Chapter 8: The Estate of Gute — Baron Alcott

Gute Territory spans over 3,500 square kilometers, mostly comprised of plains, with a population exceeding 90,000. Within the Karode Province, it stands as one of the foremost noble powers.
The lord of this land is Alcott Ex, a fifth-generation member of the Ex family, of the same generation as Verin’s father.
Thanks to the Ex family’s traditions, every Ex child receives a fine education, especially those who choose the path of a pioneer knight, driven by ambition to bring honor to their lineage.
Having settled in Karode Province for more than fifty years, Alcott relied on his own efforts and determination to build this foundation from nothing.
“Master, a guard has reported your nephew Verin is visiting, and he’s provided a letter as proof,” an elderly butler entered, reporting to Alcott, who, though in his seventies, still appeared in the prime of life.
As a high-ranking Silver Knight, his lifespan was only halfway through—he had at least sixty-five more years to live.
Should he break through to the next rank, his life would instantly be extended by another two hundred years.
“Hmm?”
Alcott was puzzled as he took the letter. The family crest was indeed stamped on it, but he hadn’t returned to the family in over twenty years. While they had corresponded during that time, most letters had been about business.
He opened the letter, inspected the secret markings, and finally confirmed the visitor was truly his nephew. He then began to read through the letter, understanding the basic information.
“Call Covil over. He’ll come with me to greet my nephew,” Alcott adjusted his attire and instructed the butler.
“Yes, sir.”
The butler stepped forward to assist Alcott with his clothing, then withdrew to summon Covil, the primary heir.
At this moment, at the entrance to Gute Town, the central settlement of Gute Territory, Verin surveyed the clean and orderly surroundings, impressed by the family’s style.
He observed the local residents, their faces rosy and well-nourished, far better off than the common folk under several other noble lords he’d passed along the way.
“Baird, it seems my uncle is truly a man of great ambition.”
“You’re absolutely right, my lord,” replied Baird, captain of the knight guard.
Soon after, a robust man strode towards Verin with a commanding presence, accompanied by several knights and a butler.
“Nice to meet you, Uncle. I am Verin Ex, fifth son of the Count of the Eagle,” Verin stepped forward, bowed slightly, and paid his respects to his elder.
“Glad to meet you, Verin. Is Lord Angus well these days?” Alcott laughed heartily and responded to Verin.
“All is well. Under my father’s governance, the Eagle Territory has grown ever stronger.”

“Let me introduce you—this is my most outstanding son, Covil,” Alcott warmly took Verin’s hand and introduced him.
“Greetings, cousin.” Verin instinctively extended his right hand.
Covil hesitated for a moment, then extended his own hand and shook Verin’s.
This novel manner of greeting intrigued Alcott, though as an elder he refrained from asking.
“By the way, Uncle, Cousin, since this is our first meeting, I have a gift for you both.”
Orlando stepped forward, carrying a beautifully crafted gift box, and slowly opened it to reveal three intermediate magic crystals.
“That’s far too generous,” Alcott exclaimed, startled by the lavish gift.
In Karode Province, one intermediate magic crystal is worth 5,000 gold coins. These three were equivalent to 15,000 gold coins.
His territory’s annual tax revenue amounted to only 30,000 gold coins.
“Uncle, you exaggerate. As a newcomer, I’ll need information—and that depends on your help,” Verin replied with a sincere smile.
After some polite refusals, Baron Alcott let the butler accept the three magic crystals and affectionately took Verin’s hand, heading toward the castle at the center of Gute Town.
Throughout the walk, Baron Alcott showed unprecedented warmth toward Verin.
“Verin, the most important thing in pioneering is manpower. As a return gift, I’ll give you two hundred serfs, twenty cartloads of grain, two hundred spears, and a detailed map of Karode Province.”
“Thank you, Uncle Alcott,” Verin smiled. Just what he needed—people, and now they were provided.
Arriving at Gute Castle, a banquet was soon convened.
In the castle hall, the banquet was attended by Verin’s fourteen knights and over sixty knights under Alcott.
As the guest of honor, Verin attracted much attention—no fewer than thirty beautiful girls cast flirtatious glances his way.
However, for him, marriage was not something to be considered before thirty, unless there were enough tantalizing benefits to break that rule.
For this reason, he declined all offers of casual liaisons from the girls.
“Verin, you know, you could…well, relax a bit,” Covil approached with a wine glass, smiling slightly.
“No, cousin. As a knight loyal to my vows, premarital intimacy is a desecration of marriage.”

Covil looked at his earnest cousin and awkwardly smiled, “Alright, then I won’t disturb you.”
Watching his cousin depart, Verin shook his head and smiled, saying nothing.
Everyone has their own freedom—he had no reason to meddle.
Soon, the banquet ended. Verin entered Baron Alcott’s study, where they spoke by candlelight for two hours, then was led by the servants to rest.
As midnight approached, Verin lay in bed, contemplating his next move.
According to the information received from Baron Alcott, the best direction for expansion at present was the southwest of the Graylight Plains. That area was rich in plains and resources but crowded with low-level monsters, making pioneering quite difficult.
He did not rush to decide on that direction.
His plan over the next two weeks was to visit two other Ex family barons to gather more intelligence before making a choice.
After staying in Gute Territory for three days, Verin bid farewell to his uncle Alcott.
With the latter’s enthusiastic send-off, Verin led his men and the serfs toward their next destination.
These two hundred serfs were all able-bodied young men. In the Karode Province market, one could sell for thirty-three gold coins.
They could serve as cannon fodder, charging into battle, or work as slaves, clearing wilderness and cultivating fields for him.
With the increase in the convoy’s size, and to accommodate the serfs’ pace, Verin had to slow down.
Fortunately, with Baird, the knight captain skilled in military matters, the two hundred serfs were divided into twenty squads under his direction, each performing their tasks without confusion.
As days passed, the serfs began to resemble a proper army, though their real combat ability remained uncertain.
On May 1st, 9720 of the Glorious Calendar, a day of significance arrived.
At night, Verin sat quietly by the campfire, waiting.
The moon hung high in the sky, and soon it was eight o’clock. Once again, a pleasant female voice sounded in his ear.