Derek admitted that he had an element of showing off. But after achieving wealth, what was the point of returning home if he couldn't boast a little? After all his hard work, didn't he deserve to share the joy?

The effect was just as he imagined; everyone was stunned. The best set of equipment in the Ferreira family was a legendary suit of black armor, completely enclosing the wearer, including protection for the eyes, relying solely on slits for vision. Standing there in such a suit made one nearly impervious to attacks. The first Ferreira baron had fought for his title while wearing it, and it had been passed down through generations, contributing to the family’s current status.

However, very few could actually wear such armor. The current baron had not donned it in years. Yet, no one doubted that if the situation called for it, the Ferreira knights would once again charge into battle clad in that heavy armor. But the honor inherited through history felt distant.

Derek’s presentation was right before their eyes. His brother Sergei’s eyes widened—while the kingdom’s direct military units were well-equipped, none had such luxurious gear. As a low-ranking officer, he had never dared to hope for such equipment.

Youngest brother Sherif rushed over, eager to don the armor. Even the baron looked momentarily lost in thought. This kind of gear wasn’t just about money. The baron typically wasn’t generous, but if this armor were offered to him, he would gladly pay to acquire it.

However, high-quality knightly equipment was limited on the market; it was something one could only obtain through connections, relationships, or sheer luck. Once acquired, it was often stored away, waiting for its moment to shine.

A knight would even pledge their loyalty for a set like this.

This armor made the baron realize how much Derek had changed. The young man had matured quickly, reaching a point where they could communicate as equals. Being the head of the Ferreira family, the baron knew he couldn’t focus solely on family ties. If Derek intended to convey such a message, it was a true sign of his growth.

“I am very pleased with your gift, Derek. I think we should find a chance to have a proper discussion,” the baron remarked, acknowledging Derek’s newfound status. He was the first among his brothers to have earned the right to converse with their father on equal footing.

Upon Derek’s return, he quickly reestablished connections with relatives and presented gifts to each uncle, rekindling familial bonds as if he were vying for the baron’s inheritance. Meanwhile, Derek received news hinting at an impending war from his brother, who mentioned increased training for the Iron Lion Legion, the possibility of delaying retirements, and a rise in new recruit enlistment.

With the standing army of three thousand potentially expanding to five thousand within a year, the baron confirmed Derek’s suspicions.

“If you have connections, the family needs to procure a batch of weapons,” he said, closing the door behind them to ensure privacy. The baron expressed his expectations for war.

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“The kingdom's strength has been recovering rapidly, and we may soon initiate a revenge campaign against the barbarians. Our northern provinces are on the front lines and will inevitably be drawn into the conflict. Many are preparing, and the family has decided to expand our private army, Derek... if you don’t leave, you might soon find an opportunity.”

This was the baron’s personal interest; should they perform well in the upcoming campaign, the Ferreira family might gain a few fiefdoms. Whether through land grants or by securing titles for his other sons, such possibilities existed. While the family’s estate would pass to the eldest son, the baron did not neglect his other children.

Fortunately, Derek was now capable of carving out his own path.

Derek remained calm, showing no regrets. “War is certain to come; weapon prices are already rising, and many are stockpiling arms and supplies. If war breaks out, I will choose to participate.”

His extensive contacts had made him aware of unusual market trends, as his role as a weapon supplier had led to price rebounds, which was clearly abnormal.

The baron and Derek dominated the conversation, with the elder brothers occasionally chiming in, while the youngest brother could only listen. The internal exchanges within a noble family contained information far beyond what ordinary people could imagine. The Ferreira family might seem insignificant across the kingdom, but in the northern provinces, they held considerable local power.

Narrowed down to the region of Watcher City, they were a formidable force. In the event of war, they could easily field a hundred-strong regular army and two or three hundred militia. If the baron personally took command, he might even earn a rank of captain.

Even the Count of Perez would need to seek alliances with such influential families. Yet, despite the looming threat of war, the baron remained prepared, unlike ordinary citizens who would panic; they had ample time to make preparations.

Derek didn’t disclose all his connections, but he did share some non-confidential insights. The baron was once again astonished, not realizing how well Derek had done in just a year. While his business was unofficial and unlikely to gain royal recognition, the opportunity for success was imminent.

“Derek, if you need anything now, the family can provide you with advance support, but you will need to offer adequate returns,” the baron finally conceded. Supporting Derek was driven by both emotional and economic needs.

The baron had accumulated resources over the years but struggled to monetize them effectively. With Derek as an alternative avenue, it was only logical to accelerate this process.

“I need people and land,” Derek stated boldly; such opportunities were rare.

The baron’s willingness to support him was due to multiple factors converging.

“I will grant you one of the family’s estates, but you will need to pay taxes moving forward.”

The Ferreira family’s two estates were quite small, housing only a couple hundred people and spanning a thousand acres. Furthermore, these family-owned lands were not subject to taxation.

The difference between these estates and fiefs lay in the total ownership, which conferred no political rights. Some might think the family’s land should not be given to outsiders, but opening new land also required investment and labor.

Population was also a cost. Free citizens who cultivated land within the baron’s territory would owe taxes, generating no expense while also fostering local economic development.

If the land were tightly controlled, the Ferreira family would have only their two estates and hundreds of people to sustain, making it impossible to support their large family.

While estates could be freely traded and taxed like ordinary citizens, they represented a centralized form of industry.

Within the kingdom’s administrative divisions, many wealthy merchants and nobles owned such estates, effectively assisting the kingdom in land development and increasing tax revenues.

Population equals power.