Volume Two: The Iron-blooded Baron Chapter 113: Promoted to Sub-Baron

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At this moment, Berrion had no idea that the criticism and guidance he had given to the two attendants earlier that day would one day save his life.

Of course, that was a story for another time.

After the little incident that morning, Berrion spoke with Lochiel and Grimber about the upcoming plans, telling them to start packing up as they were preparing to end their lease.

Berrion intended to set off for Norlandburg within the next couple of days. After all, this journey had already lasted nearly two months. If he delayed any longer, it would soon be the snowy season.

The next day, Berrion met with Jessis by the seaside outside the city. Without Sister Myra’s supervision, Jessis moved about much more freely.

That morning, after telling her mother, Jessis had taken Prilly and a few guards out. Upon reaching the agreed-upon beach, she ordered the guards to wait there while she and Prilly slipped through the nearby woods to a quiet stretch of sand.

Berrion, alone and dressed in the outfit Jessis had made for him, was already waiting there. As soon as he saw them approach, he hurried forward.

Their eyes met, and they exchanged smiles, unsure of what to say next. At that moment, Prilly teased, “Well, well, looks like I’m the odd one out here, just holding you two up. I’d better step aside.”

Jessis blushed at Prilly’s teasing and playfully pinched her before feigning annoyance. “You brat, haven’t disciplined you in days and you’re already acting so disrespectful! What nonsense are you spouting? When we get back, I’ll make sure you pay for this.”

“All right, my lady, you hold onto this,” Prilly said with a sly smile, handing a cloth pouch to Jessis before hopping away.

Once Prilly left, the beach fell into a serene silence, with only the sound of their breathing filling the air.

After a while, Jessis, her face returning to its usual expression, opened the pouch and took out a new set of clothes. She shyly said, “I... I made you another outfit. Please keep it.”

Berrion took the garment, feeling the delicate stitches and admiring the double-headed eagle crest embroidered in colorful threads. A warm feeling blossomed in his chest. Having lived two lives, this was the first time a girl had cared for him with such attention. To be so cherished by the girl he admired was an overwhelming happiness.

He stared at the clothes for a moment, then looked up at Jessis and smiled. “Thank you, Miss Jessis. I will cherish this garment.”

“No need to be so formal. Just wear it as you normally would. Prilly knows your merchant friend Gamji. Next time I make something, we can send it to Norlandburg with his caravan,” Jessis said softly, blinking her beautiful eyes. Berrion felt his heart melt.

“This... isn’t it too much trouble for you?” Berrion, facing the gentle and lovely Jessis, felt like a fool, completely at a loss for words.

Jessis covered her mouth and laughed at his silly expression, making Berrion even more flustered.

After laughing for a moment, Jessis spoke earnestly, “It’s something I made for you. Just keep it. If you feel embarrassed, then work hard to repay me. You should know how I feel about you.”

Berrion met her gaze and answered firmly, “Don’t worry. Before you turn eighteen, I’ll give your father a reason he can’t refuse.”

“Good. I believe you, my brave Sir Berrion,” Miss Jessis declared the moment he finished speaking.

She smiled warmly and continued, “Actually, you don’t need to feel too much pressure. I have good news, something I heard from my father. Want to know?”

Berrion nodded eagerly. “Of course, my beautiful lady.”

“Who said you’re my lady?” Jessis shot him a playful glare.

She moved toward a large rock by the shore to sit, and Berrion quickly laid the cloth pouch on it for her. This thoughtful gesture earned Jessis’s approving smile.

“I heard from my father that you’re going to be promoted to Baron,” she revealed.

Berrion’s eyes widened in surprise. This news was not only sudden but almost unbelievable. There was a vast gulf between ordinary knights and titled nobility. Many knightly families had strived for generations without crossing that divide.

Berrion’s own family had struggled for five generations, still stuck at the rank of common knight. They hadn’t even attained the baronial title. Though a barony might seem modest, it was a true noble rank, allowing one to have knights directly under their command.

Berrion had only been knighted late last year, and now he was to be promoted to baron? That was practically impossible. Since arriving in Norlandburg, he’d only sent gifts twice to the Minister of Security—nothing extravagant, totaling less than two thousand denars. Typically, a barony cost at least thirty to fifty thousand denars.

Seeing Berrion stunned by the news, Jessis nudged him sharply to snap him out of his daze.

Smiling, she teased, “Looking at you all dazed like that, I really don’t know what you have that made me like you.”

