In the blink of an eye, another half year has passed. As time goes by, Janet's belly has grown bigger which made her give Roland hateful looks even though this was her fault to begin with.
Roland as a good husband took over all her complaints and could only plough more.
Roland spends every day with his wife, playing with their children
They live a leisurely and carefree life. The village was also growing steadily so did his finances and strength.
After a brief thought, Roland thought he should celebrate. The life of villagers in his territory is quite dull so why not add some fun and colours?
The sun hung lazily in the sky, casting a golden hue over Apus Village. The cool autumn breeze carried with it the scent of freshly baked bread, roasted meats, and, most notably—wine.
Today was no ordinary day.
At the heart of the village square, a large wooden platform had been erected. Colorful cloths were strung across the nearby houses, and barrels of dark red and amber wines lined the edge of the plaza. Villagers bustled about, their eyes gleaming with excitement and anticipation.
On the platform, Roland stood tall and proud, dressed in his ceremonial attire. Beside him was his pregnant wife, Baroness Janet, her hand resting gently over her swollen belly, and standing just behind her, the elegant figure of her mother, Lady Jenny, wearing a warm, reserved smile.
Roland raised a silver cup filled with rich, fragrant wine. The murmurs in the crowd slowly quieted as all eyes turned to their lord.
"We have seen some tough times," Roland began, his voice deep and clear. "Our territory lacks large mines, we are not blessed with natural resources, and yet… we have endured."
He glanced at the villagers, their weathered faces now alight with curiosity and hope.
"In such a situation, our brewery—yes, our humble brewery—shall become the torch that lights the path forward. It is a symbol of what we can build. A source of joy. A lifeline for our economy."
A loud cheer erupted from the crowd.
"Long live Lord Roland!"
"Our Lord is truly wise!"
"Even without iron or gold, he gives us wine and hope!"
The villagers' eyes were filled with respect, admiration… and a little drunk glee.
Roland chuckled softly and nodded. "Today, this wine fest is not for nobles. It is for you—the farmers, the workers, the mothers, the elders, and the children of Apus Village. Drink, celebrate, and enjoy what your hands have built!"
He turned and gestured toward the barrels. At once, servants began pouring cups of wine for everyone. Soon, laughter filled the square. Old men raised their mugs high, young men sang off-key songs with flushed cheeks, and women clapped along, some already dancing barefoot on the cobblestone.
Little children ran about with cups filled not with wine, but sweet apple juice, mimicking their parents with exaggerated toasts.
An old woman with silver hair took a sip and wiped her mouth with her sleeve. "This wine warms the heart," she said, nodding. "A blessing from the Lord."
A burly blacksmith raised his voice over the chatter. "Lord Roland ain't just a warrior! He knows how to make life sweet. May the gods bless his house!"
Even the shyest of villagers found their voices tonight.
The sun began to set, staining the sky in hues of purple and gold, as music and laughter danced through the air.
Roland glanced at his wife. Her cheeks were flushed, not from drink, but from standing too long among the lively crowd. He gently held her hand.
"This place is no longer suitable for you, my love," he said in a quiet tone only she could hear.
Janet nodded with a soft smile, grateful for his care. Roland signaled his attendant, and together, he led her away from the platform, his arm wrapped protectively around her shoulders.
As the noble couple stepped away, the festival only grew louder.
Cups clinked, stories were told, songs turned to shouts, and the night stretched long and wild. Fires crackled and people danced until their feet gave out beneath them. Laughter echoed into the hills.
It was a night of joy.
A night to forget the hardships.
And by morning, the village was still soaked in wine, with drunkards sleeping under tables, barrels, and even trees.
They lived a leisurely and carefree life.
However...
This peaceful life was soon disrupted.
Today at noon...
A hunter accidentally discovered the lair of an advanced demonic beast, the Flame Saber Tiger, in the forest east of Apus Village.
He also discovered several corpses and ran. Fortunately, he managed to escape the place.
After the news spread, the entire village was filled with anxiety.
After all...
