Ark replied with a wicked grin. Ark had a reason for saying that. It was became of the ‘double ledgers’ he previously created. Ark had handed Wolkosu the ‘double ledgers’ and he had diverted some of the earning from the Continental Commerce Firm into it. When he checked with Wolkosu before the siege, the amount had surprisingly reached 1 million gold. Of course, Ark couldn’t embezzle this money directly. The reason Ark had made the ‘double ledgers’ was to prepare for when he regained Silvana again. And when the estate was promoted, the monthly salary of the Lord would increase. In the end, Ark would be the one profiting.
‘If I pour that 1 million gold into the estate then it will grow in a month!’
Opportunity would always come to those who are prepared. But Berami didn’t know those details so he still looked uneasy.
“Is there really a way to have that type of money? If a problem occurs and we can’t offer the tax to the Three Kingdoms…..”
“I told you not to worry. If I wanted then I could have that money by the end of the day.”
“I understand. Then I’ll believe in the Lord and order the materials required for the repairs as well as give the command for the projects to resume. At the end of 3 months then it might be possible to promote the estate. No, it will be promoted.”
“If there are any other projects required for the estate’s development then tell me.”
“Yes, I will.”
Berami replied with a cheerful expression.
“As expected, the estate becomes lively once Ark-nim returns.”
“I’m thankful for those words. I thought you might complain since there is a lot of work.”
“That’s impossible.”
Berami laughed and was about to walk away when he remembered something.
“Ah, I just remembered. You have visitors from the Schudenberg Kingdom.”
“The Schudenberg Kingdom? What do they want?”
Berami grinned and answered Ark’s question.
“It is better to ask them directly. Shall I summon them?”
“Yes, let’s meet them.”
After a while, three people entered the office. Two of them were knights while the last person was a middle-ages aristocrat were the uniform of the palace.
“First, congratulations on becoming the Lord of Silvana.”
“Thank you. But what brings representatives of the Schudenberg Kingdom here……?”
“Yesterday we heard from the Shrine of War that after a lot of bravery and wisdom, you managed to win the siege and become the Lord of Silvana. His Majesty is very pleased that you’ve raised the fame of Schudenberg Kingdom. After your achievements, he had decided to promote Ark-nim to a Baron.
‘A Baron?’
Ark looked astonished by the aristocrat’s words. Not long ago, Ark had become an aristocrat in Schudenberg Kingdom. Once becoming an aristocrat, a user who did more achievements (e.g. killing famous thieves, killing strong monsters that had been troubling the kingdom or gaining a lot of fame) had a chance to be promoted again. Nagaran was an area managed by all three Kingdoms on the continent. So those who became a Lord in Nagaran was granted a temporary title from all Three Kingdoms. However, Ark had become a nobleman in Schudenberg Kingdom before being Silvana’s Lord. Therefore, the King of Schudenberg could be smug in front of the Kings of Bristania and the Sinius Principality. Being granted a barony was his repayment.
“Take this.”
The aristocrat politely handed up a letter from the King. After he received the scroll, there were some heroic sound effects and the information window appeared.
-You have acquired the ‘Peerage Bestowment Certificate.’
After received the certificate, you have become a Baron.
While you are the Lord of Silvana, you have a noble title from the Schudenberg Kingdom. After raising Schudenberg’s fame through your achievements, you have been promoted to a higher status. A nobleman should always been a distinguished role model that can be respected by others. As a noble, people will always be observing your behaviour. You will also have the ear of Schudenberg’s King and other aristocrats. If your behaviour is just and honourable then you will have a chance to reach a higher status. But if they are dishonourable then you can be stripped of your title.
* As a noble title bonus, all stats will increase by 10.
* Reputation will increase by 7,500.
* When completing a quest given by an NPC with a noble title, your status (Honour Knight: 500 people) will allow you to receive the support of the guards.
* Owning 2 territories has granted you the title of ‘Lord.’
-You have learnt a new Lord’s skill.
The title of Lord is given to a person who possessed two or more territories. Once you possess two or more territories, you have the qualification to apply for an audience with the King. You will also have a stronger voice among the upper class citizens.
This skill will be useful when meeting many upper class residents and aristocrats.
+ Political Power (Lord Skill): This skill will allow you to take part in nobility meetings about the Kingdom as well as participate in politics.
