Chess Mage of Faerûn

Chapter 360 Appointment of Ma
One party was witty and knowledgeable, and eager to make friends; the other listened patiently and was quick-witted; they got along quite well.

As they were talking, Lord Nashel, accompanied by two attendants, walked unhurriedly through the side door of the hall toward the high platform, greeting the crowd as he went.

"Your Excellency Chanem, please follow me."

Edmont followed the other man to Nash's side, gave a knightly salute, and then stood behind Nash's man, leaving Master Zhang and the city lord staring at each other.

Standing opposite him, looking directly at the nominal leader of Neverwinter, Nash, who had experienced many turbulent adventures in the past, still retained much of his former heroic spirit, and now, as a lord, he possessed even more majesty.

That's all there is to it. For a mage who used to chat and laugh with many big shots, this level of aura is really not enough. It would be more like extraordinary charm or legendary spiritual energy.

"What a young hero!"

Looking at the mage in his early twenties, who was about to be promoted to lord, Nash couldn't help but sigh.

These were not only polite words of encouragement, but also reflections of the old lord's own glorious past, as he reminisced about the other's youthful days.

All of this happened in the blink of an eye. In an instant, Nash's face turned solemn again. He scanned the hall and addressed everyone present in his deep, resonant voice:
"The Northland has never been a peaceful and tranquil paradise, and there has never been true peace since the founding of Neverwinter."

"Beasts, monsters, giants, and even swords and daggers from the enemy—we live and fight here..."

As Nash spoke eloquently, recounting a series of heroic struggles and battles in the history of Neverwinter, Master Zhang couldn't help but wonder if the city lord would also say a few words.
Fortunately, Nash's eloquence and desire to perform weren't that exaggerated, and after a few words, he steered the conversation back to today's focus.

"When the minions of the Luscans once again threatened the stability of Neverwinter, and the city fell into the shameful betrayal of the traitors, a group of brave adventurers braved the dangers to embark on a long expedition to Luscan and completely tore apart the enemy's trap."

As he spoke, Nash drew his ceremonial longsword and placed it horizontally across Zhang Yuan's shoulder, his tone serious and composed:

"May the glory of the God of Justice endure forever, and I will bear witness here that a noble person with courage and justice will stand alongside us, guarding all justice and order."

Having been fully aware of today's proceedings beforehand, Zhang Yuan remained calm and composed. After bowing slightly to the other party, he raised his head and said loudly:
"I, Chanem, hereby declare that from this day forward, I will use my sword and staff to protect the safety of Neverwinter and to maintain order in the North."

Master Zhang spoke eloquently, half-jokingly, his heart unmoved, but his face solemn and sacred.

“I, Nash'el Aragunda, Guardian of Neverwinter, hereby appoint the man before me as Baron of Neverwinter, and grant him the northwestern border of High Cliff as his baronial territory.”

"My sword is for your use!"

While Mr. Zhang spoke with a serious expression, for some reason, a phrase suddenly came to mind:
"We hereby appoint Ma Bangde..."

Nashel sheathed his sword, nodded in respect, and Zhang Yuan bowed again before turning to stand to his right. The ceremony concluded. The nobles who witnessed this act did not waste their precious applause; a few scattered claps were better than nothing, more of a roundabout protest than a welcome.

Zhang Yuan didn't care. After all, he was an outsider, a commoner with no background, who came to compete with them, the upper class, for food. It would be strange if he didn't feel some resistance and resentment.

The downfall of the two old and powerful families, Deszel and Manuel, ignited a burning greed in the hearts of the remaining families, a greed more intense than any fire, after a few tears of shared sorrow.

The accumulated family fortune and wealth were one thing, but it was obvious that they had long been divided up by the city lord's guards and the academy when they came to visit. However, compared to these ephemeral currencies and valuables, land, which can be passed down from generation to generation, was the real wealth.

Both families wield considerable influence and influence in important towns like Leicester Harbor and High Cliff. Even if the lord finds a pretext to uproot them, Nash's appetite can't be so good that he'd leave nothing behind, can it?

Even if you hit a big stick first, wouldn't it be reasonable to appease them with a few sweet treats?
Before the dates even arrived, an extra one came to share them. Just as Lord Nashel announced that the northwest of High Cliff had been incorporated into the new lord's territory, the expressions of some of the observing nobles changed on the spot.

What kind of place is Gaoya?
It is located west of the Sword Coast, with a bay pier, and to the east is the trade route connecting the cities of Sword Bay. It is also the only way to travel from Neverwinter to Lockeburg, Old Night Owl Well, West Harbor and other places.

Although High Cliff is mountainous, its southern part is fertile land and rich soil, so much so that it could be called the granary of Neverwinter.

This precious land, which combines a port, a transportation hub, and fertile fields, is overflowing with gold no matter where you cut off a piece!

The families who occupied the high cliffs treated this fertile land as their own private property, not allowing anyone else to touch it.

It's easy to imagine how many eyes were set on this lucrative territory after the Deszel family, who owned a portion of the High Cliffs region, fell from power.

Fortunately, the newly appointed lord was only assigned the northwestern region; otherwise, some envious lords might not have been able to maintain their dignity and might have caused some trouble.

The northern part of High Cliff is where that abandoned ancient castle is located. Surrounded by mountains, the surrounding terrain is treacherous. Although the location is advantageous, the development of the territory and the communication with the outside world are major problems.

These are not the most crucial factors. The evil forces originating from within the castle, which attract or awaken the shadows, undead, and ferocious creatures that roam and dwell in this place, are the real reasons for the desolation of this vast northern area.

The original road that led directly to Winter's End via the northern part of the high cliffs gradually became sparsely populated due to terrain and safety factors, and instead, the route was changed to a sea route to Winter's End.

While the western territory is relatively flat, the most important and valuable high cliff wharf in the southwest corner is excluded.

It was precisely because what was taken away was only a piece of land of limited value, coupled with the shock of the previous destruction of the two families, that these covetous guys barely restrained themselves and gave up.

After the ceremony, Nash left the hall and returned to the inner sanctum after a few polite words of encouragement, leaving Edmont to accompany him as before.

Thank you to Beidi Dingxiang and Wanliu Tongyuan for your monthly ticket support!
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(End of this chapter)