Reborn as a Baron Lord (Light Novel) (A Steampunk LITRPG Light Novel Book 1)

by Han Yang

  I was not happy though. As quickly as I could I removed my pouch to spill my hydrox. My fingers deftly snatched a triangle, dumping it into the weapon.

  When I refilled the pouch, I stuck it around my neck. I ran for the twitching corpse.

  I heard yelling from the crowd. They were desperately trying to warn me.

  I checked the portcullis and saw nothing. My peripheral caught the faintest of movements from the water’s surface.

  Splash!

  A diamond head arched out of the water, launching twin fangs for my torso. I utilized my empowered knee to dive out of the way. Servos whined from the intense stress.

  The new snake smacked into the tree stunning itself for a fraction of a second. Even though I wasn’t set to fire, this was my opportunity.

  BOOM!

  The weapon kicked back like the angry demon it was. My shoulder popped out when Darcy belched her fire. The weapon tore free of my grip, flying a dozen paces away to clatter against the hard terrain.

  I scrambled to secure the weapon, realizing I’d hammered down too hard on the trigger. Hit or miss, all that mattered was that blunderbuss.

  I dove, securing the weapon and turning.

  The crowd was on their feet, Corvo was in the arena clapping. The snake was dead, both bodies twirled in denial.

  I… I was stunned.

  “What happened?” I asked when he arrived.

  I gave him my arm to pop back into place. I turned to not watch, feeling the jerk, and hearing the pop.

  “Did you not hear the briefing? Fourth and fifth rounds are combined,” Corvo asked and I shook my head. “Right, can’t keep calling you kid. Yer a Baron. Let me buy ya a drink, and then we’ll take the wives out with yer winnings.”

  I snickered. “Nope I got a banker to repay and some arctic bears to buy. And likely more parts. After I get -”

  Thud!

  A Station Guard hopped down from the crowd, strolled across the pit, and handed me a note. I felt a tingling sensation when a shield encompassed me. What the hell was going on?

  Time to come home and declare war. We killed three assassins from Langshire with orders to end all three of you. They rode blimps into Dardin and trained west. Might be more units in Hexpa. Cannot secure your safety there. A new train has been summoned for your immediate extraction.

  Duke

  “Right, raincheck. I got assassins on me from Langshire. Obviously Gearnix finds the attempts unjustified,” I said.

  Corvo smirked, seeing a dozen guards removing my group from the stands. “That young Sir, is an understatement.”

  He pulled out a pencil and a notepad from his vest. I accepted, but was not sure why.

  “Oh right, say I can have your hydrox. The blunderbuss is worth five times that. I’ll get it to you when we visit to decide if I’m moving. Include what you want,” Corvo said, checking his pocket watch.

  I jotted the notes down, authorized him to accept my reward, and handed him the list. We clasped hands before I headed for a rope that was at the edge of the pits for the stands. I was leaving Hexpa, and the fun had only gotten started.

  One thing was certain. The exploits of Baron Bradley were going to be on everybody's lips.

  CHAPTER 25

  “Ren, Ben, and Jen!” Joana exclaimed when we arrived home.

  At the station were Duke, Becky with the trio of cuteness, and Kirven. The bears recognized Joana, immediately, smothering her in love. Hudson stepped off with his family, heading into the city that was already improving.

  All the farm fields were cleared and a rough wooden framed warehouse stood near the station. Steambots didn’t greet us, busy with work. The station guards were stoic in nature and likely finished protecting me now that I was home.

  There were a lot of kisses from the cubs to their mom. I managed to greet them each tenderly before Duke gestured me away from the main group.

  We left the train for the Gearnix City Station, waving at happy residents. Extra smoke billowed out of chimneys as residents fought the chills of the coming winter. People flowed out of the lower city for the train station to see the commotion.

  “Welcome home, Baron Bradley,” Duke said in a pleasant tone.

  “It’s good to be here,” I said in a chipper tone, meaning my words. “What’s the latest?”

  He opened the door to the city station, pointing at the back wall behind the manager.

