The World Dragon's Heir

Dominic didn’t see what was wrong with these Nobles that Alexis was avoiding them.

She could have had the nanny put Katerina down for the night. Neither of them was likely to have any sort of luck with it, and he would likely do it himself after dinner.

But it was an option.

However, after a few minutes of overly polite conversation, and suspicion from Billy Bob of all people, Dominic realized what the situation was.

These two had inherited Baronies from family members who had defected to Dagos at the start of the war, two of the many border Barons who were swayed with bribes and promises.

While that didn’t directly reflect on them, as either they personally remained loyal, or their branch of the family did, it was still enough that they were most definitely out of favour, and at the very bottom of the spending priority list for funding.

And because the territories they had taken over had been reclaimed by the Cygnian army, they were largely destroyed, with little to salvage, and few common folk living in the area.

Anyone who could flee had left long before they had taken over.

Naturally, that would not make them incredibly popular with nearly anyone here in Wistover, given their history.

The Natural Sons had fought many of the frontline battles to retake that territory.

It also explained why the obligatory welcome was left to him. Having the Princess welcome to the house implied that they were back in the favour of the Royal Family, and while they had taken over the titles, it was clear that they were still on some sort of strange probation.

The titles were hereditary, taking them away was not a thing that would be done lightly.

But drafting the Baron into a unit doing rural border patrols on the far side of the country was still an option that would ensure that they had no legitimate heirs until they were well into their middle years and the King had forgotten why they were being punished.

So, they were doing their best to rebuild the territory in the same way that Dominic was working hard to build Wistover.

Only, the stakes were much higher for them than an extension of a tax exemption.

“So, tell me, you seem quite excited about the prospect of a stopping station. Was there a particular reason that you were so enthusiastic about your chances of financial success?”

Dominic waited as the maids brought out the soup, and the Barons recalibrated their brains.

Their part of the country didn’t serve soup before dinner. And at first, they thought that they were being insulted with a single stew for dinner. But everyone had identical bowls, and Baron Keith appeared quite enthusiastic about his.

It was a sweet potato and corn chowder, his personal favourite. Or close to it, as he actually preferred the purple yams to the orange ones that Chef Beth used.

“Ah, we’ve managed to graduate a few fine young students from our families. They just finished their time at Biverlow Academy together, and graduated from the Techno Wizardry course.

They’re looking to start something, and the way that things are going, we estimate that magitech vehicles are going to be incredibly common along the main road between Readewentle and Cleowey. It’s over five hundred kilometres between the two. While we aren’t in the middle, we are right at the border.

That gives us an advantage, as there aren’t any large towns in the region, and neither of our towns has a dedicated Merchant Guild outpost.”

Dominic nodded. “That’s a solid plan. As long as you have the qualified workers, it should work very well. If I might make a suggestion, before your meetings, you should speak to the Innkeeper’s Guild. They have a few members here in town, though not senior members.

They’ll be able to give you better estimates on the cost and expenditures than nearly anyone else. Plus, if you can get them on your side, the Guild will see to staffing the Inn.

The repair and maintenance shop might be the real moneymaker for the Barony. But having the Inn kept to the highest standard is what will encourage people to risk a down day to bring you the work.”

The two Barons quickly took out notepads to write that down before they forgot.

“Your Grace, that is incredibly wise. We would not have thought to ask the Guild in advance. Normally, you open the location, then the Guild will recruit whoever you hire to operate the place.”

Dominic shook his head. “While that might be common practice, it’s a bit rude to the Innkeepers. It’s better that you talk to them first, and hire one of their people directly.

That way, the Guild will take responsibility for the quality of the manager.

With the right manager, everything runs better. I am a firm believer in finding the best qualified people for every position, and I have recruited from all over the continent to get the staff that I have now.

Even Castellan Julio, who I’m sure you met earlier, was hired from Castle City and brought here for his skills.”

“I understand. We have had some difficulties getting anyone to the Baronies. Being on the border, it’s not easy at the best of times. But after the recent events, it’s only gotten more difficult.

That likely reinforces your point about asking the Guild, though. At the very least, they can probably find us someone who can move there with experience running a travel stop.”

The Baron took a sip of the wine, and his eyes went wide.

“We live well here in Wistover, what can I say? That’s our house vintage, by the way. We keep an entire vat of it in the basement. Perhaps if you can get things turned around in the Baronies, you will start heading towards enviable luxury as well?”

Baron Billy Bob chuckled. He had just managed to get a wine creation spell gem up to level three.

So, he finally had decent wine at the house, but not like what they served here. It took a lot more to get the spell to level five when you didn’t have a mage who had memorized it on staff.