Chapter 154 Baron Wesker

Six kinds of fruit tree seeds, seven kinds of food crop seeds.

Except for the holly wheat and the cyan sun fruit, the other varieties of fruit trees and food crop seeds shared a distinct characteristic: short growth cycles and high yields. While their taste was correspondingly inferior, they served as excellent staple foods for commoners.

"They can improve the territory's food structure and allow for a more rational planning of planting zones," Vayne murmured to himself as he closed the book.

Compared to these items, the spatial ring with a capacity of six cubic meters was even more precious.

Finally, Vayne put the book, fruits, and seeds into the spatial ring and began to rest. There were still matters to handle tomorrow.

At the break of dawn the next day, Kyle entered the room carrying a basin of warm water.

Pulling back the blanket and shielding his eyes with his hand, Vayne looked at the sunlight filtering through the window and slowly sat up.

"Hebrew, how are Dothis and Cassius doing?" Vayne inquired while washing his face with the warm water.

"They woke up an hour ago and are currently preparing for today's exhibition duel," Kyle replied respectfully, handing over the towel with practiced familiarity.

"Let's go."

After finishing his washing and eating breakfast with Kyle, Vayne led the others toward an artificial stream area on the left side of the manor, which served as the venue for this banquet.

At this moment, many nobles had already arrived, exchanging polite greetings with one another.

According to the data provided by the governor of the Cadelot Province this year, there were sixty-three noble houses in the entire province. Based on the requirement of whether they could participate in military warfare, only eighteen noble houses met the standard.

In other words, within the Cadelot Province, only these eighteen noble houses held any real say. Accounting for less than half of the total number of noble houses in the province, it richly deserved the reputation of being the poorest province in the kingdom.

Counting Alcott, Edgar, and another viscount who had been promoted from a baron, these eighteen noble houses consisted of eight viscounts and ten barons.

As someone who had just transitioned from a pioneering knight to a baron, Vayne was undoubtedly one of them.

The minor nobles nearby adjusted their posture upon encountering Vayne and proactively stepped forward to bow.

Vayne smiled and returned the greetings with modesty and courtesy, showing no arrogance despite the disparity in status and position.

"Sir Vayne, long time no see."

"Baron Wesque, it has been two years. You are still looking as robust as ever." Vayne stepped forward to embrace the middle-aged noble, greeting him warmly.

Wesque Grosvenor sighed with sincere admiration, "When we first met, Sir Vayne was merely a pioneer. I never expected that you would have already become a powerful baron."

As a minor noble, he could be considered a witness to Vayne's rise.

"Come, let us go over there and talk."

The two men walked over to a set of leisure chairs, sat down, and began to converse.

"Duke, your second son, is a very diligent knight. That is the evaluation given of him by the guardian knight I trust."

Hearing this, a smile appeared on Wesque's face: "It is an honor for me as a father that Duke has earned the praise of your guardian knight."

"As a lord situated beyond the frontier, I have a great thirst for talent. I wonder if the baron has any recommendations?"

Hearing Vayne's words, Wesque felt the opportunity had arrived and asked with a respectful tone, "I wonder what kind of talent Your Excellency is looking for. The youths of the Grosvenor family hope to meet your requirements."

"I appreciate knights who are as diligent as Duke." Vayne did not answer directly, instead offering Wesque a benchmark.

"I am honored to receive Your Excellency's response."

Vayne looked at Wesque and continued, "As my first commercial partner, I can allocate five hundred bottles of the Frostblue Potion produced in my territory for you to distribute."

"Thank you for your generosity, Sir Vayne." Wesque instantly felt as though a pie had fallen from the sky. He never imagined he would secure the sales rights for such a precious magic potion, and he felt that his initial choice had been exceptionally wise.

After the first phase of the war with the Cyrop Legion, the Frostblue Potion had thoroughly proven its value.

On the market, a single bottle of Frostblue Potion commanded a price of fifteen gold coins, provided one had the channels to purchase it. Minor nobles like them had some idle money, but lacked the connections to acquire it.

As for the commercial camp adjacent to the Basilisk Camp, minor nobles of their standing dared not compete with those powerful and influential nobles for the Frostblue Potion.

Unconsciously, Wesque had placed his own status below Vayne's, and willingly so.

"For every talent recommended by the baron that catches my eye, you shall receive the purchasing rights to one Cyan-Purple Horse of equivalent value."

"Please rest assured, Sir Baron. I will do my utmost to select talents for you."

Hearing this news, Wesque was so excited he became incoherent, feeling that he must have been favored by the Goddess of Life to encounter such an opportunity.

"Hahaha, Baron Wesque, there is no need for that. You and I hold the same rank of nobility; there is no need to speak to me in this manner," Vayne said, unable to help himself as he looked at Wesque.

"My Lord, this is my honor."

At this moment, Kyle walked to Vayne's side and reported in a low voice.

"Baron Wesque, my cousin is looking for me, so I must take my leave. Let us talk again next time."

Watching Vayne's departing figure, Wesque had a premonition that the next time they met, he might well be kneeling on the ground to speak with Vayne.

Shaking his head to clear away such distracting thoughts, he realized that with the distribution rights for the Frostblue Potion and the purchasing quota for the Cyan-Purple Horses, the moment for the Grosvenor family's rise had finally arrived.

Upon arriving at a pavilion, he found five people gathered there: Brian, Edgar's eldest son Alec, Alcott's eldest son Corwell, Viscount Moncas's eldest son Cassius, and another young noble youth.

"Cousin, who is this?"

Brian smiled and explained, "This is Mordred Barrit, the eldest son of Viscount Algernon Barrit, who is a close friend of our uncle Alcott."

"I am very glad to meet you, Sir Vayne." Mordred stood up, placed his right hand over his chest, bowed slightly, and said with a smile.

"I am also very happy to make your acquaintance, Mordred."

"Vayne, Mordred, let's sit down and talk." Brian gestured for the two of them to take a seat.

Shortly after, several servants entered the pavilion carrying tea and pastries, arranging them neatly on the stone table for the six of them to enjoy.

As the conversation flowed, the topic naturally drifted toward the exhibition duels.

"Vayne, whom do you plan to send into battle?" Brian asked with a hint of curiosity.

"Am I not eligible?"

Vayne asked half-jokingly, drawing hearty laughter from the others.

"If you were to step up to duel, we'd probably be driven into the arena by our own fathers' walking sticks," Corwell laughed from the side.

Mordred smiled and replied, "Vayne, if you were to step into the ring, I dare bet that very few people would dare to spar with you."

"Alright, alright. I'm just livening up the atmosphere. If I were to enter the matches myself, it would defeat the entire purpose of an exhibition duel," Vayne waved his hand, smiling as he replied to the group.