning its contents with sharp eyes.

At first, he suspected the letter might carry a veiled warning or outright condemnation of his somewhat... unorthodox rise to power. After all, Harry's claim to the title of Baron was not exactly smooth or traditional; he had seized control through strength and strategy, not formal inheritance.

But as he read further, his suspicions faded.

The letter began by addressing him as "Baron Harry," which was a pleasant surprise. It seemed Earl Thorn, the ruler of Thorn City, was willing to acknowledge Harry as the new lord of Ethan's former territory. This simple title carried weight, signaling recognition of Harry's authority.

"Interesting…" Harry muttered, his lips curling into a faint smile.

The rest of the letter was equally intriguing. It was an invitation to Thorn City, ostensibly to discuss the worsening plague situation. The letter also mentioned the arrival of an unnamed "important figure" who would be conducting an investigation into the outbreaks. Earl Thorn explicitly requested Harry's presence during the meeting.

"An important figure?" Harry murmured, reading the line again. His expression darkened as he fell into deep thought.

In this region near the edge of the Black Forest, Earl Thorn was already a powerful figure. As the governor appointed by the Kingdom of Meissen, he held the highest title in the area and had authority over most of the lesser lords in the region. Though local lords like Harry wielded considerable autonomy, Thorn's influence was undeniable.

*And now there's someone even more important involved?* Harry wondered. If Earl Thorn himself referred to this person as a "big shot," it could only mean someone from the royal court or worse, someone connected to the royal family.

Harry's mind raced. The implications of this invitation were clear. The letter formally addressed him as a baron, but that title wasn't fully legitimate yet. Without official recognition from Earl Thorn or someone even higher in rank; Harry's claim to his territory was precarious.

The subtext of the letter was obvious. If Harry attended the meeting and cooperated, he would likely receive formal recognition as a baron. However, if he ignored the summons, things could turn sour. Thorn might not interfere directly, but he could certainly make Harry's life difficult; blocking trade, spreading rumors, or sowing discontent among the neighboring lords.

"Refusing to go would be foolish," Harry muttered under his breath. "Even if this meeting is a waste of time, the risks of ignoring it are far worse."

The plague was already a growing concern for him. If there was even a small chance of finding a solution, it would be worth the trip.

After tucking the letter into his pocket, Harry returned to his room to prepare. This trip, however, would be different. He decided to go alone, leaving his small pool of capable fighters behind.

He didn't have much of a choice. The Ethan Territory was still recovering from recent events, and his resources were stretched thin. Of all the people under his command, only Salah, his strongest knight apprentice, was worth taking. But even Salah would be more valuable guarding the territory in his absence.

"Going alone is risky," Harry admitted to himself as he packed his belongings. "But it'll be a show of confidence. If they see me walk into Thorn City without an escort, it'll make a statement. I'm not someone who needs an army to protect me."

He finished packing and glanced out the window, his eyes narrowing as he thought about the road ahead.

The plague was spreading. Monsters were rising from graves. Lords were falling, one after another. And now, someone of great importance was taking an interest in the chaos.

Harry didn't like uncertainties. But if he wanted to secure his future, this meeting in Thorn City was a step he had to take.

Before leaving, he gave final orders to Salah. "Keep watch over the territory. If there's even a hint of the plague reaching us, lock everything down. I'll deal with any fallout when I return."

Salah nodded sharply. "Understood."

With that, Harry mounted his horse and rode off into the misty morning, alone.

The journey to Thorn City would be long and fraught with unknowns, but Harry had faced worse odds before. And if this "important figure" turned out to be someone worth knowing or manipulating, it might just give him the leverage he needed to cement his place as lord of the territory.

As he rode, Harry's thoughts drifted back to the plague. The outbreaks weren't slowing down. If anything, they seemed to be escalating. Was this truly just a disease? Or was there something deeper at play; something darker?

Whatever it was, Harry knew one thing for certain. If the plague could destroy the neighboring lords, it could destroy him too. And he would do anything to make sure that didn't happen.

The land was restless. Plagues were sweeping across territories, monsters emerging from the darkness, and unease growing with every passing day. It was a dangerous time, and Harry knew he couldn't afford to leave his domain unguarded without precautions.

As he prepared to leave for Thorn City, he turned to Salah, his most trusted knight apprentice. "While I'm gone, you stay here. Keep the territory secure and your eyes open. With everything going on, it's too risky to leave this place unprotected."

Salah nodded firmly. "Understood, my lord. Nothing will get past me."

Harry then glanced toward Maro, the orc who had proven himself both loyal and competent. However, he couldn't bring Maro along. "Maro, you've been useful here, but taking an demihumen to a human city like Thorn City…" He paused, considering his words carefully. "It wouldn't go over well. Stay here and assist Salah."

Maro bowed his head in acknowledgment.

The decision was clear; Harry would travel alone. Not only would this avoid complications, but if things went south in Thorn City, he'd have the freedom to slip away unnoticed.

---

The journey took four days. Four long days of riding through villages still reeling from the plague, their streets silent, their homes empty. Each step closer to Thorn City reminded Harry of the precarious balance his world teetered on.

But as he crossed the gates of Thorn City, a new energy enveloped him. The city was alive, vibrant, and bustling with activity. Merchants shouted their wares, children darted through the streets, and the scent of spices, baked goods, and sweat filled the air.

Compared to the quiet, desolate Ethan Territory, Thorn City was a marvel of prosperity. Harry's sharp eyes darted between the market stalls, noting goods he'd never seen before: intricate jewelry, rare spices, and even peculiar artifacts. It was clear Thorn City was a hub of trade and culture.

What truly caught his attention, however, were the people. Among the crowds, he spotted individuals who clearly weren't human.

On one busy street corner, a group of tall, slender figures caught his eye. They were unmistakably different: elegant and graceful, with sharp, pointed ears and strikingly colored eyes that shimmered like gems. Their movements were fluid, their features symmetrical and beautiful, and their clothing was finer than anything the humans wore.

"Are those…" Harry's voice trailed off as he narrowed his eyes, studying them.

Elves.

It wasn't just the pointed ears or their unearthly grace; it was their presence, almost ethereal, like something out of a story. For Harry, who had heard the name "elves" countless times in the tales of his past life, seeing them in this world was surreal.

*Pointed ears. Tall. Ridiculously good-looking.* Harry's lips curled into a faint smirk. "So they really do exist. Just like the stories."

But the resemblance to the elves of his previous world's legends unsettled him. "Is it just a coincidence?" he muttered under his breath. "Or is there something more to this world than I realize?"

As he stood there, lost in thought, the elves moved on, disappearing into the busy crowd. Shaking himself free of his musings, Harry turned his attention back to the task at hand. He was here for a reason, and lingering over mysteries wouldn't help him achieve it.

---

It didn't take long for Harry to locate Lord Thorn's residence; a grand manor that stood proudly among the city's finer buildings. It was a testament to Thorn's wealth and power, its walls adorned with intricate carvings and banners that bore his family crest.

Harry presented the letter and token he'd received, and the servant at the entrance immediately straightened, his demeanor shifting from cautious to respectful.

"Baron Harry," the servant said, bowing slightly. "His Excellency, the Lord, is expecting you. Please, follow me."

"Thank you," Harry replied curtly, brushing past the servant as he stepped into the manor.

The halls were as grand as the exterior, lined with tapestries and polished floors that gleamed under the light of golden chandeliers. Harry's footsteps echoed softly as the servant led him to a large wooden door.

"The Lord is inside," the servant said, bowing again before stepping aside.