Nobility

After everyone finished a reunion dinner in the evening, Lady Ellie took the two children to rest, Irene returned to her room to do her homework, while Baron Wembley and Victor went to the study to chat, which also served as Victor's work report to the Baron for the recent period.

Victor first reported to the Baron on the agricultural reform. The cultivation techniques for golden sunflowers had been improved, and by refining the oil extraction process, the sunflower seed oil output of the territory had increased by 20%. Based on previous sales figures, this would generate at least an additional three hundred gold coins annually.

"How was this achieved? I thought with the current planting area, the annual revenue of 1500 gold from sunflower seed oil had reached its peak," the Baron asked curiously.

"It was a stroke of luck. I received help from a technical expert. However, at present, without new production technologies being implemented, it's difficult to achieve significant improvements, so that expert has already left," Victor replied vaguely.

The Baron sensed something but didn't press further.

Victor then reported on the conscription efforts. The new recruits had been training for nearly two months, completing full formation drills and basic tactics. Victor proposed that he would primarily lead the new recruit unit on the northern expedition, as the families of these new recruits would also be heading north to pioneer new lands, which would strengthen the soldiers' resolve to protect their homes.

"Currently, all preliminary preparations are complete. The reconnaissance team has already reached North York County. The logistical preparations are also basically finished and stored at the Linshui Town dock, ready for immediate deployment. I plan to bring all the families of the new recruits. Including the new recruit unit, there will be over 5,000 people. Therefore, I have prepared enough provisions, including food, for 8,000 people for one year," Victor outlined the northern pioneering plan.

"Very good. You've considered almost everything. However, there are still some issues. Many nobles are heading north this time, and it's inevitable that you will interact with or come into conflict with other northern-bound nobles or local northern nobles. You haven't explained how you intend to handle such situations," the Baron asked.

"We'll use their strength against them. Since we've already decided to side with Alex Iron Birch, we can leverage his influence. Many of the nobles heading north were invited by him, and many local northern nobles also support him," Victor replied.

The Baron shook his head. "That's not enough. Although Alex is powerful, most of the nobles heading north are his collaborators, not his subordinates. Even we might not necessarily follow Alex's arrangements."

The Baron continued, "Therefore, I can provide you with a guarantee. When you face these disputes, you will have more confidence, and you can even use the rules and order of the entire Duchy to gain an advantage in the disputes."

He paused.

"After signing the territory exchange agreement, I will pass on the Baron title to you. You will head north as a Baron."

"Is that possible? Normally, the King and the Noble Council must send envoys to jointly witness the transfer of a title. Not only is there not enough time to report to the capital, but the ceremony also needs to be arranged, and other nobles need to be invited to attend," Victor said, surprised.

"Since I'm doing this, it's definitely feasible. I will draft a document and submit it to the capital. The Noble Council and the King are currently very busy and don't need to send people to witness it. Two documents from them will suffice. This way, they will send the documents to Count Colt, and when you arrive, you can pick up the proof documents while paying your respects," the Baron said.

"As for the ceremony, if you invite people, not many will be able to come. Everyone is busy with territory exchanges, so don't worry about the ceremony."

"As long as I have my lord's seal, the Baron's crest, and the proof documents, you will be the Baron of the Golden Sunflower Territory and possess the legal right to make decisions," the Baron stated firmly.

"I understand, Father. Thank you very much for your support. I will definitely strengthen the power of the Golden Sunflower Family and protect its honor," Victor said.

The Baron patted Victor's shoulder with satisfaction. "I am equally proud of you. I believe you will be able to elevate our family's Baron title to Viscount."

"Alright, it's getting late. We'll stop here for today. I'm getting old, and after just returning home, I still feel quite tired."

"Okay, Father. You should rest well. Leave the rest to me," Victor assured him.

Afterward, Victor returned to his room.

Honestly, even when Baron Wembley had previously mentioned passing on the title to him, Victor hadn't felt particularly excited. In his opinion, it was a natural progression.

However, this time, Baron Wembley had brought up the matter of transferring the title again and was pushing for the territory exchange to be completed quickly. This made him feel his father's support and also placed a considerable amount of pressure on him.

I must do a good job on this northern pioneering expedition. I need to make it brilliant, turn the territory into strength as soon as possible, and achieve the family's title promotion sooner. Victor thought to himself.

"Number 1, further optimize the immigration plan to ensure maximum avoidance of losses."

"Victor, mission confirmed."

The next morning, Victor had breakfast with his father. Soon, Lady Ellie and the children arrived at the dining room, and they all had breakfast together.

After breakfast, Baron Wembley took him aside and told him the decision.

Lady Ellie said, "Congratulations, Victor. You are finally a Baron. It's a shame that I am no longer a Baroness."

Victor quickly replied, "Mother, you will be a Baron's mother from now on."

Irene also offered Victor her congratulations. "Congratulations, brother. You will surely become an excellent Baron and be promoted to Viscount."

The two little ones might not have fully understood, but they clapped their hands and cheered.

Victor smiled, looking at his family. This warm family was something he cherished. He had to work hard not only for himself but also for the family.

Afterward, Wembley took Victor to the Stone Castle and notified all the civil and military officials of the territory. Once everyone had arrived, he announced the decision publicly and instructed the territory to begin preparations for the title inheritance ceremony.

After the meeting, Victor said to the Baron, "Father, didn't you say we wouldn't have a ceremony? We can't invite many people to attend, so isn't holding this kind of event a waste?"

Baron Wembley said, "We should invite people. Whether they come or not is another matter. At least my reputation in the four eastern counties still carries some weight. Even though time is tight and the King and Council cannot send representatives, we must still hold this ceremony beautifully and legitimately. Everything that should be there must be there."

"I understand, Father. I will start preparing immediately."

