Chapter 402: The Barony of Eisfeld

Julian’s hunger for money might have truly reached the point of no return. Or perhaps… he simply had nothing better to do.

When Wu Qingsong delivered the promised 100,000 renals a few days later—and solemnly assured him that the remaining 50,000 would follow soon—Julian handed him an official document. The Grand Duchy of Fantali had declared the Icy Sea region as its territory and granted it to Julian von Fantali, bestowing upon him the title of Baron of Eisfeld. From this moment on, Julian officially became a noble of merit tasked with defending the Empire’s borders. His name would now read: Julian von Fantali, Baron of Eisfeld.

“If you fail to deliver the annual tribute on time,” Julian said darkly, “I’ll come and collect it myself.”

What Wu Qingsong would never know was that the real reason things had moved so quickly was thanks to Julian’s beloved older brother.

As soon as his brother learned that Julian was seeking a fief in the cold and barren north, he graciously took care of everything, swiftly assigning the entire Icy Sea region under Julian’s name. And, of course, just as quickly severed all of Julian’s ties to the Grand Duchy.

Julian now had no reason to remain at home, and no way to receive even a single copper from the Grand Duchy ever again. Worse still, thanks to his brother’s considerate intervention—using the Abyss Gate war as justification—Julian wasn’t even granted a proper retinue or starting fund. All he received was a 200-man unit appended to his current guard and the townhouse he resided in within Fantali City, along with all its existing contents.

The Grand Duke of Fantali, overwhelmed by the crisis at the Abyss Gate, did at least have his steward discreetly hand Julian 20,000 renals as a token of aid for his youngest son. But beyond that? Nothing.

Between guards, stewards, attendants, maids, and various other servants, Julian suddenly found himself responsible for the daily needs of nearly 300 people. If Wu Qingsong had delayed delivering the money even one more day, Julian really would have taken up his sword and gone looking for him.

The 100,000 renals eased his immediate crisis, but they were a mere drop in the bucket for what he needed to do next. He had to rally and stabilize the morale of his followers, build his own staff, begin preparing military training to actually take control of his territory and collect taxes, rescue his uncle, and most importantly, maintain his dignity and honor. A mere 100,000 renals wouldn’t even come close to covering it.

“Baron,” Wu Qingsong offered his congratulations first, then solemnly pledged, “I’ve already sent word home to raise the rest of the funds. Don’t worry, if we have to rob someone to do it, the first year’s tribute will reach your hands within two months!”

“I’ll be in Padamia by then,” Julian muttered irritably.

“I’ll deliver it there directly,” Wu Qingsong said. “The distance from the Icy Sea to the capital isn’t much farther than to Fantali City. It won’t delay Your Lordship.”

“What’s the situation at the Icy Sea now?” Julian suddenly stared into Wu Qingsong’s eyes.

“A barren wilderness,” Wu Qingsong said after a brief pause.

Julian began asking all kinds of questions. From his line of questioning, Wu Qingsong could clearly sense a dangerous idea forming in his chaotic mind—taking his small 200-man force straight to the Icy Sea, using Wu Qingsong’s manpower to conquer the land.

He was hoping that with his power alone, he could subdue the seven clans Wu Qingsong had described, force them to pay taxes, and resolve his current financial woes.

After all, if a half-elf like Tagraedi could hold ground there with just a mercenary corps, why couldn’t he, a noble and powerful elf, do the same?

Wu Qingsong had no choice but to glance at Red Moon, then calmly began describing the long, brutal winters of the Icy Sea—its unforgiving terrain and harsh living conditions.

For extra drama and realism, he even trotted out the old joke about needing a stick just to pee in the cold.

With vivid details and an immersive delivery, his story sounded very convincing. Of course, Wu Qingsong conveniently left out the part where most of these hardships were years old, or only true in the most backward beastfolk tribes that still hadn’t adopted Nagrand’s way of life.

Julian might not have taken it to heart. In the eyes of young men like him, hardship was merely a badge of future glory. But those standing around him—his guard captain, steward, personal attendant, and maids—were utterly horrified.

What kind of nightmare was this? Why should they be the ones to suffer?

What sins had they committed? What misfortune had the gods bestowed upon them?

Before Wu Qingsong could even say anything more, they were already trying to talk Julian out of it with every excuse they could muster.

“The real key,” Red Moon, who had been silent until now, suddenly said, “is still Marquis Osaga. If his name can be cleared, then given his experience and reputation, wouldn’t it be easy for him to secure more men and resources from the other nobles? At that point, even raising an army wouldn’t be difficult. Conquering the Icy Sea and its savage beastkin would be a matter of course.”

“Yes, yes!” Julian’s retainers immediately echoed the sentiment, offering even more reasons.

Rescuing Marquis Osaga meant returning to the capital. And once they got to the capital, perhaps the baron would forget about these sudden urges to build a legacy.

“Two months. Fifty thousand renals.” 

In the end, Julian gave up on his spur-of-the-moment dream, swayed by those around him. 

“Anton.” He turned to his personal attendant. “I hereby appoint you as Tax Overseer of the Barony of Eisfeld. You’ll represent me in that… Nagrand. Supervise their conduct. Make sure that money gets raised.”

“Your Highness?!” 

The half-elf named Anton was struck dumb. Anywhere else, this might have been a dream job, but in the northern wastelands?

“You’ll also take the official documents to Red Plateau City and oversee the handover,” Julian continued. “Do it well, and the position of Chief Steward for the entire barony will be yours in the future.”

Anton had no idea how to make Julian revoke the order. But Julian had already turned to Wu Qingsong.

“I appoint you as Constable of the Barony,” he said. “Tagraedi, are you going to refuse again?”

“I would brave fire and blade for Your Highness!” Wu Qingsong declared instantly. “Please rest assured, I will personally ensure Lord Anton’s safety. I won’t let those savages lay a finger on him.”

That kind of promise brought no comfort to the poor half-elf. He forced a smile, his voice trembling on the verge of tears.

“For Your Highness… I… I will… I must…”