---MC's Perspective---
That's enough reminiscing about the past. I was traveling along the Greenway, heading from the Barrow-downs to Bree, when I suddenly stopped. A screen had appeared before me, displaying a message:
[KINGDOM-BUILDING SYSTEM]
I was completely stunned. I had been in this world for 11 years, and not once had this so-called system revealed itself before. I had never even thought about founding a kingdom—so why was such a system being offered to me now? It took me half an hour to regain my composure. Passersby glanced at me, but since my helmet was still on, they couldn't clearly see my expression.
"Are you kidding me? Where have you been all this time? And why now?"
System Operator: [We apologize, Host. The system could not be activated until a time close to the start of the main storyline. Over the past 11 years, we have been observing you and determining what kind of system would best suit you.]
"…And you decided to give me a Kingdom-Building System? I NEVER WANTED THIS! Also, I don't even like these systems in general. They make people ridiculously overpowered. That doesn't suit a battle maniac—uh, I mean, a thrill-seeking adventurer like me. Just shut it off."
I was serious. In my previous life, I had read way too many novels, and the ones I despised the most were those where the protagonist gets a system and starts one-shotting everyone before even turning ten. It was disgusting. And now, was I supposed to become the kind of character I hated? For what? Just to become stronger and lord over everyone? A lot of reincarnators might be fine with that—ruling over people, enslaving them, gathering a harem of countless women… what a joke. Call me crazy, call me a fool, but I have no interest in that. I just want to live my life to the fullest, have a good fight, and enjoy my adventures. Becoming overpowere through cheats? You're dreaming!
System Operator: [Host, please don't worry. We are aware that you dislike power-boosting systems. This system will only allow you to monitor your own level; it does not provide any direct enhancements. However, it may grant you certain useful items to aid in your growth.]
I thought for a moment and asked suspiciously,
"…Alright, then what exactly does this system do?"
System Operator: [This system is designed to assist you in establishing your own kingdom and—]
"I get that from the name…"
System Operator: [Please do not interrupt me!]
"…Sorry."
As I spoke, I urged my horse forward. Then, looking at him, I said,
"My dear friend, please keep moving forward. My attention is going to be elsewhere for a while."
My horse gave me a strange look, tilting his head as if saying:
"Have you finally lost your mind? Talking to yourself now? Didn't I tell you not to add those mushrooms to the stew last night? Sometimes, I feel more like your mother than your horse. Are all knights like this, or are you just uniquely insane?"
I felt my eye twitch, and veins throbbed on my forehead. Fixing my horse with a cold stare, I said in an icy tone,
"I heard there's a tribe in the East that makes stew out of horses… and I've been told it tastes quite good. What do you think about this crazy knight trying it out?"
My horse looked at me, face going pale, as if saying:
"It was just a joke! Where else would you find a partner like me? Look at my body—pure muscle, no fat at all! Even flying dragons can't keep up with me!"
I felt my eye twitch again. Deciding to ignore his self-praise, I sighed. This horse had been with me for ten years, and we had developed an unspoken understanding.
"Anyway, System, please continue."
System Operator: [Thank you. As I was saying, our system provides everything you need to establish your kingdom—soldiers, commanders, governors, nobles, and engineers, among others. Of course, all of these are adapted to your world. Do not expect Spartans from Halo or Jedi from Star Wars! Additionally, we offer blueprints and projects for various structures, along with seeds and food supplies. However, do not expect a fully built city to be handed to you. Instead, we might provide city planning blueprints. Likewise, don't expect advanced technology—it wouldn't fit this world. But if you manage to develop something like a steam engine, we might provide corresponding designs and schematics. These rewards are entirely random.
The only personal benefit you gain from the system is the ability to assess your own status and the status of others, as well as view people's favorability towards you—whether they are friendly or hostile, and whether they intend to betray you or not.]
"Wait a second. Does this favorability system mean I can hear their inner thoughts?"
It's a bit strange, although it's a good thing and 90% of people want it, I find it strange but I want it. For example, I can't understand women at all, all men need this skill! Although I don't plan on getting married, I won't stay single forever but I will marry a woman, I'm not a lustful person, one woman is enough for me...
System Operator: [No, you will not be able to hear their thoughts.]
"…What a disappointment."
I noticed my horse giving me a strange, scrutinizing look. My expression darkened as I glared at him and said coldly,
"Shadowmane, if you ever look at me like that again, you'll be eating only grass for the next three months!"
Shadowmane softened his gaze, as if saying:
"You're the smartest knight in the world. I was merely deeply concerned for you. But since you're fine, my worries were for nothing. Rest assured the road is in safe hooves with me!"
'I swear, I will never let my knight eat wild mushrooms again. That damned fungus has dared to corrupt my meal!'
I shot a sharp glance at Shadowmane. Given our ten years together, my instincts told me he had some strange thoughts in his head, but I let it slide.
"Alright System, continue."
System Operator: [Very well. I have already covered most of the main features. Additionally, you will have access to a spatial inventory. Its capacity can be expanded using gold, but initially, you have 25 empty slots. Each slot can hold up to 99 gold or silver coins. Every five slots you expand will double the cost. Each slot can also store a single item, but resources like food and plants have a stacking limit of 99.]
"…That's actually quite appealing. Honestly, you won me over just with the favorability tracker. In my travels, I've been betrayed far too often by nobles and deceived by those in power. This could prevent a lot of trouble."
Hm... and establishing a kingdom, I would make a nice and safe home for myself, A country with a proper system where I set the rules. Also I have seen a lot of places in my travels and there are very few places where humans, dwarves, half-breeds and even some elves can live in peace, Elves are lucky, they have kingdoms to go to thanks to King Thranduil, Lord Elrond and Lady Galadriel, but still very few, the grassland elves live as nomads, wandering around different lands, these elves were excluded or separated from both their homelands on the other continent and the kingdoms in middle earth, also shapeshifters and centaurs are a completely different story, they were almost abandoned to extinction, 3 years ago I saved a shapeshifter woman and her daughter from an orc tribe, I wonder how they are.
It is very useful in the inventory, there are spatial bags and rings in this world but they have a certain limit.
"System, I'll be honest, you've tempted me, but don't expect me to rule Middle Earth or conquer the entire continent!"
Continent domination? Sometimes I don't understand reincarnators, why are they so obsessed with conquering an entire continent? Governing a huge Empire is so tiring and laborious! Even the Elves haven't dealt with this, and there are other dangers in this world besides Orcs, for example, there is a vampire kingdom further north of Forodwaith in the north, they have an army of vampires and undead, they are very difficult to fight, and I heard that there are litch kingdoms further south, below Far Harad. Really, if there weren't familiar names, I would doubt that I was in the Total War Warhammer universe! Not to mention world domination, I've passed the Elves' homeland, there are not only Elves across the sea in the west, there is another continent, it's bigger than Middle Earth, and it is ruled by dragons and their servants... I can't deal with it at all, my head hurts just thinking about it.
System Operator: [As I said, this is a kingdom system, not an empire-building one. We do not expect you to conquer the continent.]
"…Fine, then I accept."
System Operator: [Understood. The system will be fully integrated in two days. As a reward for accepting the system, you have earned a random summon. Do you want to spin the wheel?
"Yes, please."
System Operator: [the wheel is being turned … 3… 2… 1! Congratulations! You have summoned Ranger Halt O'Carrick.]
"…Wait, System?"
System Operator: [Yes, Host?]
"…Is this the Halt I'm thinking of?"