Over the next few days, Duane saw a constant stream of people passing through Lakefront Manor to enter the Secret Realm.

However, aside from Harrison’s sudden visit that one day, no one else came to disturb him.

Duane was happy for the peace and quiet, allowing him to focus on improving himself.

During this time, his Basic Shield Skill reached the Skilled Level. The 0.2 attribute points he gained raised his Strength Attribute to 6.0.

He had also processed and begun fermenting the Willow Tree branches. Unfortunately, due to the limited time, the fermentation wasn’t complete, so he hadn’t had a chance to try it yet.

"My Lord."

Owington knocked and entered the study, where Duane was discussing the final arrangements for their departure with Julian.

"The kitchen reports that preparations are nearly complete. Mr. Ralph sent me to inform you that you may head over in about half an hour."

Duane nodded. "Go and assist Ralph with the staff for now. Julian and I will be over shortly."

"Understood."

Julian said with a smile, "You’ve invited far more people to this banquet than ever before."

Then, his expression turned serious. "But please forgive my bluntness, my Lord. You must maintain a certain distance from your servants."

Although Julian was always out and about, he had still heard of the goings-on within the castle.

For instance, that the Baron enjoyed cooking, that he was good to his servants, and that he spared no expense in training Jack and John, who were of common birth.

These were good things, of course, but if that sense of distance were to disappear completely, it could affect the Lord’s authority.

Julian considered that Duane was still very young and had only recently become a Lord, so he might not understand these things. Thus, he felt it was his duty to offer a reminder.

"Thank you for the reminder, Julian."

A slight smile touched Duane’s lips. "Interacting a little more with the servants won’t make me forget my status and authority as a Lord. Nor will I be so soft-hearted that I neglect to punish those who make mistakes."

Julian nodded. ’That’s for the best.’

The two then continued their discussion about the next day’s departure.

During their last meeting, Ralph had mentioned that the relatives of some of the staff wished to follow Duane to Black Forest Island.

The final headcount had been tallied over the past two days. Including Duane, the total came to one hundred and twenty people.

Although one passenger ship couldn’t carry that many people, the other two cargo ships could take on the overflow.

With some careful arrangement, the three ships were packed to the brim with personnel, clothes, grain, weapons and equipment, various supplies, and the three warhorses belonging to Duane, Kaelon, and Raymond.

"According to the captain, we’ll sail down the Michaelson River. It should take about two days to reach Silent Harbor, even faster with a tailwind."

Julian continued, laying out the itinerary. "We’ll replenish our fresh water and supplies at the port, then set sail into the Silent Sea the following day."

Duane nodded.

Sailing the open sea had its risks, but this particular stretch, the Silent Sea, was relatively calm. It wasn’t known for strong winds or high waves, so the journey was considered reasonably safe.

’We’re finally setting off!’

The thought of finally going to his own territory made Duane feel like a child on his way to buy a new toy, filled with a mix of trepidation and excitement.

"Let’s go, Julian. The banquet is about to begin. We’ll have a few good drinks tonight."

"Haha, thank you for your generosity, Baron!"

Having finished their discussion about the next day, the two of them walked toward the great hall together.

Lakefront Castle was by no means luxurious, but under Ralph’s guidance over the past two days, the new servants had handled the banquet preparations quite capably, even though it was their first time.

The sanitation, of course, was impeccable. Tables and chairs were arranged in perfect order, with fresh flowers adorning the surfaces. The aroma of food filled the great hall, and the silverware gleamed under the lights.

Everyone had already arrived. A few who knew each other were chatting, but most of the guests looked restless and fidgety.

They had never attended a banquet hosted by nobility before, not even a simple one like tonight’s.

As Duane reached the entrance to the hall, a joyful cheer erupted from within, followed by a chorus of congratulations.

’What’s going on?’

He stepped into the hall, curious.

As Duane entered, the nervousness of some guests reached its peak, leaving them at a loss for what to do.

It was only when Ralph, Kaelon, and the others took the lead in greeting him that the rest snapped out of it, bowing deeply one after another to offer their greetings and Blessings.

Duane smiled and nodded, taking his place at the head of the long table.

Ralph, Kaelon, and the others sat on either side of him.

Judging by the seating arrangement, those most familiar with Duane were seated closest to him.

Further down were Jack, John, and the captains and leaders of the three Guard Squads.

