Chapter 92: Baron (4)
XcswThe reason Dereck had so urgently desired the title of baron was to be able to devote himself fully to his magical training without interference.UIxW
DV6However, holding a titled noble position wasn’t simply about receiving it and being done.yak4Yc
TbiKjOQAfter all, since the emperor had delegated the rights of jurisdiction and tax collection to him, it was a role that demanded at least minimal responsibility for the inhabitants of the territory. And for that, a basic level of authority was required—which, of course, didn’t come for free.dbfYTQ
HYr7qu3He had to resolve a chain of issues and put things in motion so everything would function smoothly before he could finally focus on his magic training.j0kZ5j
C1RkQWb“Oh, Baron. Construction will be finished once we install the nameplate. The furniture is from the Lorenhale Carpentry Workshop, so you can pay them directly. As for the garden, perhaps it’d be better to hire a separate gardener.”nplj
33dI5Z“Thank you for your work. Can I pay through the labor office?”jv46noK
U53mnr“Oh, please, no need to be so formal. I don’t have a status high enough to deserve a noble’s courtesy.”IXEO
Xl2n49HThe foreman, who had been directing the workers, waved his hand dismissively.gF7y5XQ
WYVDVEkHearing those words, everything finally felt real—Dereck was now officially a noble.Ax0lvRw
oDkaR“Hmm…”VqaSe
xOSQ3Dereck nodded as he gazed at the mansion, which looked relatively decent.r5BmEh
C7rEj“Seems there’s no one left in the tavern district who doesn’t know your name. I mean, you were a commoner who practiced magic, managed to convince nobles, and even got a title—you’ve become a true hero among the commoners.”7Kh5Mc
o7nEven Drest Wolftail, known for mastering tracking magic, had to spend most of his life to obtain a mere baronial title.KrKvBK
JBGdI5Considering that, there was no need to explain just how extraordinary Dereck’s case was.sG7JHn
YYBFyOf course, Drest had a past tarnished by the destruction of a noble family, so his situation was quite different—still, the result remained impressive.36KIzi1
FKK93***2pI
LDlYrKEbelstein, commercial district.CShEBs
o4lWN6iThe bustling commoners filled the streets, working hard to make a living.sfswFD
yAQ405QPheline, walking briskly behind Dereck as he moved through the crowd, spoke with arms crossed.1kI26p6
gtU“Now you’ll be able to train your magic as much as you want—that magic you loved to the point of giving your life for it.”Vig
2uTAuA“Did you see how the mansion renovation turned out, Pheline? It came out pretty well. I’ve reserved a space for you, so if you’d like, you can have a room.”o0pf2
IH7ByFn“Well… Ebelstein is too far to use it as a base, but it’s good to have a place to store my stuff. I’ll check it out next time.”odC
Pg4awNAfter inspecting the Ravenclaw Barony, Dereck had ridden all day to return to Ebelstein.PZQz
s02ztThere were still moving preparations to be made, but also many problems to solve before that.5Dn
sLaKh“Having a mansion doesn’t make you a noble. You need reliable servants and staff to work there, and you’ll also have to deal with local nobles and their territorialism—you’re in for a lot, Dereck.”Q1wSFG
puatNux“I’ve already got my thoughts in order. Dragging this out isn’t my style, so I need to sort it all out quickly.”G4bPPb
yWuJotf“And how do you plan to do that? Nobles always struggle to hire staff… It’s not something that gets resolved easily, right?”8aLQ3px
YBejZDereck, arms crossed, reflected for a few seconds before replying like brushing off an idea.SlLR
JHhC“True.”gGa
A8AH4kDereck, who always managed to find suitable solutions no matter the situation, knew this kind of matter wouldn’t be solved in a day or two.opX
kB7NEven he would have to rack his brains. Felinne thought this while focusing on preparing for the subjugation mission they had for the next day.SrkH
DmiVbgdThe next morning, Dereck sent a letter to the Duke of Rochester in the north.EySsQCd
b7VIn it, he confirmed he had officially received the title of baron and wrote a few formal words of gratitude for the trust placed in him.exfgNI
6NvpzCHe also mentioned that he was hiring a steward to manage the mansion and recommended Delbriton, an assistant butler from the Rochester household.FwD
XLPZPSaFrom the beginning, Dereck had been granted the baronial title to look after Siern.IWCW
wlCiSince Siern would be visiting the Ravenclaw Barony frequently, it was likely Melverot wanted someone familiar with her to take the position of head steward.8op
TP7“My name is Delbriton. It is an honor to serve you, Baron Ravenclaw.”BYPLWR
eNLfqk“Yes.”rhXPK
BFtbTThus, they secured a veteran steward who had worked over ten years at the Duke of Rochester’s estate.jPfNq
s1YCAlthough it was technically a step down, Delbriton showed no signs of dissatisfaction.N8UupA
srfkWith a moderately bald head and a serious demeanor, he seemed rather unimpressed by working in a place with no prospects for advancement, out in the snowy plains.rNt
ecseEven if it was a peripheral barony, he could manage it from start to finish, and its owner had backing from several influential families.17euw
