Lord blessed by the elves

Chapter 131 City Defense Officer

"What?!" Viscount Martin, who had remained calm throughout, paused noticeably in his teacup, his face showing disbelief for the first time. "Impossible! I remember when he was first brought back, he hadn't even reached the threshold of becoming a trainee knight, had he?"

Reyes's pride deepened, tinged with a smug "my genes are just that good" attitude. He laughed heartily, "Hahaha! Look who's his son! Once he finds the right feeling, breaking through bottlenecks is as easy as drinking water for him!"

Viscount Martin paused for a moment, then nodded thoughtfully, saying in a tone that was half joking and half wistful, "You bastard... you really got lucky."

Clearly, Viscount Martin was one of the very few people who knew the true identity of Reyes' wife, and he also understood the possible bloodline reasons behind this "astonishing" speed of breakthrough.

This shared secret is one of the key cornerstones that has enabled the two of them to become staunch political allies.

"A spot at the Knights Academy? That's easy, I'll take care of it." Viscount Martin readily agreed, then turned his gaze to Elena, who was sitting quietly to the side, and smiled gently, "Elena is about the right age, how about we also try to get her a spot at Ansheim Convent? The education there is very beneficial for girls."

The Ansheim Convent he mentioned is actually a well-known "debutante college" within aristocratic circles.

The young noble ladies did not study theology there, but received systematic education in aristocratic etiquette, art appreciation, music and dance, family management, and even basic political communication. It was an important place for cultivating future aristocratic matriarchs and improving the refinement of female family members.

Upon hearing this suggestion, Reyes hesitated for a long time before finally shaking his head slowly.

"The convent... let's leave that for now."

His reasons for refusing might be complex. Perhaps it was because Elena was still young, and he couldn't bear to let his daughter leave him too early to receive strict discipline; perhaps he didn't fully agree with that overly rigid aristocratic lady education model; or perhaps... deep down, he had his own plans for his daughter's future, different from worldly expectations.

After all, his wife was not a woman who followed the norm.

Viscount Martin seemed unsurprised by his old friend's refusal, simply smiling and not pressing the matter further.

After discussing their children's education, the atmosphere in the office relaxed slightly. But Viscount Martin quickly steered the conversation back to more practical and serious issues. His smile faded, and his tone became serious:
“Reyes, there’s something I need to remind you.” He leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice, “Your successful promotion to baron has blocked the way for many people and threatened their interests. During this time, you and your family must be careful in Campino.”

Upon hearing this, Reyes's expression turned serious, and he nodded heavily: "I understand."

He was certainly aware of the stakes involved.

The rise of each new noble family signifies a redistribution of power and interests.

As a trusted confidant of Count Campino, Reyes, while holding the important position of Grand Master of the Longwind Knights, is also highly likely to be appointed by the Count as one of the four city defense officers of Campino, according to custom and seniority.

"Especially the city defense officer of the East Gate, that position has been vacant for quite some time," Viscount Martin added meaningfully.

City defense officer – this is definitely a coveted and lucrative position with real power!

Their power and benefits are mainly reflected in several aspects:
First, they were responsible for collecting the daily entry tax for all people, vehicles, and goods entering the city gates. As the prefectural capital, Campino saw a huge daily flow of people and goods entering the city, and this tax revenue accumulated to a considerable figure, leaving ample room for manipulation.

Secondly, the city defense officer is also responsible for collecting management fees and activity permit fees from mercenary and adventurer groups operating within the East District.

These professionals who live on the edge of danger are numerous, and the management fees are a considerable source of income.

Furthermore, it involves the power to conduct temporary inspections of specific goods, the power to enforce curfews in certain areas, and so on, all of which imply power and potential gray income.

Such a lucrative position is being eyed by countless eyes in the shadows.

Reyes, the newly appointed baron who was "parachuted in," will undoubtedly affect the interests of many local powers that originally had the opportunity or were already working for this position.

It's easy to dodge a spear in the open, but hard to guard against an arrow in the dark. Martin's warning is by no means an exaggeration.

"The tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease..." Reyes sighed inwardly, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes.

He was able to carve out a place for himself on the battlefield, so he naturally understood the cruelty of political struggle.

To safeguard the hard-won family honor and future, he must be more vigilant and ensure that Kruze and the others grow up quickly enough to stand on their own.

“Thanks for the reminder, Martin. I’ll be careful,” Reyes replied in a deep voice.

Viscount Martin nodded slightly, indicating his understanding of Reyes's situation, but he also clearly pointed out the limits of his abilities: "Helping you secure this position as city garrison commander is the best I can do right now." He then changed the subject, asking a crucial question concerning Reyes's own improvement: "So, what about you? Have you started preparing the potions needed to advance to Earth Knight?"

Earth Knight is a higher level than Gold Knight. The improvement in their strength will greatly enhance Reyes' personal deterrent power and his weight in the Earl's heart.

Count Campno is now also a Knight of the Earth.

Mentioning this, Reyes looked slightly embarrassed and shook his head: "Obtaining potions that can maintain my current Golden Knight cultivation level is already quite difficult." He admitted frankly, "To gather enough potions to support the breakthrough of the Earth Knight barrier, both in terms of quantity and quality, is... a bit tricky."

However, he immediately changed his tone, and his face showed anticipation and confidence for the future: "But now it's all good! The territory is being managed by that kid Kruze, and I think he's very organized. I believe that soon the territory's finances should have a surplus, and then there will be enough funds to buy and prepare the necessary potions."

Viscount Martin's eyes flashed with surprise upon hearing this. He keenly noticed the undisguised praise and reliance Reyes showed towards his eldest son, a stark contrast to the image of his old friend in his memory—someone who was hands-on in everything and demanding of his children. He couldn't help but ask curiously:

"Oh? It seems you have a very high opinion of Kruze." He leaned forward slightly, showing great interest. "What exactly did that kid do to make you, his father, speak so highly of him in such a short time?"

(End of this chapter)