The rays of dawn crept through the drapes of the Chinese canopy as I stretched across my king-sized bed. The events of last night replayed in my mind with vivid clarity—not just the pleasure, but the significance.
Dame Victoria, now under my influence, had fully submitted to me. She wasn't just a vassal anymore. She was mine.
"Well, that was one hell of a night."
Victoria had long since departed, her footsteps light but her gaze lingering. I had fulfilled her, dominated her, and in doing so, unlocked a cascade of new options through the system.
I pulled the interface back up with a thought.
『Points: 600』
『Would you like to access the Shop?』
"Shop."
The list exploded into categories—skills, artifacts, territory enhancements, economic tools. For now, I ignored anything lewd or flashy. My mind was set on long-term gain.
I couldn't waste that precious S-rank Mind Implant skill on some unknown woman, that would be like lighting a sacred scroll just to start a campfire.
I had to calculate and try to increase this land's value to attract some high-rank individuals, preferably busty women with bubble butts.
I filtered for development-based items.
『Notable Purchasables Available – Based on Current Authority Level
—Fertile Soil Infusion [C] – 200P
—Production Booster [D] – 150P
—Knight Training Scroll [D] – 180P
—Village Festival Permit [C] – 220P
—Vassal Mental Barrier [B] – 300P』
Each option pulsed with potential. The Fertile Soil Infusion could turn our patchy fields into productive farmland again. The Production Booster was a general economic enhancer—could affect anything from blacksmithing to tanners.
The Festival Permit was oddly expensive, but I knew the value of morale and perception. If I could rally the people and give them even a glimpse of prosperity, their tongues would wag, and hope would rise.
The Knight Training Scroll? A bit steep, but I needed loyal, powerful subordinates.
And the Vassal Mental Barrier? That one was obvious. It protected my vassals from external manipulation—whether magical, emotional, or systemic. It wasn't foolproof, but it was strong. I needed to make sure no one could steal my assets from under me.
『Total Cost: 1050P』
『Error: Insufficient Points. Please remove items totaling 450P.』
"Tch." I tapped my chin. "Remove the Knight Training Scroll and Production Booster."
『Recalculating...』
『New Total: 620P』
『Remaining Points: -20P』
"Remove the Festival Permit too."
『New Total: 400P』
『Remaining Points: 200P』
"Add something cheap," I muttered.
A new option flickered into view:
『—Merchant Guild Token [D] – 200P』
Perfect.
『Total Spent: 600P』
『Remaining: 0P』
The moment I confirmed, a subtle hum vibrated through the manor. As if invisible gears had started turning beneath my feet. I rushed to the window.
Outside, the clouds seemed to shift. The farmland beyond our fences shimmered faintly, then glowed. A nearby stream, once sluggish, now coursed steadily. A merchant's cart arrived at the gate, almost on cue.
They felt it.
The land was changing.
And so was I.
Back in my study, I poured a glass of wine and watched the fire crackle. The warmth soothed my body, but my mind was electric with plans.
The Baronetcy was still weak—but not dead. I had turned the tide a little. With each night, with each conquest, I would rebuild this land. Not just with domination, but with gold, power, and influence.
A knock came at the door.
"Milord, your steward requests an audience."
I sighed. "Send him in."
A short man with a crooked nose and thick glasses entered. His name was Benwick, my steward—loyal, if slightly jumpy.
"Milord, word has spread. The soil is richer, the farmers already speak of blessings, and a merchant caravan has just offered tribute. They said something about...a vision?"
I chuckled. "Tell them the gods favor those who act."
"Very wise, milord. One more thing. There's a woman—Eloise—working at the stables. She's... caused some problems. Fought off a few guards who tried to push her around. Strong, independent, and won't bow."
Interesting.
"Describe her."
"Tall. Dusky. Golden eyes like a hawk. Hair tied up always. Carries a dagger and isn't afraid to use it. They say she used to be a mercenary before she took a stable job. Keeps mostly to herself."
My smile widened. She sounds like she has potential, perfect for the next target.
"I'll handle her."
However, before that, some other things required dealing...
"I'm going to head out to see the new changes, I'll call you later."
"Alright milord, thank you."
Benwick swallowed and bowed out.
-----
I stepped out of the mansion and took a leisurely walk around the estate.
The air felt different—crisper, fuller. Children ran past with bundles of freshly-picked fruit. Farmers bent over rows of soil now dark and moist with promise. They looked up as I passed, eyes wide with reverence.
"Lord Cedric!" one of them called out. "The barley's thicker than it's been in years!"
Another waved from atop a wagon. "And the ground—bless me, it's drinkin' water like never before!"
I offered a nod and a half-smile. "Make the most of it. There's more to come."
As I moved further down the path toward the village square, I passed the blacksmith's shed. A boy not older than twelve polished horseshoes while humming to himself. Behind him, the blacksmith himself stood with arms crossed, smiling.
"Morning, milord," he said, bowing slightly. "Strange things are happening—but good ones. Feels like the land itself's waking up."
"That's because it is," I replied simply.
Villagers gathered nearby, whispering among themselves, but as I approached, they hushed. Then one of the older women stepped forward, a baker's apron tied around her waist.
"We thought we were forgotten, milord. After the old Count…" she trailed off.
I finished for her. "Let things rot."
She nodded. "But now, even the trees are standing straighter."
There was something in their eyes. Not just hope—but loyalty. A spark I could kindle into a flame.
I left them with a promise. "Keep working. Harvest wisely. Celebrate the small things. A better era is beginning."
As I turned back toward the mansion, I allowed myself one thought: They were mine now—not just as a noble, but as a man bringing real change.
And I intended to keep giving them reasons to believe in me.
"With your trust and faith in me, these things will continue! I have been blessed, anointed with responsibility! Give me your loyalty, and I will give you an empire!"
The entire village looked at me, faces filled with reverence, shock, and surprise. However, all of them had something in common- curiosity, curiosity to see where I'll lead them.
Together, they entire town bellowed, "Long live the Baronet!"
-----
The stables stank of hay, sweat, and horses—but amidst it all, there she was.
Eloise.
Taller than most men, but still quite shorter than me, she wore rough pants and a leather vest. Her toned arms flexed as she hoisted a saddle. She glanced at me with mild interest and went back to work.
I stepped forward.
"You're Eloise."
"No shit."
I grinned. "They say you're a troublemaker."
She finally looked at me. Her eyes had the clarity of someone who had killed and regretted nothing.
"Depends on what you consider trouble."
"I consider it anything I haven't ordered."
She narrowed her eyes, tossing the saddle down. "Well then, Baronet, give me an order."
This wasn't someone to dominate through crude means. Not yet. She was a storm, and storms required either taming or matching.
"I want to offer you a job."
"I have a job."
"A better one. Become my personal enforcer. My Shadow Hand. Paid well, free room, and the chance to use that dagger on people who deserve it."
She blinked. Just once.
"Why me?"
"You're strong, independent, and dangerous. The kind of woman I need close—not out of fear, but respect."
There was silence for a moment. Her gaze pierced me, searching for mockery or deceit. She found neither.
"I'll think about it."
"That's all I ask. But think quickly, Eloise. Because I'm rebuilding an empire—and I always reward loyalty."
I turned to leave, but not before catching the faintest smirk on her lips.
-----
That night, as I lay in my bed, I didn't summon the system again.
I simply stared at the ceiling and smiled.
The world had started to shift. One vassal won. One wild card approached. And beneath it all, a dying land was breathing once more.
Soon, it wouldn't just breathe.
It would kneel.
To me.