MMWzbPerhaps he thought that in the long run, it would be better to establish a new position here, as he immediately dressed in his steward’s uniform and presented himself to Dereck with impeccable punctuality.FQiJBJK
gII6VO“Not much staff is required to run the estate immediately. Although the Ravenclaw Barony may expand in the future, for now we should hire only the bare minimum and establish a solid foundation.”h0mg
HwRI8Wa“How much staff do you estimate is needed?”rvD
dZ7W“A head cook, three servants for general duties, a coachman and gardener, and about three or four guards or squires would be more than enough to manage an estate of this size.”r7no
PAlDelbriton adjusted his golden monocle and spoke while surveying the newly renovated estate, still nearly empty and barely furnished.h2zh
qxndN“The Duke of Rochester has provided funds for the purchase of household goods and the first year’s maintenance expenses.”KMd
8s5pQcr“…We should send him some of this year’s finest wines.”Ge9Tsa
mVV“The Duke of Rochester would appreciate it, but I believe he’d be more pleased to see Lady Siern adapt well to noble society.”MfGdEGX
FiuOf course, knowing Melverot’s character, he wasn’t the type to openly express his emotions, not even if he was pleased.9qgl9
9sNrp24Whether he was happy or angry, he was always in his office, chin resting on his hand, wearing that lofty expression as if he understood the entire world.R82Msv
8HbIt wasn’t hard to picture that mage, still seated like that, in the middle of the snowy plains, gazing out the window.477k
SDNX“I can handle finding a cook. I know a chef from the grain-producing southeastern region of Tupel who is currently available.”7hLB2
2rCjD“Is he trustworthy?”lLuPobB
Y4DD21“Yes. He’s discreet and experienced. However, his salary is quite high.”l0980sK
jNolmz6“Hire him. I’ll personally bring in some maids or housekeepers. Take charge of recruiting squires or guards, but leave one or two positions open.”abkotAQ
UU5Dereck was still dressed in his mercenary attire.m0RYxi
gx8kXFTAlthough he was already a baron, he had no intention of giving up his work as a mercenary or as an instructor. He planned to leave for Ebelstein once he finished organizing the estate that day.5xW7c
0DD8EHe sat on a wooden chair placed in the empty hall of the estate, tying his boots.BEdGrd
rafYOaDelbriton, standing with his hands behind his back, listened silently to the instructions.W6nX1f
P1F“Are you planning to bring in anyone in particular?”IqDKO6
h1LFj“I’ll recruit some maids from noble families in Ebelstein. If I request them, they’ll get me a few. And I plan to hire guards from among the local residents.”aIZbQ
8C7bcDereck had unusual experience in that kind of matter.S14laJ6
7qtbGhHaving met all sorts of people while working as a mercenary, he had a general idea of how to proceed when recruiting various types of people.ILvgVdB
2f32ii“The local forces in this region of Rodelen are mostly vineyard owners or farmers from the outskirts. If you accept one or two of their family members as servants in your mansion, you’ll gain a favorable position in future power negotiations. There’s no stronger bond than blood.”sK5t
p0M6GDereck had no intention of using tax rights to amass wealth.j65ahMl
ITZeKIf he made reasonable concessions, it was clear that the residents would align themselves with Dereck, a legitimate noble.I6dsK
XulIn the region of Rodelen, there was one large village with about 300 people, a couple of smaller villages with around fifty each, and the rest were scattered isolated farms.rzUx
VyekThere was no need to engage in unnecessary power struggles to recruit barely over 500 inhabitants. Dereck planned to fully respect the authority of the local people.X8CY
V4PYR5bAfter adjusting his clothes, he finally drew his sword and began wiping it with a cloth.ahqyz
YB5W“I’ve sent some gifts and letters to the Belmierd and Beltus families. I asked them to recommend any available servants or squires.”bxboJwX
GKCU“…”fTakLg
M9rMDfDelbriton felt a slight dissonance hearing Dereck mention the Belmierd and Beltus families so casually.OLG
UR9CcxEven in Ebelstein, those were among the most prestigious families, and yet Dereck could contact them personally about everyday matters like hiring servants.ofrh2k
ICqeVLFor Dereck, who already communicated with Ellen and Denise without issue, it wasn’t particularly special.hxGAOv
mv87‘I heard he had backing from many influential families, but seeing it firsthand is truly extraordinary.’9RN
DoWaIDelbriton thought this to himself.gEuf2
Rx7Dereck had just become a baron, with barely any real power, and he, newly appointed, was his only vassal. For someone experienced, becoming the retainer of such a minor noble was normally something to be avoided.qPP
w57E0But Delbriton knew it instantly—this was an opportunity.LkTN5G
CygYDereck wasn’t someone who would end up merely managing a vineyard in some remote barony.W673
62P5YWhether it was his magical level or the scale of the families watching him, everything pointed to the fact that, sooner or later, he would form a power that was currently unimaginable.pbG
