During this time, Roland had kept some distance from Janet until he dealt with Flaming Tiger materials. Generally, he should have discussed this with his wife, but with a child in her belly, he felt it wasn't suitable for her to see these things.

Though Roland had dealt with Flaming Tiger, he didn't relax and maintained vigilance as he was worried about more.

Soon, through his searches, he found a small horde, but unlike Flaming Tiger, they were weak and uncertain about the future.

So, Roland went out again to clear the hordes.

"Roland, you're back! Did you get injured during the expedition against the monsters?" Janet's face was filled with concern.

She had been extremely worried when her husband went out to fight the monsters. He had just come from hunting a huge beast a few days ago, and now he was out again, this time without any adventure team or mercenaries to help.

If it weren't for Roland insisting on going, she would never have agreed to let him go on this adventure alone.

"Of course not!" Roland pretended to be unscathed and replied.

He didn't want Janet to worry. It was not good for either Janet or the baby in her belly. To prevent his wife from noticing anything amiss, Roland didn't dwell on this topic.

He quickly changed the subject.

He half-truthfully recounted his experience in the expedition against the monsters.

Janet, who had never traveled far, was also very interested in such adventure stories.

She lay on Roland's chest, listening quietly.

The two of them cuddled together.

A day quickly passed…

After defeating the Flaming Tiger, Roland's life returned to its usual rhythm.

He spent his days playing with his children and accompanying his wife.

When he had nothing to do, he would go hunting in the forest around his territory.

Life was very comfortable.

As for the development of the territory, Roland had already laid the foundation.

With time, the Apus Brewery became more and more well-known, and the volume of shipments increased.

The small clothing and craftsmen also started gaining popularity. Roland sighed heavily seeing this. If they had access to sea routes, their craft might become more exquisite and a piece of art using sea ornaments as it was easier to find sea materials than precious gems…

Still, trade prospered. It attracted a large number of visitors. The local villagers gradually became prosperous. The lives of villagers became better and even could share a piece of pie.

Thanks to this, the number of free settlers coming to Apus Village increased. The population of Apus Village grew from over seven thousand to thirteen thousand.

And it continued to maintain a high growth rate.

It was expected that by the middle of next year, Apus Village would become Apus Town.

Of course, Roland had a way to expedite this process.

The knowledge brought from his previous life, if utilized, could further develop pillar industries for Apus Village.

But it really wasn't necessary. In this high-magic world, interests needed to be maintained with corresponding strength.

Without strength, creating too many good things would not only prevent one from enjoying the benefits, but also bring trouble. Naturally, he wouldn't do such a foolish thing.

Now, the most important thing for him was to take care of his wife's health and ensure a smooth birth for the child.

And as he got stronger gradually, he would soon use his knowledge and power to uplift his family status and his people.

…………..

Days passed…

Janet was getting closer to her due date.

Just as the Roland family was preparing to welcome the birth of a new life.

Three noble lords, accompanied by more than ten guards, suddenly visited Apus Village.

These three noble lords were:

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Cardia, from the Black Baron family.

Igor, from the Yak Baron family.

Cindira, from the Merck Baron family.

These three families had an alliance of interests with the Weiss family and cooperated in selling beer.

Their relationship was very good. The group of people rode into Apus Village.

"The Weiss family's territory is developing so fast!"

Looking at the scene before him, Cardia couldn't help but feel emotional. Apus Village had undergone tremendous changes.

Half a year ago, he had come to Apus Village for the beer sales rights. At that time, Apus Village was full of thatched and wooden houses, with dirt roads everywhere...

It was simply a poor ordinary mountain village.

And now those dilapidated thatched cottages and wooden houses had all disappeared, replaced by more sturdy and beautiful stone houses.

The uneven dirt roads had been replaced by smooth cobblestone roads. Various public toilets, commercial streets, and other infrastructure were readily available. Small vendors selling their wares could be found everywhere along the streets.

A large number of villagers shuttled through them.

It was a scene of prosperity…

If it weren't for him being certain that this was Apus Village, he would have thought he was in the wrong place.