“Maybe it’s because I’m handsome,” Berrion replied proudly, puffing out his chest with a cocky grin.

That earned him another glare from Jessis.

After their playful exchange, Jessis grew serious. “By tradition, you wouldn’t usually be promoted to baron, and moving up a rank in just a year is incredibly fast. What would the other lords think?

“But somehow, this unlikely thing is happening. My father’s information is reliable. The decree promoting you to baron should arrive at the regional capital soon.”

“I want to know why. Is it only me being promoted?” Berrion asked curiously.

Jessis nodded. “Only you. The reason is both complicated and simple.

“Complicated, because your promotion is the result of a power struggle among three factions: our monarch, the southern nobles, and the northern nobles. Right now, the monarch and northern nobles stand together, while the southern faction is temporarily subdued.

“The northern nobles earned the monarch’s favor because of your brilliant performance in recapturing Maple Manor and your outstanding achievements crushing the three major bandit gangs south of the Karl River.

“The Minister of War and the Minister of Security pushed for your promotion. Although many doubt the young man, they have a keen eye for talent. Finding such an excellent knight for the Duchy of Brick, our monarch naturally favors them.

“With the monarch’s support, they won’t treat you unfairly. According to tradition, great military accomplishments earn noble rank, so they made arrangements to raise you one rank.”

“I see,” Berrion nodded thoughtfully.

Jessis gazed out at the sea and continued, “Simply put, it’s also because the Valendi people recently declared themselves a kingdom—their ruler now a king. Our monarch is anxious.

“Moreover, the Valendi have crossed the Blue Mountains to provoke war. Our ruler wants unity in court to support sending troops to fight them. A victory would pave the way for him to claim the royal title legitimately.

“That’s why he needs a demonstration of commitment, and you, lucky fellow, just happen to be in the right place at the right time.”

Berrion smiled wryly. “I am indeed lucky. My grandfather and father struggled for so long without success, yet it came so easily for me.”

“Not easy at all. You’re the one who’s impressive. My father told me luck matters, but when luck comes, a person must have the ability to seize it.

“You’ve accomplished so much in half a year—solving problems that previous governors and knights with armies couldn’t. You’re remarkable.

“And you only have newly recruited soldiers now. Imagine what you’ll achieve once you have an elite force,” Jessis said excitedly, gesturing like a child.

Seeing Jessis so happy, a pang of sadness crossed Berrion’s heart. To advance further, he would have to go to the front lines and achieve great feats against the Valendi.

The Valendi were formidable warriors, especially their heavy cavalry—the strongest force on the Verlin Continent. Armored knights mounted on equally armored horses, wielding long lances, when charging en masse, few armies could stand against them.

Facing such an opponent, Berrion knew one misstep could cost him his life. Jessis would surely be heartbroken.

With that thought, Berrion hesitated but then spoke honestly. “With this promotion, I’ll surely be sent to the front lines. The Valendi aren’t an easy foe.

“If anything happens to me, please take good care of yourself and find someone who loves you to spend your life with.”

Before he finished, Jessis covered his mouth and, tears welling in her eyes, said, “Don’t say that. I believe you’ll come back safely to see me. I’ll wait for you.”

Berrion’s eyes also grew moist. His throat tightened, and he was at a loss for words.

Then Jessis suddenly laughed, and after a moment she said, “Actually, you don’t have to fight so desperately on the battlefield. Just live well, and anything is possible. If you don’t survive, everything is meaningless.”

Hearing these words from the one he loved, Berrion nodded resolutely. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of myself, and you must take care of yourself too. In these turbulent times, who knows what dangers lurk in Yanvik’s northern city?”

“I know. Don’t worry,” Jessis replied with a teasing smile.

At that moment, Berrion remembered the gift he had prepared for Jessis. He quickly took the small wooden box from his chest and handed it to her.

Curious, Jessis accepted the box, which still held the warmth of Berrion’s hands. Opening it, she saw a delicate gardenia wreath brooch nestled on red velvet.

The brooch was crafted from fine gold wires shaped into a wreath, with green leaves made from carefully polished natural green crystals, and twelve small flowers composed of pearls of varying sizes. It was exquisite and beautiful.

“Wow! This is absolutely stunning!” Jessis exclaimed, carefully lifting the brooch and pinning it to her chest. She looked very pleased and beamed at Berrion, saying, “Thank you, Berrion.”