It had been some time since the controversial emancipation of the serfs, which Michael had pushed through against strong opposition. Since then, their territory had flourished—enough for even the most hardened knights to see the difference.
They knew now: when the people prosper, so does everyone else.
As Michael walked through the grand halls, he quietly calculated the scope of the estate's assets.
He already had substantial wealth—profits from war, plunder taken by the Drake Pirates from the Radiant Star Kingdom, and astronomical investments being managed by Zilark.
But that didn't mean he'd say no to additional windfalls.
Even the most stoic knights and mages began swallowing their disbelief as the true extent of the castle's riches unfolded before them.
If House Rochester alone had this much, then what would the combined wealth of all the Northwestern noble houses look like?
Their eyes gleamed with sudden realization.
Coming here was the right choice!
