Free Web NovelChapter 9: Chapter 9: Male and Female Servants Report for Duty
The meeting between the King and the Baron quickly concluded.
Eric watched Duane’s departing figure. He was surprised by the change in the young man’s methods, but also very satisfied with the current outcome.
’Honestly, I don’t want Duane to die.’
’After all, Carter was unfailingly loyal to me and has rendered considerable service over the years. Letting his son die a senseless death in a power struggle would give me a reputation for being harsh and ungrateful among my other followers.’
’That’s something I very much want to avoid.’
’However, I don’t want Duane to remain on the mainland either. There would always be the risk of him refuting the accusations from Orlando and the others, which would make things difficult for me to manage.’ ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com
’After all, the Lakefront Secret Realm is a key part of my plan to strengthen the relationship between the Royal Family and the Bloom Clan.’
’Although the Kingdom was established just over sixty years ago, its internal and external relations are not optimistic.’
’And now, with the Elemental Tide on the Shadow Mist Continent gradually rising and the overall power level of the Extraordinary increasing, it’s become all the more important to solidify relationships with certain members of the Nobility.’
Taking everything into consideration, he had decided to grant Black Forest Island to Duane.
Although there was little development there, it was more than enough for a Lord to live a comfortable life.
Of course, if Duane really could manage Black Forest Island well, it would be considered expanding the territory of the Pruck Kingdom. It wouldn’t be too late to start collecting taxes from him in twenty years.
But that was unlikely.
’That guy Hunter... letting Raymond go without even telling me... ’
Eric lowered his gaze slightly. Fortunately, Duane had learned to be patient. It would have been awkward if he had brought in Raymond to countersue Orlando.
Therefore, the items he had just given Duane were a reward for his choice to exercise restraint.
"Randy."
"At your command, Your Majesty!"
Eric ordered, "Go and inform Hunter to come see me."
"As you wish!"
After leaving the throne room, Duane met with Kaelon and the Clerk, Lloyd, to go over the details of the King’s aid.
They quickly came to a basic agreement.
A formal document for the twenty-year tax exemption would be issued soon;
As for the aid of thirty soldiers and eight hundred Gold Coins, someone would deliver them directly to Lakefront Castle in two days for Duane to personally inspect and receive.
"My Lord, I never expected you to reap such great benefits from this trip!"
On the way back, Kaelon looked at the Baron with an expression of disbelief, completely shocked.
"Just good luck, nothing to be surprised about."
Duane said with a smile, "I’m putting you in charge of these thirty soldiers. Do your best to help them adapt to the new environment and accept the arrangement to go to Black Forest Island."
"Yes, my Lord!"
Kaelon puffed out his chest. He had experience managing the Manor Guard and had also followed Carter around, observing how he drilled soldiers.
He was very confident about managing these thirty soldiers.
Duane, however, was a little worried. "I wonder what the strength of these thirty soldiers is. I hope there are some who have reached the level of a Basic-level Warrior."
"Soldiers from the Third Legion are, at the very least, able-bodied commoners. Even if they don’t have the strength of a Basic-level Warrior, a group of two or three can still fight on par with one."
Kaelon said reassuringly, "With them, my Lord, your safety will be even more secure."
Duane nodded slightly. Even though there were only thirty of them, these well-trained soldiers were enough to deter a mob of ordinary people.
Plus, with two relatively strong Warriors like Kaelon and Raymond by his side, he didn’t have to worry about threats from the common folk on the island.
"When they arrive, you and Julian will register their information. Get a clear understanding of their origins, backgrounds, and family members," Duane instructed.
’Although most soldiers in the Kingdom’s Third Legion come from commoner families, you can’t rule out the possibility of a child from the cousin of a cousin of a cousin of some noble being among them.’
’It’s not that I’m worried about spies in their midst—well, okay, that’s a slight possibility...’
’It’s more about getting a firm grasp on the details of my core team, so I know what I’m working with.’
Kaelon, however, didn’t think that deeply about it.
Riding on his horse, Duane glanced back at the magnificent Royal Palace at the end of the grand avenue, wondering when he would ever set foot there again.
