Chapter 175: Baron Harris (Part 1)

Chapter 175: Baron Harris (Part 1)



After dinner, Rayne returned to his room and reviewed the system prompts from the previous two battles:

【Your skill, Tokkarkar Hammer Technique, has improved. Experience gained: +112】

【Your skill, Great Bear Sword Technique, has improved. Experience gained: +32】

【Your skill, Inferno Field, has improved. Experience gained: +11】

【You have experienced a battle. Knight (Extraordinary) experience gained: +69. Apprentice Wizard (Extraordinary) experience gained: +12】

Both the Knight and Apprentice Wizard were steadily improving.

Rayne contemplated his situation. Although he had already reached the second level of Apprentice Wizard, he had yet to find any wizard school or organization, so his focus remained primarily on the path of the Knight.

Since Lagray's departure, Rayne had gone without meat for several days.

The latest chapter of this novel is available on 69shu.com.

Rayne thought about how he had used the ammunition depot of a three-masted sailing ship to blow up the Sunken Ship, and how he might have ranked first in the Enlistment Examination.

However, Rayne couldn't quite decide if the Baron's senses were good or bad. Instead, it was his heir, Klaya, who got along well with him, while Alonso was on bad terms.

That's right!

It was easy to recruit servants from outside, but an experienced butler was an important position in any family, typically cultivated from a young age, similar to the child servants in the Habsburg Estate.

"It's just a temporary arrangement. Compared to the help you've given the Crowley family in the past, these are trivial matters."

Without a shawl, her neck was exposed, revealing a large patch of white, smooth, and slippery skin. A golden brooch barely held the top of her dress in place, preventing it from slipping down.

The next moment, the beautiful woman released Rayne, her eyes lowered, a hint of shyness in her gaze.

"Sir Rayne, you're finally back!" Jenny, who was about to knock on the door, was surprised to see it open, and a familiar figure stood before her.

Rayne recalled Evelyn, the red-haired maiden, who should have also received an excellent evaluation, but she hadn't received any notification from the Empire.

"That's a great idea."

"Sir Rayne, please don't be so formal. Just ask away." Baroness Crowley quickly waved her hand.

"I wanted to ask about the design of noble coats of arms. Are there any customary rules or traditions? I was just enfeoffed as a baron in the Imperial Province of Minster a couple of days ago, so..."

"That's wonderful! Well done, Rayne!" Hamilton patted Rayne's shoulder firmly.

Once he passed the Swordbearer Selection, Rayne had a premonition that he would likely be able to access the Empire's official forces related to the Mystic side.

Baron was not his final destination. Since the family coat of arms could be changed with the elevation of titles, it would be much easier.

At this moment, the scent of a mature woman's perfume wafted from Baroness Crowley, and as he looked at her neck, exposed and pale, Rayne felt a surge of heat in his lower abdomen, suddenly feeling parched.

Even in the entire Dragorn Empire, a hereditary marquis was not a small figure.

Baroness Crowley couldn't contain her joy at regaining what was lost, and she hugged him, tears of happiness streaming down her face!

The situation seemed more serious than he had imagined.

"However, I haven't agreed yet. I'd like to hear your thoughts first." Hamilton said.

Rayne nodded and proceeded to share the key points of the matter with Hamilton.

Soon, the carriage arrived at the spacious Marquis Mansion.

Rayne was taken aback! Captain of the Guards?

Rayne didn't hide the truth from the two women, revealing the Zaraal Resistance Army as the mastermind behind the scenes.

If Jenny hadn't been there, she would have looked at her mother, then down at Rayne's waist, and immediately turned to look out the window, her cheeks flushing.

Seeing the beautiful woman and Jenny looking bewildered, Rayne decided to come clean.

Jenny's eyes were red at this moment, as she had spent the past few days accompanying her mother in their unsuccessful attempts to make contact.