  Norn Statistics:

  Citizens: 389 +1

  Visitors: 0

  City Debt: 2980 cubes of hydrox.

  Citizen behind on taxes: 0

  Buildings behind on upkeep: 0

  Buildings behind on taxes: 0

  City projects slated for downgrade: 2

  Upgrades in progress: 0

  Complaints in progress: 12

  Immigrants this month: 18

  Emigrants this month: 6

  Rating: 100

  Walls: 2

  Docks: 2

  Taxes: 2% on residents

  There was more here on separate hanging signs that went over all my rules on foreigners farming here. There were a few huge changes. Like massively huge to me at least.

  “You fixed all the buildings?” I muttered.

  The servo on his neck whirled as he nodded. “Upkeep does not require fixing directly. We used all our metal to catch up to building station needs. Most importantly the downfall of the city has halted.

  “There was a lot of… commotion when the relics were melted down. My explanations that Gearnix is a circle of life were… ill received. The job is done now and the most adamant objectors are gone.

  “The citizen may not get to see the statistics behind the scenes but they can see cracks become smooth, shingles get replaced, and hinges fixed. The majority are incredibly grateful. Most were hungry if not starving and worried about winter.”

  I grinned happily. “Excellent news. We’re not going up, but we’re not sliding down. What are the two down left for downgrade?”

  “Ah, yes. Streets that need stone from the wilds, and the manor. We started the project but ran out of stone. When you go to the mountains for ore, you’ll find stone. How did Hexpa go?”

  “Great,” I said, folding my arms. “They should be sending our acquisitions on the train tomorrow. How’s the budget?”

  “We’re broke again, but that was expected. Going forward, I can execute trades here from Hexpa. Darden doesn’t offer discounts and there is an old account on the system I synced into. Once we have more hydrox to trade I can start micromanaging imports and exports.

  “As for Hexpa, I tracked the shipment. Those venturebots will need a few parts, but I should have a decent team together to secure and help the city. Are you ready to talk about the mammoth in the room?” Duke said.

  I shook my head. “What’s there to say? Langshire tried to be sneaky.”

  “There are rules to this game, young Baron. If you declare war on Langshire…” Duke said, accepting a tablet from the managerbot. He handed me the tablet with a line to sign. “Then they cannot send anyone by train without your approval. They can still come by boat or blimp, but… that will require even more work, and you can do the same.”

  I grunted. Reading the terms of the war. I saw Leon and Lei were approved. “Can we head them off and -”

  “Those two thought of that one on their own. They will arrive tomorrow. Was supposed to be a surprise for when you got home,” Duke said. I signed the declaration of war, handing Duke the tablet. “Wise choice, Baron Bradley.”

  “Joana is going to be thrilled by her parents’ arrival. She’s being stubborn. Sayin if I’m going to clear the mines then she is too. I don’t have much of a leg to stand on. Her parents might though. After nine days cooped up, they’re wanting action,” I vented and he listened.

  “There are no guarantees of much. You… are starting a bold new city. There will always be risks and it is important to mention, you’ll have friends, and those friends can’t always save you from your
enemies,” Duke said stoically.

  “Understood. Let’s shift gears. Tell me about the immigrants,” I said politely.

  Duke’s steam hissed out happily. We left the City Station for the eastern gate. A wooden parapet was nestled against the wall. The old trolley was gone, likely smelted down. The early morning sky revealed angry gray clouds and minimal birds.

  The brisk wind bit through my leather with ease, chilling my body. It’d snow soon and I was not prepared for the weather. Hopefully Corvo’s wife could make a nice winter coat or Yorik had some for sale.

  We walked up the ramp and onto the platform. A team of six humans stood watch over tree clearing crews. The humans were moderately geared and alert, scanning for dangers. The steambots were happy as could be, working away.

  “I tweaked their consumption, altering requirements, and fine tuning each individual steambot. The tinkering… had some side effects. Two overworked themselves and fried their gearboxes. They’ll take breaks now to avoid killing themselves. I still feel bad to this day,” Duke said sadly.

