Starting as the Baron of the Lonely Island

After several days at sea, Duane and his party returned safely to Black Forest Island.

Several large, foreign ships were moored on the vast expanse of the sea, flying the Blazing Sword banner.

Logan stood beside Duane, sizing up the ships docked in the port. "Are those the ships of Viscount Freddy Yalvis from the Akutas Kingdom?" he asked.

The new personal Male Servant was "professionally trained," making his knowledge and administrative skills superior to those of Owington.

For Logan, serving Duane was an excellent opportunity.

After all, the previous Male Servant, Owington, had been promoted to steward and was now managing the affairs of the Silver Jade Territory.

He was confident that if he worked hard, he too could earn such an opportunity in the future.

"You’re not mistaken. Those are indeed Freddy’s merchant ships," Duane confirmed with a nod.

Before the negotiations between the two nations at the Silent Shore, Duane had accepted Freddy’s proposal for cooperation. Freddy would send merchant ships to Black Forest Island every September to purchase three million jin of grain.

Duane hadn’t expected them to be so punctual. It seemed Freddy’s Territory was in more dire need of grain than he’d imagined.

In reality, while Freddy could buy some grain from the surrounding nobles’ territories, large-scale overland transport was nowhere near as cost-effective as purchasing from Duane.

What’s more, some nobles seized the opportunity to hoard their stock and jack up the prices.

Influenced by these two factors, Viscount Freddy preferred to spend two months traveling to purchase grain from Duane.

"My lord, I’ve heard tales of your exploits. Aren’t you and Viscount Freddy supposed to be enemies? Why are his merchant ships here?"

A slight smile touched Duane’s lips. "I wouldn’t call us enemies. Besides, even with enemies, cooperation is always possible as long as there’s something in it for both sides."

Freddy needed grain; Duane needed money and connections. It was as simple as that.

Understanding dawned on Logan. He felt he understood his new master a little better now.

By now, the port coordinators had spotted Duane’s ship and were hastily ordering the moored merchant vessels to clear a berth.

Even so, the entire process took a good half hour.

Although Duane could have easily flown ashore, he waited patiently on the ship.

’The port really is too small. With any more ships, the turnaround time would be far too long.’

This time, Duane experienced the inconvenience firsthand. Black Forest Port was in dire need of a larger harbor.

Fortunately, the construction team sent by Count Kais to help build the port was due to arrive soon.

"Go and tell Julian to prepare the manpower in advance. Work is to begin the moment the construction team arrives."

"Also, find another suitable location on Black Forest Island for a new dock. I want one built specifically for me and other visiting Nobility to use."

That was how it was at the Silent Shore. When the port was crowded with merchant ships, the Nobility had their own dedicated access, allowing them to avoid long waits.

"Yes, I’ve taken note!"

Over the past couple of days, Logan had chatted with John and the others, giving him a detailed understanding of the names and roles of Black Forest Island’s core members. He knew exactly who Julian was.

"Welcome back, my lord!"

The man in charge of port defense today was Evans, the Captain of the second squad.

"Who’s leading the delegation from Scorching Wind Territory?" Duane asked.

"It’s Knight Cassio Zeke," Evans replied. "The General Affairs Consultant has arranged for him to rest at an inn in Broken Wave City."

Dawn Town is currently under renovation, and the original guest house has been demolished.

To accommodate visitors, Julian had Monbodt’s old residence expanded and renovated to serve as a temporary guest house.

"Send someone to inform him that I’m back."

"Yes, my lord!"

Duane returned to Forest Castle and immediately summoned Manny, handing him a personal letter from Viscount Charlemagne.

As someone exiled by the Holy Radiance Court, Manny’s injuries had yet to fully heal, and he was feeling lost about his future.

Now, with his father’s blessing and a heart full of gratitude for Duane, he immediately knelt on one knee and pledged his allegiance.

This brought the number of followers with noble status under Duane’s command to four. If one were to include the descendants of bankrupt knights, the number was even greater.

"My lord, Knight Cassio is here," Logan announced.

Duane nodded, gesturing for Manny to withdraw. "Bring him in," he said.

Moments later, Cassio entered the drawing room.

He was a gray-haired man in his forties or fifties, with a hale and hearty look about him.

He strode forward, placed his right hand over his heart, and bowed deeply. "Your Excellency, the esteemed Earl of the Star of the Sky, Cassio offers you his sincerest greetings."

Compared to Garrot, this representative from Scorching Wind Territory was far more humble.

’As expected, strength is the most effective path to earning respect.’

Duane politely gestured for him to sit. "I’m surprised word of my exploits has already reached Scorching Wind Territory."

Reverence shone in Cassio’s eyes. "Your Grace, your renown shines like the stars! It has already spread to every corner of the five kingdoms!"

The five kingdoms referred to the five nations on the Shadow Mist Continent.