Victor then left the Stone Castle and went to Linshui Town to begin organizing the ceremony with people, and sent out messengers to notify the various noble families. At the same time, he didn't neglect other tasks; the immigration work continued in an orderly fashion. Victor ordered 6,000 sets of cotton-padded clothes from merchants here, ensuring everyone would have one before heading north.

Time passed quickly. A short week later, the day of the inheritance ceremony arrived. Due to the tight schedule, many territorial nobles couldn't make it, but they all sent representatives to offer their congratulatory gifts.

Victor found Baron Wembley at the venue. He was currently chatting with Viscount Bitter Bamboo William and Viscount Blue Rose Ronald.

Victor also saw William and Viscount Ronald and immediately saluted them. "Commander and Deputy Commander, thank you for attending my inheritance ceremony."

William smiled and said, "Time flies. Last time you were my subordinate, and now you're about to become a Baron."

Ronald also chuckled. "Yes, Victor. Perhaps next time you return from the north, you'll be a Viscount."

Victor replied, "Thank you for your concern and care."

Ronald suddenly interjected, "James will also be going north this time, not far from your territory. If possible, please help him."

Victor quickly responded, "You are too kind. I would have done so even if you hadn't mentioned it. James is also a good friend of mine."

"I exchanged 50 square kilometers of territory in North York for over 200 [units of land/area] for James. If he can earn enough merit in the fight against the barbarians to be enfeoffed as a Baron, this territory will be his starting capital. If not, it will be reclaimed by the Blue Rose family after his death. James is hot-tempered, and I worry he might take risks for merit. You are his good friend, so I must trouble you," Viscount Ronald said earnestly.

Victor agreed.

"I'll be counting on you then. You're a Baron now, so he'll listen to you from now on," Ronald said with a smile.

The ceremony went smoothly. After it concluded, Baron Wembley sent the official documents to the capital, and the succession of the title was essentially complete.

In the evening, Victor and his father returned to the study.

"From now on, you'll be the Baron, and I'll be the former Baron," Wembley said with a smile.

"Father." Victor wanted to say something, but Wembley stopped him.

"There's no need to be so sentimental. This is one of the few things I can do for you. I've seen your hard work and dedication all these years. Thanks to your advice, the Golden Sunflower Territory has finally seen significant development. In the past, the territory's annual income was less than 1,000 gold coins. Your grandfather and I worked tirelessly, but our troop numbers were always over the limit, consuming most of the territory's revenue. While we weren't in debt, we didn't have much surplus in the treasury."

"Fortunately, we made changes to the territory later, and the income doubled in just one year. It's a shame. If the territory had this income ten years ago, our family could have been promoted to Viscount by now," Wembley said with some regret.

"However, there's no need to dwell on that. Fortunately, you're here, and I'm confident I'll see our family's title promoted to Viscount before I die," Wembley said happily.

"Father, you flatter me. Without the foundation you and Grandpa laid, my reforms wouldn't have been effective. My success also relies on the family," Victor replied.

Wembley smiled. "Victor, do you remember what Ronald said to you during the day?"

"Of course, I'll help James."

"You can indeed help James. While friendships exist between nobles, everything should ultimately be based on interests. Ronald sent three inland transport ships, each capable of carrying 300 tons of cargo, and a team of experienced shipwrights and sailors. Following the tributaries of the Blackwater River, they can reach the sea and then sail along the coast to the shores of your territory. Those sailors are familiar with this route and can safely deliver the fleet. This route is five days faster than the previous method of transporting goods downstream to Northwind City and then transferring them by land, and it also saves a lot of costs. These are the conditions under which I agreed to let you help James."

The carrying capacity of 900 tons, along with a new water transport route, shorter travel time, and lower transportation costs… my plans need a major revision, Victor thought.

"Afterward, James will also serve under you, and you will be the one to distribute the military merits he earns."

Victor was surprised. "Doesn't that make James my vassal?"

"Of course, that's the price. Ronald also agreed. Even if it doesn't work out, the territory can be reclaimed. If it succeeds, the Blue Rose family will have a baronial branch. Either way, it's a win," Wembley said with a smile.

"So, don't feel burdened. Just do your best. With your new baronial status, Alex will also look at you differently. You must strive to gain more benefits and secure his greater support."

"Expanding northward is by no means easy. If it were, the nobles in the north would certainly not give up these opportunities. You need to gain the support of the border counts. In any aspect, only when they invest significantly in you will they go all out to help you when danger arises, otherwise, their previous investments will be in vain."

"I understand, Father. Thank you for your guidance," Victor said solemnly.

"These are minor matters. You'll understand and handle them yourself soon enough. I'm just telling you in advance," Wembley waved his hand.

"Since that's the case, your transport capacity has also been enhanced. In addition to the people you were already planning to take, take half of the serfs being withdrawn from the exclave with you. Also, go to the armory and take half of the craftsmen to accompany you. Having a stronger foundation will make people respect you and believe in your success."

"Ron will go with you too. He's familiar with the local customs. I'll also give you a letter to deliver to your uncle Soros when you pass through the Edelweiss Territory. The Edelweiss Territory hasn't been doing well in recent years. The snow lotus slices they used to produce have lost a lot of market share to the tea from the east, and now only people in the north drink it, causing a sharp decline in the entire territory's income. I send 100 to 200 gold coins each year to help them out. When you go this time, see if you can help them. Also, he needs to contribute. You can directly borrow troops from him, specifically cavalry. In the north, cavalry is more effective, and they're expensive to maintain anyway. You can help them out."

"I understand, Father," Victor nodded.

"Number 1, create a financial optimization plan for the Edelweiss Territory, and revise the original immigration plan to incorporate the new route, transport capacity, new immigrants, and the increased military strength."

"Victor, mission confirmed. Calculating..."