7 Exploring Bideford Town

The Ryntum mansion boasts a grand structure with four floors, stretching across a length of 200 meters and spanning 60 meters in width, with a towering height of 25 meters.

On the first floor, starting from the right to the left is a servant dormitory, food and resource storage kitchen, dining room, banquet hall, tea party room with access to the back garden and art collection room.

Moving up to the second floor, one would find the administrative quarters. Here, the lord's office, territory archive, treasury, library, meeting rooms, and the esteemed throne room are located. It is worth noting that, apart from the library, all these areas require the lord's permission for entry.

The third floor predominantly comprises guest rooms, providing comfortable accommodations for visitors.

And finally, on the fourth floor, the rooms of the Ryntum family members are situated, offering a private sanctuary within the mansion.

....

As of today, Riz heads toward the library on the second floor of the mansion. The library boasts a generous space, housing a vast collection of books that catches his eye upon entering.

Without wasting any time, Riz promptly begins his search for information on the history of the Ryntum family. It seems imperative to familiarize himself with the foundational knowledge of his own lineage.

After a few minutes of diligent exploration, he finally discovers the desired book.

Opening the book, Riz is greeted by the first page, adorned with a baroque shield-shaped emblem set against a backdrop of dark red. Positioned in the middle of the emblem is a sword, pointing upward.

Ryntum family was founded by a man named Rayleigh Ryntum 183 years ago. He made a major contribution during the Barlian War in the year 116 of the Paign Era by turning the tide of war in favour of the kingdom.

As a result, the kingdom is able to reclaim large amounts of territory.

To recognize Rayleigh's achievement, the reigning king at the time bestowed the title of 'viscount' and Bideford territory to Rayleigh.

Rayleigh then chose 'Ryntum' as the family name, laying the foundation for the House of Ryntum.

Since its inception, the Ryntum family has continued to make significant contributions, particularly in the military. These efforts led to their elevated status, ascending to the rank of 'count' during the reign of Riz's grandfather, Renault Ryntum.

Determined to gain a better understanding of the Bideford territory, Riz embarks on a search for more information. However, he soon realizes that uncovering detailed insights about the territory proves to be a challenging task. Despite investing a significant amount of time, he only manages to find a few basic details.

"Sure enough, who in their right mind would put the territory's confidential information in public?"  Riz murmurs to himself, acknowledging the necessity of keeping such information secure. 

Undeterred, he turns his attention to the file he has obtained, ready to absorb whatever knowledge it contains. Riz starts reading the file.

Bideford County is situated between Gyalcakes County in the west, the Royal Territory of Napuna in the east and Baroks Duchy in the south. On the north of Bideford is the sea where the Givry River, the only river in the entire Bideford territory flows.

In terms of land area, Bideford County is considered the smallest territory within the Kingdom of Bagyarosia. It pales in comparison to its neighbouring county, Gyalcakes County, which is at least twice the size of Bideford.

Gyalcakes County boasts a total of seven cities, with four of them directly governed by the count. The remaining three towns in Gyalcakes County are managed by three barons who answer to Count Gyalcakes. These barons oversee the affairs of Csorvar, Coreton, and Newbigle.

When it comes to population, Gyalcakes County surpasses Bideford significantly. The total population of Gyalcakes County exceeds sixty thousand individuals, which is three times the population of Bideford.

During the reign of Renault Ryntum, in an effort to solidify and strengthen the elevated status of the Ryntum family as counts, Renault orchestrated a political marriage for his son, Richard. The chosen match was with Maria, the eldest daughter of Count Gyalcakes.

"No wonder Maria acts all high and mighty, she probably thinks that Bideford is not worthy enough for her but she can't go against her father's decision". Like on earth, women have less power and voice in making decisions.

Bideford town is located near the Givry River. It has a population of around 20,000 people. It is the only town in the entire county. However, Bideford town is located on the main trade route between the west and east.

Therefore, Bideford town could be said pretty well off. The people of Bideford mainly engage in farming and raising animals. This is because half of the southern part of Bideford County is grassland.

