It turns out the family has powerful backers.

Chapter 33 It turns out the family has powerful backers (Please read and add to your favorites)

The three knights from the capital came with a document issued by the Queen, which recognized Alphonse's right to inherit the title of Baron of the Frostwind Territory.

Alphonse had expected a investiture ceremony, but it turned out there was no such ceremony at all; the handover of documents was all that was required.

But the three knights brought not only documents, but also two small boxes and two letters.

One of the letters was a handwritten letter from the current Queen of Bastian, Junoen Torristan. The content was simple: she expressed regret over the death of the previous Baron Tartarus, offered condolences to his family, and instructed Alphonse to manage the Coldwind Territory well after inheriting the land.

Enclosed with the letter was a token of sympathy worth 200 gold coins.

The other letter was from Duke Sikashu Unsalf, which was much longer. It reminisced about the valiant service of Baron Tartarus in his Southern Legion, expressed deep condolences for Baron Tartarus's unfortunate death, and similarly extended sympathies to his family. It also emphasized that if Alphonse encountered any difficulties he could not resolve, he could seek his help in his territory, Tulip Territory.

The Duke of Wensalf also gave a condolence payment, even more than the Queen, 500 gold coins.

The two sums of money were in the boxes carried by the three knights.

The three knights did not linger. Alphonse offered to entertain them, but they politely declined, so Alphonse had no choice but to give up.

Judging from the letters, Duke Wensalf is indeed a kind and loyal man!

They're also very generous!

I thought the Tartarus family had no powerful backers, but I never expected that Duke Wensalf would suddenly appear.

Tulip Territory is quite far away.

The predecessor was not very clear about these things, and had only vaguely heard the name of Duke Wensalf from the old baron.

Mia, on the other hand, knew more clearly. She had always served Lady Mary closely and had heard many things from her.

Duke Wensalf was originally the lord of Rose Territory on the southern border and a staunch supporter of Queen Junon. It was he who led the Southern Legion, followed the Queen all the way to the capital, defeated the princes who were vying for the throne, and allowed the Queen, who was originally the eldest princess, to ascend the throne.

Speaking of which, the noble titles are quite strange. The Duke of Wensalf is both the Duke of Tulip and the Earl of Roseland.

However, shortly after he was granted the title of Duke, the Earl of Roseland was succeeded by his eldest son.

Alphonse originally thought that the noble titles were like those in China, divided into dukes, marquises, earls, viscounts, and barons, from highest to lowest, and that one could rise through the ranks.

But when Mia asked, she was so angry she laughed.

She knew Alphonse was uneducated and incompetent, but she never expected him to ask such a stupid question.

It's no wonder Alphonse was different; after all, his body had been replaced with a different core, and his predecessor had no memory of this at all.

After enduring a barrage of ridicule, Alphonse finally got an answer from Mia.

In this other world, there is no such thing as promotion in noble titles; instead, there are two categories: lords with real power and nobles with nominal titles.

A nominal noble only has a noble status, while the title of a powerful lord is different. Both are tied to territory. If one owns several territories, one can have multiple titles.

In other words, Alphonse's inherited title of Baron of the Frostwind Territory was not subordinate to the high-ranking nobles in the surrounding territories. He only needed to show respect when they met, and he could even refuse to be summoned.

It would take some time and discussion before Alphonse could send troops; they would need to be paid for the military.

Strictly speaking, Baron Alphonse of the Frostwinds is to be loyal to the Queen and the Duke of Wensalf, because the old baron is from the Southern Legion.

It's not unacceptable to fight with lords of other territories, but a legitimate reason is required.

If you attack other lords without a legitimate reason, the council of nobles will intervene and hold you accountable. Even if you conquer their territory, you will not be recognized.

Alphonse was completely bewildered. No wonder his adoptive father was ostracized. It wasn't just because he was of commoner origin, but also because the Tartarus family, as newly ascended nobles, were outsiders and not vassals of the local nobles.

The 700 gold coins of condolence money were only warmed in Alphonse's hands for a short while before being confiscated by Mia, the treasurer.

Although she said that as a lord, Alphonse could freely dispose of the gold coins in the lord's manor, Alphonse felt that if he asked her for money to indulge in luxury and pleasure, he would most likely be refused.

That half-elf girl is such a miser!

During this period, Alphonse had a pretty good time.

Aside from greeting my mother every day, I focus solely on my spiritual practice.

The progress of the Innate Formless Divine Skill is steady, and it has already connected the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian, the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, and the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian.

With another day or so of quiet meditation, the Bladder Meridian of Foot Taiyang can be opened, and the first level of the Innate Formless Divine Skill will be achieved!

At that time, he will be able to use the ultimate skill of Yan Kuangtu, the Xuan Tian Wu Jin Palm, which made him famous throughout the world.

There's no need to use low-level martial arts to save face anymore.

As for the higher-level Innate Formless Finger Sword, it still cannot be used.

That sword energy technique was his only means of dominating the martial world and being invincible.

However, relying solely on the first level of the Innate Formless Divine Skill, the condensed true energy is still far from sufficient. Moreover, the sword energy is too sharp and fierce. At this moment, the meridians in the body are not tough enough and will not be able to withstand it, thus being injured by the sword energy instead.

Based on his past experience, Alphonse had already made a prediction.

One must at least cultivate the Innate Formless Divine Skill to the third level before one can withstand the backlash of sword energy and the massive consumption of true energy, and use the Innate Formless Finger Sword skill with proficiency and ease.

The Yi Jing Bone Strengthening Method has already shown initial results; I can clearly feel the improvement in my physical strength, and my chest and abdominal muscles have developed.

While it cannot be described as rock-solid, its textures are clearly visible, a significant improvement compared to when it first arrived.

This skill cannot be neglected; one must continue practicing it. As one's aptitude improves, one's progress in cultivating internal energy will be faster.

However, there are also hidden worries. Focusing solely on cultivating the Yang meridians can lead to an excessive increase in Yang energy, causing the user to feel a constant surge of internal fire, resulting in irritability and anger.

But he couldn't just lose his temper with people, so Alphonse had to force himself to hold back.

This can only be alleviated once the first level of the Innate Formless Divine Skill is mastered, and the second level of the skill is practiced, focusing on cultivating the Yin Meridians.

Alphonse was living a comfortable life, but Mia was not so happy.

She had been secretly watching Alphonse and Tessie train, observing all their movements.

The two no longer simply posed and held the pose for three minutes; they also incorporated leaps, rolls, and somersaults.

It's not very elegant; it looks timid and cowering, somewhat like a monkey.

Mia thought she had memorized all the movements and even secretly tried them many times in a secluded place, but she couldn't feel any change at all.

(End of this chapter)