How to Create a Farm with the All-Known Fantasy Book

“…” out by the distance, I could see the grand marble of the empire’s wall.

To it, it shined like a jewel, catching every light it could and sparkling like a pearl in the mouth of a clam. Seeing It from the distance, I can’t help but admire such beauty.

And while I drove the carriage, I could see that the princess herself also looked to the walls with a reminiscent expression. Something one would show in their face to express a longing for.

I can understand why she had that expression, seeing as how she was gone for days away from her empire while in the clutches of a demon. I wouldn’t blame her if she cried seeing her home in front of her after such a long time.

*Clink* *Clank*

*Clink* *Clank

*Clink* *Clank*

Out in the back and front of my carriage was the sight of three thousand knights marching in unison, simply showing their grand practice of both chivalry and prowess simply by their presence.

We had passed them about a few days ago and the Light mage, Khali, had showed imself and commanded them to turn back since the mission was successful. The knights rejoiced to this news and to Khali’s command, they now act as our guards while making our way back.

I was quite surprised to see that Khali took the position of returning back to the empire. I would have thought that he would have used this chance to go after the Heart’s kingdom since they currently lack a king. With an army by his command, he would have had a chance to attack.

When I asked him about this, he simply said that making that kind of order is simply too much for a man of his status. Only a king will take the rein for command towards starting a war against another kingdom.

The Empire, although long-time enemies with the hearts Kingdom, knows well enough to respect a country towards it hardships. The Empire was after all, known for their chivalry.

And that chivalry was clearly reflected after the Emperor himself.

A loving father, a kind and respecting man, a man worthy of a tile fit for a king, he was someone who simply showed the true meaning of chivalry by his action even at its smallest detail. He was someone who I came to respect at the short amount of time I came to know about him.

When we arrived at the gates, I could see Lloyd and and John standing guard as usual and to it, we made our way to the Dragon Palace.

when we rode through the streets, a lot of the citizens were seen ever so curious to find such a long line of men on the road.

Whispers of question were asked from ear to ear, and yet to the many voices, only one word was spoken off at a frequent rate.

“The princess…”

“I heard that the princess…”

“Did they save the princess?..”

“Oh, how I wish for the princess’s health to be fine…”

These murmurs were heard along the streets, yet despite it, the princess didn’t showed herself and simply wore a hood over her head to hide her identity from the citizens. I could hear her heavy breaths simply from my distance alone…and I can tell, she was having a hard time.

“Lets get going.” said Khali as from what he can see, the streets have been rather crowded. So to it, he casted magic over the carriage. A magic spell that made his surroundings less attractive.

When we finally arrive at the palace, at the very front of the bottom of the stares was the ever so stoic Emperor, along with Marquis Toral.

Having got off the carriage, the princess slowly made her way to her father and embraced him in her shaking arms.

To it, she finally shed a tear.

“Welcome home, my daughter.” said the Emperor as he tries to comfort the princess in her manner of relief. Stroking her hair, he too felt happy to see her in a healthy manner.

To that, me and the rest lined in front of the Emperor and knelled in respect to his presence.

“You have all done a tremendous accomplishment in bringing back my daughter and eliminating one of the many counts that serve the demon king, with it, thank you all with all that my title could bestow. I’m sure that all of you are tired from your journey, so please, come inside and heal yourselves in the quarters.” said the Emperor.

“Aprecius, Alexander and Mr. Shay Winston, please follow me into my room, I need to hear everything that has happened within the Hearts kingdom. Abigail, please make yourself to your room, the maids are already their to tend to your care.” added the emperor.

“M-me as well? ” I asked, confused on why he called me personally.

“Mr. Shay, this is of utmost importance…” said the Emperor as he leans in to my ear and whispers ever so carefully.

“I…I-understand.” I said, nervous to my toes.

“Father, if you don’t mind, I also want to have a word with Mr. Shay after you are done with your business with him.” said the Princess.

“…Very well.” having said that, we made our way inside.

***

Having entered the Emperor’s chambers, both me and Alexander were so ever nervous in front of the Emperor.

“You must be curious as to why I called you all here. Aprecius, you know full well what has happened in the kingdom, tell me, what do you think will happen now that the Heart’s kingdom is without a king?”

