Chapter 175: The Harris Marquis (Part 2)

Chapter 175: The Harris Marquis (Part 2)



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

【Your Tokkar Hammer Technique skill has improved. Experience gained: 112】

【Your Bear Swordsmanship skill has improved. Experience gained: 32】

【Your Heat Field skill has improved. Experience gained: 11】

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

Whether as a knight or an apprentice wizard, Rain's skills were steadily improving.

Rain contemplated his current situation. Although he had already reached the level of a second-level apprentice wizard, he had yet to find any wizard school or organization. Therefore, in terms of combat power, his path as a knight remained the primary focus.

He made a preliminary estimate and concluded that his overall combat power was currently divided into a 6:4 ratio, with the knight's combat power accounting for about 60% and the wizard's power contributing approximately 40%.

Of course, this didn't mean that the wizard's power, accounting for only 40%, could be underestimated.

For example, during the battle against the Blood-Flesh Tree Spirit, if he hadn't had the support of his wizard abilities and instead relied solely on his knight combat power, the outcome would likely have been a defeat.

Rain's next step was to seek further improvement in swordsmanship under Master Gunther's guidance, marking another step forward on the path of knighthood.

Once he passed the Swordsman Examination, Rain had a premonition that he would likely gain access to the Empire's formal power regarding the mysterious side.

The next morning, Rain had just woken up when he heard the barking of the Lintie Dog, 'Cookie,' coming from the front yard.

"Woof!"

Rain stood up, and as he approached the door, he saw a familiar carriage parked at the entrance. A slender noblewoman, Jenny, was stepping down from the carriage.

It seemed that the Crowley family was more anxious than Rain had anticipated.

Rain quickly put on a waistcoat and hurried downstairs.

"Sir Rain, you're finally back!" Jenny, who had been about to knock on the door, exclaimed in surprise upon seeing Rain.

"Good morning, Miss Jenny," Rain nodded.

"Sir Rain, my mother is also in the carriage. Could you..." Jenny started to speak but paused, her slender fingers pointing anxiously towards the carriage.

"Of course!"

Rain raised his eyebrows, surprised that Lady Crowley had also come.

The situation seemed more serious than he had imagined.

As soon as Rain entered the carriage, he was greeted by a rich scent of rose perfume. He looked up and saw Lady Crowley, as voluptuous as ever, with a hint of worry on her forehead and slightly furrowed brows.

Upon seeing Rain, her large, watery eyes gazed at him expectantly.

"Sir Rain, I'm so glad to finally see you!"

"Good morning, Lady Crowley. Is there a problem?" Rain bowed slightly in greeting.

Although Rain had his suspicions, he wanted to hear Lady Crowley's account to understand the situation comprehensively, thinking that the Crowley family's difficulties might be related to the rebellion.

"Sigh! The Crowley family has encountered a big problem. The loss of this batch of goods means we have to pay double compensation. I've calculated that the amount is approximately two thousand Imperial gold coins."

"This would almost deplete the Crowley family's current liquid assets. But the biggest issue is that the wine industry is highly competitive, and our competitors will take advantage of our situation."

Hearing this, Rain nodded slightly.

He was almost certain that the Crowley family's difficulty was due to the stolen batch of Bordeaux wine.

What a coincidence!

Lady Crowley continued, "So, I hope that Sir Rain can organize a team to help the Crowley family retrieve this batch of goods. I will double the recruitment fees and your compensation."

As Lady Crowley finished speaking, tears welled up in her eyes, and she looked at Rain with hope.

Jenny's eyes also reddened at this moment, as she had been accompanying her mother these past few days, making various contacts without success.

This made her realize that without sufficient military power to support a family, no matter how much wealth they accumulated through business, they would be like a plump cow, easy prey for others.

She also understood why her mother had been inquiring about the newly knighted commoners, hoping to find a talented commoner who could be persuaded to marry into the Crowley family.

