Time passes quickly.
Before Riz knew it, today is the last month of the Year 301 Paign Era. Changes do occur every day, at least here in Bideford.
The city is currently in a period of 'The Great Reconstruction' as he calls it. Massive construction can be seen at every corner of the city. From road infrastructure to the city layout, all was overhauled to meet the safety standard devised by the university. Concrete buildings gradually take over the landscape, replacing the old medieval city.
In terms of population, more and more people came from rural areas to seek job opportunities. The majority of them decided to stay and live here, including the scholars.
Riz finally settled them down in their own residence. He let them adjust themselves in Bideford.
Moving on to the international stage, nothing eventful happens except for the first trade between Vofors and Ryntum officially begins.
Between him and Metternich, the president of newly formed Vofors seems desperate to get his hand on arquebus.
Whether it was for national security or his personal use, he doesn't know and he doesn't care.
As part of their agreement, Metternich had to send his people together with tons of gold to Bideford for obtaining knowledge and technology. There's no way Riz would allow his workers to easily leave the city.
He also received the same request from the neighbouring Naharog which he agreed to.
To be honest, he thought of Naharog as his vassal or puppet state.
His agent spread out across Naharog.
Furthermore, the decline of Bagyarosia becomes apparent day by day. Nobody cares about them anymore.
In less than a year, the continent has witnessed the rise of new independent kingdoms.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtDespite that short period, he felt time flow too slowly. Is it because he has no smartphone to distract him here? Maybe.
Anyway, it was he who is accountable for lighting the fuse, resulting in a tremendous shockwave across the region; socially, economically and politically.
Yet, he shrugged it off and passed the blame to the Napuna Dynasty while portraying himself as a stabilizer in the region.
He is far from being a kind-hearted person.
For his own sake, the life of thousands of people is a small price to pay. He'd be a fool for sticking with those treacherous people.
Without a doubt, his movement would be restricted which would obstruct many things he wanted to do.
He picked up another report. This one was submitted by Charlotte. Apparently, one of the SIN agents managed to infiltrate the Blueriver Palace.
After so long, they finally had a chance to sneak in. When the palace announced its maid recruitment, all available agents were ordered to partake in the process. Despite that, the two agents they sent were accepted.
He doesn't know why their entire process was so stringent. Nevertheless, he was relieved to have eyes in that place.
Five months ago, he received a shocking report from old man Dunn or Greecious who Charlotte sent to establish the spy network in Barlia.
By coincidence, he met Reina at the market.
Riz was dumbfounded to find out that Reina was way up in the north. Not only him but Charlotte as well.
No wonder he could find her on the mainland despite all resources they poured in.
That Jack guy or whatever his name is must play a huge role in this. He also assumes that Russell must be up there as well.
He immediately ordered the SIN to shift their focus to a rescue operation with haste.
The plan was eventually never completed.
The good news didn't last long when the follow-up news came.
She had a son with the Prince of Barlia.
Great! Now he can't extract her from that damn cold and barren place.
He scrapped all his rescue plans.
Why? Because of his little nephew.
By giving birth to a child, women will naturally awaken their motherly instinct.
No matter how bad a woman is, as long as she has a heart, she'll want the best for her child's lives. Even if it means sending them to the adoption centre.
Riz firmly believes that. And Reina by no means is different.
She is most likely to have a change of heart.
Her main priority now must be her son, not returning home. Without a doubt, she wants her son to grow up with both parents on his side.
Forcibly taking her is out of options.
Reina may not be cooperating with them.
Riz just scoffs when Greecious assures him that Reina's relationship with Baldwin is cold at best.
He didn't take the old man's words seriously.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmThey may be cold now but who knows how that relationship will develop in the future?
Emotions do have a major influence on people. As such, he chose a more dangerous way.
A typical infiltration mission to establish contact with Reina.
Well, that's only the initial reason.
While they're in there, the agents might as well relay him some intel. Of course, he isn't pressuring them to complete the mission in haste. Since it is hard to get them in, the agents better focus on adjusting themselves and making as many friends as they can.
A worthless rumour and gossip in that palace may be worth a gold bar to others.
Although Reina had her personal maids on her side, they are still from Barlia.
He doesn't put too much trust in them. They may act as double agents to deceive Reina.
Riz rubbed his temple and put the report down. Thanks to the birth of a little kid, everything went horribly wrong.
"Little Rizie..." He mumbles inaudibly, fearing someone might hear. "That nickname sounds cringe. Did she seriously call me that in the past?"
He had no memory of the previous Rizieri. Since it was in the distant past, nobody suspects him for asking about it.
Thinking of his sister, maybe he should give a visit to the one trapped here. It's been three years since her confinement. He does wonder if Rachel lose her mind yet.
The last time Riz checked up on her, she was still doing fine.
Her mental fortitude is not a joke. If modern people were confined, they might go crazy by now.
Riz honestly doesn't know what to do about her. Killing her without any justification is just too cruel in his opinion.
Letting her scot-free just irritated him. So, he let her live for now.
After all, nothing is useless in this world. If we deem something useless, that means we lack the knowledge to understand and use it.