The Reincarnated Noble Lady is the Infamous Viscount's Heir - I've Accepted a Contract Marriage for Estate Management. - Chapter 2.3

The Yubashar Territory Owned by the Count

Since the region yields magic stones and magic ores, I wondered if it might also produce gemstones—perhaps gold or silver? However, no such records exist yet. For now, magic stones and magic ores remain the primary resources, directly controlled by the kingdom. That’s why Yubashar was originally a royal domain…

However, in recent years, the production of these magic-related resources has been declining. In contrast, the neighboring northern territory—formerly the Duchy of Brocklebang—has surpassed Yubashar in output. As a result, the royal family decided to bestow Yubashar upon a new lord.

Well, the reason for this is pretty straightforward. Duke Brocklebang had heavily invested in mining operations, which led to a higher yield. Meanwhile, Yubashar’s methods remained rather primitive, so its lower output was only natural.

For the record, Duke Brocklebang was involved in a coup attempt against the royal family. As a result, his territory has now been annexed as a direct royal domain.

A Long Journey to the Frontier

During the off-season of the social calendar, I traveled to the Count’s territory for an inspection.

It was incredibly far. A journey by carriage alone would take a full month.

But this is the Lazulite Kingdom—a fantasy world with its own peculiarities.

Despite the presence of magical beasts, the kingdom has established railroads radiating from the capital in four directions: east, west, north, and south. It’s strange, isn’t it? A railway system coexisting with the threat of magical creatures? Just another sign that this is a fantasy world.

The Lazulite Kingdom’s national railway network integrates magic and arcane materials into its rails, engines, and carriages. It is the pinnacle of both magic and science, designed to repel magical beasts—a dreamlike train system.

Thus, I traveled via the Lazulite Kingdom’s magic-powered railway!

Using the train, my travel time was cut in half.

Even a standard seat is quite expensive, but I opted for a compartment (a private room).

However, even with the train, I still had to transfer to a carriage for the final leg of the journey—a week-long ride through rough terrain.

That’s how remote this place is.

The Count’s Inspection and New Discoveries

“It’s true that I requested the Count’s permission to inspect the land, but during my visit to the mines, I discovered that they yield not only magic stones and magic ores but also construction materials.

For now, we’ll test these resources by using them to reinforce the village’s defensive walls and trade routes. Additionally, since the kingdom is planning to build new facilities, we might supply the materials for those projects. The military high command is constructing a new training center for recruits, and the Magic Academy has plans for a research facility.”

As expected for such a remote frontier, there is plenty of space for new developments.

Given its proximity to the magic stone mines, it’s only natural for the Magic Academy to want a research facility here.

The military, too.

The Liszt Mountain Range marks the kingdom’s border, and just a few years ago, we were in active conflict with the neighboring nation. (According to the Count, it was an easy victory, but he doubts they’ve learned their lesson.)

Given this history, it makes sense for the kingdom to establish a new training ground for recruits or even a fortress city.

Besides, the Count himself is a military man. Strategically, this is a crucial location.

However, the distance from the capital remains a challenge.

Even if we secure funding from the kingdom, constructing government facilities will still be costly.

We need to find sources of revenue—whether through goods, industries, or other means—within the territory as quickly as possible.

Challenges of the Frontier

“Since this was formerly a royal domain, His Majesty must have considered future developments when he granted it.”

“That may be, but the Yubashar borderlands seem to have a high concentration of magical beasts. Wouldn’t that make development difficult?”

Yes.

The area is teeming with magical beasts.

Near Yubashar Village, in particular, there’s a lake inhabited by a crocodile-type magical beast—the Dark Crocodile.

These creatures are extremely dangerous. There have been reports of them wandering into the village and attacking people.

Even during my inspection, I had a close encounter.

I had always assumed crocodiles were powerful and agile in the water or shallow areas.

But when I saw one charge toward me on land—moving at five times the speed I had expected—I genuinely thought, Oh, this is it. I’m going to die here.

Thankfully, the Count was there to save me—my literal lifesaver.

He shielded me, threw a cloth to obscure the beast’s vision, and in the next instant, froze it solid with ice magic.

It reminded me of Abigail’s magic.

Since I have no magical abilities myself, witnessing it up close was awe-inspiring.

This world really is something else.

Turning the Problem into an Opportunity

Although I survived the encounter, a local guide from House Rockwell, which oversees the region, informed me that Dark Crocodiles have long terrorized the villagers.

I was lucky to be saved by the Count, but many others haven’t been so fortunate.

That settled it for me.

These monsters have to go.

I will hunt them down.

One by one.

Overhunting? So what?

Before they devour us, we’ll devour them.

To start, I purchased a recently slain Dark Crocodile from the Count to see if it had any useful applications.

The villagers, rather than being passive victims, have learned to fight back, hunt these creatures, and even use their meat as food.

I tried it myself.

Not bad. The meat is light and mild in flavor.

It would pair perfectly with a rich, bold sauce, so I’m currently experimenting with different recipes.

A New Goal: Establishing a Local Guild

Back when Yubashar was a royal domain, hunted magical beasts were typically sold to the Adventurers’ Guild, which specializes in subjugation, breeding, and disassembly.

Unfortunately, the nearest guild branch is in a neighboring province, at a town with a railway station—far from here.

This needs to change.

We need a guild branch here.

I’m determined to negotiate with the headquarters during this social season.

But before that—

Money.

We need money!

Money! I Need More Money!

The accessories made from these fangs are just the beginning of my product line for the nobility. I’m still working on more.

During this social season, I’ll showcase my newly developed prototypes and push them aggressively through the Russells Trading Company.

I will never forgive the Dark Crocodile that tried to eat me…

“Yes, there are dangers, but once captured, they can be put to good use.

For instance, look at these fangs. They may not be as exquisite as pearls, but they make excellent accessories for me, don’t you think? The meat is delicious too. I fully intend to make use of every part of them.”

As soon as I said this, the gentlemen in the room fell silent for a brief moment—before bursting into laughter.

“As expected—bold, or perhaps reckless?”

“That’s just like Lord Wilcox!”

“The days of peace for the Dark Crocodiles are clearly over.”

Good. This is going well.

Now is the perfect time for my main pitch.

“That being said, if any of you know companies that might be interested in the development of Yubashar, would you be so kind as to introduce them to me?

Right now, our most urgent need is for construction and civil engineering firms. We’ve discovered a new material, and I’d like to test it in frontier development. If it proves effective, I intend to prioritize supplying it to those companies, which could then distribute it nationwide.

And who knows? We may uncover even more valuable resources.

After all, this was once a royal domain that includes the Liszt Mountain Range—there’s plenty of potential for mining, wouldn’t you say?”

Even a typical landowning noble would find this place intriguing.

Surely, someone here knows a skilled craftsman or two?

Yes, yes, of course, I’m looking to poach talent.

Now hiring: Adventurous spirits with an insatiable hunger for frontier expansion!

If you make an introduction, I might even let you get a stake in my future business ventures. Sound like a good deal?