The main exports of Bideford County are agricultural products such as wheat, barley, rye and oats. Bideford also exports a lot of livestock products such as meats, milk, wool and animal skin.

"So the animals and crops here are the same as on Earth", as Riz continue reading, he found out there is something different.

"Hmm!!?" Riz's eyes widened in surprise. "It looks like this world has a dragon, leviathan, unicorn and phoenix but it has been a long time since their last sighting. The last place where the dragon was seen is on the island of Vakia."

Riz then closed the book and said, "That's enough for today. Let's explore the town."

....

"Where are you headed, young master?" Edward inquires as he notices Riz preparing to venture out.

"I simply wish to explore the town," Riz responds.

"Then, I insist that you bring Charlotte along as your guard," Edward suggests.

"Charlotte? As a guard?" Riz questions, surprised by the proposition.

"Yes, Charlotte has been trained since childhood to serve as both your maid and guard," Edward explains.

"Alright, hurry up and call her for me," Riz commands.

"I shall prepare the carriage for you as well, young master," Edward offers.

"No need, I prefer to walk to the town. It will serve as some light exercise," Riz declares, acknowledging the state of his physique, lacking any noticeable muscle due to a sedentary lifestyle.

....

Riz waits by the front door, growing slightly impatient as he awaits Charlotte's arrival.

"She's late," Riz complained while waiting for Charlotte only to see her coming in his direction while making a small jump and humming at the same time.

"It seems she's quite delighted about our outing," Riz muses to himself.

As Charlotte catches Riz's gaze, she immediately ceases her animated movements, reverting to her usual composed and professional demeanour.

Riz can't help but chuckle at the sudden shift but refrains from commenting.

"Let's go", Riz said, ready to embark on their excursion.

....

The town, although not sprawling or intricate, still captures Riz's attention as he makes his way towards the central square.

There, he discovers a bustling scene of people engaged in various forms of trade. Riz leisurely strolls around, taking in the array of goods on display. Food, clothing, jewellery, weapons, tools, live animals, herbs, and books are just a few of the items being traded.

Here, anybody can take their wares to sell at the market but they need to pay taxes. When it comes to setting up stalls, the taxes his higher and only rich merchants can afford them.

Riz observes that the prevalent currency for transactions is the copper coin. A hundred copper coins are equivalent to one silver coin, and ten silver coins are equal to one gold coin.

The Kingdom of Bagyarosia employs the unit currency known as "Ros," with one copper coin holding a value of 1 Ros.

So,

1 copper coin = 1 Ros

1 silver coin = 100 Ros

1 gold coin = 1000 Ros

Riz is a little bit surprised when he sees books being sold in the market. Books are expensive because it is made using parchment.

Riz looks at the book that cost 5000 Ros (five gold coins). "Is there anyone who would buy a book? It is so expensive," he turns to his left side and asks Charlotte.

"Sometimes, a rich merchant would buy it but that rarely happens", Charlotte replied.

There are many important buildings in the town centre area such as a church, town hall, merchant guild and craft guild. Commercial buildings are also located here in the centre near the main road.

Riz then left the market tour around the town. He can see that although it is a bit messy, the town is quite well-planned. The residential and industrial areas are properly separated.

The town has five entry points. Two at the west, one at the south, one at the north and one at the east. The craft workshop and industrial-related building are located near the south and east gates. The agriculture and food processing buildings are located in the west since fields are located in the west of the town.

Although the town is small, it is really above Riz's expectations.

....

As Riz and Charlotte are touring the town...

*Smash*

A sudden crash resonates through the air as a cup hurtles towards a mysterious figure cloaked in black. However, with impressive agility, the figure sidesteps the projectile, narrowly avoiding its impact.

"I thought I made it clear that you were to eliminate that brat!" Robert's voice seethes with anger.

"I am very sure that I killed him in the forest," the mysterious figure responds calmly, unfazed by Robert's fury.

"Then why he is not dead yet!!?? Are you truly capable? You can't even eliminate one insignificant brat," Robert's glare intensifies, his frustration palpable.

"Hey! You better be careful with your words, or you will be the one who ends up dead," the mysterious figure retorts sharply.