As soon as he entered the carriage, Rayne caught a whiff of the baroness's strong rose perfume. He looked up and saw the voluptuous woman, as beautiful as ever, but with a hint of worry on her forehead.

This made Rayne's already furrowed brows crease even more.

He currently had no idea what to do.

"Yes, I participated in the Noble Enfeoffment Examination in the Imperial Province of Minster a couple of days ago and received an excellent evaluation, so I was enfeoffed as a baron."

"Of course."

According to his resume, he was born and raised in Shining Town.

Rayne estimated that his current strength was roughly 60% Knight and 40% Wizard.

It wasn't a viscount but a baron, and it came with a prefix—hereditary.

Rayne crossed his arms and shared his rough idea, saying, "A greatsword and a two-handed warhammer, crossed. Can it be done?"

The error-free version is available on 69shu.com.

"By the way, Madam, I have a matter that I'd like to seek your advice on."

"As you search for a suitable butler, would you allow me to temporarily fill the role?" Baroness Crowley asked with a smile.

Rayne thought for a moment and said,

"Hehe~" The baroness and Jenny couldn't help but cover their mouths and chuckle at Rayne's rare bitter smile.

Rayne stood up and looked out the window of his second-floor bedroom. A familiar carriage had stopped at their door, and the noble maiden, Jenny, was stepping out of the carriage.

"So, I hope you can organize a team to help the Crowley family retrieve these goods. I will double the recruitment fees for the necessary personnel and your compensation."

This position is truly exceptional, indicating the deep trust that Count Habsburg has in you.

It gives off a silent temptation!

"Hmm, if it's a repeat, then I'll add a circle of flames around the edges of the two weapons," Rayne gestured.

"My Lord, you're joking," Rayne immediately waved his hand.

"Lord Rayne, I am truly grateful to you. If it weren't for you..."

"Madam, you need not worry. Perhaps, we can retrieve those goods right now."

"Hello, Baron Rayne, please take a seat," Count Habsburg smiled and gestured to Rayne.

How could it be so fast!

"Madam, I'm more interested in the blacksmith shop, but it's about forging rather than management. So, I think the management of the blacksmith shop should still be handled by the Crowley family, and we can split the profits."

"The first choice is to serve as the deputy sheriff of the county city, mainly responsible for the daily and night patrols within the city."

Usually, the wife of a knight or a viscount would take on the role of a higher-level noble, such as a viscount or the housekeeper of a marquis mansion.

Rayne tried to calm the restlessness in his heart and after some thought, he said, "Madam, let's arrange for someone to retrieve the goods that originally belonged to the Crowley family."

"That's possible. Both weapons represent a certain battle skill that you excel at. The only concern is whether other nobles have already used this emblem. If it's already taken, I suggest you add a symbol to it."

"This will almost exhaust the Crowley family's current cash flow. The biggest problem is that the wine industry is highly competitive, and opponents will try to bring you down."

Rayne, who was about to refuse, froze when he heard the words 'blacksmith shop'. He swallowed back the words of refusal that were almost out of his mouth.

"Hmm, after you settle some matters, come find me. I have a friend who needs your help to solve a mysterious incident."

"Lord Rayne, it's great to finally meet you!"

Baroness Crowley seemed to think of a lively scene and couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle.

Rayne waved his hand and smiled, stopping her from continuing, "By the way, Lord Rayne, I also plan to give you a shop under the Crowley family's name as a token of my gratitude. Currently, the family owns a bakery, a blacksmith shop, and a tailor shop in the county city."

"Perfect, I'm going to the county city later, so I'll visit Baron Harris first."

Therefore, as a newly appointed baron, Rayne couldn't avoid this Marquis of Minster.

"Thank you, Count, for your praise," Rayne bowed slightly and said with a smile.

Of course, this doesn't mean that the wizard's four-tenths share can be underestimated.

"Indeed, Madam, I'd rather push away these social gatherings. Besides, I really can't think of a trustworthy and capable steward for myself." Rayne couldn't help but smile wryly.

