Later, as we stepped outside, the wind carried the scent of fresh soil and warm bread. The townsfolk bowed slightly as we passed, some pausing to wave or smile. I met their gazes with nods of acknowledgement. That afternoon sunlight filtered through the cracks of the window shutters, the soft scent of baking bread already drifting from the bakeshop across the square.
I sat at the small desk in my room above the almost-finished grocery store, sipping a cup of dark herbal tea Elvie brewed early.
As I leaned back, stretching the tightness from my shoulders, a familiar chime echoed softly in my mind.
Ding!
New quest available. Accept: [Yes] / [No]?
I frowned, setting my cup down with a quiet clink. This... was new. The system had never asked before—it simply dumped quests on me whether I wanted them or not.
"Was it because of the update I installed last night?" I muttered under my breath.
The Guardian Screen update was supposed to "optimize user autonomy"—whatever that meant. I had tapped through it half-asleep, too tired to read the full patch notes.
Still, curiosity prickled my skin. After a moment's hesitation, I tapped Yes.
The screen flickered once, then displayed the new quest in bold, glowing letters:
New Quest: Make the Divine Tree's name flourish across the kingdom.
Reward: High-Grade Bow and Arrow (Earth Craftsmanship + Light Enchantment)
I blinked at the screen, then leaned closer, squinting.
"What the heck does that even mean?" I muttered.
But... Was it not already known? Hadn't the villagers and workers been talking about it?
I scratched the back of my head, feeling a little foolish.
Maybe the Divine Tree was still just a "local miracle"—a story whispered in the taverns and markets of nearby villages, but nowhere near reaching the ears of the wider kingdom.
I leaned back in my chair, tapping the side of my cup thoughtfully.
Clearly, the system wanted more than just a local buzz.
It wanted fame.
It wanted the Divine Tree to become a legend.
Outside my window, I could see the marketplace buzzing with people.
Ella was unlocking the empty bakery doors and windows; they were still cleaning it as Elvie waved at a passing dwarf merchant who had stayed overnight to finish installing magic stones by the corner.
Children laughed as they helped set up a new stand selling flower garlands made from the fields beyond the village.
The adventurers from yesterday were lounging near the well, sharpening blades and swapping tall tales about the food and soap they had found here.
A plan began to form in my mind—simple but effective.
If I could tie the name of the Divine Tree to the prosperity people were starting to see here—the lush crops, the magical vegetables, the good fortune—then word would spread naturally.
Travellers would carry the story with them.
The name of the Divine Tree would plant itself in every village, town, and city like seeds on the wind.
And with it, my village's future would grow even stronger.
I stood, stretching once more, and tucked the Guardian Screen away.
"Alright," I said quietly, smiling to myself. "Let's make history." I called Agnes to my study. She arrived promptly, as always, her apron still dusted with flour from the morning bread.
"Agnes," I said, handing her a freshly written list, "I need you to employ two finance assistants to help you in the manor. Preferably locals, but capable ones."
She raised a brow. "Finally giving in, huh?" she teased lightly. "I've been hinting at needing more hands for weeks."
I chuckled. "Yes, yes. You were right. And one more thing—I want you to find a butler. An expert, if possible. Preferably someone who's a mage. The manor needs more structure, especially with the magic flowing in."
Agnes tilted her head thoughtfully. "A mage butler? That'll cost you."
"I know. But it's worth it."
She gave me a nod. "Alright then. I'll handle it."
"Also I need a powerful gardener. I mean, not just a mage but someone with the ability to take care of the flower garden in the manor with utmost care. Someone expert."
She raised her brow at me.
"Because I'm going to introduce some earth products." Of course, I'm going to buy a new seedling, a new type of fertiliser, and I'm going to make a big pond with koi fish in it, and for that I want someone who I can rely on. After all, it'll be my first time purchasing a live animal from the guardian screen.
"Okay, no problem."
When we were done discussing the manor's staff, I asked her to call Elvie and Ella. They arrived soon after, brushing snow from their cloaks.
"Elvie, Ella," I greeted them. "I've got something important for you two."
They exchanged glances, curious.
"We're opening a shop in the marketplace soon—Dirk Grocery Store. I want both of you to manage it also."
"The one near the plaza?" Ella asked.
"Yes."
Elvie's eyes lit up. "Thank the gods, I'm waiting for you to tell us about the massive store; gosh, I'm so excited."
"Well, it's time to expand our business." Yes, we need more gold coins to buy from the guardian system.
Ella smiled, a bit more reserved. "What kind of goods will we be selling? Your wares?"
"Both my wares and our fresh local produce," I said. "Mostly from our own garden. But here's the twist—about half of it will be from seedlings I brought from Earth. You won't find those crops anywhere else in the kingdom."
Elvie whistled low. "Woah! That's going to make waves. Especially among the nobles."
I nodded. "Exactly. Which is why I want you to hire ten local residents to help run the shop. Give them fair wages. We're not just building a store—we're building goodwill."
"Consider it done, my lord." Ella folded her arms and gave me a small smile. "You're serious about helping the town to this extent."
"Yes, we need more bakery shops. I want you to hire more bakers."
"That's nice; I can't wait to eat that yummy pizza and bread you've introduced to us," Ella smirked.
Elvie gasped with excitement, "We were using your northern flour, yeah?"
"Of course, I'm going to buy more and introduce the wares to the masses." I looked at her. "I want this to work for everyone."
Just as we were finishing, Kael and Sylphy appeared at the door, both looking slightly tense.
"Dirk," Kael said with a nod. "My lord, we've got a situation."
Sylphy stepped forward, her expression concerned. "A local woman's been ill for three days. The villagers are worried. They asked if someone from the manor could help."
"Lead the way," I said without hesitation. As we walked, I glanced at Sylphy. "Did anyone send for a healer?"
"They did, my lord, but the town's healer is out travelling. No one's come yet."
"And what kind of illness are we talking about?" I asked.
Kael shrugged. "Fever and cough. Some say she's been coughing up blood."
"That's not just a cold..." I murmured. Was it tuberculosis? Hopefully not.
"We thought you'd want to see it yourself," Sylphy said softly.
I nodded. "Thank you. Let's hope it's something we can deal with." This land—my land—wasn't perfect. Not yet. But it was changing. And I wasn't about to let a sickness threaten the very people who helped build this dream. I grabbed my cloak. "Let's go. I want to see her myself."
As we stepped outside, the wind carried the scent of fresh soil and warm bread. The townsfolk bowed slightly as we passed, some pausing to wave or smile. I met their gazes with nods of acknowledgement.