  “Aw, sorry to hear that.” His confession left me feeling empathy. He wasn’t a soulless machine. What he was… well, that was unclear.

  “As for the humans. A dozen came from Portin. Imagine our surprise when the news of stability in Norn spurred adventurers to try their luck here. Dardin had a train come in with two families pausing for their migration to Hexpa. I offered them free homes and fields to work. I may be smart, but I’m not a farmer.”

  I chuckled with Duke. “And those who left?”

  “Were irate we dismantled the relics. Refused to pay taxes, no matter what. So they went to Dardin where taxes are 18%. Go figure,” Duke said and we shared another round of laughter.

  He gazed at me, his mechanical eyes narrowing to get serious. “The city is something to be proud of already young Baron Bradley. Alas, there is an issue: stone. We need stone and ore. We need to set an external tax collection of hydrox at a higher rate too. Or have you keep bearing the burden and upping the production.”

  “The venturebots will help,” I said and he nodded. “Tell me about the assassins.”

  “I can’t. Besides what you already know. And for that, I’m okay creating a trust issue. You… you’re safe from Langshire. I am not certain, but near it. Out there,” Duke said, pointing to the wilds. “Everything goes. Even if Portin sends assassins I cannot afford you the same opportunities.”

  I chewed my inner lip. There was so much I didn’t know and so much frustration. I let out a long calming sigh. “Is this due to the blimp crash?”

  “If you came to that conclusion, I can say it was a smart conclusion,” he gave a half answer.

  “Then my arrival was not supposed to be tied to an assassination. At least one that was not of my own making. I did nothing to anger Langshire besides simply appear,” I said. “The Mistress feared and respected what I was. But… she is gone.”

  His robot eyes fixated on me. “You’re a Baron now. Given a fresh start with a city that needs you. You’re a good human Bradley, these people need you to succeed, and so do the Gearnix bots. That starts with heading for the mines. The road should be clear. Maybe. Doubtful, but hey we need the hydrox.”

  “Aye, a lot of work to do. When does Portin vote?” I asked.

  “Delayed. Rumors reached them of Gearnix protecting you. Which… they only did because of Langshire. Moving forward, no such protections will be afforded. Even in your own city,” Duke said. “Adding bears will help, makes sneaking around harder or blimp drops all but impossible. And yet, those bears are food sinks. Anyway, you need to fix your problems with my help going forward, not Gearnix’s aid.”

  “Joana and Ginli figured as much too. We had a lot of what-if conversations. The ones that led to you shooting me in the back were tossed out quickly. It’d surprise me if you betrayed my goals of building a better city for both humans and steambots.”

  His voice turned chipper. “I guarantee that will not happen. The steambots will be given a bit more personality. The venturebots will upgrade with some additional capabilities. Both will stay as facilitators to humanity. Much like how I aid you,” Duke said, pointing north.

  “That is good to hear. And yes, north. We will wait for the city to welcome the new arrivals, build a team, and head out for the mines the proper way. Now, if you’ll excuse me. I have two lovely ladies to distract for a day,” I said.

  “I hear fishing at the docks has picked up since we’ve been sending blood and guts into the water,” Duke said in a promising tone. “There is even a pole rental station down there.”

  I patted his shoulder in thanks, feeling better about the situation. Sort of. I was starting to build some conclusions based on recent events.

  My guess was Gearnix was responsible for my arrival outside Langshire. Whatever reason I was given a second chance, was still a mystery. What was clear was this second chance probably wasn’t supposed to involve a torture interrogation and assassins.

  Duke was different, obviously. If I had to guess, the station guards themselves murdered the assassins. The populace didn’t seem to be on edge, making me assume their demise was hidden. I received friendly waves as I sought Joana.

  The joyful crowd of people trying to get into the bar told me where she was. I went defensive when a shadow crept up to my side.

  “Hey Becky,” I said to the little girl who batted her lashes at me.

  “Just as handsome as I remember. Ren was an angel,” she said, leading me to a back door. Of course, she had to hold my hand the whole way, blushing crimson from the contact. “The other two… We ordered a new bed from Yorik. Sorry.”

  “For real!” I blurted.

