The moment Ser Garris and the auditors departed from the estate gates, I allowed myself to take a deep breath. The presence of royal authority always hung like a dagger above one's head. But despite the pressure, I felt something else surge through me—momentum.
『+1250 Vassal Points Acquired!』
The notification pulsed in my vision. Points from every source: Eloise's domination, the blacksmith and baker both achieving breakthroughs in their class, the revitalization of my land, and the growing loyalty of my people.
I wasn't just building a household. I was laying the foundations of a future kingdom.
『Accessing Shop...』
Points: 1250
I reviewed the screen in front of me as I sat by the balcony with Eloise brushing out her hair beside me. She had returned to her usual composed self, but I noticed the subtle change—more attentive, more emotionally attuned to me.
I focused on my priorities: strengthening myself, improving the estate, and investing in my current vassals.
『Upgrades Purchased:』
Upgrade: Cedric – Class Rank-Up (Apprentice Mage → High Apprentice Mage) — 250P
Skill: Arcane Bolts [C] — 150P
Skill: Survey [C+] (ability to assess terrain, economy, resources) — 100P
Estate Upgrade Token [C] (Unlocks minor infrastructure expansion) — 300P
Item: Vassal Affection Amplifier (temporary 24-hr boost to loyalty/fondness growth) — 150P
Upgrade: Dame Victoria – Class Stabilization Boost (C Grade reinforcement + potential growth) — 100P
Upgrade: Blacksmith Hans – Class Stabilization (C Grade reinforcement + efficiency) — 100P
Upgrade: Baker Annika – Class Stabilization (C Grade reinforcement + stamina boost) — 100P
Total Spent: 1250P
『Confirm?』
I pressed accept. My body surged with arcane power as the class upgrade kicked in. My fingers hummed with raw energy—magic at my fingertips.
"Did you have a breakthrough?" Eloise asked, watching my hand glow faintly.
I nodded. "Indeed. Now, we must make the most of it."
───
I stepped out of the mansion and took a leisurely walk around the estate.
The sun hung high in the sky, warm light pouring across the rejuvenated lands. The soil smelled of life, of opportunity. What once was a hollow shell of a noble's estate had become something else—a burgeoning force.
The village was no longer a quiet, dying place. The roads had been smoothed with gravel from the nearby stream. Simple lantern posts had been installed to light up the paths at night. Wooden stalls had begun to emerge around the central square, merchants beginning to set up local markets.
Children ran barefoot, laughter echoing through the air. Farmers chatted beside stacked sacks of grain, and the smell of freshly baked bread wafted in the wind.
"Lord Cedric!"
A woman waved at me from a stall adorned with bright cloth canopies. It was Annika, our baker, her cheeks flushed from the heat of her oven and the breakthrough she'd undergone.
"You came at the perfect time. Try this—spiced honey-loaf!" She sliced a piece and handed it to me. I took a bite, the warmth of the bread and sweetness of the honey blending perfectly.
"This is excellent," I praised.
She beamed. "Thank you, my Lord. I feel... stronger. It's odd. My arms don't tire as fast, and I can manage two batches at once now. I even started helping the widows bake at the communal ovens."
"You've earned it. But remember, this is just the beginning. I'll be relying on your oven more than ever."
Annika flushed slightly but laughed. "Then I'll make sure it never grows cold."
I leaned in a little, lowering my voice. "Tell me—how are the others treating you?"
Her smile faltered for a second, but returned quickly. "Better. Since yesterday, the women have been asking for lessons, and the younger boys are more respectful. They say the Lord's baker must be someone special."
"Good. If anyone questions that, send them my way."
I gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze before continuing down the path.
Further down, Hans stood at the forge. The clanging of hammer on metal echoed through the street.
"Cedric!" he called. "Come see what your blacksmith's been working on!"
He held out a newly forged iron tool—sleek, efficient. "Balance has improved. These hands feel... trained now. My body knows the rhythm of the forge like it's second nature."
"That's the mark of a true craftsman."
He motioned to the apprentices beside him. "And I'm training these two to take on orders when we scale up. We're eyeing the river to build a proper water-powered smelter."
"Good. Get it drawn up. You'll have the resources."