"Lady Crowley, there's no need to worry. Perhaps we can retrieve the goods right now."

"What?" Lady Crowley and Jenny both widened their eyes in surprise at Rain's words.

"However, you might want to arrange for a cart to transport the goods more conveniently." Rain looked at the luxurious carriage and smiled.

Seeing Lady Crowley and Jenny's confused expressions, Rain decided to explain.

He briefly recounted how he had been ambushed, counterattacked, and made his way into the enemy's stronghold, where he coincidentally found the missing batch of Bordeaux wine.

Rain didn't hide the fact that the Zalar Rebellion Army was behind the attack.

Suddenly, Rain felt a soft, fragrant body embracing him.

It was Lady Crowley, overcome with joy at the recovery of the goods, who was now crying in his arms.

Rain froze at this moment, wanting to say, 'Lady, have you overestimated your allure to the opposite sex?'

Ever since Lagre left, Rain had not experienced such intimacy for many days.

Now, inhaling the mature scent of Lady Crowley and seeing the expanse of milky white skin on her neck, Rain felt a surge of heat in his lower abdomen, his mouth suddenly dry.

"Oh!" Lady Crowley let out a soft cry as something seemed to have poked her lower abdomen.

The next moment, the beautiful woman immediately let go of Rain, her eyes looking down, slightly bashful.

She gently brushed the hair that had fallen by her ear and said, "Sir Rain, I’m so sorry, but I was just too happy just now. Please forgive my indiscretion."

Rain also coughed to cover his embarrassment.

If only he had put on his plate armor before coming out. Damn, now he was only wearing a cashmere waistcoat, which offered no protection at all.

At this moment, Rain took a good look at the Baroness Crowley sitting across from him.

The noblewoman was wearing a luxurious off-shoulder light purple dress, adorned with lace frills. The white fur shawl that she had been wearing was placed to the side, perhaps because the carriage was relatively warm.

Without the shawl, a large expanse of her smooth, white neck was exposed. A gold brooch barely held the towering peaks that threatened to burst out of the dress.

It was a silent allure!

A woman’s skin is very sensitive.

The beautiful woman immediately felt that Sir Rain, sitting opposite her, was eyeing certain parts of her body. However, she did not shy away; instead, she straightened her slim waist slightly.

This made Rain feel overwhelmed!

Moreover, he confirmed one thing: 'Fine Branches Bearing Fruits' was indeed real.

The atmosphere in the carriage suddenly became a bit awkward.

If it weren’t for Jenny still being there, he might have—

At this moment, Jenny glanced at her mother, then looked down at Rain’s waist, and immediately turned to look out the window, her cheeks flushed.

However, Rain managed to calm the heat in his heart and, after some thought, said, "Madam, let’s arrange for some people to go with me to retrieve the goods that originally belonged to the Crowley family."

“Um, now? Alright, I’ll arrange it right away,” the Baroness Crowley looked up at Rain, then lowered her head and said.

It took half a day, but Rain, along with several trusted members of the Crowley family, retrieved the Bordeaux Vintage from his hidden location. He also brought back other spoils that belonged to him.

When Rain got back into the carriage, the voluptuous beauty, Baroness Crowley, seemed even more radiant than in the morning, her beautiful face glowing.

“Sir Rain, I am truly grateful to you. If it weren’t for you—”

Rain waved his hand, smiling to stop her from continuing, and said, “I am the guardian knight of the Crowley family, Madam. You’re being too formal.”

“Right, Madam, I have a matter that requires your guidance.”

“Sir Rain, you flatter me, please, speak,” the Baroness Crowley waved her hand and said.

“It’s like this, I want to ask about the design of noble emblems. Is there any established rule? A couple of days ago, I was ennobled as an Imperial Baron, so—”

“What!” Two exclamations immediately interrupted Rain’s words.

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

Rain had become a baron?

How could this be?

How could it happen so quickly!

