My Kingdom Building Done Right!-Chapter 35: Sharing Hardships And Glory

Even after confirming that Arlo was dead, the warriors of the Alborin Tribe didn’t celebrate. They remained vigilant just in case the other barbarian warriors returned.

With the help of the squirrel network in the forest, Leone learned from Blitz that all enemy barbarians had already fled the forest.

Daedalus flew over Arlo’s corpse and stored the dead werewolf in its pages.

The grimoire deemed that if Leone steadily made progress in his missions and raised his Territory Rank to Rank 2, he might unlock one of its special abilities.

As everyone waited for news, Blitz and Arion returned to the cliff and informed their Master what had happened to the invaders.

According to Blitz’s squirrel network, the barbarians fled like their lives depended on it. That was very true. But with Astravor pursuing them, a few of them were bound to lose their lives in the process.

Arion could see the gryphon diving from the sky and swooping in on the retreating barbarians, killing a few of them with its claws.

It had deliberately targeted those riding on wolves, for they were the ones who belonged to the Black Wolf Tribe.

Hearing this news, Ulric raised his hand in triumph, and the warriors cheered in unison. They had won this battle.

With Arlo dead, the threat to their tribe had disappeared... at least for the time being.

Leone was also ecstatic, for his preparations had paid off. In fact, he once again heard a notification sound inside his head, and several rows of text appeared in front of him.

———

[Fourth Mission: Defend Your Territory from invaders - (COMPLETE!)]

— Defeat the Black Wolf Tribe and their Allies, who plan to attack the Alborin Tribe.

[Mission Rewards]

+1000 BP

[Bonus Rewards]

One Blueprint of your choice

+10 Stat Points to all the Stat Parameters of your Vassals

+5 Stat Points to all of Leone Frontera’s Stat Parameters 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

1 Discount Ticket! (50% OFF to Common, Uncommon, and Rare Grade Items).

———

Leone smiled from ear to ear at the sight of his stats increasing after completing his fourth mission.

Seeing his growth made him so giddy that he bragged to Yuni, showing her his Status Page.

"Take a good look, Yuni," Leone said as he flipped his hair. "I’m getting stronger. Soon, I will surpass you."

"..." Yuni wanted to tell the young man that he was dreaming while awake. However, she couldn’t do it.

Leone had once been weaker than a squirrel. But in just a few days, his stats had shot up significantly. At his rate, it might only be a matter of time before he surpassed her, the thought of which made her feel complicated.

She was happy Leone was getting stronger. But... she was anxious at the idea of him teasing her non-stop once he had indeed surpassed her.

’I can’t let that happen!’ Yuni clenched her fists. ’Starting tomorrow, I’ll continue training!’

Daedalus was hovering right beside Leone and chuckled upon noticing Yuni’s determined gaze. It liked her competitive spirit, which would push her growth and make her stronger.

"I’ll be back," Daedalus told its Master before flying inside the cave. It was going to inform everyone that the battle was over and that they could finally relax and take it easy.

Along the way, it also made sure to remove the traps Leone had installed as an insurance.

The next day, Ulric led his tribe to pray to the Goddess and thank her for protecting their tribe.

Leone was kind enough to build an altar for her inside the cave. Daedalus told him that Gods were real, and it wouldn’t hurt to score some brownie points with the Goddess of the Earth, whom the barbarians in the Borderlands believed in.

When the prayer ended, Ulric approached Leone, who was leaning against the wall with arms crossed over his chest.

The Chieftain of the Alborin Tribe knelt on one knee and pressed his right fist on the palm of his left hand.

"On behalf of the Alborin Tribe, we thank our Hero, Leone Frontera, for helping us overcome this trial," Ulric said, his voice filled with praise. "I, Ulric, will never forget this debt for the rest of my life.

"We are only alive thanks to your initiative to offer help despite receiving nothing in return. Your courage and wisdom have saved not only our tribe, but also our future."

The Chieftain of the Alborin Tribe stared at Leone, who suddenly looked flustered under the weight of so much praise.

"From this day forward, the Alborin Tribe will stand as your strongest ally here in the Borderlands," Ulric continued, his voice steady and sincere. "I know it may be late, but will you grant me the honor of becoming your Vassal?"

Leone was completely caught off guard by Ulric’s request. He had expected gratitude from him and the Alborin Tribe, but not his pledge of loyalty.

He was the Chieftain of a tribe, and becoming Leone’s vassal only meant one thing.

The Alborin Tribe would become his subjects!

The young man gazed at the barbarians, who were all looking at him with hope. Two weeks ago, they had resigned themselves to their fate. But not only did Leone give them a new home, he also gave them hope for the future.

Daedalus moved closer to its Master, giving the young man’s shoulder a gentle nudge.

Leone truly looked flustered, but he took that step forward to look at Ulric, as well as the members of the Alborin Tribe.

"I have many flaws and lack the quality of a leader," Leone said. "I still have many things to learn, so I hope you can all turn a blind eye when I make mistakes."

At his words, Ulric, Yuni, and a few members of the Alborin Tribe smiled faintly.

The young man also smiled as he continued his speech.

"When I was exiled from the kingdom, the only thing on my mind was how to survive and return to my family. Now, I have a different goal.

"After spending some time here in the Borderlands, I realized how blessed I was to be born in a loving family who made sure I grew up safe from harm. Now, I find myself facing dangerous foes that threaten my peaceful way of life.

"I don’t know if building a kingdom is possible. It’s like a far-fetched dream for now. But I genuinely want to create a place where everyone can live happy and peaceful lives, regardless of race, regardless of background, regardless of what they did in their past."

The young man’s gaze grew more determined as he envisioned the place he would build with his own hands.

"I will apologize in advance for dragging the entire Alborin Tribe to chase this lofty dream of mine. There will definitely be a time when we have to fight, but I promise it will only be a last resort.

"Last but not least, my eighteenth birthday will be a week from now. While it’s unfortunate I can’t spend it with my family back in the Viscounty, I feel truly blessed to spend it this year with my new family."

The members of the Alborin Tribe exchanged glances, their eyes reflecting the understanding and trust in Leone’s words. They knew that he meant it, which made them respect him more.

The young man then stepped forward and gently rested his right hand on Ulric’s shoulder, who remained kneeling before him.

"Ulric of the Alborin Tribe," Leone said in a solemn tone. "Do you swear to be loyal to me, and share the hardships and glory of chasing my impossible dream?"

"I swear," Ulric replied.

"Do you swear," Leone continued, his voice growing steadier and stronger. "To defend this land and protect everyone who wished to seek shelter within our realm?"

"I swear," Ulric vowed.

A faint smile appeared on the young man’s lips before he lightly tapped the Chieftain’s shoulder.

"Rise, Ulric of the Alborin Tribe. From this day forth, we are bound not by a Master and Servant relationship, but by trust, hope, and the promise of a better future. Together with the Alborin Tribe, we will build something worth fighting for."

Ulric slowly stood up, and as if waiting for that moment, a radiant light enveloped his body.

On that fateful day, the Chieftain of the Alborin Tribe finally became Leone’s vassal.

And everyone who saw it instinctively knew that things were going to change for the better for their tribe.