He was still wholeheartedly focused on improving his strength, where would he find the time to deal with this?

Rayne spent some time with several trusted members of the Crowley family to retrieve the Bordeaux vintage and other spoils of war from his secret location.

"Hmm?" Rayne's eyes flashed with a gleam.

In a luxurious study, Rayne met Count Habsburg for the first time.

This made Rayne inwardly exclaim in exasperation! Additionally, he confirmed that 'Fine Branches, Abundant Fruit' was real.

"Hmm? Is there also a gift of a mansion?" Rayne's eyes lit up. "Yes, by the way, haven't you met with Baron Harris yet? Logically, you should have received an invitation from the Governor of Master County - Baron Harris." The lady chuckled.

This made her deeply realize that without sufficient military power, a family's wealth accumulated through business would be like a fat cow for others to slaughter.

Rayne nodded at Hamilton's expectant gaze and said, "I've received it. In about three months, I'll go to Minster to participate in the Swordbearer Selection."

"Good morning, Madam. Is there any trouble?" Rayne bowed slightly.

It seemed that the Crowley family was even more anxious than he thought. Rayne thought.

"So, you just need to tell me the pattern you like, and I'll help you with the reference."

"However, perhaps you should first arrange for a cart to transport the goods." Rayne looked at the luxurious carriage.

"No wonder. After Count Habsburg meets with you, your status as a newly appointed baron will soon be known to all the nobles in Master County. I believe you'll be overwhelmed by the visits and invitations you receive."

The lady seemed to think of something and proactively said, "Then it's no wonder. After Count Habsburg meets with you, your status as a newly appointed baron will soon be known to all the nobles in Master County. I believe you'll be overwhelmed by the visits and invitations you receive."

The atmosphere in the carriage became a little awkward.

"Hmm? Is Lord Rayne interested in blacksmithing?" The lady looked at Rayne in surprise and then exchanged a glance with Jenny.

"Rayne, I heard that you performed exceptionally well in the recent Imperial Enfeoffment Examination in the Imperial Province of Minster and were granted the title of Baron by the Empire. This surprised me!"

"Rayne, your performance was remarkable."

"By the way, Rayne, since you've been granted the title of Baron, the Empire will arrange a mansion for you. However, the decoration and recruitment of servants will need to be done by yourself. You see, these miscellaneous tasks, should I help you prepare them first?"

Next, Rayne planned to visit Master Gunther to further his swordsmanship, which was a step forward on his path as a knight.

"Ouch!" Baroness Crowley was poked in the belly and couldn't help but exclaim softly.

Baroness Crowley and Jenny both had their eyes wide open, looking at Rain with expressions of disbelief.

"Yes, the results were out in just three days! I don't know why it was so quick, but it seems the official evaluations haven't been formally announced yet."

In the eyes of Count Habsburg, being a native of the region, he was worthy of cultivation and trust.

He was almost certain that the Crowley family's difficulties were due to the hijacking of that batch of Bordeaux vintage.

As for an experienced butler?

Suddenly, Rain felt a soft, fragrant body leaning into his embrace.

This was Rain's first time visiting Count Habsburg's manor. Although, in a sense, he had a connection with the Habsburg family, it wasn't until today that he had the opportunity to meet the most powerful person in Master County.

Rain didn't think there was anything embarrassing about it. Even if Baron Rain became a duke one day, as long as the blacksmith profession remained, blacksmithing would still be a required course for him! "Sir Rain, perhaps you don't know, but my late father, Baron Crowley, was a master armorer. He wrote two books on armory crafting. Perhaps, when you have time, you can take a look at them." Jenny, who was beside him, said.

Rain nodded and briefly explained the situation.

Hearing Baroness Crowley speak up, Rain thought, yes, professional matters should be left to professionals.