“During our time in that castle, we were able to gain the trust of a certain mage that has a high standing within that kingdom at the end of our fight against the demon.Her name is Meryl Fage, a grade 8 mage that has the full trust of the soldiers under her palm. To it, we might finally be able to build a relationship with the kingdom if we proceed with her recommendation.” said Khali.

“What about the other nobles? How do you think will they react?” asked the Emperor.

“The Hearts kingdom was never big in securing relationships in building its branch of nobles…only three families accommodate a position of nobility within the hearts kingdom since its era with the now-deceased king. With the highest being “General Reveral Crowne”, the Duke of the Hearts Kingdom. He accommodates half of the kingdom’s naval prowess and handles the waters well against any attacks from enemies. The Second is “Marquess Martin Fage” who is the father of Meryl Fage, the mage. He governs a town near the heart’s kingdom, where he is responsible for managing the soldier’s grounds for training. His position is quite almost equal to that of General Reveral, if one were to compare their contributions in heart’s kingdom. Lastly is the countess of the heart’s kingdom, Lady Cher Dokrow, she was given responsibility in managing a land far north of the heart’s kingdom. Her position isn’t much to compare to the other two nobles.” said Khali.

“Why weren’t they there when the entire situation regarding the demon’s takeover was taking place?” asked the Emperor.

“About that…it might be possible that one of the nobles were aware of the Demon’s overtaking.” this voice came from Khali’s position but it wasn’t his voice entirely. It was more feminine than anything. In fact, I recognize this voice.

“My Lord, if you don’t mind, this is Meryl Fage…” said Khali. As he brought out a necklace upfront to the emperor.

“Hmm, is that a Dwarven Artifact?” asked the Emperor as he was somewhat knowledgeable of the item that was the necklace.

“Indeed, Meryl Fage gave this to me in hopes of having to communicate with you my lord. She worries that the reason why the heart’s kingdom’s king was taken over by a count was because of him being betrayed by one of the nobles…”

“Hmm, so it was a noble that lead the Count Demon into the King of that kingdom?”

“The Possibilities were high, and only one person was capable of such a chance.” said Meryl through the Dwarven Artifact.

“Who was it?” asked the Emperor.

“..the countess herself, Lady Cher Dokrow.”

“The countess? Why?” asked Alexander.

“Once about a few years ago, There were rumors speculating within the kingdom that the King and the countess were lovers. They were always within each other’s call…to it, it was said that the countess wanted to bare a child with the king, but she was unable to, she was barren.” said Meryl.

“During that time, after she knew of her incapability, it was said that she was seen walking into the middle of the woods in a stormy night by herself and she came back into her home along with a scraggly old guest. The next day, she visited the king and they bought had tea together…the king fell ill, and the countess was shocked by this. She locked herself back in her territory, not wanting to answer any questions from the people. It was said that the king was in such a suffering state, that he was puking blood day in and day out…almost to a point of his death.”

“Hmm, yes, I’ve heard of this before. It was such a terrible fever that even news of it came flowing into my empire…” said the Emperor himself.

“Yes, the fever continued on for six days…it was worrying to a point that we almost lost hope in his health. But the next day, we found that he was standing on his two feet yet again…the people rejoice, even I rejoiced. The Duke and my father even came to congratulate him in his health, but the countess never came. She was only ever seen so little after that time. My father would even say that even when the king called for her, she would not leaver her territory. I think it was at that point that the demon must have taken over the king’s body. She must have known by then…that the king was no longer with us.” said Meryl in a sad tone.

“…I see.” said the king in a somber tone.

“Thank you for telling us this Meryl Fage, but tell me, why did you tell us this?” asked the Emperor.

“I just want to warn you, Emperor of the Dragon Empire, that the Demons can easily infiltrate a body without us even knowing. This is just a warning.” said Meryl.

“…We don’t know the full details of the story you just told us, but I’m sure that we can handle this situation.” said Khali.

“As long as I’m here, I can easily detect whether or not a demon is within my midst. After all, I’m a light mage.” said Khali.

“That’s reassuring.” said Meryl.

“What does the Hearts kingdom plan to do now, now that you lack a king?” asked the Emperor.

