"I have received the goodwill from both of you."
Baron Rod looked at the two emissaries, his voice calm,
"However, the title of Northern Duke isnât something that can be bestowed lightly."
The expressions of the two emissaries simultaneously stiffened, wanting to speak but were stopped by Baron Rodâs gesture.
"I need time to consider."
Baron Rod sat back in his chair.
"Both of you have been traveling in the wild for so long, you need to rest well."
His tone was undeniable, and he immediately instructed Vivian beside him, "Have Sao take them to the best inn in town."
"Yes, my lord."
Vivian responded softly, notifying the guard to escort them away.
The two emissaries exchanged a glance, each seeing reluctance in the otherâs eyes.
But with Baron Rodâs firm attitude, they could only bow and then follow the guard out of the hall.
The sound of footsteps gradually faded, and the hall returned to silence.
Baron Rod leaned back in his chair, his fingers gently tapping the armrest.
He couldnât make a hasty decision.
Even without Count Olaâs involvement, Baron Rod couldnât choose between two identical edict.
Itâs like having two suitors you donât quite like, both inviting you to dinner, movies, and bubble tea, all mundane and lacking novelty.
At least they should gift something like computer peripherals, or a watch, a belt, or a room card, right?
These actions, though seemingly respectful, are actually perfunctory.
Because neither of these people are true emperors.
"Baron, thereâs a young lady outside requesting an audience."
Vivian interrupted Baron Rodâs thoughts, saying, "Sheâs from the Duke of Flowersâ emissary group, she claims to be your sister."
"Hmm, let her in."
Baron Rod nodded slightly.
He stood up himself and walked towards the hall door.
Soon, a young girl walked in cautiously, her eyes curiously taking in everything around her.
Her long hair was tied back with a simple ribbon, and she wore ordinary noblewomanâs clothing instead of a lavish dress.
Her neck and wrists were bare of any luxurious jewelry.
The girl bore some resemblance to Baron Rod.
But she had a rounder face, with a gentler demeanor between her brows.
"Good day, esteemed Baron Rod."
Seeing Baron Rod approach, the girl quickly withdrew her wandering gaze.
She bowed respectfully, with a hint of nervousness on her face, her fingers unconsciously twisting the corner of her clothes.
Baron Rod quickly stepped forward, reaching out to help the girl up.
"Dora."
Baron Rodâs face bore a warm smile, like a rare winter sun.
"Between us, thatâs not necessary."
Baron Rod said sincerely.
Dora was also the illegitimate daughter of the Tulip Baron, older than Baron Rod by three months.
However, Doraâs background was slightly better.
Because Doraâs mother was the daughter of the Tulip Castleâs stewardâat least she had a legitimate status.
Due to their close ages, Dora and Baron Rod almost grew up together.
Of course, if it were merely this.
As a transmigrator, Baron Rod didnât have any special feelings for Dora.
The key was that since Baron Rodâs arrival, Dora had been meticulously caring for his injured and weak self.
Later, it was Dora who first informed Baron Rod of the bloody decree.
This gave Baron Rod the chance to step up and proactively accept this task.
These were experiences Baron Rod personally underwent, and the feelings shared between them were self-evident.
"Thank goodness."
Hearing Baron Rodâs words, Dora let out a long breath, patting her flat chest.
"Grandfather said that people always change when they gain power."
Doraâs eyes showed a trace of worry, "I was afraid youâd be like them."
As she said this, she took a few steps closer, reached out to hold Baron Rodâs hand, and looked up to examine him closely,
"Good that you havenât changed."
After confirming, Doraâs face blossomed with a radiant smile, her eyes forming crescents.
Having said that, she continued to curiously survey everything in the hall.
Her words carried surprise and excitement.
"Indeed unexpected!"
Doraâs gaze swept across the spacious hall.
"I canât believe in just two years you became this impressive!"
"To actually own such a large estate now!"
Her voice was filled with pride for Baron Rod.
Dora suddenly recalled something, quickly stepping back beside Baron Rod, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.
She grabbed Baron Rodâs arm, lowering her voice to ask:
"That Viscount Cruz said the frontier and the entire desert are yours,"
Doraâs eyes widened, "Is that true?"
"Thereâs still a little matter left to handle."
Baron Rod nodded with a smile, his tone relaxed, "But itâs almost settled."
"That His Majesty has conferred you as the Northern Duke, is that true as well?"
Dora was full of shock, happily stating, "Isnât that a title higher than fatherâs?"
"It sounds like it."
Baron Rod explained:
"But the nobles of the North are much poorer than those in other parts of the Empire."
"Still, itâs a duke!"
Dora was still in astonishment, "Looks like your initial decision was the right one!"
Her eyes sparkled, full of joy for Baron Rod.
Baron Rod smiled without speaking.
Just then, the maids came in carrying trays, with steaming cups of tea placed on them.
Baron Rod picked up a cup and personally handed it to Dora,
"The Northern Territory is very cold, incomparable to Tulip Castle, this will warm you up a bit."
"Alright, thank you."
Dora accepted it with both hands, carefully cradling the cup, feeling the warmth radiate from the cup walls.
Steam rose from the cupâs mouth, curling around her face.
"Itâs indeed cold here, I wasnât used to it when I first arrived, my ears felt numb from the cold."