45: Gift giving

Under the enthusiastic guidance of Nocturne, Linn arrived before the middle-aged man dressed in the magnificent official attire of the Kingdom. The man was slightly plump with a ruddy complexion, and his eyes, which seemed to scan the surroundings casually, occasionally flashed with a hint of shrewdness.

"Respected Inspector, Your Excellency," Nocturne bowed slightly, his tone respectful, "Please allow me to introduce this rising young talent, who has recently made a name for himself in the Saru archipelago, the pioneer of Iron Sand Island, Lord Lynn Ellis. Little brother Linn, this is Viscount Philip Gresham from the Royal Capital, representing His Majesty the King to inspect the various territories, a special Inspector dispatched by the Kingdom's State Council."

Linn immediately stepped forward and performed an impeccable aristocratic salute, his face wearing just the right amount of humility and respect: "It is an honor to meet you, Your Excellency Gresham. I have long heard of your profound knowledge and impartial strictness; seeing you today, your reputation is truly well-deserved." His words carried a hint of imperceptible flattery, and his posture was very low.

Baron Philip Gresham nodded slightly, eyeing Linn with a scrutinizing gaze, and drawled, "Oh? You are Linn? Hmm, indeed very young. Iron Sand Island... I seem to have seen it in recent reports, it seems to be developing quite well? Being able to gain a foothold in the Storm Sea Region is not easy." His tone carried the reserve customary to a superior, but he did not appear overly arrogant.

"Your Excellency is too kind," Linn maintained a smile, his tone sincere, "It is entirely due to the protection of the Kingdom and the care of Viscount Nocturne that Iron Sand Island has managed to show some progress. We have always strictly adhered to the laws of the Kingdom, committed to developing the wilderness and adding strength to the Kingdom in the Storm Sea Region. In the future, if there is an opportunity, I hope Your Excellency Gresham will not hesitate to provide guidance." He cleverly linked his own development with the interests of the Kingdom and expressed his desire to receive "guidance"; the old foxes present all understood the meaning behind this.

A hint of an imperceptible look of satisfaction appeared on Baron Gresham's face; he liked young people who understood the "rules." "Hmm, it is a good thing for young people to know how to strive for improvement. Keep working hard, the Kingdom will not mistreat any meritorious official." He gave a vague word of encouragement, which counted as a response.

Seeing this, Nocturne interrupted at the right time, steering the topic toward other aspects, and the atmosphere appeared harmonious and warm. Linn also took the opportunity to exchange a few pleasantries with Rodney, Barlett, and others, maintaining a superficial peace.

The reception continued late into the night amidst the clinking of glasses before dispersing.

The next morning, the weather was clear, and sunlight bathed the earth. The square in front of Viscount Nocturne's castle was decorated solemnly and festively, with colorful flags fluttering and guards standing at attention. All the invited guests gathered here to witness the official enfeoffment of the first Viscount of the Saru archipelago.

Under the gaze of everyone, Baron Philip Gresham, dressed in formal official attire and holding the appointment document symbolizing the authority of the Kingdom, read aloud the promotion edict for Nocturne, and solemnly bestowed upon Nocturne the heraldic ring and scepter representing the status of a Viscount. The entire process was solemn and dignified, and Nocturne excitedly swore his allegiance, accepting the Viscount title he had dreamed of.

Standing in the crowd of onlookers, watching this scene, Linn could not help but feel waves in his heart. This was the ladder of aristocratic power; one step at a time, seemingly glorious, but behind it, it could not be separated from strength, merits, and necessary interpersonal maneuvering. He was even more determined to obtain his future Baron title.

After the enfeoffment ceremony ended, the grand celebration began. Linn did not stay long; he found an opportunity to bid farewell to Viscount Nocturne.

"Brother Nocturne, congratulations! Territory affairs are busy, so I will not disturb you further; I still need to rush to Tianhai City to handle some trade matters." Linn said, cupping his hands in a salute.

Nocturne was currently feeling smug and satisfied, and his impression of Linn was excellent. Upon hearing this, he patted his shoulder: "Understand, understand! Little brother Linn, you and I hit it off immediately; come visit often in the future! When you are promoted to Baron, I will definitely come to congratulate you in person!"

"Certainly! I will definitely sweep the bed and welcome you then." After saying this, Linn quietly took out a bag of gold coins and handed it over.

Seeing this, Nocturne was preparing to stop him but was interrupted by Linn's words, which allowed no refusal.

"Brother Nocturne, this is a small token of my appreciation. Surviving on this vast ocean, I will inevitably have to bother you in the future, and at the same time, this is also for me to share in your good fortune, so that my Baron enfeoffment goes smoothly."

Looking at Linn's very sincere face, Nocturne found it difficult to refuse again, thinking to himself that he would just return the favor when Linn was enfeoffed as a Baron.

After bidding farewell to Nocturne, Linn scanned the area and quickly found Baron Philip Gresham, who was preparing to return to his resting place. He stepped forward quickly, wearing a warm smile on his face: "Your Excellency Gresham, please stay a moment."

Baron Gresham stopped, looking at him with slight confusion.

Linn leaned in a step closer, lowering his voice, appearing very respectful: "Your Excellency has come from afar, enduring the hardships of travel to preside over the ceremony for us in this remote place; it is truly hard work. A small token of my appreciation, it is not much, but I hope Your Excellency will accept it to buy some tea to refresh yourself on the road." While speaking, a heavy, inconspicuous small cloth bag was cleverly slipped into the wide sleeve pocket of Gresham's official robe. With the weight and tactile feel, the experienced Inspector immediately understood there were at least 100 gold coins inside.

A look of realization and pleasure flashed across Viscount Gresham's face instantly. With a flick of his sleeves, he quietly put away the money bag. When he looked at Linn again, his eyes were significantly kinder, even carrying a hint of cordiality: "Knight Linn is too polite. You are young and promising, loyal to the King's affairs, and have a limitless future. Regarding your application for promotion to Baron, I will emphasize the stability and development of Iron Sand Island in my report. After returning to the Royal Capital, I will also put in a good word for you within the scope of my ability."

"Thank you for your cultivation, Your Excellency!" Linn bowed again, feeling settled in his heart. This "travel expense" was well spent. The reason he didn't wait until the inspection to give the money was to tell Gresham that he, Linn, was not a stingy person; if he gave this much at the first meeting, he would give more next time when he comes to inspect the prosperity of Iron Sand Island. As long as he doesn't stand in the way, there will be benefits.

Having done all this, Linn did not stay any longer, and taking Karl and Shirei with him, quickly left the noisy castle. After reuniting with the fleet waiting at the anchorage outside the port, the three ships raised their sails again, adjusted their course, and headed toward the next stop of this long journey—Tianhai City, riding the wind and waves. With the sea breeze brushing his face, Linn stood at the bow, his gaze firm; money was currently not a big problem for an Apothecary like himself. Now, he just needed to constantly purchase population and weapons, thereby expanding his army and his territory.