Starting as the Baron of the Lonely Island

Natalia was different from the other followers. By marrying Duane, she effectively became the mistress of Black Forest Island.

When Duane was away from Black Forest Island, she would have the authority to manage many of its affairs. It was therefore necessary for him to ensure she understood and would carry out his vision.

This was also one of the reasons Duane had never considered a marriage alliance with the Fourth Princess of Pruck or Duke Kelvin’s granddaughter.

Fortunately, Natalia was intelligent and had deep feelings for Duane, so everything fell into place naturally.

After giving her a tour of the territory, they did not return to Forest Castle until evening.

Duane had never expected to welcome his fiancée to a castle he had seized from a gang.

However, Forest Castle had undergone numerous repairs over the past two years and was no longer as dilapidated as it had once been.

By the time Duane and Natalia returned, all the key civil and military officials in the territory had gathered.

With the ranks of his followers having swelled once more, the once-spacious hall now seemed slightly crowded.

Duane hosted a banquet there, updating everyone on recent events and listening to his subordinates’ reports on the territory’s recent development.

Of course, the most important part was introducing Natalia to everyone and publicly granting her the authority to manage the territory’s affairs.

As a daughter of the Kennedy Clan, Natalia’s status was far beyond what those of humble origins could compare to. Coupled with the fact that she was Duane’s wife, not only did no one object to his arrangement, but they all felt it was perfectly natural.

The steward, Ralph, enthusiastically shared a drink with Natalia, feeling a bit emotional.

He recalled how they had all desperately wanted Duane to find a wife and produce an heir as soon as possible.

’This matter is finally halfway done. The next step will be to urge the Lord and his lady to have a child quickly.’

In addition to these matters, Duane also introduced Trent, an Earth Tier Peak Warrior, and tasked Raymond with spearheading the effort to help Trent begin the navy’s training.

After the banquet, Natalia went to bathe, accompanied by her personal maids, Karen and Jasmine, while Duane summoned Lune Holmes to his study.

"Have a seat," Duane said. "How is the training of the new unit coming along?"

Lune had been on Black Forest Island for a year now. He was used to the life and had long since become one of the group, sharing the same reverence for the young Lord as everyone else.

"After receiving your instructions, Raymond and I recruited a hundred Guards and intensified their combat training."

He answered earnestly, "When Captain Kaelon passed through Black Forest Island, he shared his invaluable battlefield experience. Under his guidance, we adjusted our training regimen to emphasize coordinated small-unit tactics."

Duane nodded. This was the result of his discussions with Kaelon after the war, and they had also received guidance from Knight Marles.

"I have a very important mission for you," Duane said, "but I don’t know if you’ll be willing to accept it."

Lune sat up straighter. He had suspected that the Lord had a purpose for him when he ordered him to train the unit, but he couldn’t imagine what kind of mission it might be.

"Please, just give the order! I will do everything in my power to carry it out for you!"

Duane took out a map and motioned for him to come take a look.

"This is... a map of the Starfall Islands?" Lune was inwardly shocked. ’Don’t tell me this mission is related to the Starfall Islands.’

Duane pointed to Mountain Village in Sharp Stone Territory. "I want you to lead a unit to station yourselves in Mountain Village. There, you will build granaries, stockpile food, recruit able-bodied laborers, and train a militia."

*HISS!*

Lune drew in a sharp breath. "My Lord," he began, trailing off, "you’re..."

He was stunned for a moment, completely blindsided by such a mission.

"You want to invade the Starfall Islands?" he finally managed, his voice filled with disbelief.

Duane smiled. "For now, I’m just establishing a power base there. It doesn’t count as an invasion."

’You’re sending troops into someone else’s territory,’ Lune wanted to say. ’How is that not an invasion?’

He heard Duane continue, "You’ve probably heard about the time people from the Scorching Wind Territory tried to assassinate me, only for me to capture them instead."

Lune nodded. "It’s one of your most famous exploits. Everyone on Black Forest Island knows the story."

"Among them were Selena, the wife of Torre Courtney, and his Knight, Brison. Now, Baron Torre is dead, assassinated by Duke Star Sea. His infant son, Willard, has inherited the title, but due to his age, Sharp Stone Territory is being managed by his mother, Selena, until he comes of age."

Lune’s mind raced as he tried to grasp the key information.

But he was unaware of the recent events on the Starfall Islands and knew nothing of Duane’s movements, so he couldn’t yet piece everything together.

Duane looked up, meeting his eyes. "Now, Selena serves me."

*BOOM!*

The words struck Lune like a clap of thunder. He couldn’t help but flinch, his eyes flying wide.

’I get it,’ he thought. ’I finally get it!’

"You intend to use Sharp Stone Territory as a springboard, to carve out a foothold in the Starfall Islands when the time is right?"

Duane nodded. "This mission carries a certain degree of risk. I had originally intended to give it to Kaelon, but he’s indispensable to the Silver Jade Territory. You, however, are the strongest of my followers, which is why I’m considering you for it."

He then changed his tone. "However, you are the eldest grandson of the Holmes Clan and the future heir to its title. The choice to go is yours alone. I cannot force you."

’What is there to choose?’

Without a moment’s hesitation, Lune dropped to one knee. "My Lord, I accept this mission!"

"My father is the heir to the Holmes Clan’s title. As for me, I am simply your follower, ready to answer your call at any moment!"

The Holmes Clan was in decline; Lune had followed Duane precisely to find an opportunity like this.

Now, that opportunity was right in front of him. It was risky, yes, but the potential rewards were far greater. He would not let it slip by.

The corners of Duane’s lips curled upward. He hadn’t expected Lune to agree so decisively, without even attempting to negotiate any terms.

"Excellent. I have high hopes for you, Lune!"

Duane helped him to his feet. "I will have Ross Wilson assist you. I’ll also assign you fifteen Basic and Middle Level Warriors, plus one hundred Guards and one hundred Militia."

Ross Wilson came from a bankrupt Knight Clan and was a Human Tier Warrior.

"Furthermore, until your strength reaches the peak of the Earth Tier, I will provide you with a steady supply of Intoxicating Honey Wine to aid you in your Body Tempering cultivation!"

Lune had heard of Intoxicating Honey Wine, but such a precious concoction was completely beyond his reach, both for the Holmes Clan’s finances and for his personal stipend of three Gold Coins a month.

But now, by accepting this mission, he would receive it for free. The risk was well worth it.

"Thank you for your generosity!"

He performed a solemn knight’s salute. "I guarantee I will complete the mission!"

Duane nodded. "I will personally accompany you on the first trip to establish contact with Selena and Brison."

"Those two can be trusted, but you’ll need to be wary of the others, especially the people of Mountain Village. Once you’re established there, you must restrict the locals from entering or leaving the village."

Duane needed to turn Mountain Village into a closed-off settlement, with his people taking control of everything. Only then would the plan be foolproof.

"I understand," Lune said gravely.

He then began to explain the finer details of the mission to Lune, as well as his long-term vision for the Starfall Islands.