Roland’s face was still pale. Blood loss and the cold had rendered him unconscious shortly after being struck by the arrow. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

Simon had instructed Ysabeau to bring a coal stove into Roland’s room. The added warmth helped him regain consciousness.

Oscar remarked. "Fortunately, the severe cold caused Steward Roland’s wound to freeze, preventing excessive blood loss. Otherwise, his life might have been in grave danger."

Simon, still shaken, nodded in gratitude. "Thank you for your efforts, Doctor Oscar."

The physician was taken aback and quickly bowed. "My Lord, this is merely my duty. You are too kind."

Ysabeau and Joan were tending to Roland. Seeing Doctor Oscar so flustered, Joan covered her mouth and giggled.

It seemed the physician was startled by the prince’s unusually polite demeanour. She and Ysabeau had also needed about a month to adjust to his changed personality.

After a final check on Roland, Oscar said. "Since Steward Roland is out of danger, I shall take my leave."

Simon nodded, signalling Joan to escort the physician to the door. The doctor hurriedly waved his hands in refusal, clearly unaccustomed to such treatment.

For Simon, talent was the most valuable resource. Treating skilled individuals with respect was a simple yet crucial principle, one he could easily uphold as someone with modern sensibilities.

Once Oscar had left, Simon sat beside Roland’s bed. "Steward Roland, you have endured much. I have already ordered that the bandits who attacked you be executed and put on display as a warning."

Despite his weakness, Roland struggled to sit up, his expression urgent. "My Lord, that must not happen! The man who attacked me was Harlan Voss."

"Harlan Voss?" Simon searched his memory but only recalled a vague impression of the name.

Roland elaborated. "My Lord, you may not remember, but Harlan once owned a shipyard. When the reavers raided, his shipyard was burned to the ground. Several merchant vessels belonging to the Chandlier family were also destroyed. Harlan owed the Chandlier family a great debt, and they hounded him mercilessly. Out of desperation, he took his clan and fled into the mountains, turning to banditry to escape his debt."

"I remember now. Alfred even asked me to send troops to suppress them." Simon recalled.

"My Lord, when I saw Harlan, he and his men were dressed in rags. They likely attacked me out of desperation to survive the winter. The heavy snow impaired visibility; he may not have even realised I was with the government. If you truly wish to revitalise this land, Harlan could be of great use."

Simon was momentarily moved. His domain was impoverished, but at least he had loyal retainers like Roland.

"Very well. I will instruct Lancelot to capture him alive." Simon decided.

"My Lord is wise," Roland said with a faint smile.

The movement pulled at his wound, causing him to wince. But he continued. "My Lord, I spent over a month searching for minerals. I found a limestone deposit thirty miles north of Brambleford City and a graphite mine a hundred miles east. I also located iron, coal, and copper deposits. I have recorded their precise locations."

With that, he retrieved a sheepskin map from his robes.

Simon examined it closely. The map detailed the locations of various mineral deposits, marked with precise distances measured in steps. Though only five sites were recorded, they were more than enough to address Simon’s immediate needs.

"Roland, this is a great achievement! Tell me, how shall I reward you?" Simon exclaimed, thrilled.

Roland’s discovery further confirmed that the geography of this world matched his knowledge from his previous life. He had read scientific theories suggesting that when history diverged, an alternate timeline could form, developing along a different trajectory.

If Roland’s mineral findings aligned with his mental map, then locating the remaining resources would be straightforward.

With a weak smile, Roland said. "My Lord needs only to reward the soldiers who accompanied me. And... Please spare Harlan."

Simon nodded. Seeing Roland’s exhaustion, he said. "Alright. I promise you that. Now, focus on your recovery."

Roland gave a slight nod before closing his eyes. Fatigue from his wounds and the long journey had taken its toll.

Turning to Ysabeau, Simon instructed. "Take good care of Steward Roland. Make sure he has the best food. Also, visit the East and West Markets to see if there’s any meat for sale, buy as much as you can."

Ysabeau’s eyes flickered with a strange light, and she nodded. "Yes, My Lord."

With Harlan’s situation in mind, Simon needed to speak with Lancelot. If left unchecked, the hot-headed commander might kill Harlan before he could be recruited.

Simon headed straight for the governor’s office.

Joan watched him go before turning to Ysabeau. "Sister, the prince treats his servants so well now. He really has changed."

"Indeed." Ysabeau smiled, dimples forming on her cheeks. "If Her Ladyship knew that His Highness had turned over a new leaf, she would be overjoyed."

Joan pouted, her eyes brimming with longing. "I wonder when we’ll return to Eldora. This place is so dull compared to the capital. I miss the lively streets... and the malt candy."

Ysabeau pulled her into an embrace. "Her Ladyship sent us here to care for His Highness. We’ll return when he does. If you’re bored, His Highness would surely be willing to entertain you."

Joan’s cheeks flushed. "Hey, don’t tease me! His Highness always gets too handsy."

Ysabeau giggled. "Just wait until he gets married, then we’ll see what you say."

She suddenly lunged at Joan, tickling her.

"Ah! Stop! I’m too ticklish!" Joan gasped between peals of laughter. "But if His Highness really does marry, I wonder how he’ll treat us then..."

"Who knows?" Ysabeau mused. "But given Her Ladyship’s temperament, she will surely choose a kind and understanding woman."

Just then, a cough sounded from the bed.

Ysabeau and Joan exchanged nervous glances before sticking out their tongues mischievously.

"Let’s leave. We shouldn’t disturb Steward Roland’s rest." Ysabeau whispered.

Joan nodded, taking Ysabeau’s hand as they quietly closed the door behind them.

At the Governor’s Office, Lancelot arrived promptly after being summoned. He and Simon were deep in discussion about capturing Harlan and his men.

"So, it’s Harlan? He truly was a master shipbuilder." Lancelot mused. "But with the mountains buried under snow, tracking him down won’t be easy."

Simon smirked. "I’ve already devised a plan. Listen carefully, all you have to do is follow my instructions..."

[Knowledge transfer has begun...]