"M'lady, someone outside is asking to see you, he said..."
When Celeste and Sir Thorold were discussing how to deal with the new lord, a servant told them that someone was asking for an appointment at the castle gate.
"What did he say?"
"He claims… he is the new Baron of Brindlemark," the servant said, voice wary.
Celeste's face turned pale—the new baron had finally arrived.
"Invite him in... No, let's go out to meet him."
…
"This castle looks okay, but the windows are a bit small, so it's probably not enough light..."
Standing at the gate of the castle, Darien commented in his heart, and a servant stood respectfully not far from him.
Many people already knew the news that Charles' title had been bought.
Since Darien had revealed the signet ring, no one doubted the authenticity of his identity, and the servants naturally dared not overstep.
Crunch~
The gates slowly gave way, and a lady of rare elegance emerged into view.
Wrapped in flowing linen, she radiated grace, her golden hair styled with noble simplicity. There was something both regal and timeless in her beauty—like a princess born of myth.
''It is an honor to meet you, my lord."
Celeste bowed gracefully, and only then did Darien snap back to his senses.
"Ah—yes, hello. I'm Darien. I recently acquired Charles' title, and I'll be the new baron of Brindlemark. I hope that won't cause any trouble?"
Darien revealed Charles' old signet ring, placing it beside the official contracts.
"Of course, No problem."
Both the ring and the documents were genuine. Celeste had no grounds to dispute them.
"We greet our lord.²"
The two knights behind Celeste knelt in respect, giving the salute of knighthood to the new Baron.
Only then did Darien notice the two of them.
Both knights were tall, at least a head taller than Darien, around 1.9 meters, dressed in polished silver armor. Swords at their waists, they exuded a calm but undeniable power.
All three were silently observing the strangely dressed new baron.
"Please, rise, everyone."
The simple act left everyone astonished.
Thorold rose immediately, while Galen hesitated before following suit.
They had never seen a noble personally assist a knight.
Knights were respected, but still commoners in the eyes of nobility. Darien's gesture was unexpected, and its humility stunned them.
Celeste's eyes lit up slightly.
That small gesture gave her hope—maybe this new baron wasn't so difficult to deal with.
"From this day forth, I am the lord of Brindlemark. I hope our future cooperation is a pleasant one."
Darien quickly assumed his role. After all, he came from the 21st century—why not strive to be a competent baron?
"My lord, Thorold at your service. I lead the Brindlemark Knights." Thorold removed his helmet, showing a weathered but steady face.
"M'Lord, I am Galen, under Captain Thorold's command." Galen pulled off his helmet, revealing a youthful face marred by old scars.
Darien felt satisfied. While many of the townsfolk appeared frail, his knights stood firm and capable.
Once both had spoken, he faced the lady.
Celeste bit her lip and said somewhat nervously: "M'Lord, I am Lady Celeste… the widow of Baron Charles."
So, she was the former baroness.
Upon learning that, Darien calmly looked away. She was the widow of the former baron—no need to dwell on it.
"M'lord… pray, step within." Celeste's voice wavered as she guided Darien and the knights inside.
She had meant to show him both the living quarters and the halls of the castle, yet Darien declined.
From Aelfric, he had already learned that Brindlemark's situation was dire—this needed to be addressed first.
"Let's leave other matters for now. First, I need to understand Brindlemark's current situation."
Darien sat in the hall's main seat and listened as Thorold explained.
"The larders of Brindlemark are nearly bare. Though the wheat shall soon be reaped, it will scarcely sustain our 1,321 folk for more than a month."
"Nearly all who served in the council have fled. They were loyal to Charles in life, yet at his passing, they abandoned Brindlemark and carried away many of the town's provisions."
"Many servants were taken with them, easing our burdens in part, yet it is but a slender comfort in these dark times."
Thorold's words revealed a harsher truth than Darien had foreseen.
Winters were merciless here, and without food, the people would suffer. As their lord, he could not turn away.
"Surely Charles left more than dust and papers—perhaps some of his wealth could aid us." Darien turned to Celeste with measured concern.
Celeste lowered her gaze, pressing her lips together, finding no words.
Darien let out a quiet sigh.
Suddenly, his right hand throbbed.
A strange mark beneath his skin glimmered faintly, pulsing with an unfamiliar power—but he quickly hid his reaction.
None of the three others noticed the shift.
'Could this… mean I can go back?'
If he really could return, Darien had no reason to stay in this world, noble title or not.
Modern comforts—warm meals, internet—were far more tempting.
"Ahem. Today concludes. What remains undone shall be attended to on the morrow."
Darien offered no ear to reply, but withdrew at once.
"M'lord, please—wait!" Celeste's face grew ashen, realizing her silence might have roused his wrath.
After all, Darien now held the title of Lord of Brindlemark.
If they were to see the winter through, he was their only chance.
"What have I brought upon us?"
---
🔍 Did you know?
- Signet rings in history weren't just jewelry—they were powerful tools. A noble's ring could legally authorize documents, contracts, or even transfer authority. Losing or handing it over could change who ruled a territory!
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