Several questions sprang to their minds in an instant.

“Sir Rain, you mean you are already a baron?” The Baroness Crowley was the first to recover, and she asked directly without hesitation.

“Yes, a couple of days ago, I participated in the noble ennoblement examination in Minster Province and received an excellent evaluation, so I was ennobled as a baron.”

Rain nodded and briefly explained.

The Baroness Crowley immediately nodded and said, “I see! But, Sir Rain, you are truly remarkable. I heard that the pass rate for the ennoblement examination is less than fifty percent, yet you managed to receive an excellent evaluation. That’s truly impressive.”

Hearing the beautiful woman’s praise, Rain felt quite pleased.

“Regarding the emblem design, you don’t need to worry too much. In my opinion, baron is definitely not your final destination. Every time your title changes, you can redesign the family emblem, which is allowed by the empire.”

“So, you just need to tell me the design you like, and I can help you with the details.”

“Is that so.” Rain nodded.

Baron is certainly not his final destination. Since the family emblem can be changed as his title advances, it makes things much easier.

Rain then crossed his hands and said, “A greatsword and a two-handed warhammer, crossed. Is that okay?”

“It’s fine. Both weapons represent a combat skill you excel in. The only concern is whether another noble has already used this emblem. If it’s already taken, I suggest adding a symbol.”

“Like water, flame, forest, etc.” The beautiful woman explained in detail.

“Hmm, if it’s repeated, then let’s add a circle of flames around the edges of the weapons.” Rain gestured.

“Good idea.”

“Right, Rain, since you’ve been ennobled as a baron, the empire will arrange a manor for you. However, the decoration of the manor and the recruitment of servants will still need to be handled by yourself. Would you like me to help you prepare these matters?”

The beautiful woman seemed to have an idea and offered proactively.

Rain knew she was intentionally returning the favor for today’s events.

“Hmm? There’s also a gift of a manor? If Madam can help, that would be perfect.” Rain’s eyes lit up.

“Yes, by the way, have you met Count Harris yet? You should soon receive an invitation from the Myester County Governor, Count Harris.” The lady smiled lightly.

“Indeed, I only returned to Shangjin Town last night and haven’t had the chance to report in town yet.”

Rain shrugged. "No wonder. After Count Habsburg's audience with you, it won't be long before the entire Myester County nobility learns of you, a rising star and a newly-minted Baron. I imagine you'll be overwhelmed with visits and invitations."

Lady Crowley seemed to envision a lively scene, covering her mouth with a light laugh.

Rain frowned, thinking of the unproductive social activities among the nobility. He was focused on improving his strength and had no time for such affairs.

"Oh, by the way, when you get your new manor, you'll need to recruit a reliable and experienced butler. Otherwise, many things will be troublesome for you as the master."

This made Rain's already furrowed brows tighten even more.

There were just too many trivial matters to handle!

It was impractical to leave these tasks to his parents.

As for an experienced butler, Rain had no idea where to start.

Recruiting servants from outside was easy, but a butler was a crucial position in any family, usually groomed from a young age, like the child servants in the Habsburg Manor.

The perceptive lady noticed Rain's tightened brows and asked with a smile, “Is there something troubling you? Perhaps I can help with these trivial matters.”

Upon hearing Lady Crowley's offer, Rain realized that professional matters should be left to professionals.

While Lady Crowley wasn't skilled in combat, she was adept at family management and commerce.

"Indeed, Lady. I'd rather avoid these social obligations. Additionally, I can't think of where to find a trustworthy and capable butler." Rain couldn't help but smile wryly.

"Hehe," Lady Crowley and Jenny covered their mouths and laughed softly at Rain's rare wry smile.

"How about I temporarily fill the role of your butler until you find a suitable one?" Lady Crowley suggested with a smile.

"That's great, but won't it be too demeaning for you?" Rain looked at the beautiful lady and asked.

