Chapter 56: Three years later
[Three years later]
Westmere had come a long way in the past few years.
With the Viscount’s guidance and the townsfolk’s steady support, the Baron had managed to build everything the town needed, including a solid road linking Atinberg to Westmere.
Thanks to that, and the careful restoration of many local shops, people from all over began to visit. Some came from nearby towns, others from faraway nations, all drawn by Westmere’s quiet charm.
The town’s specialty was simple: handmade accessories and freshly baked bread. They weren’t the kind of things you’d call grand or luxurious, but there was something warm and honest about them. Each item told a story, and paired with the region’s deep historical roots, Westmere quickly became a place many dreamed of seeing at least once.
Nestled between monster-infested woods and the lands of demons, the town stood like a stubborn little miracle. A place of peace, surrounded by chaos. It was only natural that curiosity would pull visitors in.
Tourism changed everything. The income soared, especially in spring, when the air turned gentle and young leaves swayed on branches. People loved spending their days wandering through the forest just outside the town, now marked as a protected zone under the watch of the Baron’s soldiers.
In just seven months, revenue had doubled, and life for the locals had gotten much better. The broken homes were fixed. The old shops now looked neat and welcoming. It wasn’t just about change—it was about pride. They wanted to show visitors that Westmere had a heart.
’Hmm~ they’ve added a lot of new books,’ thought a boy as he stood by the shelf.
He had short black hair and stood at about 5’9, quite tall for his age. His shoulders were broad, his frame strong, and his hands rough and worn.
Anyone could guess it: this boy worked hard, either in the fields or on the battlefield. In truth, Arthur did both. To him, there was no better training than a day of honest farming. It kept his body sharp and his mind clear, so he helped out regularly.