Several smaller tables were also set up on either side of the long table, where the artisans and some of the servants were seated.

"I heard cheering just now. What’s the happy occasion?" Duane asked.

"It’s Jack."

Kaelon answered with a smile, "He broke through!"

"Oh?" Duane looked over at him.

Jack’s face was flushed red, the excitement clearly not having faded yet.

Meeting Duane’s gaze, he immediately dropped to one knee as if pledging his loyalty.

"Yes, my Lord! I’ve awakened my Fighting Qi Seed! From now on, I am a Basic-level Warrior!"

Duane laughed aloud.

He hadn’t expected the Fire Source Beast Bone Soup to yield results so quickly. ’My investment in Jack was worth it!’

He congratulated him warmly, "Congratulations, Jack! You are the third Extraordinary in my service!"

"This is all thanks to your trust and support! I wouldn’t be where I am today without you!"

All the soldiers knew that Jack and John drank the expensive Fire Source Beast Bone Soup every day.

They were both envious and jealous.

Duane motioned for him to rise. "Keep working hard. I hope that Basic-level Warrior is not your limit."

He then looked at John and said encouragingly, "You need to keep up the effort as well."

John’s face flushed red. He was also drinking the Fire Source Beast Bone Soup, and the pressure on him was already immense, given that Jack had broken through while he had not.

Now, with the Baron personally encouraging him in front of so many people, he felt both immense pressure and a deep sense of shame.

He dropped to one knee. "Yes, my Lord! John will work hard and not fail your expectations!"

"Haha, rise."

Duane gestured for everyone to be seated, then, as the host, he gave a brief speech.

He primarily outlined his plans for their future, such as leasing more land to them, reducing rent, and increasing wages.

Although he didn’t offer specific measures or a written contract, his words were enough to fill many with hope, especially those who were moving their entire families to Black Forest Island.

Afterward, the banquet officially began, and one delicious dish after another was brought to the tables.

As everyone began to eat, the tense atmosphere in the hall eased, replaced by a rising murmur of conversation and exclamations of delight over the food.

The banquet, even without music or dancing, was still a great success. After it ended, everyone was treated to a rare night of sweet dreams.

The next day, as dawn broke, dozens of rented carriages departed from Lakefront Castle, heading for Michaelson Port.

Sitting atop his warhorse, Duane looked back at the castle and the beautiful Clear Water Lake in the morning light. He wondered if he would ever have the chance to return to this place where he had lived for the past dozen or so days.

As the main port for the Royal Capital of the Pruck Kingdom, Michaelson Port was the largest in the nation. The traffic was so heavy that ships often had to queue to enter or leave.

Fortunately, Duane’s status as a Baron allowed him to use a special channel, saving him the trouble of a long wait.

Ralph and Julian paid some money to hire port laborers, who worked alongside the servants to move the cargo onto the ships.

Raymond and the Guards were responsible for watching the cargo to prevent theft.

Kaelon, meanwhile, stayed by Duane’s side with Jack and John.

Though the tasks were complex, everything proceeded in an orderly fashion, so Duane had little to worry about.

He made his way to the bow of the passenger ship, leaning on the railing and observing the bustling port.

Most of the ships moored here were three-masted vessels, with a few even larger ships boasting more than three masts.

The waters of the port were a flurry of activity, with ships constantly coming and going.

Pilot boats, responsible for guiding vessels in and out, weaved through the traffic ceaselessly.

It was a scene of bustling prosperity.

’This world has coal. Not only are there natural coal mines, but it’s even produced in some resource-type Secret Realms.’

’People know how to use coal, yet they haven’t entered a steam age.’

Duane had previously thought he might be able to make some progress in that area.

However, through his recent cooking, he had discovered that the steam in this world didn’t even have the power to lift a kettle lid.

’Perhaps the existence of Magic Power, Elements, and other Extraordinary Powers has altered some of the physical laws.’

’Perhaps combining these things with Magic is the right answer,’ he thought.

Owington walked over.

"My Lord, your cabin has been prepared. You may go and rest whenever you wish."

Duane shook his head. "I feel quite energetic. Enjoying the view of the port and the Michaelson River is nice, too."

The cabins on the passenger ship were tiny. He had no desire to go inside unless he truly intended to sleep.

"Owington, go to the Blackbird and get Captain Conaberton for me. Just say I’d like to have a word with him."