Chapter 6: Steward Henry

Lucas was a peak-Gold rank warrior. From fragmented memories, Sean recalled the world's cultivation hierarchy: three main classes—Warriors (douqi-based), Mages (magic-based), and Divine Officers (faith-based)—with subcategories like assassins, archers, and druids. Ranks spanned Apprentice, Black Iron, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Sky Knight (Archmage/High Priest), and Saint Realm.Lane Duchy's strongest was a mid-Saint Realm warrior—the duchy's guardian. Each major rank subdivided into lower, middle, and upper tiers. Lucas, Yorn's mightiest, stood at Gold rank's apex, verge of Sky Knight (able to fight indefinitely in the sky).…"Lord Sean." Lucas bowed, a knightly salute. Graying temples and weathered lines spoke of experience, but his gaze remained sharp."Greetings." Sean nodded in return."This is… er, the steward of Lake Viscount. What was your name again?" Count Rivers turned to the suited man behind him."Henry, my lord." The man bowed."Ah, Henry! Forgive my memory." Rivers slapped his forehead. "Sean, Lake Viscount and his heir perished in battle. With no surviving children, his estate reverts to the duchy. Henry now serves as my assistant.""And your purpose?" Sean frowned. Lucas made sense, but why introduce a lowly steward?"Simple." Rivers smiled. "Word of your ambush reached the capital. Duke Albert has allocated 10,000 gold coins (1 gold = 10 silver = 100 copper) for your fief's reconstruction. I'm gifting you Henry—he'll manage your lands. The gold arrives this afternoon."Henry knelt instantly. "Master."Sean stiffened—an outsider complicating his Hearthstone secret. But refusal would offend. "Thank you, Count.""Think nothing of it." Rivers accepted coffee from a servant, sinking into a chair. "Sit, Sean. Don't stand on ceremony."…As Sean seated himself, Rivers yawned. "Apologies—we rode all night. William told you we eliminated the bandits?"Sean nodded."With them gone, depart for your fief. Use the gold to buy slaves and supplies. It's mid-May—delay planting wheat, and you'll miss the entire season."(Wheat dominated Lane's agriculture. Spring wheat sown now; winter wheat required colder weather.)"But what if new bandits attack en route?" Sean feigned concern."Hire a mercenary company from Yorn's guild—'Wolf Den' or 'Silver Hourglass.' And if 'Lucky Matthew' escorts you, safety is guaranteed.""Lucky Matthew?""A wanderer of unknown rank—likely peak-Silver. He's traversed kingdoms unscathed. Once, a count tried to rob him… the count's demise discouraged others."Impressed, Sean thanked Rivers. The Count seemed genuinely helpful—eliminating threats, offering resources."A ruler's duty." Rivers waved dismissively. "Join me for a victory banquet tonight!""Gladly."Exhausted, Rivers rose. "I'll rest. Stay in the castle—it's secure. William, attend to Sean.""I'd prefer to shop for supplies," Sean declined."Delegate to Henry. William, escort him."…Departing, Sean felt hopeful. Safe passage, funds, and a steward—perhaps his fortunes were turning.