AWDC Chapter 26
by VolareThis chapter marks the start of the second part of the story. The narrative will gradually become more involved with intrigue and matters of lust, focusing on how Toma grows and navigates through these challenges.
Far from the Datar Plateau, Lord Midland quietly breathed his last in the capital.
A house servant, finding it odd that he hadn’t risen by morning, discovered the Lord cold in his bed. His face was serene, seemingly even bearing a smile.
That satisfied expression seemed to reflect the contentment of a man who had supported the Kingdom of Flandre for many years, building a stable nation.
He was the one who, when King Charles ascended the throne and the foundation of the country was not yet secure, saved the nation from crisis alongside the previous Lord Gregg and the previous Baron Robertson.
After the successive deaths of those two heroes, Lord Midland was the one who supported the young king and played a pivotal role in the country’s prosperity.
That great man had passed away. This was truly the fall of a giant star.
Numerous mourners lined up for Lord Midland’s funeral, including, of course, Baron Robertson who had rushed in from the southern frontier.
“I am grateful for the kindness I have received from Lord Midland. I will faithfully carry out his last command.”
Standing before the coffin, the Baron renewed his vow.
“Enrich your barony, gather many people, and aid the reincarnation in the nation’s reconstruction.”
Lord Midland had entrusted the future of the country to the reincarnation. To that end, the reincarnation had to demonstrate the ability to enhance national power. If the reincarnation could demonstrate that the people could become prosperous by leveraging his abilities, the country would unite around him.
Even now, the reincarnation is drawing water to the desert, trying to transform it into a green land. The Baron has no doubt about his abilities. However, the Baron’s power is still weak, and he lacks the strength to protect the reincarnation. At least for another five years, the Robertson family will not even be able to stand on its own.
Until then, Lord Midland’s support was necessary. The Baron believed that the country’s peace was maintained only while Lord Midland was alive. That had now become impossible.
Then, less than nine months later, tragedy struck the Midland family again. The current head, Lutoa, died of illness.
He had managed the country’s finances for ten years since taking over from Lord Midland, with almost no problems.
It was the unanimous opinion that only Duke Lutoa could support the country after Lord Midland’s death.
A capable man who had almost single-handedly managed the country’s financial affairs.
In his mid-40s, at the height of his powers.
How many people had entrusted their future to him?
The head of the Midland family had died just when he was about to truly shine.
For that reason, the shock to the country was even greater than when Lord Midland had passed away.
“His Majesty the King has been neglecting his duties, which I believe placed an even greater burden on Lutoa-sama.
Lutoa-sama had been confined to the court lately, overwhelmed with handling a mountain of problems.”
The chief retainer, Simon, spoke with a somber expression to Baron Robertson, who had come to offer his condolences.
The plan to turn the Datar Plateau into farmland could not be realized without the support of the Midland Dukedom.
The Baron’s disappointment was only natural.
Simon understood this all too well. Even though he was a chief retainer, the Simon family held many territories.
He and the Baron’s family had the same territorial origins and could be said to be equal in status. Therefore, Simon felt affection for the Robertson family.
Even for Simon, he was now struggling to support the young head of the Midland family and maintain the house.
He couldn’t afford to think about the Robertson family. He could barely manage his own worries.
With a feeling of deep disappointment, Baron Robertson had no choice but to take his leave.
At the Robertson family’s mansion in the capital, a father and son were arguing.
“Now, Toriholi Village is drawing water to the desert, trying to transform it into a green land.
Won’t you return to the village and help?”
“Father, I understand that a major project is underway in the village.
I believe it’s a project that can enrich the impoverished village.
However, I would like to continue my studies here in the capital for a little longer.
Please allow me to study here until I turn twenty.”
“I know that you are earnestly engaged in your studies. I can understand that you still want to study.
However, I heard from Roy and the others when they came to the capital last year that you didn’t meet them.
I am not keeping you in the capital to learn such impolite things.”
“I truly regret that matter and have reflected on it.
However, I feel like I’m about to grasp my true path.”
“The true path is not something you can learn in school.
It’s something you can grasp only by actually sweating, crying, and laughing through life.”
Baron Robertson had summoned his son after attending the Midland family’s funeral. He intended to bring his son back to the countryside before the country descended into chaos.
Meanwhile, his son, Samuel, had entered the university directly under the King and was deeply devoted to the study of theology and philosophy, which explored the nature of the human path.
He did not enter the Robertson family’s residence and was now living in the dormitory, spending all his time at school.
“It’s because you’re with such a group that your heart has become distorted.”
That group referred to the “Apostles serving the White God” Sapomero teachings/religion, which had recently become popular in the capital and advocated for religious reform.
It was a group that condemned, “The current church is chasing after vested interests and not listening to the voices of the people seeking salvation.”
Its leader, Waomou, lived a simple life himself while sharply criticizing the extravagant church, thereby gaining the support of the people.
The government naturally regarded this group as dangerous and suppressed it many times, and Waomou was even imprisoned about twice.
However, the activities of this group, even when they seemed to disappear with each suppression, repeatedly revived.
“Father, Waomou-sama is a great person. I don’t want to talk anymore if you are going to insult him.”
Samuel angrily tried to leave the room. However, he was caught by the servant who had been waiting outside the room.
“I won’t allow you to leave. You will stay in this mansion.”
The next morning, his son had disappeared.
A sheet used as a rope was discovered dangling from the second-floor window.