CHAPTER 73: CHAPTER 73: A LORD FROM THE KINGDOM

"The essence of a golem puppet isn’t the stone soaked in magical potions—it’s the rune crest."

"Just like the demon giant’s heart, the golem’s crest is the true source of its power."

Mage Luna spoke as she detached one of her arms. Ryan watched as it floated in front of him, then the stones peeled away, revealing a round, coin-sized blue crest within.

Luna proceeded to disassemble her golem body into several parts and said:

"Now I should be able to pass through."

Ryan looked at the large "corpse" in front of him and thought: Is this Mage Luna really so trusting?

Still, he had no intention of trying anything. He didn’t even understand the nature of golem power, and besides, even if she wasn’t quite at the level of a Sanctuary Knight, she probably wasn’t far off. If something went wrong, it could be a disaster.

"I’ll send someone to... carry you over."

...

Frozen Territory.

When the massive golem puppet suddenly appeared, many were gripped with fear and panic. Fortunately, soldiers kept order, and Luna was safely escorted to the military training grounds beneath Rhinohorn Mountain.

"I’ve already arranged for your mage’s estate—it should be completed by this winter at the latest. Until then, you can stay in the castle once its main structure is done, or I can prepare a temporary residence at the foot of the mountain."

Ryan offered these suggestions. Luna, meanwhile, was still curiously surveying this foreign world, and when she felt the warmth in the air, her gaze turned southward.

"Can I go see what’s over there?"

"That..."

Ryan hesitated.

"It could be difficult. I’m only a baron from the northern frontier. If you head from here into Northwind Province, you might be arrested very quickly."

"There are many powerful beings within the Empire—over ten resident Legendary Mages in the royal court alone..."

"Then forget it. I’ll stay on the mountain."

Luna’s voice carried a trace of regret. Though she was curious to see what a Legendary Mage looked like, she knew she had to respect the rules of this world.

"The Lord of Dawn... His radiance still manages to keep this world warm."

As she spoke, her entire form gradually turned into a massive stone, rendering her indistinguishable from an ordinary boulder. No matter how Ryan looked, he couldn’t tell she had once been a golem puppet.

Seeing Luna finally settle down, Ryan felt a surge of satisfaction. His territory had finally acquired a pillar-like ace in the hole.

The heroic spirit Gonzalves, sealed within the divine artifact crown, was stronger—but that artifact required constant nurturing through Stag Blessings. Luna, on the other hand, was a living powerhouse.

"Go prepare a room for Mage Luna. Far away from mine."

Ryan wasn’t thrilled about her staying in the baronial castle, but given that the Frozen Territory still lacked a proper estate—even a basic manor—there were no better accommodations. And a standard house wouldn’t suit a mage of her stature.

Still, Ryan believed Luna preferred a quiet environment. As he stood atop Rhinohorn Mountain and looked north toward the base, he thought that perhaps a mage tower could be built across the frozen river there.

It would not only give Luna a home—it would also extend the reach of the Frozen Territory’s influence, gradually pushing the borders outward.

The days that followed saw Ryan continuing to travel back and forth between the Frozen Territory and Furnace City, mainly to hasten the transport of resources. That world was growing colder by the day, and Ryan feared that it might not survive until winter.

What happens when a world dies? Ryan didn’t want to find out. At least, not now. All he wanted was to extract everything possible before it was too late.

A few more days passed, and Beard finally returned from the east with the purchased grain.

This young man, about the same age as Ryan, now looked far more composed and mature. The soldiers behind him were stained with blood—evidence that the journey had not been smooth.

"Lord Ryan, I’ve brought back the grain you requested."

Since the old butler had gradually handed over the steward’s duties to Beard, he no longer addressed Ryan as "young master," but "lord."

This signaled that the Beard family had fully severed ties with the Rimehart family and become Ryan’s personal vassals and retainers.

"Excellent. Though it seems you’ve brought back a guest as well."

Ryan glanced toward a lavish carriage amid the grain convoy—clearly the transport of a noble.

"Yes, my lord. This is..."

Before Beard could finish, the carriage door opened, and a blond, blue-eyed young woman stepped out. She wore knight’s armor, which did nothing to hide her striking figure.

"I am Mihai Fragoso, daughter of Viscount Fragoso, and a titled noble of the viscountcy. I greet the lord of the Frozen Territory, Baron Ryan of the Empire’s north."

Mihai gave a knight’s salute rather than a noble curtsy.

"I come from the Kingdom of Andara."

Beard added:

"Thanks to Lady Mihai’s assistance, we were able to purchase 600,000 catties of grain and a team of slaves for transport from the Andara Kingdom. Her only condition was that she accompany us here—without the Empire’s knowledge."

Ryan nodded, then turned to Mihai.

"So, this noble lady who smuggled herself into the Empire—what exactly is your purpose?"

His bluntness angered Mihai. The youthful look on her face turned stormy, her chest rising and falling sharply—her hand even reached toward her sword.

"I didn’t smuggle myself in. I came to negotiate a partnership."

"A meeting between an Imperial baron and a foreign lord, unknown to either side’s higher authorities—this could become a celebrated tale... or a disaster. Which outcome do you prefer, Lady Mihai?"

"I sold you grain."

Ryan continued, unmoved:

"Since the conflict between divine and royal authority, the Empire strictly forbids nobles from engaging in unauthorized communication with foreign peers."

"I can sell you more grain in the future."

That silenced Ryan—his smile returning.

"Then... Lady Mihai, please."

As she gazed up at the baronial castle on Rhinohorn Mountain, Mihai couldn’t help showing a bit of envy.

"Baron Ryan’s wealth... is astonishing."

Her eyes easily recognized the valuable materials used in the castle’s construction—worth a fortune even in her own kingdom.

"Do all Imperial nobles live like this?"

To the nobles of Andara, the mighty dragon-like presence of the Empire was both terrifying and deeply alluring.