Chapter 1159 - 81: I Want It All!

Chapter 1159: Chapter 81: I Want It All!

Castle de Aannis.

The morning light fell upon the castle, and early in the morning, Count de Aannis led the servants outside to greet the esteemed guests, even instructing the butler to meticulously clean the courtyard garden.

"Father."

"Are distinguished guests visiting today?" The speaker was a young girl, around thirteen or fourteen, with a hint of the warrior’s determination on her face.

As the only daughter of Count de Aannis, Nalia received warrior training from a young age, now capable of easily flooring a grown man.

Count de Aannis smiled at his daughter, nodding: "Yes."

"Don’t be rude later."

Before long.

From afar came the sound of hoofbeats, followed by several knights in ornate armor, with blood-stained hilts and warhammers, and a luxurious carriage drawn by six warhorses. When the attendant opened the carriage door, out stepped a handsome young man, like a Greek statue with a distinct profile, his deep black eyes giving others the illusion of having their hearts seen through.

At the castle entrance, Count de Aannis hurriedly stepped forward to greet, his demeanor slightly sycophantic: "Lord Duncan."

"Welcome to Castle de Aannis."

"Did you encounter any trouble on the way?"

Duncan looked at the middle-aged man in front of him and smiled, nodding gently: "Encountered some giants and goblins."

"But they were all dealt with by my attendants."

"It seems you have indeed encountered trouble."

After speaking, Duncan glanced at the nearby young girl, softly saying: "This must be Nalia, I suppose? She looks like she could become an excellent warrior in the future."

Count de Aannis quickly led the way, and the butler returned swiftly to the castle, preparing today’s freshly slaughtered lamb in the kitchen. Although Count de Aannis held a noble title, the nearby territories weren’t prosperous and often suffered from invasions by giants, beastmen, and goblins.

The Count was fortunate to make the acquaintance of Lord Duncan, as he’s seeking a loan, and conveniently, the priest from the Wealth Church, aware of his plight, introduced him to this great figure.

Lord Duncan agreed to provide financial support but insisted on a personal inspection.

The people of the Wealth Church never act without profit, and Count de Aannis had no choice but to agree, yet he was convinced his territory held value, which would repay the high-interest loan once developed.

Throughout the kingdom of Ferren, the Wealth Church was the largest lender, comparable in reach to microloans.

Duncan’s expression carried a hint of arrogance as he slowly stepped into the slightly worn castle. Count de Aannis’ territory had many mountains and forests, making development challenging and prone to interference from the Druidic Order, thus overall yields were poor.

Currently, the Sword Coast was rapidly developing, and traditional land nobility might not be wealthier than a major merchant, but they had ancestral territories and castles, fairly substantial.

"Lord Duncan, please follow me."

Count de Aannis appeared very enthusiastic, as his connections knew the significance of the man in front of them.

At least within the empire of Am, few rivaled this young man’s influence; it’s said that even one of the top five fierce women of the Gold Lord Bishop, Helena Jasha, greeted him personally, with a somewhat fawning attitude.

It’s important to know Helena Jasha backed many of the local merchant guilds, a figure whose presence shook the entire Am commercial district.

Duncan casually responded, observing everything within the castle.

He wasn’t an adventurer, nor a mercenary, but a Gold Lord. As a major benefactor, Duncan was showered with praise wherever he went.

"The castle hasn’t been repaired for a while."

Standing atop the high walls, Duncan looked down at the distant farmland villages and the mountains further away, his voice slow: "I heard your territory has recently suffered from giant invasions?"

Count de Aannis cautiously replied: "Yes."

"These creatures are difficult to kill."

"Most importantly, a cunning and powerful giant appeared; I’ve tried capturing it several times, but it always escaped."

Giant King - Torgeyl.

A future test for Chaneem, but currently yet to fully mature.

Duncan’s purpose here was not monster-slaying; after idle chatter, he quickly entered the great hall of the castle, where Count de Aannis had prepared a magnificent banquet.

The meal served well for both host and guest.

Afterward, the young girl Nalia was taken away, and Duncan entered the study, sitting on the sofa, observing the paintings and the collection of armaments.

Count de Aannis had someone serve tea, nervously beginning: "Lord Duncan."

"About the funding you mentioned?"

Whether hiring adventurers or developing territories required substantial funds, and traditional nobility accumulated wealth slowly, having spent significant capital due to the giant’s invasions.

"No problem."

Duncan nodded: "But you must prepare some collateral."

Count de Aannis was already aware of this, turning to present the land deeds: "Sir, would this suffice?"

Duncan took a glance and casually set it aside, causing Count de Aannis’ heart to skip a beat.