System: Build My Own Territory Chapter 901 - 276: Daydreaming (10,000 Words)_4
Previously on System: Build My Own Territory...
All that remained was for him to integrate his memories to achieve complete comprehension.
Lynn surveyed his surroundings, a slight nod of acknowledgment following his scan.
The capabilities granted by the [Ranger] class, while perhaps not as overwhelmingly powerful as initially imagined, far surpassed those of ordinary individuals.
This was especially true for the [Wind Element Affinity], a particular boon that empowered him to command the very essence of wind elemental energies.
Red, bound by his solemn duty as Lynn’s dedicated personal guard,
was primarily tasked with ensuring Lynn's absolute safety.
Consequently, his direct involvement in combat encounters was minimal.
Yet, Red’s inherent skill and prowess had always been significant, from the outset.
Despite the relatively short duration of his systematic training,
he had accumulated over a decade of practical experience through relentless hunting!
Engaging in wild hunts and confronting ferocious beasts.
His developed abilities far outstripped those of typical soldiers!
Now, with his acquisition of a perfectly suited [Ranger] promotion,
Red had been bestowed with additional, exceptional talents and specialized skills.
His overall combat effectiveness had escalated to even more formidable heights!
This very reason, upon obtaining the inaugural [Special Promotion Book],
prompted Lynn to bestow it upon Red.
The intention was for Red to be better equipped to safeguard his life!
Moving a few paces ahead, Red seemed to perceive Master Lynn’s focused attention from behind.
An unusual sensation or thought flickered through Red’s mind.
As this peculiar notion arose,
his formerly fluid and natural gait faltered, becoming somewhat stiff.
His entire bearing shifted, transforming into a rigid, almost solemn posture.
Red’s neck, now stiff and unyielding, turned almost mechanically to cast a glance back at Master Lynn.
He discovered Master Lynn’s gaze intently fixed upon his person...
Lynn, observing Red’s physical adjustments, raised his eyes in a query.
The gazes of Lynn and Red met instantaneously.
Red immediately averted his eyes, an unspoken reluctance to engage in direct eye contact evident.
Noticing Red’s subdued demeanor, Lynn arched an eyebrow and inquired.
"Guard Captain Red, you don’t harbor any thoughts of impropriety towards me, do you?"
Hearing Lynn’s question, Red, who had been walking ahead, abruptly halted his movement.
He pivoted, executed a bow, and responded with deference, "Master, Red has never harbored such notions."
Lynn did not cease his stride, proceeding past the stationary Red.
Casting a sideways glance at Red as he passed, Lynn continued his statement.
"Rest assured, my sexual orientation is entirely conventional!"
Within this world, constrained by ingrained dogma and lacking complete enlightenment, where status and military might dictated much,
whatever inclinations those noble lords might possess seemed inconsequential to Lynn.
It was, after all, a realm rife with corruption and chaos.
Absorbingly Lynn’s words and recalling the presence of Janet and Kari Brown within his Master's quarters,
Red inferred that his Master was likely speaking the truth.
Red replied, a trace of hesitation in his voice, "Yes, Master."
Perceiving the flicker of concern on Red’s face, Lynn couldn't help but gently shake his head.
He elaborated, "I merely observed a subtle difference in your bearing compared to before, prompting a closer look."
Upon absorbing this explanation, Red immediately grasped the situation.
He offered his own perspective, "Master, it may be attributed to those ancient texts you provided."
"Since those enigmatic symbols permeated my being,
"each night has brought forth a vivid procession of dream sequences."
"Initially, I presumed a deficit in sleep would lead to daily exhaustion."
"However, irrespective of the dream's intensity, I awaken each morning revitalized and full of vigor."
"I even sense an enhancement in my capabilities currently."
Lynn offered a nod of understanding, remarking, "That is indeed positive."
As their conversation unfolded, they had reached the imposing gates of the castle.
Met with respectful salutes from the vigilant guards, they proceeded inward.
Navigating the labyrinthine corridors and ascending the grand staircase,
Lynn arrived at the main reception hall.
His gaze swept across the entirety of the chamber.
Yet, the expected appearance of Steward Kuisi, to offer his customary greeting, was absent.
Only Janet, attended by a few assisting maids, was engaged in the task of illuminating the reception hall with oil lamps.
Upon noticing Lynn's arrival, Janet showed a moment's hesitation.
Ultimately, she advanced toward Lynn.
Avoiding direct eye contact, Janet lowered her head and provided an explanation: "Master, Steward Kuisi has departed to oversee the collection of linen textiles from the weaving workshop and shall return shortly."
"The chef is currently preparing your evening meal, and arrangements are being made for hot water."
"A brief period of waiting is required..."
Addressing Janet directly, Lynn responded, "I understand. Please continue with your duties."
Without lingering in his conversation with Janet, he proceeded towards the expansive balcony situated beyond the reception hall.
Settling into a wooden chair, Lynn directed his gaze towards the distant panorama of the town observable from the castle's vantage point.
In close proximity.
Numerous townsfolk, organized into a lengthy procession, were making their way back towards the settlement.
Faint tendrils of smoke ascended from the chimneys of the dining halls.
Carried by the gentle evening breeze, they dispersed like delicate silken ribbons into the fading light.
Far in the distance.
Adorning the western edge of the horizon, a resplendent sunset, painted in hues of red and orange, gradually descended below the earth's rim.
Gazing upon this tranquil scene, Lynn experienced a profound sense of inexplicable peace.
This scenic vista, he had lost count of the times he’d marveled at its beauty.
Nevertheless, this strikingly beautiful, pastoral scenery consistently brought him immense happiness.
It allowed him a fleeting respite from pondering the territory’s development strategies and the perils looming outside its boundaries.
Then, the heavens slowly succumbed to darkness, swathed in a faint, dim veil.
Lynn snapped back to the present, his mind ridding itself of the temporary void.
His thoughts, without conscious direction, drifted back to considering the territory's future trajectory.