The investiture of a new baron was a major event that had not occurred in the Shadowflame Grand Duchy for decades, so the ceremony was naturally grand and complicated.
However, with the grand duke's throne vacant, the Elder Council currently governed.
Thus, the investiture ceremony for the Grand Duchy's sixth baron—Baron Thunderflame—would be kept simple, with as many procedures omitted as possible.
The omitted procedures would be made up once the new grand duke ascended the throne.
The date was set for March 20.
The investiture would take place in the administrative hall of Red Castle, presided over by Regent Lady Anxia Lieyang. Russell merely needed to swear fealty before the statue of Quentin Shadowflame, founder of the Shadowflame Grand Duchy.
The steps could be simplified, but the scale could not be reduced.
A baron's investiture required the presence of the Shadowflame Grand Duchy's two counts, five barons, and more than three hundred Grand Duchy Noblemen.
Even if the counts, barons, or noblemen themselves could not attend, their designated heirs had to be present.
They would jointly witness the birth of a new hereditary high noble—only hereditary nobles were truly the masters of this nation. All others, serfs, free commoners, and commoner knights alike, were merely servants who served their masters.
The entire Wuyou Snake Manor had been steeped in celebration ever since the Messenger Knights arrived, with festivities continuing day and night.
There was little farmwork during the Ice Age to begin with.
The serfs could peacefully share in their lord's glory. One elderly serf puffed on his pipe and wept with joy. "Lord Master has become a baron, sob sob! From now on, we're Baron Lord's serfs!"
His little grandson asked curiously, "Grandpa, Grandpa, what's the difference between Baron Lord's serfs and a nobleman's serfs?"
"Silly child, of