Chapter 373 - 371: Trenton’s Surprise

Chapter 373: Chapter 371: Trenton’s Surprise

Trenton Reck had been a Kingdom Territory Surveyor for many years, and he had visited Black Forest Island once before.

At that time, Black Forest Island had left him with only one impression: it was backward and barren.

The tedious voyage from the Royal Capital took over ten days. He had expected to relax and enjoy himself after docking, only to find neither fine cuisine nor any beautiful women to speak of.

So, after he left, he never wanted to come back a second time.

It was precisely because of his endless complaints that the King had come to believe the island was a place of extremely low value.

But what Trenton never expected was that he would return here again in his lifetime.

And this time, he saw a Black Forest Island completely different from his memory.

First, there was the port.

The once-crude port was gone, replaced by a huge, brand-new harbor!

When his ship arrived, six passenger and cargo ships were already docked. Two of them were in the process of loading and unloading goods, looking incredibly busy.

Once he disembarked, he no longer walked on a muddy road, but on a wide avenue paved with flagstones and cobblestones that led directly to the uniquely styled reception house of Dawn Town.

Trenton had traveled to many places and seen many buildings, but he had never seen anything like the ornate pavilions and towers of Black Forest Island.

The blue-tiled, flying eaves of the roofs curved gently upward like the wings of a bird, and the intricate latticework on the windows, carved with patterns of plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo, and chrysanthemums, cast delicate shadows in the sunlight.

Even more delightful and shocking was the five-story octagonal pavilion before him. Bronze Wind Chimes hung from the eaves of each story.

As the sea breeze blew past, the crisp chiming of the bells intertwined with the sound of the waves, creating a uniquely beautiful rhythm.

"Did your master, Count Duane, design this as well?"

Julian nodded. "Yes, Sir. The Lord is a genius of design. Under his unique vision, the entire Territory has flourished with unprecedented prosperity."

As he spoke, a sense of admiration and pride for Duane swelled within him.

What he most loved to see now was the shocked expression on outsiders’ faces when they first laid eyes on Dawn Town.

Because even though all these novelties were the work of the Lord, he had also contributed his small part.

As a participant, he naturally felt it was a matter of immense pride.

In fact, it wasn’t just him. Even the commoners who helped build Dawn Town often said things like, "See that tall octagonal pavilion?" they would tell their sons. "Your father built that."

This would be met with cheers from their young children, who didn’t know any better, as if their fathers were great heroes.

"May I go up and take a look?" Trenton couldn’t help but ask.

"Of course!"

Julian quickly extended the invitation. "This place was built to receive honored guests like yourself. Please, look around as much as you like!"

And so, Trenton began his dreamlike tour.

From the pavilions and verandas to the interior structures, from the gray-tiled roofs and white walls to the gardens and flowers, even the long rammed-earth road leading to Broken Wave City seemed smoother than roads elsewhere.

In reality, Duane had specifically chosen these roads to practice his Hardening Technique, which both increased its Skill Level and reinforced the hardness of the earth—killing two birds with one stone.

When Trenton saw the smiling faces of the farmers working in the fields, and when he saw children as young as eight or nine playing there, he truly understood how extraordinary Black Forest Island had become.

Elsewhere, children of eight or nine would be toiling in the fields, not chasing dragonflies along the ridges.

’This place... it’s been transformed. It’s been reborn!’ Trenton couldn’t help but think.

At the same time, he was astounded. ’What kind of magic does Duane possess, to have brought about such a massive change to this island in less than five years?’

"Sir, we’ve arrived!"

Julian’s voice called out from outside the carriage.

"Thank you!"

Trenton stepped down from the carriage, only to be taken aback by the sight of Forest Castle.

Compared to the breathtaking style of Dawn Town, Forest Castle seemed far too dilapidated and ancient.

"Count Duane lives here?" he asked, astonished.

Julian explained, "This is the old castle. The Count is a frugal man; he has lived here for four years after making only minor repairs."

He added, "The new castle is nearly complete. The Count is expected to move in during the second half of the year."

Trenton realized. ’That makes sense. Building a castle is much more complex than building a reception house in Dawn Town.’

Just then, Ralph the butler emerged from the castle to greet them. "Please, come in, Sir. The Count has been waiting for you."

"Please lead the way!" Trenton said politely.

Given Duane’s current status, he indeed did not need to personally come out to greet a member of the nobility of Trenton’s rank.

「The great hall of Forest Castle’s main keep.」

"Hahaha, it’s been a long time, Count Duane!"

Trenton strode in, his voice and smile brimming with enthusiasm as he bowed and greeted Duane.

"Welcome, Sir!"

Duane returned a slight bow and then invited his guest to be seated. At the same time, Karen and Jasmine came forward to serve fruit and fragrant tea.

"These are specialties of Black Forest Island: mulberries and Hot Spring Mountain Tea," he introduced.

The climate on Black Forest Island was currently only suitable for raising autumn silkworms, so in the spring, the Starlight Mulberry Trees were mainly used for bearing fruit.

Starlight Mulberries were different from ordinary ones; not only could they enrich the blood and enhance one’s complexion, but they could also strengthen one’s vitality and restore their Spirit.

Natalia was particularly fond of this fruit.

Trenton tried a bit of each. "I’ve long heard of the fame of Hot Spring Mountain Tea; come to think of it, I’ve even purchased some myself. But I never imagined Black Forest Island would also have such special mulberries. This is truly a treasure island!"

He couldn’t help but exclaim, "Only a Lord like you could make this place shine with such unimaginable splendor!"

"You flatter me, Sir!"

’As expected of a minister well-versed in the politics of the Royal Capital,’ Duane thought. ’The way he speaks is on another level.’

After they exchanged some pleasantries, Duane finally asked the question on his mind. "Sir, if I may ask, what brings you here this time?"

As if only just reminded of his official business, Trenton quickly rose from his seat.

"His Majesty specifically sent me to Black Forest Island to deliver an invitation to you!"

As he spoke, he took an ornate wooden box from an attendant behind him, opened it, and took out an exquisite, gilt-edged invitation card, which he presented with both hands.

Since the invitation came from His Majesty, Duane accepted it with both hands as a sign of respect, then opened it to read.

At that moment, Trenton announced solemnly, "His Majesty cordially invites the Lord of Black Forest Island, Baron of the Kingdom, the Earl of the Star of the Sky, Duane Brian, to attend the wedding of Prince Sigmund and Miss Danika on this year’s Founding Day!"

Duane also read the contents of the invitation.

’I thought the matter of the land purchase had been exposed,’ he thought, ’and that Trenton was here to discuss how to handle it with me. I never expected such a formal invitation.’

He discreetly glanced at Sir Trenton.

’This man is a confidant of the King, a minister of the Kingdom. There’s no need to send someone of his stature all the way to Black Forest Island just to deliver a message.’

’Since King Eric specifically sent Trenton by name, there must be another meaning behind it.’

With almost no hesitation, Duane understood.

’His Majesty must know that the Silver Jade Territory has tripled in size. He just doesn’t intend to pursue the matter. Sending Trenton here is his way of telling me that, and thus strengthening our relationship.’

’This is clearly the King’s attempt to win me over.’

’In that case, I naturally have to play along.’

’After all, for now at least, my existence still depends on the Royal Family.’

"Please thank His Majesty for the grand invitation!"

He said in a deep voice, "I will certainly attend on time!"