The Matter of How Only a Political Rival Duke, Not My Own Family, Recognized My Worth After I Was Disowned ~When I Turned a Remote Frontier Territory Into the World’s Greatest City, the Noble Lady Assigned to Supervise Me Became the Best Fiancée~ - Episode 20: The Alma Wasteland and the Burning Stone

Episode 20: The Alma Wasteland and the Burning Stone

Leaving the bustle of the royal capital behind, our group headed north.

With each passing day, the scenery changed.

We left behind the central plains covered in rich greenery; the trees gradually grew shorter. The wind that swept through became colder against our skin.

The journey with my new companions went more smoothly than I had expected.

“Count, the next village up ahead may look peaceful. But they’re a closed lot. We’d best make camp in the valley before we reach it — saves us from unnecessary trouble.”

The great merchant Gilbert wasn’t just shrewd in business; his vast knowledge of the frontier’s geography and people kept our travels safe.

“You’re right, milord — the bedrock around here’s brittle! The road’ll need patching up!”

The dwarf Gran could spot a structural flaw just by looking at the terrain.

Together with his sturdy apprentices, he repaired the damaged path in no time at all.

The security unit led by Duncan remained ever vigilant. Their nighttime watches were flawless.

With the best engineer, the best transport network, and the best guards, my team was already functioning as a single, well-honed organization.

◇

A month after departing from the royal capital.

We finally arrived at the land of our royal decree.

“—So this is… the Alma Wasteland.”

Someone muttered, stunned.

Before us stretched a desolate land that seemed to reject all signs of life.

The wind that blew across it was as cold and sharp as a blade.

The ground was thin, frozen soil. It was dotted only with stunted conifers and moss clinging to bare rock.

Far to the north, snow-capped mountains loomed like an unbreakable wall.

“…Can we really develop land like this?”

One of Gilbert’s men voiced his unease.

That same anxiety quickly spread through the others — understandably so. The sight before us was overwhelmingly harsh.

But what I saw was completely different.

My [Territory Design] skill revealed to me the hidden essence of this land—something invisible to everyone else.

Turning to my uneasy companions, I declared in a confident voice:

“Everyone, listen up! This is our new project site!”

All eyes turned toward me.

“It looks bleak, I know. But this land holds incredible potential! Don’t worry — if we follow the blueprint I’ve designed, then within a year, this place will become the kingdom’s most prosperous, most livable city!”

I immediately began giving orders.

“First, we set up our base camp — over on that hill! 

It’s shielded from the northern winds, there’s a good water vein below, and the ground is solid — as strong as anything in the kingdom!

Gilbert, handle the tents!

Gran, start building the temporary workshop and lodgings!

Duncan, establish a perimeter watch!

We’re going to build our fortress — right here in this wasteland!”

My clear, unwavering instructions — and my absolute conviction in the future — began to melt away the uncertainty in my men’s eyes. It replaced it with hope.

◇

That evening. 

As the base construction progressed steadily, I took Gran to survey a nearby area.

“Milord, it’s true — there’s water, and even some wood to use. The bedrock’s fine, too. But the real problem is the winter cold. They say up here, even iron freezes and shatters. Ordinary firewood won’t be enough — not for smelting, not even for keeping warm.”

Gran spoke with a grave expression.

“Don’t worry, master craftsman. This land hides the best fuel we could ask for.”

I bent down and picked up a black, gleaming stone lying at my feet.

My skill had revealed a vast deposit near the surface — a resource whose true value no one in this world yet understood.

“What’s that? Looks like just a black rock to me.”

“No. This is a burning stone.”

I grinned confidently.

Coal.

The black diamond that once sparked the Industrial Revolution.

“This will be the new sun that keeps us warm through the winter.”

Gran tilted his head. He did not yet grasp the meaning of my words.

Before us stretched the untouched wasteland—

A land brimming with endless potential.