George III stared at Hastur for quite a while before saying, "Voltaire's son, I even met you once when you were young. I didn't expect that in the blink of an eye, you would grow into such a talented young man capable of sharing the kingdom's burdens."
"It is all thanks to His Majesty's promotion of educational reforms that I was able to receive a better education and grow into someone who can serve the kingdom today."
The moment Hastur opened his mouth, it was all praise about how everything he had today was due to His Majesty's wisdom, making Earl Hall nod secretly in approval.
"You speak better than Voltaire." The rigid expression on George III's face softened somewhat. "Do you know how dangerous this trip to Southville County will be?"
"To share His Majesty's burdens and to do my utmost for the kingdom has always been what the Campbell family strives for."
"Very good." George III was very satisfied with Hastur's attitude. "From today onward, you are Earl Hastur Campbell. I hope you will inherit the loyalty your Campbell family has shown to the kingdom for generations."
After that, George III asked several questions regarding the coastal defense line of Southville County. Hastur had long prepared for these questions.
In the end, in the name of the kingdom, George III granted him one hundred thousand gold pounds in funds and instructed him to depart before January 10 to assist the Duke of Southville in defending the coastline.
After leaving Sodorak Palace, Hastur originally intended to head straight home, but he was stopped by Earl Hall's coachman, who said that Earl Hall wished to invite him to dinner at his residence.
Hastur had no reason to refuse the proposal.
After waiting half an hour, Earl Hall walked out of Sodorak Palace.
"Let's go. I have some matters to discuss with you." After saying that, Earl Hall boarded his carriage, and Hastur instructed his coachman to follow behind.
....
At the Hall residence.
Hastur and Earl Hall appeared together, causing Audrey, who was receiving lessons on noble etiquette from her tutor, to find an excuse to dismiss the class and bring Susie to Hastur.
"So the guest Father is entertaining today is Mr. Hastur."
"I've really missed the desserts here."
Audrey smiled. After exchanging a few words with Hastur, she slightly frowned. "Mr. Hastur, are you leaving Backlund?"
"Yes, I will depart in a few days."
After a moment of silence, Audrey smiled again. "I believe Mr. Hastur will certainly resolve the issues Southville County is facing."
After finishing his conversation with Audrey, Hastur enjoyed lunch at Earl Hall's residence before following him into the study.
Audrey was not allowed into the study, but out of curiosity, she had Susie follow Hastur, successfully sneaking into the room.
Hastur glanced at Susie, who was pretending to lie on the floor asleep, knowing she was a spy sent by Audrey to eavesdrop.
"You should already have a clear understanding of the situation in Southville County. But you may not clearly understand the Duke of Southville as a person."
Earl Hall began with a warning.
"Is there something special about this Duke?" Hastur asked humbly.
"He is narrow-minded and ruthless. For nobles who do not comply with his will, he will stop at nothing to ruin them. Many nobles who were bullied by him fled to Backlund to beg His Majesty for justice, but it was of no use."
Earl Hall paused slightly before continuing, "The reason he holds such power and status is not solely because of his loyalty to His Majesty. There is another reason. He is the illegitimate son of the former Duke of Southville, a fact that very few people know."
"You mean Duke Delink Augustus?"
Earl Hall looked at Hastur in surprise. "I didn't expect you to know of his existence. Even many elderly nobles have nearly forgotten him."
"I just enjoy reading miscellaneous books. They recorded some of the former Duke's deeds."
Earl Hall nodded. "Since you know him, you should understand how terrifying he was."
Hastur understood the warning in Earl Hall's words. It was a reminder to avoid conflict with the Duke of Southville to prevent drawing out the colossal figure of Duke Delink Augustus.
Alas, what a pity. One mountain cannot accommodate two tigers.
Since Hastur had chosen to develop in Southville County, he naturally wanted only his own voice to be heard there. Hostility had already been destined the moment he decided to go.
