The saloon was filled with people enjoying their time after work . They began drinking and talking about the recent rumors around the world . I heard Barisman was crushed . Yeah, they were all captured as prisoners too . Idiots, thats what they get for coming here . Our lord is invincible! If you think about it, the empire is in its current state because they picked on us too! Right . Anyone that attacked us failed! People were similarly eager to talk about another victory . But its good . What is? The prisoners . Oh, yeah . They are lucky . Theyre so scared right now though . Hah . They will be fed three times a day, even during their imprisonment! They wont return even if we release them . They now get a chance to earn land, a house, and so much more… Yeah, just like us . I heard some believe this land is the heaven that Horun talks about . Dont even mention Horun . How dare they accuse our countess for being a witch! Theyre the ones who are evil . They make us starve and blame it on G.o.d! Even when it rains! Its all on G.o.d! Yeah . The other day, my son came from his school and told me that you can prepare for the drought if you make a reservoir and keep the water . Oh! Hes a smart one, eh? Hey, my son is going to attend the officer school… Men began to share news of the victory, then talked about neighboring countries . Then they all ended up talking about their families, their daily lives, and how happy they were . Sir, you must be proud . Jackson smiled as he glanced Joonb.u.m . They were both sitting at the side of the saloon, covered in hoods as their disguises . Yeah, I am . Joonb.u.m was considered almost like a G.o.d now . He was praised by every citizen as an invincible knight, a G.o.d of war, Great Lord, and such . It made Joonb.u.m so happy that these people were happy because of him . It was also good that the war had come to an end too where Toria was torn apart by the neighboring countries, barely managing to protect themselves . King Andre Kerin Toria had fallen ill from the shock and the princes were now fighting against each other . I heard some great news . What is it? Duke Drega Derune, Duke Zekra Lorion, and Marquis Beneth have asked to be annexed into our land . What? Joonb.u.m looked at Jackson in shock . Jackson smiled in turn . Hah… There had been numerous alliance requests from smaller families and lower-ranking n.o.bles . But these families were one of the main n.o.ble families of the Torian Kingdom, who controlled the eastern and western regions of the entire kingdom . If they were to be added, half of Toria would be renamed to Khalodian . Can we handle it? Yes, sir . We are lower in rank, but we can raise it up . We crossed a line when we fought against Toria . We must declare ourselves to be a kingdom and you will sit on the throne . Those families are also aware that we can do it, thus their request to be annexed . A king… can we do that? Whats most important is to declare ourselves as a kingdom to obtain approval from the other countries . Toria will not approve, but other countries will . Some even long for our independence from Toria . We also must not lose our chance . What chance? The war has just ended due to winter . The countries who tried to profit from the war have failed and they are in desperate need of food . The only country with food is us, so they will ask for it soon . You want us to give it to them in bulk . Yes, and you can declare yourself as a king . It doesnt sound right . Why? What is stopping you, sir? Jackson asked as he watched Joonb.u.m frowning . No, Im just worried that its too easy . What do you mean, easy! We have gone through so much… Okay, relax, Jackson . Relax . We did go through a… Joonb.u.m couldnt continue . Unlike Jackson, he couldnt say he had gone through such hard times like the others did . I must have been off-guard for too long . I was careful when I just got here . Maybe I should be more careful… one successful a.s.sa.s.sination can get me . Oh, and theres a new rumor spreading around . What? The king is dying . Some speculate poisoning . I believe so too . Really? Yes, sir . Jackson nodded . Joonb.u.m thought how brutal this world was . After all, this was not Earth . How are the graduates from the elite courses? Theyre amazing . There are some who speak tens of languages and some who can memorize an entire book in an instant . These are geniuses . We are making them teach other children what they have learned . Joonb.u.m changed the subject to the three hundred newly-educated children . These were very smart children with high potential . Teaching these children and having them teach other children proved to be very successful .