Family Reunion

At 9:00 a. m. on April 10, Victor stood at the bow of the ship, observing his surroundings. His ship was entering the Blackwater River channel from the estuary, preparing to go upstream to Boler County and return to Golden Sunflower Territory.

The population density of Dongjun is higher than that of Northlands. Although the total area of the four counties is only two-thirds that of the Three Counties of the Northern Frontier, the population is comparable, making the entire inland waterway very crowded and the speed of ships very slow.

At this moment, Victor was still recalling the conversation he had with Count Black the night before.

"I don't really want to know what Colt Iron Birch is planning, but I don't think it's a good thing to get involved. Besides, the Golden Sunflower Family has just been promoted to viscount. Shouldn't they continue to keep a low profile at this time? Young Viscount Victor, you should be more cautious."

"Count Black, the situation in the Duchy is already so difficult, especially for us Eastern nobles. My father led me to answer Jorah Silver Maple's orders to strengthen the family and advance our titles, and what was the result? Not to mention us, even your distant relatives, the Green Oak Family, have been stripped of their titles. Even if we didn't die on the battlefield, how much have we suffered? You know, we joined the Allied Army because we trusted you. Otherwise, who would care whether the Grand Duke is called Jorah or Mora!"

Victor's words stung the Old Count.

"If Colt hadn't brought the Northern Frontier nobles with him, we wouldn't have failed at all. But you joined them and became one of them. Do you still have any honor left among the eastern nobles?"

"A nobleman's glory comes from his strength and title, not from tradition or territory. Now I am Viscount Victor, with two territories under my control. I am more glorious than the former Baron Victor."

"Count Black, recognize the situation. Count Colt said you are a nobleman who prioritizes family interests. Please make the right choice now."

Blake was speechless for a moment after Victor's sharp retort, and then sighed.

"Of course I understand, but I am old. My son died young, my grandson is too young, and the Great Oak Family is on the decline. I must prepare for him. I had hoped to help my grandson become a duke so that the two brothers could support each other, but it all came to nothing. What good is it for an old man like me to complain?"

"Count Black, Count Colt is very sincere in his desire to cooperate with you. Why don't you take a look at the letter first? I believe he will consider all of these things."

Count Black finally opened the mailbox, took out the thick stack of letters, glanced at them briefly, and then began to carefully read through them. He then looked at Victor thoughtfully.

"It seems Colt values you more than I thought; he said a lot about you in his letter..."

Count Black finally agreed to Count Colt's two requests and wrote a short reply to Victor, saying that he looked forward to cooperating with the Iron Birch Family.

Victor looked at the letter tube in his arms. It seemed that Count Colt had offered more conditions than he had imagined, Count Black's attitude had changed quickly.

Victor didn't know what conditions Count Colt had offered, but he didn't care at the moment because he was about to go home.

Before he knew it, it was the afternoon of April 14th. Victor had been sailing on the Blackwater River for four days and could now see the dock in the distance, which was the Linshui Town dock in the Golden Sunflower Territory.

Although he has lived two lives and is now a middle-aged man nearing 50, he has a very deep affection for his family in this life. He acknowledges his family in this world as relatives and considers Golden Sunflower Territory his hometown. Therefore, returning to his home and reuniting with his family makes him feel extremely joyful and happy.

Soon the ship arrived at the dock and slowly docked under the guidance of the Dockworkers. Victor had not informed his family of his return in advance, but the Golden Sunflower flag on the ship still caught the attention of the dock manager, Lessot. When he recognized Victor standing at the bow, he immediately ran excitedly toward Victor's ship.

As he ran, he told his men, "Go to the manor and inform Lord and Lady Wembley that Viscount Victor has returned."

By this time, Victor had already disembarked. He noticed Lessot and saw Lessot running up to him, panting heavily, almost falling over. Victor quickly called for someone to help him up.

"Lessot, you need to get some training. You used to be a soldier in the territory, what happened to you?"

"I will definitely strengthen my training in the future. Lord Victor, it's so good that you're back. The master and madam must be very happy. I've already sent someone to inform them."

"You've done something unnecessary again. I wanted to give Father and Mother a surprise, so I'm going to punish you."

Lessot was completely taken aback.

"During my few days back at Golden Sunflower Ridge, you must help me lose one kilogram of weight every day. If you don't reach the required weight by the time I leave, I will fine you one Silver Coin for every kilogram you lose."

Upon hearing this, Lessot wiped the cold sweat from his brow, thinking that Victor was going to strip him of his position.

After saying this, Victor led his men toward the manor, while the remaining guards and soldiers continued to work with the Dockworkers to unload the cargo. This time, Victor brought back a lot of things for his family, including gifts for his father, mother, younger brother and sister, as well as some wealth to make up for the deficit in the territory.

Seeing that Victor had left, Lessot stood up and muttered to himself, "Lord Victor always keeps his word. Looks like I've been skipping a meal or two these past few days." For Lesotho, being fined wasn't important; what was truly regrettable was if his bad attitude caused the lord to have a negative opinion of him.

When Victor and his party arrived at the manor gate, the Former Baron Wembley, along with his wife, Victor's siblings, and the manor's servants, were already waiting at the gate.

"Look, our Viscount Golden Sunflower has returned."

The Former Baron Wembley looked at Victor and shouted happily.

"Father, Mother, Irene, Wendy, and Enrique, I'm back."

Victor went up and hugged his father, mother, two sisters, and brother one by one.

The two twins clung to Victor, and that's how Victor led them into the manor.

Everyone was very happy. Irene and the two little ones kept surrounding Victor, asking him all sorts of questions.

Since it was already dinner time, Lady Ellie stopped them and told them to talk to Victor after dinner.