On Rhino Horn Mountain.
The Empire's elite legion had arrived at Zero Crossing City, and Ryan's Frozen Earth Territory had grown lively as well, because most of this legion's senior officers were related to Ryan in one way or another.
More precisely, they were members of the Count Clayton Family's political faction.
Returning once more to this harsh, frigid land in the eyes of southern nobles, even the legendary Dragon Knight could not help but sigh at how drastically it had changed in just a few short years.
The last time they had come here had been because Deities from another world had appeared with the intent of slaying gods. Back then, the Frozen Earth Territory was visibly covered in snowbound mountains and primeval forests everywhere.
But before them now, the mountains were green and gold, wheat was nearly ready for harvest, and the traces of snow had retreated into the distance. Beneath the towering Rhino Horn Mountain stood prosperous, clean towns. No city had yet been built here, yet it possessed more order and happiness than a city.
"How did you do it?"
Ryan's biological mother looked around in astonishment. She was a military mage accompanying the Flame Dragon Knight Legion, and both ladies of Clayton County were powerful mages.
Naturally, she cared about her child. Of all the children she had borne, Ryan was the eldest. He was also the first of Count Clayton's descendants to receive a territory, and everyone knew he had inherited his own territory only a few years ago.
No one knew what the Frozen Earth Territory had been like before, but the shared understanding of all southern nobles told them what Northwind Province was like. When Grand Duke Mayers occupied Northwind Province thirty years ago, it had caused an enormous stir throughout the