At first, life was difficult for the citizens of Havengard, but they didn't give up and somehow managed to survive and develop a small village until their efforts paid off. News about the Nebul Creatures spread and soon buyers of the materials began to appear.

The countries quickly sent delegates hoping to secure a steady supply of materials and also to assess whether the place could be invaded. However, Várnalok, the kingdom of his old friend, openly showed its support for the newly founded kingdom of Havengard, which prevented the other rulers from showing their fangs.

The land was a paradise for merchants, and over time the kingdom developed by leaps and bounds, accumulating enormous wealth. However, they still depended on their neighbors for food, something that with the amount of gold they owned was not a problem.

The surrounding villages benefited from this, so they only needed time and the support of others kingdoms to also become kingdoms. Over the next few decades, the constant flow of materials from Havengard ensured that the development of these lands did not stop and the economy grew along with the population.

In Havengard, thanks to the constant hunting of beasts, the soldiers were stronger than usual, providing security to the people. However, the land of gold, the fertile land that was supposed to appear, never did. The first citizens forgot about it and even the king forgot about it. After all, Havengard was so prosperous and secure that they no longer needed it. It was no exaggeration to say that by that time, Havengard was almost on the same level as Várnalok.

Something with which the ancient kingdoms or principal kingdoms (as they called themselves) were not happy with. Their purpose in supporting the development of the lands surrounding Havengard was to keep an eye on it. The rulers were going mad seeing the enormous wealth this land produced that didn't end up in their pockets, but they couldn't launch an invasion because that would go against Várnalok. Besides, Havengard's own army could defeat them.

But fortunately for them, this rich and solid kingdom had a great weakness that they could exploit, they just had to be patient.

Despite that, Havengard managed to maintain its steady growth. After all, the ruler, who was loved, feared, and respected, took his position seriously. With the support of merchants and surrounding lands, they maintained a constant supply of food, managing to maintain a balance that allowed the development of the kingdom.

Unfortunately, the war had left its mark on the king's body. His health was deteriorating, and a wealthy land without the pillar that keeps it afloat is like a wounded prey. The only fate that awaits it is to be devoured.

"They found out that father's health got worse. I don't think it's a coincidence that they're making their move now"

"Yes, I thought about it too, and that's exactly what worries me. If a war were to start, I have confidence in the strength of our men, but I don't know what will happen if they find out that our lord is on the verge of death"

"It's easy to guess how they found out; that imbecile doesn't realize they're just using him as a miserable traitor"

"Few people know the current state of the lord.... If you give the order, I can execute the prince to prevent information leaks and then I will commit suicide, I am ready to die for the country"

"No, that would only create more trouble. Whether I like it or not, big brother has many sympathizers among the population and the army. His death would only create internal divisions. Besides, he's my brother; I don't wish his death. I just wish he would use his brain more"

"Excuse my previous words"

"It's okay, I understand your frustration Kael"

"......"

"Someone is coming"

"I'm sorry to give you so much work, but I'll continue to rely on you"

"I do it for my country, with your permission"

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*SWOOSH*

"......"

*knock knock*

"You may come in"

"Oh! Prince Alden, your complexion doesn't look so good"

"Guess whose fault it is"

"It seems they've already brought you the bad news"

"Yes, and by the look on your face, I suppose things aren't going well on your end either. Please, have a seat"

"Unfortunately, the investigations are still not yielding results. Several researchers have given up, and not much can be expected from those who remain; they only do it to receive their quota"

"So reviving the earth is impossible, no, to begin with, this earth was never alive"

"Furthermore, the merchants are yielding to the pressure from the kingdoms, well, some simply let themselves be bribed, after all, they are merchants"

"Don't speak ill of them, you're a merchant too, Draven"

"Hahaha, I suppose so. In any case, there was a 10% decrease in the supplies that arrived this month"

"So the gold we give them is no longer enough"

"It's exactly as you suppose, they're taking advantage of the tension between the kingdoms to raise the costs of supplies"

"For now we can afford it, but this is still not sustainable"

"We are completely trapped; at this rate, Prince Emrys's proposal will be the right one"

"Or wait for the golden land to appear"

"The lord relied too much on the words of King Dorian"

"I think so too. Now we'll have to see how to deal with the delegates who will arrive next week"

"I'm just a simple merchant, so I have nothing to do with that. Although I heard one of those delegates was your fiancée, maybe she could be the solution"

"Tch* That just makes it even worse. believe me, that woman can't be trusted"

"Hahaha, then you have a lot of things to think about, Your Majesty, so I'll take my leave"

"Thank you Draven, I’ll have to count on you in the future"

"Of course. Change that face Prince Alden is still young, it would be fatal if you get old before your time and can't get a wife"

"I don't need one, believe me. The best thing for my integrity is that no woman comes near me"

"Haha, harsh words, although considering your condition, I guess you're right. Have a good rest"

"As long as my brother keeps doing stupid things, that will be impossible. Give my regards to Sera"

"...."

"I'll give it to her"

*Crash*

*haaaaaaaaaaaa*

*thud*

Alden, the youngest of the king's three sons, from a very young age took as his goal to solve the problem that afflicts his people. However, a task that not even the best in the field have managed to accomplish is not something a child can dream of solving, and over time he realized this truth.

His father knew this, but seeing his son's passion, the will to serve his people, he felt so proud that he couldn't bear to crush the child's dreams. So, even though he knew it would be a failure, a child's game as the counselors called it, he allocated a significant portion of the funds raised to support his research.

Alden himself considers that it was a bad decision. He thinks it would have been better if they had stopped him at that moment. Maybe he would have been sad for a few days, but it was nothing that a walk or a vacation couldn't have solved. At least he wouldn't have to live with the constant gazes of the counselors on him and the heavy responsibility he imposed on himself.

Now that his father is at death's door and the country is on the brink of disappearing, that burden only became heavier.

Alden is still young, living with the constant fear that one day someone will enter through that door and deliver the news of his father's death. He would like to be with his father in his final moments, but he cannot; he must focus on the problems plaguing the country, and his brother only makes those problems worse.

The young man stands by the window and watches as people walk by, allowing his thoughts to wander. The city is lively as ever; even now, new merchants arrive hoping to make money, and almost daily a new shop opens. The day is coming to an end, signaling that it's time for the barrier that protects the city from the night beasts to be activated. The streets and establishments turn on their lights so that the hustle and bustle continues even through the night.

It's also the changing of the guard; the most experienced hunters patrol the outskirts during the night, which is the most dangerous time. Meanwhile, the young and the soldiers responsible for daytime security begin to visit taverns or brothels in search of some company other than beasts and blood.

With broad smiles, they chat with their comrades, momentarily forgetting that just a few hours ago they were fighting with their lives at stake. He may be young, but this scene and these people are what he wants to protect; it's what his father would like him to protect.

"Would you like to join them?"

Alden was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't notice when the young woman who was now hugging him, entered the room.

Being so careless is a mistake; it's what his father taught him. If she had been an assassin, he wouldn't even have known how he died. But instead of feeling angry, surprised, or scared, the young man, whose face was previously filled with concern and unease, now broke into a smile, marking a stark contrast with his demeanor just moments ago.

The sweet voice of the woman lifted the heaviness from his heart as if by magic. Through the reflection in the window, he could see the beautiful woman's face, making his mind relax and momentarily forget that he has a noose around his neck.that he has a noose around his neck. His desire to protect his citizens is genuine, but she is the real reason he strives. If she asked him to, he could make the same decision as Emrys and surrender Havengard.