In this world, it is not uncommon for demon beasts to destroy villages.
...
The sun was beginning its descent, casting long shadows over the village. As Roland approached Apus Village, he was struck by a heavy, unsettling silence. The usual bustle of daily life was replaced by an atmosphere of dread.
He then quickly send his guards who returned with information from a few hunters from other territories.
"It's a Flame Saber Tiger, My Lord?"Roan spoke.
Everyone is afraid that the Flame Saber Tiger will attack the village and prey on humans. This panic has greatly affected the operation and production of Apus Village.
This was the reason why Roland had always tried to increase his army. Any time a monster may pop out of anywhere and fuck you up.
Unless you have strength, you aren't better than any ant that could be trampled.
Roland walked through the village square. His heart kept sinking with every step. The once vibrant marketplace was now deserted. Villagers huddled together, their faces marked by fear and sorrow.
He came upon a group of villagers gathered near the center of the village. Their eyes were red, and tears streaked down their faces. The children, usually full of life, looked pale and frightened. Some of the adults were holding their heads in their hands, while others whispered prayers to themselves.
A few villagers noticed Roland and, with a desperate look in their eyes, approached him. They fell to their knees, their voices trembling as they begged for his help.
"Please, Lord Roland! We need your help. The Flame Saber Tiger has killed so many of us. Our people are dying, and we don't know what to do!"
Their pleas were filled with raw, painful emotion. Roland felt a lump form in his throat.
He looked around and saw the devastation firsthand, the remains of people destroyed by the beast's fiery attacks, the mourning families, and the helplessness of the village.
Seeing their suffering, Roland's resolve hardened. He knew he had to act decisively. The weight of the villagers' anguish settled heavily on his shoulders. Their desperate cries and the sight of their tears ignited a fierce determination within him.
"I will do everything in my power to protect you and your families," Roland said, his voice firm and resolute. "I promise you, the Flame Saber Tiger will be dealt with."
As Roland turned to leave, the villagers looked at him with a flicker of hope. He knew the task ahead was daunting, but their plea had strengthened his resolve. For the sake of the village and its people, he would confront the beast and ensure their safety.
...…..
Roland immediately called all the servants and ordered.
"We must resolve this matter as soon as possible."
"From now on, a curfew will be imposed in the Village. Ask everyone to stay at home. Don't let children wander and don't let anyone go out of the village. Increase security."
"Also, create a bell alarm system. Put bells in every few distances. In case someone spotted a problem, he would ring the bell and which one heard by others would also ring the bell and like this signal could be passed quickly."
The villagers gasped in shock as they were struck in awe by such a novel idea. Many even praised Roland inwardly.
As expected from the Lord.
As they discussed, the main crux remained.
Upon learning this, Roland immediately made up his mind. He must eliminate this advanced demon beast that has settled near Apus Village.
The village is at constant risk of being attacked by demon beasts.
There is no security.
Merchants are afraid to come and do business.
The villagers may also flee.
He doesn't want the family's hard-developed territory to become desolate because of this demon beast.
The only thing he can do is to kill this Flame Saber Tiger.
Minimize the negative impact of this matter.
However...
Killing this Flame Saber Tiger is obviously a difficult task.
As a fire attribute advanced demon beast, the Flame Saber Tiger possesses numerous fire-based magic and formidable melee combat abilities.
Its combat power is extremely strong.
Once it reaches adulthood, its strength is comparable to that of an Advanced Master knight (7th rank).
How to eliminate the beast….
With Roland's 6th rank strength...
Though he was an Intermediate Master Knight, fighting alone was risky and he didn't want his wife to be widowed so soon.
Even if he masters a highly destructive 5-star combat technique, it is difficult to defeat this Flame Saber Tiger alone.
Beasts have more vitality and strength than humans.Even if he can win, it will most likely be a terrific victory with both sides suffering heavy losses.
In fact, the servant felt that the Lord might be overreacting. There was a high chance that Flame Saber Tiger wasn't that strong however Roland decided to stay cautious.
"It seems like I need to find some helpers."