Chapter 2: Chapter 2: A General Without an Army
Downing the bowl of Fire Source Beast Bone Soup brought Duane a new opportunity.
Just then, a pale blue panel materialized before his eyes, displaying several lines of white text:
[Name]: Duane Brian
[Strength]: 3.5
[Spirit]: 1.8
[Cooking]: Fire Source Beast Bone Soup (Initial 3/100)
[Attribute points]: 0
Having played his fair share of games, Duane immediately recognized it as an attribute panel that combined attributes, skill levels, and a point allocation function.
If his guess was correct, he should be able to gain attribute points by increasing his skill levels.
’I can increase my strength just by allocating points. Is this the unique ability of a Transmigrator?’
For a moment, Duane was thrilled.
Although the original owner of this body had gradually regained his health over the years thanks to Carter’s care, he had missed the golden period for cultivation. It was nearly impossible for him to achieve anything significant in his training.
In fact, he couldn’t even guarantee he’d become a Basic-level Warrior before the age of twenty.
But now, with the attribute panel, not only could he overcome this disadvantage, but he might even get a taste of the power wielded by the world’s top Extraordinaries.
’But gaining attribute points is tied to Cooking... Does this mean I have to become a chef?’
The thought made Duane hesitate. He wasn’t particularly passionate about cooking.
"Young Master, is something wrong?"
Watching Duane suddenly space out, Ralph grew anxious, worried he might pass out again.
Duane snapped back to reality. Apparently, only he could see the attribute panel.
"It’s nothing. I was just thinking about something."
He handed the empty bowl to Mara.
"Could I trouble you for another bowl? Also, I’d like to hear the specific recipe for the Fire Source Beast Bone Soup, if you don’t mind."
"Of course! It would be my pleasure!"
Mara smiled, took the bowl, and ladled another serving of soup before beginning her detailed explanation.
Ralph just assumed Duane was bored and wanted to listen to a recipe to pass the time.
What he didn’t know was that as Mara explained, Duane was continuously receiving notifications:
[You have learned the method for making Fire Source Beast Bone Soup. Skill Level +3]
[You have learned the method for making Fire Source Beast Bone Soup. Skill Level +2]
...
"Could you please go over that again in more detail? I’m very interested in how you prepare the Fire Source Beast’s bones."
"Of course, Young Master. The Fire Source Beast’s bones are covered in a lot of web-like sinew. Before putting them in the pot, we have to use a knife to scrape it all off. This not only removes the gamy smell from the broth but also enhances its effects."
"You might not know this, but scraping it off is not only tedious, it also requires extreme care..."
Mara explained meticulously, as if she were teaching a student.
Duane listened intently. However, the further she went, the fewer Skill Level points he gained from her explanation. Eventually, it took several details just to earn a single point.
He secretly guessed that he had reached the limit of what he could learn through theory. The next step would require hands-on practice.
While Mara was explaining, he finished the entire second bowl of Fire Source Beast Bone Soup.
And at that very moment, another line of text appeared before his eyes:
[Consumed Fire Source Beast Bone Soup. Attribute points +0.1]
A double surprise!
’I thought I could only get attribute points by leveling up my skills. I didn’t expect drinking the soup would work too!’
’Does this mean I can get stronger just by eating?’
This opened up another channel for improvement.
He focused on the "+" sign next to his Strength Attribute and mentally willed the point to be added.
[Strength]: 3.5 → 3.6
In an instant, a warm current spread through his body, and Duane felt a sense of ease wash over him.
’I feel a little bit stronger.’
Although it was only 0.1 attribute points, Duane was very satisfied with the result.
"Auntie Mara, are there any more ingredients for Fire Source Beast Bone Soup in the kitchen?"
"Yes, there are three more portions."
Duane decided to get some hands-on practice. "Good. Tomorrow, I’ll make the soup myself. You can guide me from the side."
Ralph and Mara were shocked to hear this.
"You are the master of the Brian Family, a Baron! How could you possibly enter the kitchen?"
Mara was the first to object.
Ralph chimed in, "Among the Nobility, while some women might learn Cooking, I’ve never heard of a male noble entering the kitchen."
He continued to persuade him, "Young Master, you are a Baron now, the head of the Brian Family. Even though most of the servants have left, Mara is still here. This is the sort of thing she can do. If you were to cook for yourself, outsiders would surely gossip behind your back if they found out, and it would damage your reputation!"
Duane couldn’t care less about that. Improving himself was what mattered most.
"If you don’t tell anyone, then no one will know, right?"
As he spoke, he froze, his brow furrowing. "Ralph, what did you just say? Most of the servants have left?"
