The journey to his new domain was a stark return to the simpler, albeit still challenging, life Eric had known before the luxuries of the capital. Eschewing the grand Imperial carriage, Eric chose to travel by horse, accompanied by a few of his new Imperial Servants. The ride was long, taking him further east than he had ever ventured, through vast plains that gradually gave way to rolling hills and then dense, ancient forests.
His new domain, the Dragon's Roost, was truly vast. Even from horseback, he could sense the potent spiritual energy thrumming beneath the land, hinting at rich veins of resources and prime cultivation spots. It was a wild, untamed beauty, untouched by the manicured elegance of the capital.
The Emperor, true to his word, had already prepared a manor for him. It was a sturdy, well-built structure, more practical than opulent, nestled on a rise overlooking a sprawling valley. Guides, already in residence, greeted him respectfully, their faces etched with the hardiness of border-dwellers.
For the first few days, Eric focused on assessing his new territory. With his servants accompanying him, he visited various settlements, introducing himself as the new Lord. The largest of these was a bustling village situated just a few minutes' ride from his manor. It seemed to be the main point of trade and commerce in the region, a hub of activity.
He met with the village elders, a council of weathered, wise-looking men and women. They listened to his introduction with solemn expressions, their gazes skeptical, almost wary. Eric didn't mind their caution; he understood it. A new lord, especially one so young and with no prior connection to the region, would naturally be met with apprehension.
"Elders," Eric began, his voice calm and respectful, "I am Lord Eric, appointed by His Imperial Majesty to oversee this domain. I wish to understand the current state of the land and how I can best serve its people."
One elder, an old man with a long, white beard, spoke first. "Lord Eric, this land is mostly undeveloped. It is rich, yes, but wild. To the north lies the Whispering Woods, a vast forest teeming with spiritual resources, but also with a multitude of monsters. They are a constant threat to travelers and those who venture too deep."
Another elder chimed in. "There are also six smaller villages scattered across the domain, most of them reliant on trade with our main village here. Building roads, clearing land, and securing trade routes will be crucial for the domain's prosperity."
Eric listened intently. "And have there been any... unusual troubles in the surrounding areas recently?" he asked, subtly probing for signs of the Crimson Veil.
The elders exchanged glances. "Trouble, Lord Eric?" the first elder pondered. "Not much, beyond the usual monster incursions from the forest. Though," he paused, stroking his beard, "there have been a few more disappearances than usual. People, and even some animals. Folks put it down to the forest, or perhaps a new breed of beast, but it's still unsettling."
Eric thanked them for their invaluable information, making a mental note of the disappearances. He spent the rest of the day visiting the other smaller villages, performing similar assessments, familiarizing himself with his new responsibilities, and introducing himself to his new subjects.
Back at his manor, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues, Eric sat in his newly appointed study, reviewing his notes. The domain was indeed wild and underdeveloped, but its potential was immense. The "disappearances" mentioned by the elders immediately piqued his suspicion. While the cult hadn't been overtly active, these isolated incidents were precisely the kind of low-level activity he associated with the Crimson Veil, a precursor to larger operations. They were likely snatching victims for their horrific rituals or for creating more Spirit-Devouring Vessels. He assumed these isolated disappearances were indeed the cult's doing, operating subtly, far from the prying eyes of the Imperial center.
Just as he was deep in thought, reviewing the layout of the Whispering Woods on a map, a subtle tremor of spiritual energy alerted him. He sensed people approaching the manor, and not servants. Strong, disciplined auras. He immediately headed out, his hand instinctively going to the hidden Wyvern-blade on his hip.
From the twilight gloom, a group of men on horseback emerged, their mounts clopping rhythmically on the gravel path. They were heavily armed, clad in practical leather armor, and radiated the Qi of seasoned cultivators. The lead rider, a burly man with a thick beard and a stern expression, dismounted and approached.