When your political power increases, your comments will become more convincing to the King and nobles. Of you manage to persuade a certain amount of nobles and the King, you can even change the laws of Schudenberg Kingdom. In some cases, your opinion will be considered when giving quests to regular users. When your political power increases, your degree of intimacy with nobles will also increase.
It was an unexpected bonus. He received a bonus of +10 to all stats and 7,500 fame when he became a Baron. It was a higher bonus then when he became a baronet. However, Ark was most interested in the new Political Power skill.
‘I can engage in the politics of Schudenberg Kingdom?’
When he thought about it carefully, it really was an enormous privilege.
It was possible to participate in politics and propose new laws or change an existing law. That is to say, wasn’t it the same privileges as a congressman in real life? Korean politicians were adept at proposing laws and amendments which were favourable to them. As an example, let’s consider Ark’s triangular trade route. Ark could lower the customs fee, increase the security around movement of goods, lower the tax rates etc. There were many ways to use his status to his benefit. Of course, it wouldn’t be easy persuading the King and nobles to agree to his proposals. It would probably take some time and more advancement in upper class society.
‘Huhuhu, this will have huge benefits.’
“Ah, I also have a message from Lord Jackson.”
At that moment, the aristocrat started talking again.
“Lord Jackson? What is it?”
“The bandit group who were arrested a while ago with Ark’s help have broken out of jail.”
“J-jailbreak?”
“Yes, according to Lord Jackson’s words they received help from outside troops to escape from jail. A group of guards has been dispatched to chase them but they haven’t been caught yet. Those criminals have a grudge against Ark-nim so Lord Jackson asked you to be careful.”
“Tell him I am thankful for his worries.”
“I understand. I’ll be going now.”
The middle aged aristocrat said before leaving the office. The joyful news about becoming a Baron was soured by Jewel’s jailbreak.
‘Hmm, so escaping from jail is possible in New World? Well, if it is possible to attack a NPC village then there is no reason a jailbreak should be impossible. But they must have quite a lot of numbers to escape from Jackson jail…..
Raiden’s group must be the one who helped them escape. That Raiden guy is still trying to annoy me even after losing the Lordship? But it doesn’t really matter that much.’
Ark just laughed and shook it off. Raiden breaking Jewel out of jail wasn’t a problem now that he lost Silvana. Raiden had lost Silvana and was already branded as a villain. His circumstances are similar to Alan’s in the past. Just like Alan, the alliance was also disgruntled with Raiden and left him. The Hermes alliance was scheduled for a collapse. Raiden who was deprived of Silvana and Jewel who was a fugitive were no threat to Ark.
‘I can’t afford to be concerned about those guys. Right now it is important to gain funds for my business.’
Ark laughed and headed towards the main meeting room in the castle. He had changed into Dark Wolf before entering the meeting room.
Buzz,chatter.
Dozens of users were gathered inside the meeting room. There were the commanders of the 20 Dark Eden units as well as JusticeMan, the rehabilitation members, Isyuram, Lariette, Roco, Shambala, Bread and Redian. After 24 hours, all users who had died in the siege were revived at the castle. And Ark had gathered them together for a meeting.
“Now, please pay attention.”
When Ark walked onto the podium, the room instantly became quiet. Ark stared at the users one by one and then lowered his head.
“I first wanted to say thank you. It is thanks to your efforts that we’ve defeated the villains and took control of Silvana. It was only possible with everybody’s help. Everybody did really well so thank you.”
Ark then raised his head and said.
“But I didn’t gather you here just to convey my thanks. It also isn’t to give the fee I promise you.”
“What do you mean?”
“Surely he’s not talking about the fee he promised if the siege was a success?”
Ark tapped a table and focused the attention on him again.
“Please be quiet for a while. I’ll tell you first, it isn’t that I don’t intend to give the success fee. I just want to make an offer first.”
“Offer?”
“This suggestion is a token of appreciation for helping me.”
Ark raised one finger and continued talking.
“First of all, you will all unit as a coalition guild.”
“What? A coalition guild?”
The unit leaders started fussing again at Ark’s declaration.
“What is he saying?”
“Well, belong to a guild which has a territory is better than another guild….”
“If we join a guild with a territory then i