At that, Duane couldn’t help but think of when he had rung the bell earlier.
Normally, besides the elderly pair before him, his personal valet and handmaiden should have also been present.
But neither of them had shown up.
Ralph looked troubled. "Yes, Young Master. Now, only Mara and I remain in the castle. All the other servants have left."
The servants at Lakefront Manor were all Free People, not house servants or Slaves who had been attached to the Brian Family for generations.
Furthermore, when the King granted Lakefront Manor to Carter, he only allowed it to be inherited for two generations; it was not a hereditary Territory.
This made Carter different from a traditional feudal Lord.
Of course, that wasn’t the main reason.
Duane frowned. "Are they afraid of following me to Black Forest Island?"
"You are most perceptive."
Ralph nodded slightly and sighed.
"They all know that Black Forest Island is no good place. If they went, they might not even be able to keep their lives. That’s why they’d rather pay a half-year penalty to resign than go with you."
"Fine."
Duane rubbed his throbbing temples. He had become a general without an army.
"So, it’s just you and Mara coming with me to Black Forest Island?"
"Not entirely."
Ralph said, "Besides us, Kaelon has already decided to follow you. And while Julian says he’s still considering it, he’s been busy taking inventory of the manor’s assets and preparing for your sea voyage these past few days."
Kaelon was the Guard Captain of Lakefront Manor. Carter had once saved his life, so he was extremely loyal to the Brian Family.
With his strength as a Peak Human Tier Warrior, he would have originally entered the Secret Realm with Carter, but it just so happened that he was away on business a month ago.
As for Julian, he was the manor’s Civil Servant. He had served at Lakefront Manor for six years and was quite capable.
Duane felt a small measure of comfort. With a powerful Warrior like Kaelon around, his safety was more or less guaranteed.
As for Julian the Civil Servant, he would probably need to try and win him over.
"Ralph, how much money do we have right now?"
He asked, "We definitely have to go to Black Forest Island, and there are many difficult matters waiting for us there. I’ll need servants, Guards, and even craftsmen."
"My Lord!"
Ralph had changed how he addressed Duane, now sounding more like a proper steward.
"The manor currently has 569 Gold Coins, 1,138 Silver Coins, and 36,093 Copper Coins. It’s enough for you to recruit people."
He paused for a moment before advising, "Although it would be cheaper to hire people on Black Forest Island, the people there have complicated backgrounds and are not very trustworthy. I suggest you do your recruiting here."
"You’re right. I was thinking the same thing."
Duane agreed. "At least the people in key positions must be trustworthy."
Important positions included his personal valet and handmaiden, as well as anyone who would have contact with his food, clothing, and living arrangements.
If people in such roles had malicious intentions, it would be nearly impossible to guard against them.
Ralph then brought up a key point about recruitment:
"Although you have enough money, under the current circumstances, if you wish to recruit people in the Royal Capital and take them to settle on Black Forest Island, it would be best to get the King’s approval."
Strictly speaking, recruiting people from another Lord’s land and taking them away is an infringement on that Lord’s rights.
The Brian Family is already facing accusations; giving them more cause for complaint would put you in an even more passive position.
Duane pondered for a moment, recalling the procedure for a noble to request an audience with the King.
"Alright then. Tomorrow morning, have Kaelon deliver a formal request for an audience to the Royal Palace on my behalf. I will ask for His Majesty the King’s permission. However, to save time, you can start preparations in advance."
Those nobles wanted Lakefront Manor; they probably couldn’t wait for him to leave.
He just wanted to recruit some people. There shouldn’t be any problem.
However, he needed to think carefully about how he would present his request to the King.
"What is the public’s opinion of the Brian Family right now?" Duane asked.
"Everyone outside thinks that Lord Carter committed a grave error, and by extension, they are accusing you of being a sinner as well."
As Ralph spoke, his voice choked with emotion. In his heart, Carter was both powerful and wise; it was hard to believe he would make such a low-level mistake.
"The Brian Family should have been stripped of its noble title. It was His Majesty Eric, mindful of Lord Carter’s past merits, who not only waived your punishment but also allowed you to go to Black Forest Island to expand the Kingdom’s territory and atone for your crimes through good deeds."
This narrative circulating publicly not only legitimized the Kingdom’s repossession of Lakefront Manor but also proclaimed the King’s benevolence.
The Nobility who initiated the accusations, and even the Royal Family, all gained tangible benefits from this incident. Only the Brian Family was left to silently bear all the blame.
"I see."
Since the outside world was busy proclaiming the King’s benevolence, Duane now had an idea of how to approach His Majesty Eric.