oxUBBeing the first vassal of someone like that—anyone with a bit of vision would know it was an invaluable opportunity.aL8IYp5
xlB“I will carry out your orders.”fHt3C
Z4RpXHe polished his gleaming monocle with a cloth, bowed respectfully, and proceeded to carry out Dereck’s instructions.JmSByK0
KOS***bTvzRlp
CN7gB‘W-What…? How did everything progress so quickly…?!’RYxkdA
PlTGb7BDiella, who had arrived at the Ravenclaw Barony, was stunned.SEyvV
ZOf2After her complete defeat in the war of nerves against Pheline, Diella had spent her days with a withered expression, until, fifteen days later, she finally decided she would go to the Ravenclaw Barony to check on how Dereck was doing.m5h6
UVX6HGVIn fact, from the Duplain family’s point of view, visiting a remote barony wasn’t anything unusual.RVITU
FF4HyXIt didn’t take long to arrange the trip, but once there, everything became more real—Dereck had become a noble.CzzmovV
b2M“…It’s been less than a month since he received his title, and he already has the mansion system set up. Well, I guess Dereck learned about how a noble household functions while working as an instructor…”TLZz
s2rAiselin, sitting across from her in the carriage, looked at Dereck’s mansion with a look of amazement.24I3jbO
13ZIfUIn reality, the mansion itself was so modest that it bordered on humble compared to those of influential families.oIi
qbhM9However, the servants waiting for the Duplain ladies in front of the main gate were already completely attentive.LxScwMA
6XBK“I am Delbriton, head butler of the Ravenclaw Barony. It is a great honor to personally receive the ladies of the Duplain family.”n7kM0
1PhThe elderly man who acted as butler stepped forward and greeted them with a flawless bow, followed by the rest of the staff, who also bowed their heads.2ZbIh6o
tXdIGa4Although they hadn’t been working there long, their behavior was precise and disciplined, which spoke volumes of the head butler’s capabilities.C0Xbc
8CShDh“I apologize for the sudden visit.”oAUD0p
BBxNo matter how much the Duplain family had declined, the news that its young ladies were personally visiting a remote barony was like a bolt from the blue.10DN
ZUNhzyDiella had insisted on going to the Ravenclaw Barony, and Aiselin had reluctantly agreed, but even so, it must have taken considerable effort for the servants to prepare the reception.rtQm
LZV7S“It’s no problem. Although our staff is small, we’ve become quite skilled at attending to distinguished guests. There’s no need to worry.”CWXJPD7
bobx6M“Oh, really? I heard the Ravenclaw Barony has only been functioning for about half a month… Did you have time to prepare for guests?”xSVoPs
mhjJ3n“Yes. We’ve already had several distinguished visitors.”Gwb
RlMCPGuDelbriton responded with a slight bow and adjusted his monocle.UcVywY
jWu“Miss Ellen from Count Belmierd’s house visited us last week with a gift, and Miss Denise from the Beltus Duchy also came once.”stkC
xgsP“…”fHRiWUG
dkzKy“Miss Siern, from the ducal house of Rochester, visits whenever she can, as she spends a lot of time here receiving magic lessons.”Rtfqh
rQ9hDiella cast an incredulous glance toward the servants, analyzing their expressions.dnfTb
sGkNow she understood why the employees of such a remote barony moved with such efficiency.XP69R
JcqalZ2Despite being a fringe territory, treated like an exile, renowned noble ladies visited whenever they could. There was no room for mediocrity.SxJHE
MgJcIn Ebelstein’s social circles, lower-ranking nobles would do anything to get even a single visit from the children of influential families.xs7
8wsQ3YSeeing that such people visited here so naturally, the nobles of the Rose Hall were probably already beginning to feel a sense of inferiority.6OS5zX
rGJC9i“Do other young ladies also learn magic here?”Rrt6b
RdWW7Qw“Well, the baron focuses on teaching Miss Siern, so he doesn’t present himself as the official tutor of any family. However, I understand that he helps with basic magic usage and organizes the rank system.”1CTI1
T8lZh3It seemed that Denise and Ellen visited with the intention of taking Dereck with them whenever they could.HzK
UYmOOne way or another, capable magic instructors were always in short supply.vEEJvq
KvOThe Duplain sisters had arrived late because family matters kept them very busy.CIOcn
pbG‘…At this rate, this seems more like a magic academy than a noble mansion.’6RAYuEN
L1KbVmThat strange thought crossed her mind, though she wasn’t sure if Dereck thought the same.0hUuH
SjU“Even so, the baron has received considerable support from high-ranking families, so he tries to help in everything related to magic. If you wish, it wouldn’t hurt to consult him.”eZ2
uqK2Yh“Oh, really? Where is Dereck now?”djL2DM2
3pWwDelbriton cleared his throat softly before responding promptly.imNUePL
YqZ“He is teaching magic to Miss Siern.”1Ve1X
zzhFrom any angle, this was nothing less than a private magic academy.1Fp6YT
rEJQXnAiselin and Diella couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions, but before making any judgments, they needed to see Dereck’s face with their own eyes.GIF
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