As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting its golden rays over the sprawling landscape, Brian gazed out from the carriage window. After an awkward silence, he was finally en route to a town he was asked to govern. More like exiled too but that didn't waver Brian’s happiness a bit. The journey had been long, and anticipation mingled with trepidation within his chest. His fingers drummed against the carriage armrest, nervous energy coursing through him.

The wheels creaked and groaned as the carriage rolled along the worn path, leading him deeper into the heart of the unfamiliar territory. As they drew nearer to the town, the air grew heavy with a mixture of anticipation and unease. Brian’s eyes narrowed, and a frown etched itself upon his face as he took notice of the dilapidated state of the buildings that lined the main street.

As the carriage approached, the locals, having spotted it from afar, gathered along the roadside eagerly, hoping to catch a glimpse of their newly appointed governor. The condition of the road was far from satisfactory, with a mixture of dirt and rocks underfoot. Taking mental note of this, the governor acknowledged the urgent need for road construction.

A well-maintained road was crucial not only for trade purposes but also as a symbol of a prosperous town, and he was determined to ensure his territory commanded respect. Brian observed the residents intently, his heart sinking as he noticed their emaciated faces and worn-out attire. The hunger that afflicted them was evident in their every movement, painting a picture of their desperate circumstances.

The carriage came to a halt outside the town hall, and Lord Aldrich stepped out onto the dusty street, his boots kicking up small clouds of dirt. His butler, a middle-aged man named John, followed closely behind, his steps light and measured.

As Brian approached the city, the unmistakable signs of poverty came into view. Scattered throughout the landscape were ramshackle structures, pieced together from salvaged materials, their roofs patched with scraps of metal and tarpaulin. The streets, unpaved and covered in dirt and mud, were strewn with debris, painting a picture of neglect. The city walls, once formidable and fortified, now crumbled in places, offering mere semblances of protection.

Inside the city, an air of struggle and desperation hung heavy. The marketplace consisted of makeshift stalls and carts, offering a meager selection of goods. Weathered vendors, dressed in tattered clothing, presented modest offerings of fruits, vegetables, and basic commodities. The atmosphere buzzed with the noise of haggling, accompanied by the persistent stench of poverty.

Narrow, congested streets revealed the lack of proper infrastructure. The buildings, mostly small and cramped, leaned precariously against one another. Their deteriorating facades bore witness to neglect and scarce resources. Broken windows remained unrepaired, and fading paint peeled off the walls. Some structures had been abandoned, reduced to hollow shells with crumbling interiors.

The city's residents, adorned in worn-out garments, moved about with weary expressions on their faces. The hardships they endured were etched in lines of exhaustion.

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Brian and the rest of the caravan trekked deeper into Yellowstone town, their anticipation growing with each step. As they rounded a bend, the majestic sight of the previous owner's mansion came into view, dominating the landscape with its extravagant presence. Its garish exterior, adorned with excessive embellishments, clashed with the natural surroundings, demanding attention from anyone who passed by. The sheer size of the mansion hinted at the luxurious lifestyle it once housed as if it had been designed to accommodate generations of a prosperous families.

Seemed like the previous ruler of this city spent all the funds on this place.

“Butty, enlighten me about this place and its current state," he asked, his voice laced with curiosity. Pausing to observe the local citizens, he couldn't help but be captivated by their resilience. Despite their worn-out appearance, the children's joyful expressions shone through, even amidst sunken jaws and chapped lips. A lump formed in his throat as the heat of empathy washed over him, witnessing their plight firsthand.

“ Young master, the lord before you were a merchantman. Merchants only value profit and this town offered very little. It was an investment that failed. Yellowstone Twon is notorious for its history and mythology. It was said that dragons made this their habitat thousands of years ago. That spirit beast roams its forest. That the most exotic of plants are grown. In the end, he found none but his death.”

“ Do I want to know how he perished?” Brian wasn’t foolish enough to put it past these citizens to have caused it. They had numbers and if merchants were anything like the ones in novels, he probably deserved it.

“ He died treading waters he shouldn't have or wasn't supposed to,” He eyed Brian, pushing his glasses towards his eyes. “ Young master, I’m not sure how much you know about other towns and territories, but demons are a pain to humanity wherever they live. Except here oddly. If these poor people lived anywhere else, they would have perished long ago.”

“ I think the residents of the town did it.” Blondie butted in. “ The gods slayed most of the dragons or sent them back to their realm and there's no need for dragons or anything to be in this town. There are no ruins or worshippers here.”

" Dragons oppose humanity?" Brian's head inclined, his brows furrowing in deep thought. On Earth, dragons held a reputation that varied across cultures, ranging from evil to relatively neutral beings to wisdom bringers at the cost of worldly items. If dragons existed in this realm, he couldn't help but wonder what other mythical creatures coexisted with them. But then he remembered Coeus saying something about a phoenix bloodline. The realization sent a jolt of excitement through his body, prompting an involuntary wiggle, but he quickly composed himself as the gazes of everyone else fixated upon him.

The carriage arrived at the front of the mansion and they promptly exited. Brian with a pep in his step made it to the doors ahead of the others. If he considered the outside gaudy, the inside was a lot more flamboyant.

As they stepped inside, a gust of refreshing air enveloped them, carrying the crisp scent of cleanliness. The carpets and curtains, meticulously chosen, appeared to be crafted from the most exquisite red silks, their vibrant hue adding a touch of opulence to the surrounding. There were too many rooms, all with fine silk interiors and beds that took up all the space, adding a sense of royalty to the home. The office, his office, looked like something a president would work it.

He sat behind a mahogany desk in a chair large wooden chair. There were papers scattered everywhere. It would take a bit of time to organize it all, but this wasn't daunting at all. He had Coeus and knowledge from kingdom-building novels. He was sure he could magic his way out of the problems of this town. It would take time, but it will be done