The beautiful woman immediately felt that Rain, who was sitting across from her, was examining certain parts of her body. But she didn't shy away; instead, she straightened her slim waist slightly.

This... there's just too much going on!

"I'm a guardian knight of the Crowley family, Madam. You're being too polite."

But now, he was actually a baron!

Seeing Rain appear, a pair of big, watery eyes looked at him expectantly.

She also understood why her mother had been inquiring about the newly-appointed civilian knight, hoping to find a civilian heir with exceptional knight skills and convince him to marry into the Crowley family.

Rain knew that the other party intended to repay him for today's events.

He should've worn his plate armor before coming out. Now, wearing only a waistcoat, he couldn't hide his embarrassment. At that moment, Rain carefully examined Baroness Crowley, who was sitting across from him.

"I invited you here to meet you and to ask about your plans for the next step."

When Rain boarded the carriage again, he saw the voluptuous Baroness Crowley, who seemed more radiant than in the morning, her beauty enhanced by the resolution of her worries.

"By the way, I almost forgot an important matter."

"Yesterday, Baron Harris sent a letter, hoping that you could visit his manor after your return." Hamilton turned and handed Rain a piece of paper resembling a letter.

"Huh? Is it a special case? Good job, boy! No, I mean, you're now a baron! I should address you as 'Your Excellency' from now on!" Hamilton suddenly realized.

Rain coughed to hide his embarrassment.

Count Habsburg looked at Rain deeply, paused, and said, "A young eagle always wants to soar into a broader sky. I understand that, Rain. You don't need to apologize. I was the same when I was young."

"I see." Rain nodded.

He briefly recounted how he had been ambushed on the road, counterattacked, and then infiltrated the enemy's stronghold, where he coincidentally saw the missing batch of Bordeaux vintage.

"What?!"

Two exclamations immediately interrupted Rain's words.

Seeing Rain, Hamilton's face lit up with joy. He immediately stood up from behind the large desk and came forward to examine Rain from head to toe. After a while, he asked, "Rain, did you succeed?"

"Alas! The Crowley family has encountered a big problem. The loss of this batch of goods means we have to pay double compensation. I calculated it, and it's about two thousand imperial gold coins."

After arriving in the county town by the Crowley family's carriage, Rain planned to first visit Baron Harris and then go to the Crowley family to read Baron Crowley's books on armory crafting.

He casually put on a waistcoat and quickly walked downstairs.

"Oh, by the way, when it's time, you'll need to recruit a reliable and experienced butler for your new manor, or many things will become troublesome."

The perceptive beautiful woman noticed Rain's suddenly furrowed brows and immediately understood the situation. "Are you facing some difficulties? Perhaps I can help with these trivial matters."

"Alright, then I'll go to the county town first." Rain nodded.

Rain raised his eyebrows, surprised to see Baroness Crowley there.

The overall impression Rain got from Baron Harris was one of calmness, dignity, and unfathomable depth. It was as if he were facing a volcano about to erupt, leaving Rain with a constant sense of unease.

Listening to the praise from the beautiful woman, Rain felt a sense of contentment.

"Since you performed exceptionally in the enfeoffment examination and brought honor to Master County, I will offer you three choices for your appointment."

Unfortunately, Rain's current goal was no longer limited to just Master County.

"Good morning, Miss Jenny," Rain nodded.

The beautiful woman's eyes welled up with tears as she finished speaking, and she looked at Rain with anticipation.

Baroness Crowley was naturally not adept at combat, but she was quite proficient in family management and business.

She gently lifted the strands of hair that fell by her ear and said, "Sir Rain, I'm so sorry. I was just so happy earlier, please forgive my loss of composure."

"That's right, I'm very interested," Rain nodded.

"My lord, I'm back!"

"Good day, Count!" Rain bowed respectfully.

The man before him had his hair neatly combed, his forehead was smooth and full, showing no signs of wrinkles, and there were no age spots, but his hair was gray, indicating that he was no longer young.