’But this trip was a massive success.’
’Besides improving my personal security, the aid of eight hundred Gold Coins gave me more confidence in recruiting people and purchasing supplies.’
And so, after finishing their business at the Royal Palace, the two found a tavern in the city for lunch, then rode back toward Lakefront Manor.
Along the way, Duane tried a few difficult riding maneuvers, causing his Basic Riding Skill Level to increase even faster.
By the time they reached the castle, his Riding Skill Level had broken through to (Skilled 6/300).
After Duane used the 0.2 attribute points he had gained, his Strength increased to 4.6.
Feeling the power coursing through his body, Duane felt he was very close to becoming a Basic-level Warrior.
He was confident he could make a breakthrough before setting off for Black Forest Island.
"My Lord, you’re back!"
Ralph was unexpectedly at the castle. He greeted them warmly, "Have you had lunch?"
Duane nodded. "Kaelon and I ate out."
As he spoke, he looked at the man and woman following closely behind Ralph.
The man wasn’t exactly burly, but he looked quite sturdy.
He wore a clean and tidy linen shirt, with a short, brown linen cloak over it that looked as if it had been bought specially for today’s meeting.
The woman was rather thin. Her long linen shirt was clean and neat, with no obvious patches, but you could see traces of mending.
Noticing Duane’s gaze, the two of them immediately bowed.
"Baron, your faithful Male Servant, Owington, greets you!"
Compared to the Male Servant’s relatively calm demeanor, the maid was somewhat timid, and her bow was a bit clumsy. "Good day, Lord Baron. I am your maid, Jasmine."
Evidently, Ralph had interviewed them, found them suitable, and then brought them before Duane.
"A pleasure to meet you."
Duane greeted them, noticing the difference in their composure.
Owington was the son of a small merchant. Though of common birth, he had some education and carried himself with a fair amount of grace.
Jasmine, on the other hand, was the opposite. As someone who had been sold into servitude, her situation at home must not have been good. fɾēewebnσveℓ.com
"I trust Ralph’s judgment. Since he chose you, I believe you are capable of handling the duties of a male and female servant."
Duane said to Ralph, "Let’s settle it then."
"Very good, Master!"
Ralph called out, telling Owington to take the horses to the stables—places he had just inspected himself.
"Kaelon, tell Jack and John to stop their patrols. For the next few days, have them come to the castle for guard duty and training."
’Lakefront Manor has already been handed over, and I’ll be leaving in a few days. There’s no need to continue maintaining security here.’
’It’s better to have those two use their time where it counts.’
’If something really does happen in the manor, I’ll just have those people come to the castle for help. Then I can arrange for someone to handle it.’
"Yes, my Lord."
Kaelon decided to personally train Jack and John. When the thirty soldiers arrived, they could help him manage them.
After giving these instructions, Duane walked into the castle.
Jasmine nervously fidgeted with the hem of her dress. She watched Owington lead the horses away, then glanced at Ralph and Kaelon, who were both busy. She was the only one left without a task.
She mustered her courage and asked, "My Lord, is there anything I can do for you?"
Duane stopped.
From the original owner’s memories, he knew a maid’s daily tasks consisted of cleaning the master’s room, needlework, and taking care of the master’s daily life, among other things.
He thought for a moment and said, "Go to the kitchen and inform Auntie Mara that I will be there shortly. You can stay there and help her prepare the ingredients."
"Ye-yes!"
Jasmine didn’t know that nobility rarely went into the kitchen, so she wasn’t surprised by Duane’s order at all.
She walked briskly toward the kitchen.
Duane rubbed his nose. ’Before I transmigrated, I was worried about making a living, but now I feel like a big boss ordering people around.’
’Although it feels pretty good to give orders, I still have to rely on myself for the important things.’
’If I had a powerful background, I could afford to slack off a bit.’
’My current situation isn’t great. Besides the limited manpower I have, the best path forward is to make myself stronger.’
Duane went into his room, changed his clothes, and then hurried to the kitchen to continue raising his Skill Levels by making soup and stir-frying dishes.
