Russell's title of Grand Scholar arrived in December of the Dragon Calendar year 5583. It was one of the lifelong noble titles.
Its status was below that of a baron, but above that of a knight.
Red Castle's reward for Russell was still serfs.
Of course, this time Russell was rewarded with only ten thousand serfs—Regent Lady Princess Anxia was generous with others' property. She could give away Red Castle's population as she pleased. In any case, once the new Grand Duke ascended the throne, she would have to step down, so there was no need for her to be stingy.
The serfs could not come to Blackfire Land for the time being. They would first be sent to Glimmering Market to settle down.
"With the two batches of rewarded serfs, plus the serfs you've gradually purchased, Russell, the population under your command is about to surpass one hundred thousand!" Roland said enviously at Fluorite Castle's celebratory banquet.
He would still be the one receiving the serfs this time.
Fortunately, the Small Castle in Glimmering Market had already been completed. Roland would live there and would not be inconvenienced.
After Dragon Birth Festival, his sister-in-law Gewen would follow him there as well. Officially, she would be taking care of Roland's daily life, but in truth, she would be keeping an eye on him to make sure he did not fool around outside.
"One hundred thousand serfs are barely enough to develop Blackfire Land. Once Thunder Flame Territory takes shape, there will still be a huge shortage of serfs," Russell said.
Baron Roman said, "This is already far better than we expected. Only because you are so extraordinarily talented, and because your grandfather is governing Red Castle, could you receive serfs as a reward. Otherwise, we could only slowly buy and