Fine, you can have the castle. But you'll have to build it yourself!

(Valzen Ducal Calendar Year 10, June 16th, Sunny, at Duke Valzen's Main Camp)

【Glen's POV】

The distribution of rewards after the war was a total whirlwind. Even though I, Glen, had been a mere low-ranking soldier until just the other day, I was being presented before my liege, Duke Valzen.

"—Therefore, for his exceptional merit, I hereby grant Glen the rank of Baron and the lands encompassing the Helden Hills!"

At the Duke's declaration, the assembled generals stirred.

From a common soldier to a nobleman in a single leap. It was like something out of a fairy tale. Trembling with emotion, I bowed my head deeply. "Y-Yes, sir! I am profoundly honored!"

Duke Valzen smirked, and then continued with something utterly outrageous. "Hmph. There's no castle on those lands yet, though. Very well, I shall grant you the castle. But—you must build it yourself!"

"...Huh?" I let out a bewildered cry.

The stir among the generals shifted into derisive laughter.

"Baron Glen, the Helden Hills have been a disputed territory with the enemy for many years, and thus remain a wasteland where no one lives. Only after you have cleared the land, established a town, and erected a castle shall you truly become a lord. Make it your mission!"

(This is insane! In other words, he's giving me the title and the wasteland, and telling me to do everything else on my own!)

My life had veered wildly off course. All I had been given was the title of "Baron" and a land deed written on a single sheet of parchment. I had no funds, no materials, and no people. All I possessed was the luxurious Golden Armor of Marquis Caledon, looted during the Battle of Helden, and my own ambition.

"—Are you truly willing to lend it to me?"

I was in the manor of Dario Bolani, the greatest merchant in the capital of the Valzen Ducal State. Despite my low standing as a commoner, I was shown into the drawing room. There, I was bowing deeply to the master, Dario. A stout man in flamboyant, vertically striped clothing, he stared me down as if appraising my value.

"Hmm... Baron Glen. Everyone in this city knows you are the hero of the 'Miracle of Helden.' However, to lend such a vast sum without any collateral..." Dario let out an exaggerated sigh.

I reached into my coat and pulled out that arrow with the graffiti carved on it. "This is the proof of my 'luck.' And my collateral is Duke Valzen himself."

"Oh?"

"The Duke is testing my worth. If I make this venture a success, the Duke will undoubtedly place even greater importance on me. If that happens, the Valzen Ducal State will prosper, bringing immense profits to a merchant like you. This is an investment in your future!" Even to myself, it sounded like outrageous sophistry... or more accurately, a bluff.

But Dario Bolani narrowed his fox-like eyes even further, then burst into laughter, clutching his stomach. "Heh, heh, heh... Interesting! I like you! Such nerve... I wouldn't expect it from a mere former common soldier. Very well, I, Dario Bolani, shall bet on your 'luck'!"

Thus, I took on a massive debt to build a castle and a city.

(Alright, I can't start anything until I gather people. Skilled craftsmen, mercenaries who lost everything in the war... As long as I have money, I should be able to gather as many ambitious souls as I need!)

I checked the weight of the leather pouch of gold coins I had received from Dario. It was the very weight of my future.

The legend of what would later be called the 'Free City of Glenfilt' began with the staggering debt of a nameless, low-ranking soldier.