Although Rain didn't fully understand some matters, he had a general idea.

Usually, a Knight's Lady or a Lord's Lady would serve as the butler for a higher-ranked noble's manor, such as a Viscount or a Count.

But in this case, it would be a Baroness serving as the butler.

The highest-ranked noble in Myester County was a Count.

"It's a small task compared to your previous help to the Crowley family."

"By the way, Lord Rain, I also plan to transfer one of the Crowley family's shops to you as a token of our gratitude. Currently, we have a tailor shop, a bakery, and a blacksmith shop in the county town."

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

After thinking for a moment, Rain said, "Lady, I'm interested in the blacksmith shop, but it's more about blacksmithing than management. So, I'd like the Crowley family to continue managing the shop, and we can split the profits."

"However, I might frequently forge weapons there, which may affect the shop's normal operations. I wanted to inform you in advance."

"Hmm? Lord Rain, are you interested in blacksmithing?" Lady Crowley looked at Rain with surprise and then glanced at Jenny beside her.

"Yes, I'm very interested," Rain nodded.

Rain didn't think there was anything shameful about it. Even if he became a Duke one day, as long as the blacksmith profession existed, blacksmithing would be a required course for him!

"Lord Rain, you may not know this, but my late father, Baron Crowley, was a master armorsmith. He wrote two books on armorsmithing techniques. Perhaps you can take a look at them when you have time." Jenny spoke up.

Rain's eyes lit up at the mention of a master armorsmith and books on armorsmithing techniques.

"That's great! Lady, Jenny, I'll go to Sheriff Hamilton's office first, and then we can head to the county town together." Rain couldn't wait to explore the potential blacksmithing career path, sensing that armorsmith was likely one of the advanced professions.

"Of course," Lady Crowley said with a smile.

Shangjin Town Administrative Hall, Sheriff's Office.

"Sheriff, I'm back!"

Seeing Rain, Sheriff Hamilton's face lit up with joy. He immediately stood up from behind his large desk and approached Rain, examining him for a while before asking, "Rain, did you succeed?"

"I did. I received an 'Excellent' evaluation and was granted the title of Baron!" Rain replied.

"That's wonderful! Rain, you always surprise me! Hey? You said you were granted the title of Baron? The results are out? How can it be so fast!" Sheriff Hamilton's face was filled with surprise as he asked a series of questions.

"Yes, the results came out in just three days! I don't know why it was so fast, but it seems that others' evaluations haven't been officially announced yet."

Rain recalled that the red-haired girl, Jennifer Cessi, should have also received an 'Excellent' evaluation, but she hadn't received any notification from the Empire either.

"Hmm? Could it be a special case? Good job, boy! No, I should call you 'Lord' now that you're a Baron!" Sheriff Hamilton suddenly realized.

Sheriff Hamilton looked at Rain with a sigh, remembering that less than half a year ago, when he first met Rain, he was just a child servant.

But now, he was a Baron!

"Sheriff, there's no need for such formalities," Rain waved his hand.

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

Rain nodded and proceeded to give Hamilton a concise account of his experiences.

He shared how he had used the ammunition from the three-masted ship to destroy the 'Golden Flash,' and how he was likely to rank first in the ennoblement examination.

Hamilton listened with rapt attention, and after a while, he had fully processed Rain's story. He then asked, "So, you've received an invitation to become a swordsman, right?"

Hamilton's eyes were filled with anticipation.

Rain nodded and said, "Yes, I received the invitation. In about three months, I'll be heading to Minster to participate in the swordsman selection."

"Excellent! Well done, Rain!" Hamilton patted Rain's shoulder firmly.

"Oh, and I almost forgot about an important matter."

"Yesterday, Marquis Harris sent a letter, hoping that you would visit his mansion after your return." As he spoke, Hamilton turned and handed Rain a letter-like piece of paper.

"That's perfect. I'm going to the county town later, so I'll visit Marquis Harris first."