Then to the merchant row. Once a derelict lane, it now buzzed with chatter. Marlowe stood in the center with one foot propped up on a crate of cinnamon.
"Lord Cedric," he said with a deep bow. "The wine trade's working, and we've got word that a Veldaran envoy is interested in investing."
"And your next step?"
"Diversify. I've made preliminary contacts with a glassmaker's guild and a salt caravan from the coast. But more importantly—we're setting up an exchange table to centralize our rates."
"Excellent. Start preparing a proper market charter. We'll turn this village into a trade hub."
Marlowe smirked. "And here I thought you'd prefer the sword over the scroll."
"Why not both?" I replied.
Toward the far side of the estate, I found Victoria overseeing the guards' drills. Her eyes were sharp, every command delivered with crisp efficiency.
Her MILF body swaying left and right, inciting me to devour her even more. Her boobs jiggling as she gave commands and that plump yet tight ass wobbling around.
"Hello there, my Knight." I greet her as I keep a firm grip on her voluptuous butt, hiding my antics from the cadets.
"Mm~!" She turned to look at me and let out a soft moan.
Deciding to leave it for now, I release her curvy behind and talk professionally.
"My Lord," she saluted.
"How goes the training?"
"The men are focused. I've introduced formation sparring, and the first patrol route was completed this morning. We have structure now, not just brute strength."
"And you? Feeling anything… new?"
She blinked. "It's subtle. My reflexes, my clarity in battle. I feel... anchored."
"Good. Because soon, we'll need more than patrols. We'll need warriors."
Victoria gave a confident smile. "Then I'll forge them."
As the sun dipped toward the horizon, I stood in the village square, surrounded by people who now smiled, worked, and thrived. The banners of House Thorne fluttered lightly in the wind.
The blacksmith, the baker, the merchant, the knight—they were no longer just villagers under a fading name. They were pillars.
And I had only just begun.
-----
Just as I turned to return to the estate, Benwick hurried toward me, breathless.
"My Lord," he panted, "the Count's auditors have returned. They say they came to observe the effects of the crown's delegation visit and evaluate our holdings more thoroughly."
I frowned. "That was quick."
"They've set up at the guest villa and await your presence. I believe they're here to finalize how the court records the estate's transformation."
I nodded and made my way over. The auditors, robed in deep blue with golden cuffs, eyed me carefully as I entered.
"My Lord Cedric," one of them spoke. "We represent Count Richard's charter office. His Grace is... intrigued by the recent developments."
"He is welcome to verify it himself," I replied coolly.
They exchanged glances, one of them scribbling furiously.
"We'll be staying a few days. Interviews, inspections, comparisons with older ledgers. If your improvements are as thorough as they seem, we shall recommend tax adjustment and resource recalibration to the throne."
I bowed lightly. "You'll find our books honest. I only ask that you also speak with the people."
"We intend to."
Their presence would be a thorn, but also an opportunity.
A proper assessment could place House Thorne back on the noble map.
And I plan to exploit it to the fullest.
Over the next day, the auditors made their rounds.
They visited the forges, marveling at the expanded workspace and the quality of Hans' tools.
"Remarkable for a C-class," one said. "The consistency in his forging... industrial level."
They inspected the bakery, where Annika personally handed them samples. One of them took a bite, froze, and then ate two more pieces.
"The stamina enhancement has clearly allowed her output to double," another noted.
Victoria met them during a training session, performing drills with sharp precision. She answered their inquiries with measured, professional confidence.
"Formation strategies, shift scheduling, and morale management? This is beyond village-level," an auditor murmured.
Finally, they walked the market road with Marlowe.
"The merchants are coordinated," one auditor whispered. "They've even begun issuing handwritten transaction records and rate charts."
When they regrouped at the villa, the leader stood, removing his glasses.
"Lord Cedric," he said slowly. "What we've seen today... this estate is not a village anymore."
Another added, "Your people speak with pride, with purpose. This is loyalty born of something deeper than fear."
"Then I trust," I said calmly, "that the Count's records will reflect what we've built."
"They shall. We will submit an expedited report with full endorsement for charter elevation."
As they bowed and left, I stood alone for a moment.
This was only the beginning.
And I was ready to take the next step.