"[It's possible, Miao. But if you start mining, the royal family will find out. Are you okay with that?]"
Michael hesitated. If they could produce high-quality iron ore, it might be worth sharing the profits with the royal family at a 70-30 split to start mining operations. However, this wasn't a decision he could make alone. He resolved to discuss it with his father first.
"Marcus, that's enough for now. Let's stop here," Michael said.
Marcus slowed his flight. The vein didn't extend much farther and wouldn't cross the border. That reassured Michael. A broader conflict with the Pamir Empire would beco inevitable if rumors spread about the wealth of high-quality ore near the border.
While the plateau and lake technically belonged to Iron Valley, territorial disputes often ca down to brute force rather than legal claims. Still, the potential profits from mining made it worth the risk.
Michael gazed at the wetlands near the lake. If he claid the wetlands were being developed into farmland to bolster food production, he could discreetly mine the iron ore without drawing too much attention. The region's lack of food production provided a plausible excuse.
"Marcus, do you think the vein extends beyond the lake and plateau?"
Marcus considered it for a mont before answering, "[I suspect it might touch the mountains slightly, but it doesn't go much farther.]"
Relieved, Michael nodded. If the vein didn't extend beyond the mountains, the risk of disputes would be minimized. Still, with war clouds looming, avoiding conflict entirely might be impossible.
Looking around at the towering mountains, Michael felt a asure of comfort. Even if war broke out, the mountains would provide a strong defensive position.
Drawing on mories from his previous life, Michael observed the area more closely. The regions Marcus identified as containing ore had smaller, tilted trees, while the areas beyond the vein were far denser with vegetation.
"That should be enough for now," Michael decided.
He climbed back onto Marcus's back. The next step was to find the forr residents of Iron Valley. There must be skilled miners among them who could handle this work.
Returning to the castle, Michael went to find his father. Dominic was imrsed in writing docunts.
"Oh, Michael. You're back? So, how's the castle?"
"I scouted the village and focused on exploring the mine. As for the castle, I heard there might be so issues, so I plan to visit again tomorrow with Grandfather."
"Issues? What sort of issues?"
Michael explained what the old woman had told him.
"Hmm... Wise decision. It's best not to take unnecessary risks. But a curse, you say? Now that I think about it, the Crown Viscount family ending without an heir is certainly unusual. So you'll be going with your grandfather?"
"Yes. He's the most trustworthy person I know."
"Haha, that's true."
Dominic recalled the priest from the Temple of Death and Vengeance, the one who had nervously referred to Alfred as the High Priest.
"So, are you heading to your grandfather's house now?"
"Yes. By the way, Grandfather has decided to live in the castle, but I'm not sure when he'll be moving in."
Michael feigned ignorance as Dominic's eyes flickered with unease. Well, I'm the one bringing him here, so what can he do about it?
"Oh... I see. That's a great idea," Dominic said, giving up on voicing his concerns. Although Alfred could be a challenging presence, having him live in the castle would offer many advantages.
"And I'd like to bring back the forr residents of Iron Valley who worked in the mines. How should I go about doing that?" Michael asked.
"That's simple. Most of them probably moved to nearby territories. Speak with the lords of those territories, offer a form of compensation, and persuade the forr residents directly to return. It's a good plan. Skilled miners will definitely help with the excavation efforts."
"Understood. I'll visit the nearby territories soon."
"Alright. I'll write letters for you to deliver. Co to my office tomorrow morning; I'll have them ready."
"Thank you, Father."
Dominic watched Michael's back as he left the office, pride evident in his gaze. Then, he returned to his work, faced with a mountain of tasks awaiting resolution.
Michael rode Bucephalos alone, traveling familiar paths. The villagers he encountered in the square greeted him warmly.
Miaomiao and Marcus, claiming they needed rest after yesterday's exertions, had sprawled out in Michael's chambers and refused to budge. Michael didn't mind; he, too, wanted so quiet ti with his grandfather and was content to let them rest.
The familiar trail through the forest eventually led him to the house he longed to see.
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Alfred was outside in the clearing, splitting logs. Each ti the wood split with a sharp crack, his arm muscles rippled with power. Watching the display, Michael swallowed hard. He looks just like the strongest wrestlers I admired in my past life.
"I'm here, Grandfather," Michael called.
Alfred tossed the last piece of split wood onto a nearby pile and turned to his grandson.
"Ah, you're here. I take it sothing's co up."
Michael scratched his head awkwardly. "Sorry, Grandfather. It seems I only visit when there's a problem."
Alfred waved him off. "Nonsense. Co inside."
Once inside, Michael settled on the sofa near the fireplace. Alfred, with practiced ease, prepared tea and handed a cup to Michael.
"Here, have a cup. What's going on?"
Michael recounted the events in detail. Alfred listened attentively, his brow furrowing as the story unfolded. He sipped his tea thoughtfully before speaking.
"If the executioner assigned to that area is the one I know, then it makes sense. He was a lazy drunkard who never took his job seriously. A man like that wouldn't have risked his life unnecessarily. As for the priests of the Radiance Church, ordinary priests are weaklings not worth ntioning. It seems clear there's so sort of issue within the castle."
"Exactly. That's why I thought it'd be dangerous to go alone and ca to you for help. I'm sorry to keep burdening you like this."
Alfred looked up at Michael, his crimson eyes carrying a familiar weight of sorrow. He smiled gently.
"Don't be ridiculous. Helping you brings joy. When do you plan to leave?"
"Tomorrow, I think. I'll take Miaomiao and Marcus with . They've been a great help."
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