"There are one hundred thousand gold pounds here. I trust you know how to use it."
Was this meant for him to present as tribute to that Duke? What a waste.
Feigning confusion, Hastur asked, "This money is?"
"Consider it an investment from the Hall family. I believe your future will not be simple," Earl Hall said plainly.
One hundred thousand gold pounds as angel investment. Earl Hall was truly wealthy.
Hastur felt deeply moved. The funds he had recently raised from his law firm and factories amounted to about one hundred thousand gold pounds.
That was already his entire capital, yet Earl Hall had directly doubled his assets.
…
Not long after Hastur returned home from the Hall residence, Greg, having heard the news, also found an excuse to meet him.
In the study, Hastur and Greg sat facing each other.
Greg sighed. "Hastur, I truly didn't expect you to have grown to this point."
"Perhaps I am naturally suited for the path of a Beyonder." Hastur understood what Greg was referring to. His speed in locating and killing Lockhart last time had revealed much.
"Now I understand why you chose this path. No matter how great one's power or influence, it cannot compare to holding real strength in one's own hands."
"Greg, we are still friends. That has not changed."
Greg smiled. "That is the best news I have heard in a long time."
"I am equally fortunate to have you as a friend."
After chatting for a while, Greg suddenly said, "I know you will need a great deal of money to build your territory in Southville County. So I have prepared two hundred thousand gold pounds for you. I also have some industries there, which I will entrust to your management."
"This sum is too much."
"Not at all. One hundred thousand is the bounty for the assassin. The other one hundred thousand is my personal sponsorship for a friend's travel expenses."
"… " One hundred thousand gold pounds for travel expenses?
The road from Backlund to Southville County must truly be long and rugged.
"I hope you will not refuse. This wealth means little to me." Greg left Hastur no room to decline.
"Two hundred thousand gold pounds… It is difficult to refuse," Hastur sighed inwardly.
In just one day, he had already obtained four hundred thousand gold pounds!
Adding his own one hundred thousand, his wealth had instantly soared to five hundred thousand gold pounds!
This amount was more than enough to develop a territory. He could even form a private army.
No, it should not be called a private army, but rather a knight order to guard the territory.
…
January 9, 1350.
Since his audience with George III, Hastur had spent several calm days.
To prevent the five hundred thousand gold pounds from being unsafe due to its large amount, Hastur secretly transported four hundred thousand of it to above the Hall of Stars. After all, there was still a month before the next gathering.
He had already decided to depart for Southville County tomorrow. Before that, he followed Lecturer Fron to visit Professor Wayne, who handed him a list of names, saying they were all friends in Southville County and that he could seek their help if needed.
Hastur also attended one final Beyonder gathering at Glaint's place. Glaint generously gifted him a large batch of potions he had refined recently, covering almost every effect with wide-ranging uses.
He went to the Bravehearts Bar to meet Leonard once more. This time, Klein was also present, saying it was to thank him for providing seats at the opera house during the New Year.
Before leaving, Hastur asked Klein a question.
"Do you prefer the peaceful and warm life you have now, or the adventurous life of wandering alone outside?"
Klein chose the former.
It was not a surprising answer. Klein's destiny had already begun to shift, and his growth had slowed.
For Hastur, this was a good thing. The later the Fool ascended, the later the divine war would begin.
That night, Hastur invited Maric and Sharron to hold a farewell banquet.
"I will leave Backlund tomorrow. Would you be willing to come with me?" Hastur extended the invitation once more.
Maric said regretfully, "I would love to adventure with you in Southville County, but unfortunately, I still have many matters to attend to."
Sharron, calm as ever, gave no reply.
Hastur felt a little disappointed but still smiled. "I will send you some specialties from Southville County and make you regret not coming with me."
Maric laughed. "That's not punishment at all. That's clearly a reward."
Sharron glanced at Hastur and said calmly, "Have you opened the New Year gift I gave you?"