Chapter 62: Division

Among the three, Baron Pereira held the highest status, being a powerful feudal noble, something a mere court marquis could never compare to. But everyone also knew that one of Marquis Hussein’s tasks was to restrict Baron Pereira.

From the perspective of the capital, even if Derek grew stronger, it would only mean an additional barony in Saint Mele Province. However, if Baron Pereira continued to grow stronger, he could potentially become a principality, a nation within a nation. If he advanced further, he could even claim a ducal title, rendering the king's efforts meaningless.

Forget about legalities, if the Pereira family had the strength, they could easily find a thousand reasons to claim a legitimate inheritance to a ducal title. But the king’s interests were not necessarily the same as Marquis Hussein’s.

From the beginning, the three had silently divided their territories, each silently marking their own. To Derek’s surprise, the division went more smoothly than he expected, and the territories were larger than he had anticipated.

At first, he thought that Marquis Hussein had taken a major step back. But when he saw the blank spaces on the map, he realized that enemies could also be allies.

Those eligible to carve up the spoils were not just the three present. Baron Pereira represented the northern nobles, and his territory was not small, but it was divided among dozens of northern noble families. Everyone contributed during the war, and if they were pushed out when dividing the spoils, it would lead to riots.

Even though Baron Pereira represented the northern nobility, his authority in the division was limited. He could decide minor details, like who gets more or less, and even expel one or two families without issue. But that didn’t mean he could defy the will of the entire northern nobility. His power came from his lands and the support of northern nobles, so he was also constrained by them.

Marquis Hussein represented the interests of the central nobles from the capital. Their involvement could not be without benefit. Moreover, they would contribute significant supplies and manpower in the future.

As for the king’s interests, aside from the nobility’s lands, the rest of the kingdom’s resources belonged to him, and his share was the largest. Derek’s position was simpler: he represented his own interests, as well as the benefits of the new nobles emerging from this war.

Anyone excluded from the division were, of course, the southern nobles. Over the past decade, the southern nobles had grown significantly, but they had yet to achieve notable military success or political standing. Their involvement in the northern campaigns was driven by ambitions. While the king might be pleased to see the southern nobles rise to balance the power of the old nobility, Marquis Hussein’s objective was clear: he sought greater autonomy.

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At this point, the realpolitik was clear. Pereira was astute and had already recognized the split in the royal forces. He was more than willing to encourage Hussein’s division of the kingdom's forces, seeing it as beneficial for his own plans. The contradiction between them was real, but so was their shared interest.

“Derek, let’s take a step back. We don’t want to push too hard,” suggested Baron Pereira. He adjusted the division slightly, retreating a little. Everyone had started out demanding, hoping to bargain. Now, with the blank spaces included, the territories were sizable yet not overly valuable. The southern nobles, despite their lower status, had brought significant supplies and troops. If they were pushed too hard, they might turn against them.

Derek agreed to the veteran’s cautious advice. Of course, as a reward for Marquis Hussein's cooperation, Derek’s share wouldn't be divided up—it was already smaller than expected. Everyone left happy.

The atmosphere, while still maintaining a facade of rivalry, lightened. Marquis Hussein would leave, carrying the bodies of the soldiers. He would surely spread the narrative of the northern knights being a threat, using this opportunity to consolidate his power and win hearts.

Derek, on the other hand, would continue to show no mercy, likely leading to small conflicts. At least outwardly, it would appear that the two sides were irreconcilable. This would put the king at ease, reassure the nobles from the capital, and distract the southern nobles.

Despite the bloodshed, everyone knew it was all part of the game. The tension was real, the conflicts were real, but so was the underlying cooperation. The blood that had been spilled, the clashes, and even the hatred between lower nobles were all genuine.

Watching Marquis Hussein and the First Legion of the Northern Expedition depart, both Derek and Baron Pereira felt a sense of relief. They had successfully cultivated an "us versus them" atmosphere, and despite the benefits being shared, it felt more personal now, making negotiations easier.

“Tiona will be coming to Saint Mele City soon. You’ll get to meet her,” said the elderly baron, reclining in his chair, clearly at ease.

Derek was familiar with the young lady. Although marriages among high-ranking nobles often involved first meetings, it was normal for them to know each other beforehand. Political unions often carried more weight than simple affection, and some degree of familial connection was always beneficial.

Derek smiled, “I look forward to meeting Lady Tiona.”

Baron Pereira then mentioned that he was preparing some assets in Saint Mele Province, including a manor and an entire village as a dowry for the marriage. This was a substantial offer; his other granddaughters hadn't received such lavish dowries. However, the Pereira family had recently made significant gains in Saint Mele Province, largely thanks to Derek’s contributions.

Despite the lighthearted conversation, Derek knew the baron wasn’t wasting time on idle talk. The real matter was about to begin.

As expected, the topic shifted. After a moment of silence, the elderly baron casually inquired, “I heard you have an excellent blacksmith under your command?”

Here it came! Derek thought. As his military trade grew, it was only a matter of time before people took notice.

However, now that he had the means to protect himself, Derek had kept a low profile to avoid drawing attention too soon. He replied eagerly, “Yes, I was lucky enough to discover a blacksmithing genius. If you wish to buy weapons or armor, I can offer them at cost price.”

Of course, the “cost price” was just a figure of speech, but Derek would certainly offer a discount.

The elderly baron studied Derek for a moment before letting out a sigh of relief.

“Good. I’ll take one hundred full sets of heavy armor.”

Derek’s heart skipped a beat. What was Baron Pereira planning? Could it be... he really intended to go independent?