Dominic continued, "Then there's this estate. We don't yet know who will inherit it, but we can certainly demand compensation. This land is the result of our family's labor, and anyone taking it will owe us for that.
"We can also sell various rights—passage rights, hunting rights, and judicial privileges. These were hard-won by our house, and we can set a fair price for them. If anyone dares to contest that, well, let them try."
Dominic's confidence was contagious, and Michael's spirits lifted.
"You're right," Michael agreed. "Those asures should provide substantial funding. And given that this relocation is by royal decree, we should also petition the crown for additional support. No, we should demand it."
Dominic smiled approvingly.
"Precisely. We're entitled to compensation and assistance. The crown must have its reasons for relocating us, so we'll ensure they provide adequate resources."
Encouraged by the montum of the conversation, Michael added, "It might also be worthwhile to court investors from the capital's rchant class. If we bring renowned mages and knights to the frontier, we'll certainly catch the rchants' attention."
Dominic's expression brightened further.
"Yes, the rchants are always eager to seize new opportunities. And don't forget, we can also draw on connections from the in-laws of your sisters. That's the whole point of building strong marriage alliances."
Dominic cast a proud look at his son, his thoughts briefly drifting to Michael's future.
No, it was too soon to consider marriage for him. Michael was still young, with so much potential ahead.
"For now, let's finalize our plans for the entourage," Dominic said.
Michael smiled, a sense of anticipation filling him.
With the entourage decided and the season turning warr, the journey to the capital would soon begin.
The fortress of Namjang was filled with tension and energy. The morning sunlight bathed the walls, wrapping the entire fortress in a warm embrace. The weather was pleasantly mild—perfect for traveling.
In the expansive courtyard within the fortress, people bustled about. Fifty selected guards exchanged conversations with their visiting families. Greg, officially appointed as the barony's blacksmith, inspected weapons and shields with precision.
Inside the living quarters of the baron and his family, the sharp voice of Elizabeth echoed through the halls.
"Anna! We'll need more muslin cloth. What we have isn't even enough to polish the pauldrons! Brianna! Help wrap Father's and Michael's dress uniforms in parchnt paper."
The head maid, Anna, and Elizabeth's personal attendant, Brianna, moved swiftly. They had to embroider the surcoats and cloaks with the newly crafted family crest for the knighting ceremony and prepare the formal dress uniforms for the ball. They also packed elaborate hats, pauldrons, gauntlets, and boots into boxes, locking them securely. The endless list of travel necessities left them overwheld.
In the great hall, Oliver, the steward, inspected the retainers' preparations. He ticulously examined their luggage, ensuring that anything excessive was reduced and any deficiencies were supplented.
At the stables, Paul, the stable master, conducted a final check of the horses. He brushed their manes and looked each of them in the eye.
"Don't worry, my friends. We'll make it back safely."
The harnesses were all inspected, and everything was set for departure.
In the kitchen on the first floor, Margaret, the head chef, prepared provisions for the journey. She instructed the servants to pack bread, smoked at, dried rations, and separately include fruits and vegetables. The servants moved briskly, placing the food into baskets and loading them for transport.
At the chapel within the fortress, Edward, the priest of the Radiant Church, offered a quiet prayer. Although the baron and Michael harbored grievances against the church, Edward himself was a devout and virtuous man. His solemn voice added a sense of sanctity and tranquility to the chapel.
"O Lord of Light, our sanctuary and guide, please bless this journey and grant us safety."
Behind him, the young Phoebe and Kate knelt in prayer, aware of how critical this trip to the capital was for their family. Find more chapters on My Virtual Library Empire
In the library, Michael, the scribe, organized the docunts necessary for the knighting ceremony. With his strict deanor, he carefully reviewed the papers spread across his desk, ensuring that no details were overlooked.
After what seed like preparations that would never end, everything was finally ready. Dominic and Michael gathered with their retainers in front of the gate. Dominic addressed Lawrence, the treasurer.
"Is the budget well-prepared?"
Lawrence replied with confidence. "Of course, my lord. All expenses are accounted for within the budget."
The baron turned to the soldiers and shouted, "This journey is of utmost importance. I expect everyone to be fully prepared!"
The soldiers responded with a unified nod and resounding cheers. At the front, Sir Ronald raised the banner high. The golden embroidery of a roaring sphinx and dragon glead under the sunlight—a new crest for House Crassus, designed by Leonardo himself. The imagery of the sphinx and dragon seed to prophesize the family's future prosperity.
With their thorough preparations complete, the entourage passed through the fortress gates, accompanied by the farewells of their families. At the rear, the healer Hope and Carl rode on horseback. Michael and his squire, Julian, rode in a carriage to accommodate the sphinx Miaomiao and the dragon Marcus.
Dominic had hoped to join them but was driven off by Miaomiao's hissing protests. Other squires, Alex and Anthony, flanked the carriage to guard it, while Leonardo himself took the reins as the coachman, having ousted the original driver in his determination to claim the honor of driving Michael's carriage.
Unexpectedly, the group also included the Baron of Kensington. Officially, he claid to be traveling to sell his prized "Rainbow Plus" colt in the capital, but everyone knew his real goal was Miaomiao and Marcus. Like Dominic, however, he failed to secure a seat in the carriage.
The carriage itself was a masterpiece. Specially crafted by the village carpenters and blacksmiths, it was designed to ensure smooth travel for the sphinx and dragon. The exterior was built from sturdy oak, adorned with intricate carvings and gilded accents showcasing the family crest. Its steel-reinforced wheels made it suitable for any terrain, and the door was fortified with tal locks for safety.
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