"History is a fascinating subject. Slowly, you'll discover that many people spend their entire lives playing a role they desire, but everything changes before death. When you delve deeper, you'll find many interesting stories."
During the journey, Ross often discussed historical academic topics with Shawn.
It was clear that this recorder was indeed a renowned historian of the empire. He could weave tales seamlessly, from the empire's founding to the later rise of rebel forces, and finally to their defeat by the noble warlords led by the king—all told with the demeanor of a true scholar.
If not for Ross representing the empire as a historical recorder willing to accompany him, Shawn would have wanted to keep him around. Having an extra capable person was always a good thing.
In the Bashalan Empire, once one held the rank of count, they could establish a separate family chronicle in the imperial historical library. That's why Ross had come with the herald.
First, to ensure the authenticity of historical records; second, all of Shawn's actions and early decisions might become material and evidence for the capital to understand him.
After all, over time, a person's habits would inevitably show in their daily life, and these records would become resources for the capital's nobles and royalty to study him.
"Indeed, very interesting, but history is written by people, isn't it?" Shawn looked at him.
Both of them smiled.
But a contemplative expression clearly appeared on Ross's face.
"So this is a test for historical recorders—whether to choose fame or profit. In Bashalan's history, there have been plenty of nobles bribing recorders to leave a good name, but in the end, their deeds always surface in other stories." His eyes flickered, clearly hinting at something.
"Haha, is that so? I'm so poor, I guess there's no chance of leaving a good name for myself."
Looking ahead, the road to the Tacoma region still stretched on.
These days were enough for the two to exchange many stories.
"Count Weigel seems different from the barons I've encountered before."
Shawn had been about to ride ahead but stopped upon hearing the evaluation.
"How so?"
"The Count doesn't seem like a rural baron, but rather a deeply calculating ruler." Behind that smile was a hint of probing.
Tsk tsk.
Truly, knowledge was terrifying.
If not for his ability to perceive these emotional shifts, he might have been trapped.
"Not at all. I've always thought of myself as a deeply calculating person, just never had the chance to show it before." Only by going along with the other's words could he leave them with nothing to say.
This was Shawn's usual method to provoke the other into thinking for themselves.
Guess away.
Whether they guessed right or wrong, their state of mind would reveal itself.
Ross was momentarily puzzled and could only respond with a smile.
"The Count certainly has a sense of humor."
Checking the sky.
There were still six or seven hours until dark. If they moved fast enough, they might reach the next city before resting.
The Tacoma region had a unique advantage over other southern parts of the empire—its location at the junction of another continent. Such places never lacked population. Even after the recent incident in Tacoma City, many cities hadn't seen mass migration. That was probably only true for Tacoma City itself.
After all, no one liked living in a city where so many had died.
That was likely why he, as the new count, had to move to Oro City.
"Speaking of which, Lord Ross, have you heard about the incident with the ancient god worshippers in this area a while back?" Shawn suddenly brought up a topic. Since the other came from the capital, he should know the outcome of the discussions there.
"Yes, actually, there's still no conclusion on this matter. The only high-level witch who participated in that punitive mission, Freya Igui, has been vehemently arguing in imperial witch discussions that it was the work of unknown religious cultists, warning that if the empire doesn't take it seriously, a great disaster might occur. But many officials still refuse to believe it."
"Why?" Shawn pressed.
"Because there's no evidence."
Evidence.
What more evidence was needed?
A thousand-strong team had seen the fish-men, and countless deep-dwellers were found during the battlefield cleanup—how much more evidence was needed?
Shawn noticed hesitation in the other's tone.
He wanted to vent that the current rulers were all idiots, but on second thought, he saw something else. The empire's rule was built on the people's peaceful lives. If something appeared that even the empire couldn't hunt down or that terrified the populace, then the nation's rule was nearing its end.
What could be hidden would be hidden; what couldn't would be covered up with public opinion. Maintaining national stability was paramount, especially since Bashalan was a land of constant war.
"So what's the current resolution?"
"Still pending. The possibility of ancient god worshippers remains under investigation. It will take more time to fully explain. Probably in the coming period, imperial professionals will frequently appear worldwide to gather evidence," Ross said.
These imperial professionals referred to witch organizations like the Sky-Covering Wings and Elinta, which were affiliated with the state, or knights, rangers, mechanics, and sorceresses.
"Of course, the most important task now is rebuilding the Tacoma region—sorry, I still can't break the habit—now the Oro region. So, Count, your mission is quite arduous."
Hearing Ross's words, Shawn smiled faintly.
He guessed this region was a key battleground between the Grand Duke and Prince Philip. Since they couldn't find a suitable candidate, they had propped him up.
From the herald's earlier words, Shawn had some idea of how he got this title.
But that was fine.
In fact, it was perfect. He wanted to learn more about the Edak region and his own family, and now he was assigned to what might be the closest part of Bashalan to that area.
Just as Shawn was about to ask Ross about any historical events in the Edak region, the accompanying guard commander approached.
"Sir, after passing ahead, we'll enter the Oro region. Any orders?" he asked for instructions.
He was a young man in his early twenties named Aslant, reportedly a veteran of several years' service in the empire, a squad leader at Order level 5.
The empire had been thoughtful in assigning his personal guard, selecting young, capable recruits—ambitious and obedient, especially in this newly established region. If they performed well, they could become higher-ranking leaders, so the whole team was full of energy.
"Stick to the original plan. It's best to rest in the city and resupply," Shawn said.