53: Baron of the Stars

On March 14, 31599 of the dawn calendar, Iron Sand Island welcomed a long-awaited grand official occasion. An official vessel flying the flag of the Aolai Kingdom slowly sailed into the pier. The kingdom dispatched an old acquaintance, Gresham, who stepped onto the soil of Iron Sand Island surrounded by guards.

To welcome this Inspector representing the kingdom, and also to showcase the territory's strength and build local connections, Linn had already sent invitations to the newly promoted Viscount Nocturne, as well as the two Lords, Rodney and Barlett.

That evening, a banquet was held in the Lord's manor. Though not excessively luxurious, it was rich and sophisticated. Crystal glasses clinked with crisp sounds, while perfectly roasted meats, fresh fish caught locally, and fruits from the limited orchards filled the long tables. Dressed in appropriate noble attire, Linn moved gracefully among the Lords and the Inspector. His speech was neither humble nor arrogant, fully expressing respect for the kingdom's authority.

Viscount Nocturne looked at the refreshed Iron Sand Island and the steady, dignified Linn before him, feeling a surge of emotions. This young neighbor's growth rate far exceeded his expectations. Rodney and Barlett were more restrained, maintaining a very low profile.

As for the Inspector, after quietly accepting the heavy pouch containing 300 gold coins that Linn had Morton present, the smile on his face became significantly more sincere and warm. Regarding the "small" requests Linn proposed—such as being enfeoffed under the name "Star Sea" rather than "Alistair" and using a newly designed flag—he naturally agreed "reasonably."

He couldn't be bothered with the mess involving the House of Earl Alistair. Granting a title not in the Family's name was a legal matter and something the kingdom was happy to see. For him, it was just a small favor, especially since Linn remained so sensible.

The next day, March 15, was a bright and sunny morning. The central square of Iron Sand Town, which had undergone an emergency expansion, was cleaned spotlessly and appeared exceptionally spacious.

Around the square, over a hundred soldiers of the Guard Army, personally led by Clay, stood as straight as javelins in polished uniform leather armor with blades at their waists, forming a majestic and inviolable human wall. Their eyes were sharp, their postures erect, and the faint Evil Qi and shrewdness they exuded silently demonstrated the strength of Iron Sand Island's armed forces. Many Freemen who were granted permission gathered at the outskirts of the square, craning their necks in anticipation, their faces filled with excitement and pride. They all wanted to witness the coronation of the true master of this land.

The core members under Linn's command—Ocean Jack, Karl, Hogan, Shirei, Angus, and others—stood solemnly in front of the viewing platform, dressed in formal or military attire. Elise stood slightly behind them, her gaze always following Linn. Aivi was also invited to attend; she stood beside Elise, her sea-blue eyes filled with curiosity and a trace of imperceptible concern as she watched the young figure with black hair and black eyes in the center of the field.

A wooden platform had been temporarily erected in the center of the square. On the stage, the kingdom's Inspector had changed into formal attire representing the king's envoy, his expression solemn. Linn stood opposite him, his posture as straight as a pine tree, his black eyes calm and deep, as if they contained the entire starry Sky.

The time had come. The long blare of a horn sounded, drowning out all the noise in the square.

The Inspector stepped forward, unfurled the conferment scroll written on a magnificent roll, and read aloud in a voice made exceptionally resonant by his Battle Qi:

“In the name of His Majesty the King of the Aolai Kingdom, the great Kelsen III, let it be known to all!”

The deep voice echoed over the square, and everyone held their breath.

“Whereas the Pioneer Linn, brave and courageous, has opened up more than one hundred and fifty square kilometers of territory on Iron Sand Island and its affiliated islands in the Storm Sea Region, pacified the people, and established order, his achievements are outstanding and comply with the regulations of the Kingdom's Pioneering Decree!”

“Verified by the Kingdom's Inspector and approved by Your Majesty the King, Lynn Ellis is hereby enfeoffed as the—Baron of Star Sea! His title is recognized as legal, and he is granted the legal right to rule and manage all lands, sea areas, and subjects of the Star Sea Territory!”

“May you uphold your noble duties, guard the territory, remain loyal to the kingdom, and bring blessings to your subjects!”

“Baron of Star Sea, step forward to receive your Crest and Scepter!”

Linn stepped forward steadily and knelt on one knee, his posture standard and full of respect. Gresham pinned a silver Crest engraved with a simplified star pattern—the symbol of a Baron—onto Linn's chest, then handed him a ceremonial Scepter representing the power of rule.

When Linn stood up and raised the Scepter toward the crowd in the square, the sunlight happened to fall on him, as if draping him in a layer of golden radiance.

Meanwhile, at Clay's signal, two Guard Army soldiers pulled hard to hoist a brand-new flag to the top of the flagpole in the center of the square.

The flag had a light blue background, like the clear Sky and the vast ocean. In the center of the flag was a dazzling main star embroidered with silver thread, surrounded by countless smaller stars. Together, they formed a miniature galaxy, symbolizing the boundless stars and sea, and also proclaiming the ambition and vision of this new Baron—Baron of Star Sea, Lynn Ellis—which far exceeded that of ordinary men!

“Long live the Baron of Star Sea!”

No one knew who shouted first, but then, the entire square erupted!

“Long live the Baron of Star Sea!”

“Long live Lord Linn!”

The Guard Army soldiers struck their shields with their swords, creating a rhythmic roar; the Freemen waved their arms and cheered heartily. The sound waves were like a tide, rising wave after wave, echoing over Iron Sand Island for a long time.

Elise had a gratified smile on her lips as she looked at the star flag fluttering in the wind, her eyes shining with brilliance. Ocean Jack and the others were even more flushed with excitement, feeling a shared sense of honor.

Aivi watched Linn in the center of the square intently, her eyes full of light.

The conferment ceremony concluded with Perfection amidst the cheers of the crowd.

Afterward, Linn personally saw off the Inspector, whose heart had already flown back to the prosperity of the royal capital, as well as the busy Lords Rodney and Barlett, onto their ship.

However, he kept Viscount Nocturne behind.

“Your Excellency, would you mind having a word in private?” Linn looked at Nocturne, his eyes carrying a gravity different from before. “There is a major matter concerning the future interests of our two families that I wish to discuss with you. Please rest on Iron Sand Island for a day.”

Viscount Nocturne's gaze narrowed slightly. From Linn's expression and the title “Star Sea,” he keenly sensed that this young neighbor probably had no small ambitions. He nodded: “Of course, Baron Linn, I also wish to have a good talk with you.”