Rain was taken aback! At that moment, he wanted to say, 'Madam, have you misjudged your allure over the opposite sex?'

For instance, during the battle with the Blood Tree Spirit, if there was no support from the wizard's combat power, and instead, it was replaced by the knight's combat power, it would likely still be a difficult fight.

"Sir Rain, my mother is also in the carriage. Can you..." Jenny was about to say something but stopped, her slender fingers pointing anxiously towards the carriage.

"Rain, are you interested in becoming the Captain of the Count's Guards?" Count Habsburg changed the topic and smiled.

"Of course," the beautiful woman smiled.

"By the way, tell me about your enfeoffment examination." Hamilton, the lord who had only received a good evaluation, was curious about Rain's special treatment from the Empire.

Both women's minds were filled with questions.

Shangjin Town Administrative Hall, Sheriff's Office.

Additionally, Count Habsburg was special. Due to his deep trust from the Empire's higher-ups, after the previous governor of Master County was reassigned, Count Habsburg took over as the governor for this term, further increasing his influence.

Hmm? Rain thought of the meaningless social gatherings among the nobility and felt a headache coming on.

Baroness Crowley nodded and said, "I see! But Sir Rain, you are truly formidable. I heard that the pass rate for the enfeoffment examination is less than half, yet you managed to achieve an excellent evaluation. That's truly impressive."

"I succeeded. Excellent evaluation, and I've been granted the title of Baron!" Rain smiled.

But for someone of Baroness Crowley's status, it was rare for her to serve as a housekeeper, unless it was a Marquis or even a Duke's family. However, the highest title in Master County was that of an Earl.

"Thank you, Count, for your recognition. But I truly appreciate it, I want to travel and improve myself while I'm still young."

The beautiful woman continued:

But Rain still wanted to listen to Baroness Crowley's story to get a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

The next morning, Rain woke up at dawn to the sound of Liti Dog 'Cookie' barking in the front yard.

The sensation of a woman's skin was very sensitive.

Perhaps he had a premonition that the blacksmith's subsequent career path would likely involve becoming a master armorer.

Although Rain had some guesses, he suspected that the Crowley family's difficulties might be related to the resistance army.

"Oh?" The beautiful woman and Jenny both widened their eyes in surprise, looking at Rain.

Hearing this, Rain nodded slightly.

Although Rain didn't understand everything, he had a general idea.

In a way, the experiences and sights Rain would encounter in the South Sea Fleet would be more diverse than staying in Master County.

"That's great! Madam, Jenny, I'll go to the Sheriff's office first, and then we can go to the county city together, okay?" Rain couldn't wait to see the books.

Hamilton listened intently, and after a while, he asked, "So, what about the invitation letter from the Sword Holder..."

"For example, symbols like water, flames, forests, and so on." The beautiful woman explained in detail.

"Sir Rain, are you saying you're already a Baron?" It was Baroness Crowley who recovered first and, without hesitation, asked directly.

Dressed in a black and gold hunting outfit, he looked very proper, even the pattern of the Cally Bird on his chest was woven entirely from gold threads, giving off a subtle sense of luxury.

How could Rain be a Baron? That's impossible!

"Regarding the design of the coat of arms, you don't need to worry too much. In my opinion, being a Baron is not your final destination, and with each change in title, you can redesign the family crest. This is permitted by the Empire."

It wouldn't be practical to leave these matters to his parents.

What a coincidence!

The noblewoman was wearing an elegant one-shoulder light purple dress adorned with lace, and her original white fur stole made of white fur was set aside, perhaps because the carriage was warm.

"The second choice is to serve as the judicial officer in the county prison, responsible for the Master County Prison."

"The third choice is to serve as the governor and sheriff in Fishing Harbor Town, where piracy is rampant, and the security pressure is high. I need a strong person there."

Hmm? Three choices?

Rain quickly contemplated his options.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end