System: Build My Own Territory Chapter 875 - 272: Mistress (10,000 Words) (Part 2)

They stayed silent, merely staring at the far horizon stretching beyond the town.

There.

The setting sun, resembling flowing gold, painted the clouds blanketing the sky in shades of orange-red silk.

Watched by Lynn and Kari, it descended gradually.

Twilight's rays wrapped the land in a cozy shroud.

Not until the whole orange-red sun had fully dipped beneath the horizon did the twilight scatter, dimming the sky.

A flicker of fascination crossed Kari’s features.

Her tone mixed envy and awe, "How great it would be to behold such a sunset every single day!"

Lynn responded calmly, "That’s simple."

"Simply remain in my domain from here on."

At these words, Kari’s fine brows shot up right away.

She whipped her head toward Lynn in shock, "Master Lynn, do you mean that?"

Lynn nodded, "Naturally, it’s merely one extra person."

"Plus, my castle could use a few more maids!"

Surprise filled Kari’s face at first, but it swiftly shifted to scorn.

"Master Lynn, I’m Kari Brown! Heir to the Brown Clan!"

"Me, a maid for someone else? Impossible!"

Once she spoke.

Kari muttered under her breath, "If I stay, I’d rather be the lady of the house!"

Hearing Kari’s faint mutter, Lynn inquired, "What was that?"

Kari’s heart skipped a beat, and she quickly rephrased.

"I said... it’s getting dark, so won’t Master Lynn let me rest in the domain tonight?"

Lynn narrowed his eyes a bit, eyeing Kari from head to toe, pressing further.

"Miss Kari, that’s not quite what I caught."

"Sounded more like something about the mistress?"

Of course, Kari sensed Lynn’s bold stare roaming over her front to back.

Her inner tension spiked, and she rushed to reply,

"Master Lynn, you must’ve misheard."

Lynn nodded, "Any merchants visiting my domain can stay and rest if they wish."

"Especially my business partner, Miss Kari."

Lynn stood up from the bench.

"George will handle all the cargo loading and unloading."

"For proper welcome, the chef has prepared a special dinner in the castle."

Lynn offered his arm in invitation.

"This way, Miss Kari."

Kari stood from the bench too, beaming contentedly.

"Master Lynn, then Kari gladly accepts your kind offer."

Lynn nodded.

Together, they strolled across the Lord’s Square toward the castle in the distance.

They walked the path flanked by neat red brick homes.

Townsfolk paused to bow respectfully to Lynn, offering greetings.

Kari’s interest deepened.

She’d visited Master Lynn’s domain only a handful of times.

All told, the visits numbered fewer than her fingers could count.

Besides, every trip had been hurried.

Deliver goods to the domain, wait for loading and unloading, then depart swiftly with the caravan.

Only today.

Now she strolled slowly, taking in Master Lynn’s domain closely, discovering how unique it was.

Be it the workers heading home through the square.

Or folks strolling the town’s roadside paths.

All looked at Lynn with deep respect and love for their Lord.

In other domains...

Townsfolk would dodge the Lord or his heirs on sight.

They’d fear offending through a stray glance.

Or worse.

Their young daughters snatched by the Lord to the castle for his use...

In Master Lynn’s domain, such bows came from the heart.

It had to be genuine devotion from the people.

Surely born of Master Lynn’s fair rule, firmly established here.

That alone.

Kari cast a strange glance at Lynn beside her.

Through the red brick houses, they returned to the castle.

Entering the second-floor reception hall, Kuisi came forward at once.

Instructed earlier by the guard, Kuisi.

Glanced at Kari in her form-fitting leather armor...

The armor hugged her curves, exposing her long, slender legs and arms.

With her slim waist and the ample chest straining to break free...

Kuisi’s gaze betrayed a flash of jealousy.

Yet.

The jealousy vanished in a moment.

Kuisi smiled warmly at Lynn and Kari, announcing.

"Master, dinner’s all set. You can eat with Miss Kari now."

Lynn confirmed with a nod, striding through the hall to the dining table.

While Janet drew out the head chair for him, and a maid pulled Kari’s wooden seat.

Lynn took his seat at once.

Kari paused briefly, then settled into the chair on Lynn’s right.

Her eyebrows arched faintly while staring at the enormous river fish placed squarely in the table's middle, prompting an involuntary swallow from her.

Though the journey from Kakasong City to Lynn’s domain wasn’t particularly long,

restrictions on the roads kept the carriage moving at a sluggish pace.

Several days were required at minimum.

Even with breaks and rests scattered throughout the trip, the ordeal remained akin to weathering the storms.

Her stomach let out a faint 'gurgle' upon beholding the spread of temptingly savory dishes across the table.