After seeing Murad off and finalizing the first crystal relic deal with the orc peace faction, Lind felt a great weight lifted from his heart.

This hidden yet vital source of funding and external channel will inject strong momentum into the development of Blackrock Territory.

However, the internal affairs review was far from over, especially the rewards and honors bestowed upon the core generals who had followed him through thick and thin and guarded the rear. These rewards and honors had to be given in a timely and appropriate manner.

Inside the study, the firelight from the fireplace dispelled the chill of early winter.

Linde stood by the window, gazing at the bustling scene inside the castle, his fingers unconsciously tapping on the windowpane.

Astaire, Raymond, Calvin, Eric... these names flashed through his mind one by one.

They are the foundation upon which he stands, the backbone of Blackrock Territory.

Rewards should not only be given to those who have made contributions, but also to solidify their loyalty and demonstrate their worth.

“Aster…”

Linde murmured the name of his most trusted deputy.

He has made great contributions and has participated in almost all of Linde's major operations since its rise to power. His loyalty and ability are impeccable.

Making him a baron was a plan Linde had already decided on.

But granting fiefdoms... that is indeed a thorny issue.

Blackrock Territory is just starting out, with limited core areas. Granting out fiefdoms may not be good for either the territory's cohesion or its future development.

Should Astaire go out and explore on his own? Given his personality and abilities, he might be able to succeed, but deep down, Lind would prefer that this capable assistant stay by his side.

"It seems we should listen to his own opinion."

Having made up his mind, Lind called out to his servant, "Go and invite Astaire to my study so I can see him alone."

A short while later, the study door was pushed open, and Astaire walked in, dressed in a sharp dark gray suit, his steps steady and powerful.

He had just finished the initial selection process for the Imperial Guard, and although there was a hint of fatigue between his brows, his eyes remained as sharp as an eagle's.

"Sir, you wanted to see me?"

Astaire gave a standard military salute.

“Sit down, Astaire.”

Linde pointed to the chair opposite the desk, then sat back down in the main seat, his expression gentle. "You've worked hard these past few days. There are so many things to do with the Imperial Guard, and you've had to handle them all."

"It is my duty, sir."

Astaire sat upright, his voice as steady as ever.

Lind didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point:

“Aster, I have witnessed your loyalty and ability. Without you, there would be no Blackrock Territory as we are today, and certainly no Lind as I am today. In the Battle of Sutherland, you made outstanding contributions. I intend to petition the royal family to promote you to baron.”

Upon hearing this, a distinct fluctuation flashed in Aster's eyes, a mixture of surprise and excitement.

Baron! This is the mark of entering the true aristocratic circle!

His hands on his knees tightened slightly, but then he took a deep breath, his eyes becoming unusually clear, even with a hint of...resistance?

“My lord,” Aster stood up, bowed again solemnly, his voice low and firm, “I am deeply grateful for your kindness! But… please forgive me for not being able to accept the fiefdom.”

Linde raised an eyebrow slightly; this reaction was within his expectations, but it was more resolute than he had anticipated.

"Oh? Tell me your thoughts."

“My lord,” Astaire raised his head, looking directly at Lind with a frank gaze, “I know my own limitations. Charging into battle, maintaining military discipline, and carrying out your orders are my strengths. But governing a territory, balancing various forces, and handling complex administrative affairs… these are beyond my capabilities and not my aspirations.”

Forcibly granted a title and kept away from the master will not only prevent the lord from making contributions commensurate with the rank, but may also lead to betraying the master's trust due to insufficient ability, and even... becoming a burden to the territory.

He paused, his tone becoming even more earnest.

"I only wish to stay by your side, my lord, as your adjutant, to manage military affairs and protect the foundation we built together."

"The territory... is best utilized when it is in your hands, sir."

A brief silence fell over the study, broken only by the crackling of the burning wood in the fireplace.

Linde looked at Astaire, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

This clear self-awareness and absolute loyalty are more precious than any flowery words.

He certainly didn't misjudge him.

"I see."

Linde's voice was warm, "Your loyalty and pragmatism have never disappointed me. Since you don't want to leave, let's find another way."

Lind stood up, walked to the desk, and picked up a parchment scroll that had been prepared beforehand and bore the coat of arms of the Truk family and the seal of the Lord of Blackrock.

"Aster!"

Lind's voice became solemn and majestic, "By the witness of the Lord of the Light Vein, in the name of Viscount Lind Truk of Blackrock, you are hereby appointed 'Guardian of Blackrock Fortress' and granted the title of 'Honorary Baron'! This title does not grant any actual fiefdom, but you shall enjoy the honors, status, and privileges due to a baron!"

You and your direct descendants will forever be the most loyal and closest vassals of the Truk family, sharing in the family's glory!

