Chapter 69

Chapter 69

A carriage entered the mansions gate with an imposing presence. It was similar to when the investigative team had previously arrived, yet distinctly different. Even from a distance, it was clear that it carried positive news, obvious enough for even a blind person to discern.

Following the path of the carriage, the local residents curiously tagged along.

Whats this? Another carriage from the central government?

Could it be! Has the investigative team returned?

The flag is different from last time. And doesnt the carriage look too expensive? What could it be, hmm.

Carriages are always expensive, you fool.

Huh? Its going up to the mansion!

All the servants working at the mansion rushed outside, and Ian, dusting off dirt, walked towards the front gate.

Creak.

A grand and splendid carriage followed by a long procession. Imperial guards stood in formation, wielding ceremonial swords, their imposing stance preventing the onlookers from murmuring too loudly.

And then, an elderly man descended from the carriage.

Ah. Its Administrator Chielonia.

Only Romandro recognized her, seemingly a figure similar in status to MolRin. Despite her deep wrinkles, her eyes shone sharply. She elegantly surveyed her surroundings and quickly identified Ian.

Are you Ian?

Yes, I am.

I bring a message from His Majesty the Emperor. Everyone, kneel.

Ian carefully knelt, and soon, everyone at the mansion followed suit. The woman, with a dignified and heavy voice, read the letter.

-Prince MariV VerocIon the First and Advisor Romandros recommendation has been approved by the council. In recognition of Ians contributions to the reconstruction and defense of the territory, Ian is hereby appointed as the new Baron of the Bratz territory. However

Upon hearing the announcement of the appointment as a lord, the servants, forgetting decorum, lifted their heads eagerly. The crowd outside did the same, straining their ears to catch the words from the imperial envoy.

-Your status as the illegitimate son of DergHa Bratz will remain an unchangeable stigma in any circumstance. Hence, a conditional proposal is made. If you contribute the unpaid taxes of DergHa Bratz and the opportunity cost of improving your treatment to the Imperial Court, the glory of your new house will continue for generations.

Oh my.

Ian slightly raised his eyebrows and smiled. In other words, a provisional lordship. If he complies within the timeframe, he could continue his position without issues; however, failure would place everything under the control of the Imperial Court.

Including Ians status and all the estates assets.

That concludes His Majestys message. The official lordship ceremony will be at the Imperial Court at years end. If you agree, come on the appointed day.

Attending the lordship ceremony meant receiving a new family name and officially declaring things like the familys seal. Ian nodded lightly.

Was there any mention of the duration for the contribution?

It will be one year from the ceremony date, and the total amount due is 10,000 gold coins.

Gasp!

A cry of astonishment erupted from an unidentified servant. It was the first time they had ever heard of such an amount as 10,000 gold coins, and they wondered how they could possibly raise it, especially in addition to the regular taxes.

Chielonia rolled up the letter and handed it to Ian.

You do have the right to refuse, of course.

That would be preposterous. Its the Emperors word, after all.

It truly was preposterous. The letter mentioned the opportunity cost of improving treatment, probably referring to demoting Ian, a magic user, to a slave. Refusing the appointment would essentially be asking to be made a slave. Even if he fled to the Great Desert, if the Imperial Court decided to pursue him, there would be no chance of escape.

I will humbly accept this great honor.

The appointment ceremony will be held along with the New Years party. Details of the schedule will be conveyed later, and you should prepare the emblem of your new house.

His surname would be bestowed by the Emperor, so Ian had no choice in the matter.

Yes, I understand.

Very well. Ill guide you. Beric!

Understood!

Since the carriage has been waiting for a long time, it would be best to hurry, Administrator Chielonia.

Ignoring Ian, Chielonia entered the main building. Ian, about to follow her, suddenly locked eyes with the servants lined up and looking at him. Their eyes sparkled like stars. They whispered quietly, biting their lips as if performing ventriloquism.

Congratulations, Lord Ian!

My goodness, youve become a noble. This is unbelievable

Lord Ian will receive the title of baron!

A baron, thats above a knight, isnt it?

They unanimously celebrated Ians rise in status. It meant that Bratz, their homeland, would be normalized, and the employment security at the mansion would become even more solid.

Ian showed his gratitude with a smile and followed Chielonia into the underground prison.

This way.

As Beric guided them, Chielonias steps quickened. But Ian, holding her back, cautioned her.

Please refrain from any hasty discussions.

What?

Molrin is accused of conspiring with outsiders to kill me. Now that I have been appointed as a lord, I have the authority to detain him for my safety.

This was a warning with an undertone of threat, implying he could turn them into corpses if they acted recklessly. Chielonia felt increasingly frustrated as her predictions kept going awry. The plan she had envisioned over the past fortnight was not unfolding as she had expected.

It feels like hes been countering me at every turn

In such situations, there was a good strategy: to speak as little as possible. Chielonia maintained silence, looking straight ahead, and Ian commanded the Cheonrye tribe to open the door.

Creak.

As the door opened, a strange, musty smell wafted out. Despite daily cleaning, the lack of windows made it an unavoidable issue.

Molrin!

Chielonia?

Lady Chielonia!

What brings you here? No, more importantly, please get us out! This despicable man has locked us up

Mack, who had been shouting about being imprisoned, trailed off upon seeing Chielonias attire. It wasnt the formal attire worn when delivering imperial decrees. If it was an imperial decree at this time, there could only be one.

Dont tell me, Ian received the appointment decree to be a lord?

Macks question was met with silence. Molrin sat in a chair, pressing his eyelids tightly. For them, it was the worst of the worst situations. Things kept getting more tangled without resolution.

Is Prince Gale doing well?

Hahaha.

Ian burst out laughing at Molrins question. His laughter was so clear and bright that Chielonia could only look at him in confusion.

Look at you, worrying about others. Youre eating well, sleeping well, doing what you must, except for the lack of windows. Its quite a luxury for someone who orchestrated an assassination. Where else would you find such treatment?

Chielonia couldnt refute Ians words. Despite their disheveled appearance, there were no signs of torture or abuse. The prison was surprisingly spacious, and it was furnished.

Feel free to discuss any matters. And Sir Mack, as you pointed out, I am now Baron Ian. Please address me properly.

There was a significant difference between being a noble family member and holding a noble title. Ian, now responsible for a territory, was warning them to ensure proper respect was given. Otherwise, they could be accused of insulting a noble.

Lord Ian. I would like to have a word with you.

Chielonia, who had been observing the situation, interjected with a plea. However, Ians response was already determined.

Oh, I refuse.