"Are you the new Lord?" the man asked, his voice gruff, his eyes narrowed in suspicion. "I am Captain Rark, personal guard to Lord Valerius of the Greyfang Territories. My lord sent me. He was not informed of a new lord in these lands."
Eric stepped forward, his posture confident, his gaze unwavering. "I am Lord Eric, appointed by His Imperial Majesty to the Dragon's Roost Domain. I only arrived a few days ago myself."
Captain Rark's expression remained unconvinced. "My Lord Valerius wishes for you to come to his manor. He has... questions." It was an order, not an invitation.
Eric considered refusing, but he knew the political implications of outright defiance. This was an opportunity to assess a potential new player in the region, and perhaps even learn if Lord Valerius had any dealings with the Crimson Veil. "Very well," Eric said calmly. "Lead the way."
Lord Valerius's manor was a respectable, well-maintained structure, though slightly smaller and less elaborate than Eric's own, a subtle point of contention in the unspoken hierarchy of regional lords. The interior was robustly furnished, hinting at a practical, no-nonsense lifestyle rather than grand luxury.
Eric was ushered into a reception room where Lord Valerius awaited him. He was a stout, somewhat chubby man in his late forties, with a round face and small, shrewd eyes. He radiated a Core Formation Stage 3 spiritual energy, but Eric immediately sensed a lack of combat experience. His Qi felt cultivated through resources rather than honed through battle. This was a man of comfort, not a warrior.
"Lord Eric," Valerius greeted, his voice clipped, a clear undercurrent of irritation in his tone. He didn't rise from his opulent chair. "I am Lord Valerius of the Greyfang Territories. I must confess, I was not informed by the Emperor himself of your sudden appointment. A rather... unusual oversight, wouldn't you agree?" His eyes narrowed, a mixture of suspicion and thinly veiled resentment in their depths.
"Lord Valerius," Eric replied, maintaining his composure and bowing respectfully. "My appointment is indeed recent. I have just begun to establish my presence here."
"So I hear," Valerius said, a dismissive wave of his hand. "And what exactly do you plan to do, Young Lord? These lands are wild, unruly. Not quite the pampered life of the capital, I imagine." The implication was clear: You're a greenhorn, out of your depth.
"I plan to assess the land, establish trade, and ensure the prosperity and security of my domain," Eric stated simply, refusing to be provoked. He could feel the lord's thinly veiled animosity.
Lord Valerius merely grunted, his eyes scrutinizing Eric. The interview was clearly over. "Very well. I trust you understand the established order of these lands, Lord Eric. The Greyfang Territories have long been the dominant power in this region." It was a clear warning.
Eric simply nodded, bowing once more before turning to leave. As he was escorted out by Captain Rark, he caught sight of a young woman in her late teens or early twenties, with long, dark hair and piercing eyes, observing him from a hallway. She was dressed in elegant, practical robes, and her Qi signature was surprisingly strong, easily Foundation Establishment Stage 7, hinting at a diligent and powerful cultivation. Her gaze was curious, perhaps even assessing. She was clearly of the Valerius household.
Back at his own manor, as darkness fully enveloped the Dragon's Roost, Eric reflected on the day's encounters. The elders had confirmed the "disappearances," a strong indicator of Crimson Veil activity. But it was Lord Valerius who weighed heavily on his mind.
"Lord Valerius will be a problem," Eric thought, pacing his study. The man's resentment was palpable, his fear of a new, unknown lord in his territory evident. He was clearly accustomed to being the sole authority in the region, and Eric's sudden appearance, sanctioned by the Emperor himself, was a direct challenge to his perceived dominance.
"I hope I won't have to deal with him too much," Eric mused, rubbing his temples. His primary objective was the Crimson Veil. Political squabbles with an insecure regional lord were a distraction he could ill afford. But something told him, deep in his gut, that Lord Valerius would not simply let him be. The game was becoming increasingly complex, and the Dragon's Roost, his new home, was quickly proving to be anything but peaceful.