"Honorary Baron..."

Astaire murmured the novel title, his eyes gleaming with barely suppressed excitement! This perfectly solved everything!

He obtained the noble status and corresponding honor he had always dreamed of, without having to leave the lord he served and the familiar post, and could continue to focus on the military affairs he was good at!

This is the greatest recognition for him, and the reward that best suits his wishes!

“Your subordinate…” Aster’s throat bobbed, his excitement beyond words. He knelt on one knee, pounding his right fist heavily on his left chest, performing the most solemn knightly salute.

"Aster, I swear by my life and honor! For all eternity, I pledge my allegiance to Lord Lind! To the Truk family! To protect Blackrock Territory until my dying breath! Thank you for your great favor, my lord!"

Lind stepped forward and personally handed the parchment, a symbol of honor, to Astaire, then helped him up.

"Rise, Baron Astaire."

A smile appeared on Linde's face, and he then took out a sealed crystal bottle with a bronze luster from a hidden compartment in his desk.

"Now that you have status, your power needs to match. This is a Bronze-level advancement potion given to me by the Holy Church. Now that you are a nobleman, it is perfectly justified for you to use it. I hope that soon, the Minister of Military Affairs of Blackrock Territory will be a true Bronze-level powerhouse!"

Astaire received the warm, smooth crystal bottle with both hands, feeling the immense power it contained, a surge of warmth coursing through his body. Title and power! This was the most precious trust and expectation his lord had bestowed upon him!

"I will certainly live up to your expectations!"

Astaire's voice was strong and powerful, filled with unprecedented confidence.

Having solved Astaire's problem, Lind felt a sense of relief.

He sat down again and discussed with Astaire the rewards for the others.

"Raymond fought bravely in this battle, leading from the front and repeatedly achieving meritorious service."

Linde pondered for a moment, then said, "He has a fiery temperament and is better suited to the battlefield. A fiefdom is also unsuitable. As for rewards... a large sum! He likes good weapons and warhorses, so choose the best from the royal rewards for him. In addition..."

A glint of light flashed in Linde's eyes. "I remember I still have quite a few gold-grade potions. Here, give him this one."

Astaire nodded: "Lord Raymond will be overjoyed. Money and power are exactly what he needs."

“Calvin and Eric,”

Linde continued, "Staying behind to stabilize the territory and ensure logistical security is equally invaluable. Calvin, in particular, is mature, prudent, and experienced; he is the pillar of the territory."

Their rewards consisted mainly of gold, silver, and real benefits from their territories.

Calvin was getting old, and the risk of advancing to the Gold rank was too great. He was granted the right to use the Truk family's secondary coat of arms, and a fertile manor near the castle with a ten-year rent-free period, which was enough to ensure his family's wealth and stability for generations to come.

Eric is in his prime, with considerable potential. He is granted a Gold-level advancement potion, along with a generous sum of gold and an enchanted piece of equipment, to help him reach Gold-level combat power.

Astaire listened carefully and added:

"My lord's considerations are thorough. Such rewards not only reflect the difference in merit but also suit each individual's needs and current situation. A generous reward, a potion to strengthen the body, and honor to solidify the will. Raymond has achieved his wish, Calvin has support in his old age, and Eric's future is promising. As for his subordinates..."

He gripped the medicine and the title document tightly in his hand, thinking, "The only way to show my loyalty is to die for it."

Lind nodded in satisfaction. Astaire's assessment was exactly what he had expected.

He concluded by saying:

"It's settled then. The specific list of rewards and related documents will be drafted jointly by you and Butler Seth, and implemented as soon as possible."

Remember, rewards must be given publicly and solemnly! Let all those who serve Blackrock Territory see that loyalty and merit will be richly rewarded here!

"Yes, sir!"

Aster accepted the order with a solemn expression, his eyes filled with determination for the future and reverence for his lord.

An internal award ceremony not only rewarded the meritorious individuals but also firmly united the core forces under the banner of Linde.

The foundation of Blackrock Territory has become even more solid amidst the intertwining of power and favor.

Watching Aster's departing figure, Lind leaned back in his chair, his fingers gently stroking the cold Lord's Mark ring.

The rewards have been decided, power is in hand, and the channels for wealth have been opened.

Next, they need to digest the technology of the Crystal Relic Cannon and create the "Blackstone Guard" that will be able to awe all sides.

He looked out the window toward the magic tower, where Alice was immersed in a sea of ​​new knowledge.

The era belonging to Blackrock Territory is quietly beginning, accompanied by the growth of these core forces.

Kingdom law? Aristocratic unspoken rules?

In the face of absolute power and loyalty, both are meaningless.

Lind intends to establish his own order in this territory.