Anlida Island, July
When the first glimmer of dawn fell upon the little island, its people began to busy themselves.
"One, two, three, pull!"
Bang! With a tremendous crash, another great tree was felled.
Daniel yawned and woke in the wooden cabin.
The cabin was exceedingly crude, yet sturdy. Aside from a bed and a simple table and chairs, there was practically nothing in the room.
Not far away lay a thicket.
Daniel yawned again, his gaze resting beyond the window. In the distance, many people were already hard at work.
At present, they were mainly felling trees, stockpiling logs, and erecting watchtowers and wooden palisades. Several people who looked like low-ranking scholars were scattering lime powder to mark out and plan new roads.
It was a bright morning. Bathed in gentle sunlight, enjoying the sea breeze, and looking out over the vast stretch of land, he felt deeply satisfied.
The five hundred mu surrounding this cabin were his land. Perhaps it could not yet be called a Feudal Benefice, but it was nevertheless a step closer to the standard three-thousand-mu estate—a Knight Fief.
Having just washed his face and stepped outside, he saw a petite, lovely young girl with delicate features run past the people carrying great trees. As she ran, she caught sight of the youth standing at the doorway and gazing westward. Joy instantly blossomed across her face. Her hand tightened around the basket, and she ran to him.
"Daniel!"
"Huh?" Daniel turned around. He seemed somewhat surprised upon seeing her, but quickly regained his composure. Smiling at the girl, he said, "It's Adelan?"
"I came to give you, give you..." The moment the girl met his gaze, she began to stammer uncontrollably.
Daniel looked at the basket in her hand and ventured, "Did you come to