  “Sheesh, just be happy ya didn’t have to clean up all the stuffin,” Becky said with a shudder.

  We entered the back door and into a steaming hot kitchen room. Cooking surfaces sizzled, pots whistled, and the oven crackled with heat. Five workers were preparing breakfast foods, ignoring our entry.

  Becky led us around a prepping station to the door for the stairs. We caught up to three cubs, waddling behind Joana.

  “Hey darling,” I said to Joana. She waved but kept walking. “Where ya off to?”

  “Ginli said she had a ton of paperwork, you got pulled away, and all our supplies arrive tomorrow. Was thinking of mingling instead of hunting. Maybe settin a bait trap off the west wall or something simple,” Joana said, heading for the room.

  Becky snickered, waiting for the reaction when she opened the bedroom door. Ren knew. He sat in the hallway, not wanting to get blamed. Jen and Ben were oblivious. I sat down, petting the handsome cub who’d almost doubled in size.

  “By the chickens!” Joana shouted. “Where’s my bed. You chewed up the frame too!”

  “That one is new,” Becky said with a giggle. “Those stinkers, not Ren though.”

  “I can’t be mad at my babies though can I. No. No. No. I can’t. You wouldn’t do something dumb like leave your lovely Baroness to fight snakes would you. No you wouldn’t,” Joana said, loving on the bears.

  I peered over, yeah she was teasing me. “Fishing?”

  “Like on a boat?”

  There’s rentals at the docks, good fishin too right now,” Becky said excitedly. “Can I come?”

  “Of course, I have no idea how to fish though,” I admitted.

  “I’ll teach ya, let me use the ladies room and get into something casual,” Joana said.

  Ren turned traitor and hurried in the door before momma closed it. Becky asked me a million questions that I patiently and properly answered. Taking care of three bear cubs earned her that much.

  We left the inn for the docks and I noticed every building looked clean. Steambot with pan and pale were sweeping up dirt from curbs. Others worked mops against walls. Old garden beds were cleared ready for a winter planting.

  There was only a basic sewer system in Norn, with extra dump points to toss trash down. Another project for the list because a
foul stench hit me from vents a few times.

  The city was a stark contrast to Hexpa. No trolleys or steam machines moved goods. A single man hauled some fish in a wheeled cart. A few folks waved to Becky out of windows and I felt at home. The slower life of a large village was okay with me.

  Joana held my hand the entire walk down to the docks, answering Becky’s questions as we went. Whatever business Ginli had, it kept her occupied, and I didn’t mind. We had been crammed in that train together for days. A little break was nice.

  The fishing vendor was an elderly man who smiled with missing teeth. His hands shook from age as he rented us fishing poles based on our skills.

  When I had the odd device in my hand, I asked, “How's it work?”

  “Manual is the lever on the side. That reels in line. The other side is the hydrox button. Nobody uses those on these fish. That dial there lets out line. Put bait on the hook and drop it at the end of the docks. Bigger than yer foot is a keeper. Can stew any size though. There’s a donation box right here for the community dinner tonight,” he said with a smile.

  A seagull cawed, a steamboat in the distance fished, and waves lapped against the docks. I glanced left to look at where the wall ended and the beach started.

  Sure enough I saw gators and some form of water cow. My desire to go hunting rose until Becky pulled me forward.

  I used a chunk of liver, yeah, probably liver as my bait, dropping it into the water.

  “Now we wait?” I asked.

  Joana nodded, setting her line under the docked steamboat. “Do you miss Hexpa?”

  “Um, no. I… I don’t want to speak ill of the place since you had -”

  “Just tell me,” Joana said.

  Becky huffed, “Yeah tell her.”

  I eyed them both, seeing the ladies stick tongues out at me. The giggling had me softening my resolve to be rude.

  “I got to see the darker side of the city. The wilds always have risks. It’s like the wilds there are saying you’re getting too much for what you do, step it up. The city has sections with the lights off. In the industry section anyway. There is more to that place than meets the eye. Maybe to retire at sure… I just don’t think we’d make enough as adventurers.”