Boreas POV

"What do you mean you want to delay the trip?" Dad asked

"It'll be just around 3 months at longest...besides, we can make a decent amount of money from this, especially for the village's inn, which is about to be shut down soon."

"Let's hear it..."

"Well, we can just spread the word of a sword being down there, the stone around it being indestructible, and how only those who are worthy can pull it out, the ruins itself will attract researchers who are going to pay you lots of money to have the rights to check on it, and...as for the person who can pull the sword out, they'll be indebted to us and will repay us once they eliminate the demon lord."

"Why would they trust my word?"

"We have a nymph on hand...once they see her, they'll spread the word, and eventually, we don't even need to be here when they pull the sword out...you just need to tell me who pulls out the sword, and what they are. Noble, prince, merchant, orphan...doesn't matter."

Whoever pulls out that sword is one of the other heroes, no matter what, knowing who they are would be beneficial. It's not like I can just recognize the hero with a glance, Mari sensed nothing special in me and I doubt that they'll be any different. Besides, the existence of nymphs is rare nowadays...I can get to meet important figures in this world and just steal from them.

As the days passed, I couldn't help but marvel at the transformation that had come over our village. The news of the nymph and the underwater ruin had spread like wildfire, drawing people from all over. But it was mainly the sword that people came here for as the idea of pulling a sword from the stone, a feat that could only be accomplished by someone truly worthy, was enough to set even the most skeptical hearts ablaze with hope and excitement.

The first week was quiet as expected, but after the second, it was just tourist after tourist, we only charged people who wanted to visit the ruin, because if someone did end up with the sword, it would be better to at least have some money to ourselves once our main selling point is gone and will make up for the loss of the sword.

I'm also making sure to charge fees from people who want to talk to Mari, as there are a limited number of nymphs left due to people making sure to not wander close to their territory, and there are also a lot of rich nobles and merchants who want Mari to themselves as her beauty made them all fall for her at just the sight of her.

So they paid quite a lot of money to just talk to her, while I charge less to researchers(regardless of status) since they actually want to talk to her for educational purposes. Mari didn't want to do it, but she agreed that we needed the money and me being a hero who was brought here by the goddess helped, she is now a bit warmer to me.

As if the excitement surrounding the underwater ruin and the legendary sword weren't enough, news of Duke Hoff's impending visit sent ripples of anticipation through our village. As a vassal under the rule of the Eastern Empire, the arrival of the duke and his six children was no small matter.

This world has 4 main nations, the Northern Empire, the Western Kingdom, the Southern Kingdom, and the Eastern Empire.

The mages sent ahead of the duke's entourage were tasked with scouting out the village for any potential dangers, ensuring the safety of the noble family during their stay. But their duties didn't end there. They were also instructed to oversee the construction of temporary living quarters for the duke and his children, using the wood from our nearby forest.

It was then revealed that the duke would also be paying ten times the value of the wood and logs, as well as compensating for the space they would occupy, for us, it was a win-win situation, not only would we be generously compensated for the resources and space provided to the duke and his family temporarily, the empire will gain favor from the village, plus they'll also demolish their temporary infrastructures for free of charge.

But let's be honest, with how overused the duke or duchess trope is...one of the children is it. If one of them was adopted, that one is the sure answer...but they're all biological, so it's one of the younger ones. My dad said that he wouldn't let me meet his children though, maybe for the formal greeting and introduction, but that's it.

He was scared of what I may do and it's not like it helped when I knew of the Duke's name. Jackson Hoff. Technically it's Jackson Cornelius Leopold Hoff, but if you go Jackson Hoff...without the son...get it? Yeah, I know, I'm such an idiot.

But it's okay to make such childish jokes, I've been told that my readers have low standards. Isn't that right?

Alright, now on a serious note, can we talk about the whole duke and duchess thing in fantasy? I mean, come on! Why does every generic heroic savior have to be born into some ancient noble bloodline? It's like the authors got together and decided that if your last name isn't "von something" or "de whatever," then you're not worthy of saving the kingdom.

I get it, fantasy is all about escapism, it's why socially awkward people read this, but does every hero have to be born with a silver spoon in their mouth? What about the rest of us scrubs who don't have a castle to inherit? Where's the story about the guy who works at the tavern and accidentally saves the world while trying to mix a decent martini?

And ooh ooh, let me guess, the popular and dashing duke, with his chiseled jawline and impeccable manners, is actually the secret villain pulling all the strings behind the scenes. Classic move, right? Maybe he's plotting to overthrow the empire and take complete control because apparently, ruling over a tiny dukedom or whatever the hell they're called just isn't enough excitement for him.

Let me give you a warning author if he is the guy that I have to fight in the future, I will break out of this novel, go to your house, and- OW. Did you punch me?! You did, didn't you?! You son of a b-