Dominic sighed deeply. "It won't be easy. Michael, when do you think the war might break out?"
Michael, who had been listening intently, shared his thoughts.
"Most likely after the spring planting season, as we approach summer. If the Pamir Empire makes a move, their target will almost certainly be the kingdom's grain supplies."
Baron Kensington nodded in agreement.
"Exactly. As always, they'll claim the northern territories and the Drago Mountains as their rightful land, but their true goal will be the grain depots. Parasites, the lot of them."
Dominic nodded solemnly. "Then we don't need to panic just yet. However, we must conclude the negotiations and investiture ceremony as quickly as possible and return to secure the estate. If we face a war with our lands in disarray, we'll be in serious trouble."
Michael added, "I'll do my best to use our connections to rally support. As for the presentation of Miaomiao and Marcus, we should follow our original plan. We'll first showcase the Rainbow Plus foals to build intrigue before introducing them. That will maximize their impact—and help Brother Vincent sell more horses."
"Haha, that sounds like a plan," Kensington said with a grin. "Once the audience is captivated, we'll draw them in. That should make the nobles more willing to cooperate. And I'll make some sales while I'm at it!"
"Good," Michael replied. "Father, we can use their unveiling to win over potential allies for the estate's defense. Please spare no expense in making the banquet as grand as possible—even if it means dipping into the war reserve funds."
Dominic nodded in agreement. "That makes sense. I've already submitted the request for an audience with the king, and we should receive word by the end of the day. We can host the banquet immediately after the audience."
They planned to leverage the presence of Miaomiao and Marcus to attract influential figures in the capital. Baron Kensington used his extensive network to send invitations, emphasizing the unveiling of rare and extraordinary beasts at the upcoming court banquet.
As a respected expert in magical beast breeding and a prominent member of the beast enthusiasts' society, Kensington knew he could stir interest.
Dominic, meanwhile, reached out to every contact he had, including some who had distanced themselves after Lincoln's death. Even his estranged in-laws were willing to lend support, given their connection to Michael's younger sister, Elizabeth. The twins' maternal family also sent financial assistance, agreeing to import food supplies until the new frontier estate could achieve stable crop production.
The contracts were finalized smoothly, as both parties stood to benefit.
The Crassus family's new estate had attracted a host of hopeful candidates eager to fill the soon-to-be-vacant barony. Nobles from the northeastern frontier and other regions of the capital eyed the opportunity, driven by the promise of fertile lands.
Since the introduction of primogeniture, many second sons had no choice but to seek military or clerical careers. But the declining influence of the Radiant Church made the army the preferred option. The limited availability of land and the reluctance of parents to send their children to the war-torn borders meant competition was fierce, with most candidates falling into the same middling category.
While the eldest inherited everything, parents still cared for their younger children. With the king issuing only a vague edict about the Crassus estate's relocation, it was clear that the family could exercise some discretion in the matter. As a result, Dominic found himself inundated with petitions.
Michael, curious about the king's temperament, asked his father what kind of ruler Charles V was.
Dominic took a moment to think before answering carefully.
"King Charles V is… a multifaceted man. He treasures the queen and is kind to his children, but he has a reputation for being ruthless. When he first ascended the throne at a young age, he allowed territorial disputes among the nobles to play out, earning a reputation as a puppet. However, those who expanded their influence during that time were ultimately undone by their own greed. The king acted during their moment of weakness, consolidating power. Today, the crown is stronger than ever. Does that answer your question?"
Michael nodded. A king of such cunning and strength might see the relocation of the Crassus estate as an opportunity to further weaken the nobility. It seemed unlikely that the northeastern aristocracy would be granted the land outright; it might even be divided.
The northwestern lords were especially active in lobbying for the estate, resentful that the northeastern territories enjoyed more fertile lands despite sharing the burden of defending the northern borders.
Their frustration was understandable. While the Drago Mountains posed a potential threat with magical beasts, the nomadic tribes of the Pamir Plateau presented a more immediate danger, disrupting production with frequent skirmishes.
Dominic's quarters were bustling with visitors, each vying for his favor.
The most vocal group in the capital was undoubtedly the nobles of the Northwestern Province, who were fiercely competing for control of the Crassus Barony. Their wealth was displayed openly, enough to provide extravagant tributes to secure an audience with the king.
Dominic, aware that such tributes were tacitly approved by the crown, saw no reason to refuse these unexpected gains. Amid the influx of gifts, the royal messenger finally delivered the king's summons.
The messenger handed Dominic an official document, announcing the royal decree.
"His Majesty has granted you an audience. You are to arrive at the palace gates before dawn tomorrow. The investiture ceremony will take place during the audience, so both Baron Crassus and his heir must attend in full ceremonial attire. Due to the palace's current state of activity, accompanying retinues will be limited to five individuals each."
Michael and Dominic promptly began their preparations. They donned formal surcoats embroidered with the Crassus family crest in golden thread, layered with cloaks lined with black sable fur. Shoulder epaulets, ceremonial hats, and polished boots completed their attire.
After the final adjustments by tailors hired in the capital, they radiated the dignity and authority befitting their station.