Nearly two months had passed since the martial tournament, so the news of Duane’s victory had certainly had enough time to spread.

However, more impactful than the tournament victory was what Cassio had learned during his few days on Black Forest Island: he’d heard the story of Duane defeating Thomsen. He knew the young man before him was a powerful Silver Moon Warrior, which was the true reason for his humility and reverence.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Cassio got to the purpose of his visit.

"My lord, we have already loaded most of the three million jin of grain you sold us. On behalf of Viscount Freddy, I wish to express our sincerest gratitude for your support!"

He had been extremely anxious upon his arrival, fearing Duane would make things difficult for them. He never expected the purchase to go so smoothly.

Duane smiled. "I always conduct trade based on principles of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit. You arrived at Black Forest Island on schedule and respected the terms of our agreement, so of course, you have my full support."

He took a sip from his cup of Hot Spring Mountain Tea and smiled. "I enjoy doing business with people who are punctual."

Cassio nodded repeatedly. ’Thankfully, we weren’t late this time,’ he thought. ’Next time, I’ll have to make sure we set out even earlier.’

"My lord, this is our first official trade, and I trust you have seen Scorching Wind Territory’s sincerity. I was wondering if Black Forest Island might consider increasing the grain quota for us?"

In the past two days, he had gotten a rough idea of the harvest situation on Black Forest Island. The island had enjoyed several consecutive bumper crops, and Duane’s granaries were now filled to bursting.

If he could increase Scorching Wind Territory’s grain purchasing quota, it would be a small feather in his cap.

"Of course!"

Duane answered in the affirmative without a moment’s hesitation.

"I also hope to cooperate with Viscount Freddy in other areas. For instance, the Meteorite Iron from his Secret Realm is one of the resources I desire most."

Duane was now a Scorching Sun Level Warrior. When he fought at full strength, he required an incredibly durable weapon. Only something forged from Meteorite Iron would suffice.

"This..."

Cassio was still basking in the joy of Duane’s agreement when he was caught off guard by the new condition—a trade.

"Meteorite Iron is a vital resource. I’m afraid that decision is above my authority."

Fearing he might anger Duane, he quickly added, "However, I will convey your request to the Viscount and do everything in my power to make this cooperation happen!"

Duane gave a slight nod. He hadn’t expected Cassio to have the authority to make such a decision anyway.

"Cooperation is the only way to achieve a win-win outcome. I’m sure Viscount Freddy understands that."

"You are absolutely right!"

In truth, with his current status, Duane could easily purchase Meteorite Ore from Count Kais.

But the material was valuable and rare; no one would turn down an additional supply channel.

If Viscount Freddy was willing to sell, Duane would gladly stockpile the iron, even if he had no immediate use for it.

The two discussed the details of their cooperation for a while longer before Duane gradually steered the conversation toward the nobility of Scorching Wind Territory.

"After our last negotiation, what became of Knight Garrot?"

"Alas, Garrot committed a grave offense and caused a great loss for Scorching Wind Territory. After he returned, the Lord Viscount granted him a dignified death."

Duane understood. That meant Garrot had been executed.

"And the others?"

Duane pressed on. "I recall there was also a Mage named Selena. She’s Baron Torre’s wife, isn’t she? What happened to her? Was she executed as well?"

"Oh no, not at all!"

Cassio clearly had no idea of Duane’s intentions, and since these were all public knowledge, he had no reason to hide the details.

"The sneak attack on you was Garrot’s own doing. Lady Selena merely went along with it. Baron Torre pleaded on her behalf, so not only did she escape punishment, but I hear she’s now with child."

"Heh..."

Duane chuckled. "It seems the Magic Plant she and that Knight Brisson found did the trick. My congratulations to Baron Torre."

Cassio couldn’t help but smile as well. "Baron Torre was desperate for an heir. Now that his wish has been granted, he is indeed worthy of congratulations."

"It’s just that someone had to take the fall for that incident. Since Lady Selena walked away unscathed, it seemed unlikely Knight Brisson would be so lucky."

A jolt of surprise went through Duane, but he kept his expression impassive. "A pity. I didn’t expect Brisson to be executed as well."

’He was counting on Brisson and Selena to work together and seize control of Baron Torre’s Territory for him.’

But just as he thought his plan was in jeopardy, Cassio quickly waved his hands.

"No, no, no, you’ve misunderstood. Brisson wasn’t executed."

He explained, "He rendered a great service to Baron Torre by bringing back the Red Sun Grass. So while he had to take responsibility, his punishment was only a few dozen lashes. The injuries were severe, but he pulled through. Now, he’s the Baron’s most trusted Knight!"

Duane was taken aback for a moment, then remarked with a sigh, "I never thought... Baron Torre is truly a just nobleman, rewarding merit and punishing faults accordingly!"

’The Baron probably doesn’t know that Brisson didn’t just bring him Red Sun Grass... he also brought him a nice new pair of horns.’