“The Three nobles will meet in the palace in a couple of days from now, to discuss this matter. I’m not sure where it will lead to, but My father will probably contend in the position of king.” said Meryl.

“Seeing as how the king had no offspring, I suppose this will lead to the nobles in a succession war. What about the duke, is he interested in taking the reigns of being a king?” asked the Emperor.

“…I can’t say…I’m very sorry.” said Meryl.

“Don’t be, anyway, thank you Meryl Fage, if you ever need any assistance from the empire, you may gladly ask us though this artifact.” said the Emperor.

“Thank you Emperor, but I don’t think that’s possible.” said Meryl.

“This Artifact won’t last long my lord, at its current state, it can only be used once and we used it today in this conversation.” said Khali.

“Hmm, such as the folly of ruined Artifacts…they are ever so delicate.” said the Emperor.

“I will end this call now, thank you for hearing my words.” with that, the call ended and the room was left for us to speak.

“Okay then, now that issue has ended, lets move on to the rewards given to your contributions.” said the Emperor as he looked to me and Alexander.

“My lord, if I may…” said Khali, adding a suggestion to the Emperor’s words.

“What is it Khali?” asked the Emperor.

“From what I’ve seen in the battles that persist within the Hearts kingdom’s grounds, the one who delivered the Demon’s death was none other than Sir Shay himself.” said Khali in a proud tone.

“Really? And how is that possible?” asked the Emperor in a surprised tone.

“He fought toe on toe against the Demon in a physicality that greatly boosted our chances in securing a victory. One might even say that he was the strongest one there.” said Khali.

“My lord, I can vouch for what Sir Khali has spoken, even with my own eyes, I was amazed to see Mr. Shay’s prowess to simply overpower the Demon. One could say that he was even immune to his attacks.” said Alexander in a proud tone.

“Immune?”

“Uhm, its magic…my lord, but its not all that great.” I said, intruding in the buttery words of Khali and Alexander.

“Hmm, I see. You are quite a humble character, Mr. Shay. If it wasn’t for you, who knows what other lives would have been lost…” said the Emperor.

“Do you really trust their words?” I asked.

“Hahaha, do not worry. I can see that you do not favor the attention of the people…you plan to become a farmer, is what I heard. Knowing that, have you been given land to flourish your plants?”

“It may sound far-fetched, but I have my sights of a land inside the Domain of the Flat Bioma.”

“…”

“…Eh?”

The three were silent, and to this silence, they look to me as if I was talking nonsense.

“Hmm, its of neutral ground, so it won’t coincide with the other kingdoms…but are you sure you want to live a life inside the Flat Bioma’s domain? I’ve heard that a giant beast roams in its forest, collecting souls and what not.”said Khali.

“its more safe to live within the domains of a kingdom, If you want I can even give you your own territory?” asked the Emperor.

“Does that mean that I’ll be given a title like being a count?” I asked,

“Yes, if its only that, I can easily grant you that power.” said the Emperor.

“Yeah…I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but giving me a title is the one thing I don’t want.” I said.

“Why? It’s a great honor to be bestowed a title.” said Alexander.

“I know that, I really do. But its not something I’m interested in. I just want to live my life by what I dreamed of…and that is to become a farmer. Khali we’ve talked about this…please, let me have this.” I said, pushing my words to Khali.

“…Yes, you did spoke of your ambition.’ said Khali, remembering back to our conversation in the carriage.

“Very well, but you’ve done me and the empire a great favor…what do you wish for other than that of a title?” asked the Emperor.

“…Honestly, I still don’t know…I’m not that good of a dreamer. I mean, you can see it just by how my dream is to become a farmer.”

“…” the emperor was silent to that statement.

“I just want my peace and nothing else.” I said that with a soft smile…looking to the Emperor with no scent of greed of any kind. It was something I rarely ever expressed in my times as a thief.

“I see…then I cannot grant you anything.” said the Emperor.

“…” I smiled, seeing him understand my ambition.

“…But know, that if you ever need of anything, a castle, a land, an army, or anything that I am capable of bringing, know that you are gifted with that right.”