"Don't be amazed! Let's first pay a visit to Baron Roland," Igor said calmly.

Upon hearing this, Cardia and Cindira did not object. They did not come here for sightseeing.

They arrived at the Weiss Manor. The three of them presented their calling cards. The butler dared not neglect them and quickly led the three to the reception room.

Then, he went to inform Roland.

A few minutes later, Roland arrived with a smile, yet a worried look.

"Baron Igor, Baron Cardia, Baron Cindira, what brings the three of you here for a sudden visit?" Roland asked, surprised to see the three noble lords.

"Baron Roland, we have an important matter to discuss with you during this visit," Igor said solemnly.

"What is it?" Roland asked curiously.

"Have you heard about the news of the upcoming border war, Baron Roland?" Igor asked without directly stating the matter.

"An upcoming border war?!" Roland frowned slightly.

He was not aware of this. Recently, his wife, Janet, was about to give birth, and his attention was focused on that.

He did not participate much in local noble gatherings, so naturally, he was not well-informed.

However, such a matter wasn't something to be neglected. There was a difference between negligent and careless.

And this might one day lead to his doom.

"That's right! Two months ago, a super-large iron ore mine was discovered on the western border. There were also other precious metals and mana stones discovered in that area. Both our Kingdom of Jin and the neighboring Kingdom of Onil believed that the vein belonged to their respective sides."

"Now the border situation is very tense. It was said that our king had already prepared for war with the Kingdom of Onil."

Seeing that Roland was still unclear about this matter, the head of the Merck Baron family, Cindira, explained.

"What does this have to do with us?"

Upon hearing this, Roland became even more confused. He didn't understand what these people were trying to express by mentioning this matter.

What does the western border war have to do with small nobles like them in the southern region?

Unless the war in the western border is a war of annihilation. Otherwise, this war would not reach them at all.

Or were these guys too cautious and wanted to take preventive measures prior…

This wasn't bad but it was just Roland who arrived at this conclusion, he was slapped in his face.

"This war is a good opportunity!"

"We came here this time to invite Baron Roland to cooperate with us and participate in this war."

"By gathering the armed forces of our four families, we will surely achieve remarkable military achievements in this war. Our titles can also be further advanced, while obtaining larger fiefs."

"And after that, people can't ignore us as the Baron of the countryside, ignorant of social hierarchy."

Igor said excitedly with fire burning in his eyes. Cardia and Cindira were also the same.

A flicker of greed flashed in their eyes.

Hearing this, Roland understood everything.

He was not moved by the beautiful blueprint described by Igor. As a former soldier of the Knights Legion, he was well aware of the cruelty and danger of war. It was a ruthless meat grinder that devoured countless lives.

He hadn't fought in major wars between the kingdoms, but the minor skirmishes were enough to take away the lives of 1000 lives every year.

And what agonized his fellow mates was that when soldiers were dying the upper echelons remained indifferent and indecisive.

Even in the modern world, people fought over territory, so how could it be different in this world where strength mattered the most?

But the King of their Kingdom was afraid of losing the war and then getting taken advantage of by others so he just turned a blind eye, but now it seemed there was something that could force him to move.

Secondly….

As he had fought in many border skirmishes, he knew the experience. While soldiers spit out their lives, it's the superior who engulfs the credits of pain-strickenly fought victories.

The armed strength of their four baron noble families is completely insignificant. Just a few squads of his legion can overturn them.

One stroke of bad luck and the entire army would be wiped out. The King was also a cunning fox in that instead of using his troops and legion, he gave opportunities to nobles but in truth, he was keeping them in check as nobles would surely lose a portion of their private army.

"This level of war is too dangerous. I'm sorry, but I can't agree to this cooperation."

Thinking of this, Roland immediately shook his head and declined politely. With his golden finger, his future is boundless.

There was no need to risk his life on the battlefield for wealth and glory. It was okay if he was alone but as Lord, he carried the pressure of several lives on his shoulders so he can't nor does he have the right to risk their lives for some petty greed without having enough power to protect themselves.