Old Acquaintances
After thinking for a long time, Victor still had no clue, and could only attribute it to his father's jealousy of his son-in-law.
At this moment, Veronica was already by Viscount Benjamin's side, persuading her father not to adopt this attitude towards Victor.
"What do you mean it's bad? This kid is keeping you from going home. Do you know how worried your mother and I are? You two aren't even married yet and this is already happening. After you get married, will I have to apply to see you?"
"Father, what are you saying? It's not that Victor won't let me go home, it's just that I like the Two Rivers Territory and want to stay a few more days. Your attitude is simply unreasonable."
The Cavalry behind Viscount Benjamin watched helplessly as their lord engaged in mundane family matters.
Victor saw several familiar faces, all officers under Viscount Benjamin from last year's battle.
Seeing that the father and daughter wouldn't stop arguing anytime soon, Victor took the initiative to strike up a conversation with these old acquaintances.
"Baron Raymond, how have you been lately? I heard you've been busy expanding your territory. If you're having any difficulties, feel free to tell me. The situation in the Two Rivers Territory is stable now, and I also have some idle resources and funds at my disposal."
Baron Raymond Marjoram, who was promoted in the last battle, was also there. He seemed to be in good condition and was able to easily control his warhorse with his one arm, maneuvering around without any difficulty.
"Viscount Victor, you are too kind. Lord Benjamin has been a great help to me. The expansion of the territory is going very smoothly. The manor and immigrants are all in place. My funds are almost gone, so I don't plan to expand any further for the time being."
Baron Raymond expressed his gratitude for Victor's help.
"I can provide interest-free loans for funds, as long as it doesn't exceed 3,000 gold. After all, we were comrades on the battlefield. I can also sell you my idle supplies at 80% of the market price."
"It's really not necessary anymore. In order to develop this territory, our Majulan family has already incurred a lot of debt. Now the territory has 3,000 hectares of arable land and more than 6,000 people. I have also established a standing army of 200. I am already very satisfied. In the future, let my children and grandchildren manage it on their own. This is all I can do."
Victor nodded. He could understand Raymond. The first generation of pioneering nobles were all like this. They had already done their best to achieve upward social mobility. Relying on their own accumulation and connections, they had already achieved a very good level.
Like James, without the help of the Viscount family and the support of Victor, the level of development of the territory would certainly be far inferior to that of Baron Raymond.
James's Green Valley Territory only has a little over 2,000 hectares of arable land and a large population, most of whom are slaves obtained through cooperation with Victor in the campaign. There are also 450 standing troops, all of whom are supported by being registered under the name of Two Rivers Territory. Even James himself serves in the Two Rivers Territory army.
As for the more than 10,000 slaves, most of them were used for mining. In return, James had to provide Victor with iron ore at half price for ten years.
However, James was very grateful to Victor. Victor provided Green Valley Territory with a development plan. For the next ten years, Green Valley Territory's material shortages would be covered by Two Rivers Territory, which would assist Green Valley Territory in its development. After ten years, Green Valley Territory would be able to achieve self-sufficiency.
Furthermore, with the current mining technology, the iron ore in the Red Soil Wasteland can be mined for at least 100 years. James alone could not mine such a large iron ore mine.
According to the plan, James will be able to obtain a wealthy territory with a population of nearly 100,000 and more than 100 hectares of arable land in ten years, where most resources can be self-sufficient. This is already one of the best baronies. Normally, such a territory would require three generations of nobles to manage it diligently.
As for the Two Rivers Territory itself, it was a bug. Victor was always grateful that he was reborn into an old baron family and was the first heir. His parents were also willing to support him and emptied the Golden Sunflower Family's coffers to expand the territory for him. At the most, they owed Jin a debt.
Fortunately, Victor had Golden Finger for developing White Sugar and steel as sources of funding. He also participated in several battles and had good luck, reaping a large amount of spoils. This not only helped him pay off his debts but also raised a lot of funds, resources, and most importantly, people for his territory.
The strength of the Two Rivers Territory has expanded rapidly, and it is now basically the top-tier viscountry in the duchy. This is largely thanks to Victor's policy of territorial isolation, which has left outside forces with a vague understanding of the Two Rivers Territory's power.
If anyone discovers the unusual strength of the Two Rivers Territory, even with the backing of Count Colt and Iron Birch Territory, it will inevitably attract a lot of covetous eyes.
Victor continued to chat with several old acquaintances to learn about their recent situation, and the officers of Golden Pear Territory were very open with their knowledge.
After all, this young nobleman will definitely be part of the family in the future. Viscount Benjamin is just acting this way because he loves his daughter too much. As retainers, they should know their place.
After a while, the group realized that Viscount Benjamin and Miss Veronica's argument was still going on. It was almost four o'clock, and if they didn't set off for Iron Mountain Fortress soon, they wouldn't arrive until after dark.
Viscount Benjamin's Personal Guard, Pim, suggested to Victor, "Viscount Victor, why don't you go and persuade Lord Benjamin? Miss Veronica might be too agitated."
Victor nodded. "Okay, I'll give it a try."
Victor then turned and walked toward the two of them.
Baron Raymond turned to Pim and asked, "Are you sure this won't make Lord Benjamin even angrier?"
Although Raymond is now an independent nobleman, he still refers to himself as a subordinate to Viscount Benjamin. He continues to hold a military position in the Golden Pear Territory, while his territory is managed by his son.
"Don't worry, old Raymond. Don't let Lord Benjamin's anger fool you; he's always been good to Viscount Victor. He's just not quite right in the head right now," Pim assured him, patting his chest.
"Let's open a betting pool and place a bet!" another person suggested.
"Alright! I'll bet 1 gold that Lord Victor can do it," Pim replied directly.
"Then I'll go with you too!"
"I don't think so. I'll bet one gold coin that Lord Victor won't make it."
"I think Pim makes a good point, I agree!"
Victor walked up to the father and daughter, took Veronica's hand, and comforted her, "Veronica, let me talk to Lord Benjamin. Why don't you go and have some water?"
Veronica looked at Victor, nodded, and turned to leave.
Benjamin was furious at how obedient Veronica was to Victor, so he turned away, indicating that he didn't want to talk to Victor.