Chapter 262: Title of Nobility
Chapter 262: Title of Nobility
On a bumpy road, a horse-drawn carriage slowly approached. Bastian held the reins, guiding its direction while keeping a vigilant eye on the surroundings.
They were dangerously close to the front lines, and there was a high chance of encountering soldiers from Kolon or Gando Kingdom at any moment.
Although he was a commoner from the Gando Kingdom, these bloodthirsty soldiers might not care about his identity.
"Father."
A young girl in the carriage rubbed her eyes and poked her head out from the back.
"How much longer?"
"Soon," Bastian replied with a hint of indulgence as he glanced at his daughter. "Once we reach the city and see your aunt, we'll rest briefly before continuing our journey to the capital."
"We're too close to the front lines; the Kolon forces might break through at any moment."
"Mmm," the girl nodded. "Is my aunt coming with us?"
"Of course," Bastian said, gently ruffling her hair. "We'll travel together; it's safer that way. Your uncle is a noble, after all."
"Do you remember Dick, the boy you used to play with when you were little?"
"He's grown up too. I heard he's following in his father's footsteps, doing timber transportation business. He's a talented young man; perhaps you should try to get in touch with him."
The girl's face reddened. "Why bring that up? I haven't seen Dick in so many years; I can't even remember what he looks like."
She understood her father's intentions—finding her a suitable husband. It was only natural for her to feel shy.
"You used to love playing with him. When we moved, you both cried and made a fuss," Bastian said with a smile.
"I suppose it's time to consider that."
"Hmm?"
As soon as he finished speaking, his right hand gripped the longsword at his side, and his eyes fixed on the roadside.
"Who's there?"
The leaves rustled, and a middle-aged man with streaks of white in his hair and a worn-out appearance emerged from the woods.
The man wore a rather vintage gentleman's attire, complete with a top hat, a cane, and an air of nobility that seemed to surround him.
Despite having walked through the forest, he managed to maintain an aura of elegance, unaffected by the dirt and leaves on his clothes.
Karl gently brushed off the dirt from his clothes and nodded at the carriage driver.
"By the grace of the Benevolent Dawn Lord, I've finally encountered a living soul. Are you two heading into the city?"
"Yes," Bastian replied.
The man's attire clearly marked him as no ordinary robber, and Bastian's expression relaxed as he nodded in response. "Who are you?"
"Karl," the man said, placing one hand on his chest in a polite gesture. "I'm a traveler from the Swick Region, a member of the Bergman family, and a baron without a territory."
"A baron?" Bastian's expression changed slightly.
"You're a noble?"
"Yes," Karl nodded, pointing to the three-leaf clover family emblem on his clothes, then shaking his head. "I haven't registered with the Noble Assembly in so many years; I'm not sure if my title is still valid."
"You can check in Minos City; they have a Noble Assembly there," Bastian pointed ahead. "These years have been tumultuous with frequent wars, and many nobles haven't been able to register on time. But I've heard that as long as you pay the tithe, you can regain your title."
"That's wonderful news," Karl said with a smile, asking, "May I hitch a ride on your carriage? My original carriage met with an unfortunate accident."
"Well..." Bastian hesitated.
Although they were not far from the city, he was reluctant to engage with strangers, just in case.
"I'm willing to pay and provide an advance." Karl bowed his head and untied a pouch from his waist.
"How about two gold coins?"
The two gleaming gold coins made Bastian salivate, and he quickly opened the carriage door.
"Honorable Baron Karl, please."
"Yes?"
Bastian looked at Karl closely, a puzzled expression on his face.
"How old are you?"
Karl appeared young, but upon closer inspection, he was definitely not young anymore, and it was quite vague.
"Me? I'm in my sixties." Karl smiled, "I've already passed sixty-five."
"Ah!"
"What?"
Bastian was astonished, and even the girl hiding in the corner of the carriage couldn't help but exclaim.
Nearly seventy years old?
Upon closer inspection, Karl's hair was already graying, and his face was wrinkled.
However, he didn't have age spots, and his spirit was still relatively strong, giving the impression of a middle-aged man in his forties.
Sixty-five?
This was far beyond what both of them had imagined.
"How do you maintain your youth?" The girl couldn't help but ask, "I've never seen someone so young at this age."
"Mood is important." Karl stroked his cheek and smiled, "Of course, eating well, drinking well, and taking good care of yourself will ensure that aging won't be too noticeable."
"Rita, don't even think about it." Bastian shook his head, "Only noble lords can enjoy such carefree days; we certainly can't."
Rita's face was filled with disappointment.
...
When the carriage reached the city gate, it was heavily guarded, and strict inspections were required for both entering and exiting the city.
"Who would've thought that a city close to the capital would one day become a frontline battlefield, vulnerable to attacks at any moment."
"Baron Karl, I'll take you to the Noble Assembly first. Are you also heading to the Royal City?"
"Yes."
Karl nodded, "I'm getting old, and I need to find a place to retire. For now, the Royal City seems more suitable."
"Yes." Bastian nodded, "We're also heading to the Royal City. If you don't have any companions, why don't you join us on the journey?"
"We can look out for each other on the road."
"Well..." Karl thought for a moment and smiled, "That's fine."
As they spoke, the carriage arrived at the Noble Assembly, where there were even more soldiers, turning the place into a makeshift battle command post.
A soldier leaned against his spear, with his helmet hanging at his waist, exuding an air of laziness.
"Re-registering as a noble?"
The soldier showed disdain, not seeming to recognize Karl as a noble lord, and waved his hand dismissively, "I'm too busy with the war to deal with such trivial matters."
"Please, just a moment." Karl sighed, flicking his fingers, and two gold coins appeared on his fingertips.
"Hmm?"
The soldier raised an eyebrow and skillfully pocketed the gold coins, "Wait here."
Before long, the three of them were granted entry, and a lavishly dressed, rotund man with a large belly sat to receive them.
"Baron Karl Bergman, there is such a person, but he hasn't registered in decades."
The fat man spoke slowly, "How do I know you're not an imposter?"
"The Dawn Lord can vouch for me." Karl bowed, presenting the two gold coins again, "Can we find a quiet place to talk?"
"Hmm..." The fat man blatantly pocketed the gold coins and lazily rose, "Alright."
Chapter end
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