"Wait until you've settled some matters, then come to see me. I have a friend who needs your help with a mysterious incident."

"But I haven't agreed yet. I want to hear your opinion first." Hamilton said.

"Okay, sir. I'll go to the county town first." Rain nodded.

Riding in the Crowley family's carriage, Rain arrived at the county town and planned to visit Marquis Harris first. Afterward, he intended to read the late Baron Crowley's writings on armorsmithing.

Soon, the carriage stopped at the expansive Marquis Habsburg's mansion.

This was Rain's first time at the Habsburg Marquis Mansion, and although he had a connection with the Habsburg family in a certain sense, it was only today that he had the opportunity to meet this most powerful person in all of Myester County.

He was not a viscount but a marquis, and on top of that, a hereditary one.

The status of a hereditary marquis was not to be taken lightly, even in the entire Dragan Empire.

Moreover, Marquis Habsburg was unique. Due to his deep trust from the Empire's higher-ups, when the previous governor of Myester County was reassigned, Marquis Habsburg took on the role for this term, further deepening his influence.

Therefore, as a newly appointed baron, Rain had to deal with this Marquis on many occasions.

However, Rain couldn't quite say whether his impression of the Marquis was good or bad. Instead, his heir, Kayla, had befriended him, while Alonso had become his adversary, which was quite interesting.

In a luxurious study, Rain met Marquis Habsburg for the first time.

The Marquis was an elderly man with neatly combed hair and a smooth, full forehead, showing no wrinkles or age spots, but his age was undeniable.

He wore a luxurious noble hunter attire with a golden Cali bird pattern on the chest, all made of gold thread, giving off a subtle sense of luxury.

Marquis Harris gave Rain an overall impression of being profound, dignified, and unfathomable, as if Rain was facing a volcano about to erupt, leaving him with a sense of trepidation.

"Good day, Marquis," Rain respectfully bowed slightly.

"Hello, Baron Rain, please have a seat," Marquis Habsburg smiled and nodded at Rain.

"Rain, I heard that you received an excellent evaluation in the recent ennoblement examination in Minster Province and were granted the title of Baron by the Empire. This came as a great surprise to me!"

"Rain, your performance was truly remarkable."

"Thank you for your praise, Marquis," Rain bowed slightly and smiled.

"I invited you here for two reasons. First, I wanted to meet you in person, and second, I wanted to ask about your future plans."

"Rain, are you interested in becoming my captain of the guard?" Marquis Habsburg suddenly changed the topic and smiled.

Rain was taken aback by the offer!

Captain of the guard?

This position was not ordinary; it represented the Marquis's trust in him.

Indeed!

According to his resume, Rain was born and raised in Shangjin Town.

In Marquis Habsburg's eyes, Rain was a local, and he was worth cultivating and trusting.

Unfortunately, Rain's current goals were no longer limited to Myester County.

To some extent, the experiences and knowledge Rain could gain by staying in the Southern Fleet would surpass those he could acquire in Myester County.

Faced with Marquis Habsburg's olive branch, Rain could only politely decline.

"Thank you for your recognition, but I'm truly sorry. I want to take advantage of my youth, travel, and improve myself."

Marquis Habsburg looked deeply into Rain's eyes and said, "Young eagles always want to spread their wings and fly to broader skies. I understand that, Rain. You don't need to apologize. I was the same when I was young."

"Since it's like that, considering your excellent performance in the ennoblement examination, which brought honor to Myester County, I'll give you three choices for your appointment."

"The first choice is to become the deputy sheriff of the county town, primarily responsible for day and night patrols within the town."

"The second choice is to become the judge of the county jail, overseeing the Myester County Prison."

"The third choice is to become the governor and sheriff of Fishport Town, where pirates are rampant, and the security pressure is high. I need a capable person to handle the situation there."

Hmm?

Three choices?

Rain immediately began to ponder his options.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end