“…”

“Here, I grant you this…a medallion of the Dragon Empire. With this on your arms, you are known as the friend of the Empire. I grant you the Dragon Kin Medallion.”

There, the Emperor gave me a disk like medal that had the emblem of the Dragon Empire’s flag. To it, it was a sign of complete trust. A trust that backed an entire Empire.

“…” I was silent in receiving this medallion and to it, the Emperor patted my shoulder.

“Welcome to the Dragon Empire.” he said.

***

As we left the Chambers of the Emperor, I was asked to go to the room of the princess herself. Curious, I made my way without stopping.

When I entered her room, I was greeted by the princess who was combing her hair. With each stroke down using her comb, she was simply the very visual definition of a beauty, someone that can ultimately inspire me to draw.

With her golden blonde hair, amber eyes and skin as white as the ice on the first morning snow, she was simply a beauty I can barely look directly in the eye.

“You called for me?” I asked.

“…I heard that you were leaving the Empire immediately, you won’t stay for a night?” she asked.

“Um, no…”

“The Palace is preparing a feast in honor of my return as well as the success of the Imperial Dragon’s saving, you wont attend that even then?”

“I’m sorry princess, but I’m not of noble standing…I’ve fulfilled my duty in bringing you back to your home. That’s all that matters.” I said.

“I see…since I can’t stop you from leaving, here…I want to give you this.”

There, she brought out a necklace that had an amber crystal as its jewel.

“…This will be a token of my appreciation…to the person, who even though he isn’t of noble birth, is a hero no doubt.”

She then puts it around my neck and centers it to her liking.

“…” I was silent and nervous during this time, seeing as how close she was when locking the necklace over me.

I can’t help but feel threatened for some unknown reason though.

“…You and the rest of the Imperial Dragons, risked your lives in order to save mine, in end of it all, I owe you my life…I truly do.” she said as her breath was felt, seeing as how close she was.

As a man who has lived a life field with a variety of ranges, seduction was one of the many I wasn’t blind to…

And seeing her now, with the princess as she was…it seemed like she was seducing me…

Although I felt a particular beat in my heart, I did not react ever so proudly at this. Knowing her position, it only ever makes me curious as to why she even approached me in the first place.

“…”

At her final touches in the necklace, she turned to me directly, eye to eye and we both stared at each other for about 2 seconds at best…then and there, she whispered yet again.

“Please don’t forget me.” she whispered.

And to it, I backed away out of instinct.

“…Um…okay.”

“…” she was seen with a devious smile as I backed away, almost playful-like. But soon after, this game had to end, I left the room after she gave me her gift.

There as he waved goodbye, leaving her room, a smile appeared on her face…a smile that was somewhat sly like a fox.

As I made my way across the halls to leave the palace, I was met with Shirley who stood by the entrance.

“…Shirley?” I asked, uncertain if it was her.

“!?” looking ever so surprised, she turned to me with a shocked look.

“…What are you doing here? And where are the others?” I asked.

“…T-they left to their quarters…I’m here to give you a message from the lady.” She said, awkwardly.

Now that I think about it, she was somewhat of a shy person…

“From Serena?”

“Yes…”

There, she passed to me a letter written by Serena herself.

“Thanks, I’ll read this letter later.” I said.

“…okay, and um, I heard that you were leaving the Empire soon.” she said.

And she was right. After the gift given by the princess, I had to leave now…

I had been gone for far too long.

I had already told Khali and the Emperor of my leave and promise to come back in time, so after being given the permission, I plan to leave immediately.

“…Yeah, in fact, I’m on my way to the stables to get my horse.” I said.

“So your leaving now? I see…” she sounded sad, but farewells were in order.

“Goodbye Shirley, and say Goodbye for me to the rest of the Imperial Dragons, will you?”

“I will.”

“Okay then.” with that said, I walked passed her and started making my way to the stables.

But before I could get so far, I heard her voice yet again.

“If it wasn’t for you, we would’ve lost our lives…so thank you!” she said, bowing at a 90 degree angle, I could see her sincerity as she thanked me with all that she could.

Seeing her being so grateful, I smiled and waved goodbye.

“I’ll see you guys later.”

With that goodbye, I rode my carriage and made my way back home.

It was finally time to start a farm.