Chapter 216 - 197: New Year and Two-Engraving Silence

Chapter 216: Chapter 197: New Year and Two-Engraving Silence

White Bear Town.

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, it was the New Year again.

For Vili, the events of this past year were more thrilling than everything that had happened in his previous life combined.

His Extraordinary Power had steadily advanced, he’d made the leap from commoner to nobleman, his family’s circumstances had greatly improved, and he had gathered a group of loyal and steadfast subordinates.

It had been an incredibly fruitful year for Vili.

As was customary among the nobility, Vili was to host his own reception today—a noble’s banquet for the Baron of White Bear Town.

At noon, Baron Vili’s reception officially began.

Sopps, Dane, Sandoor, and several other important officials had already arrived early.

They were to receive some of the guests on Baron Vili’s behalf.

Just last year in Diamond Town, Vili had played a similar role himself.

Though the reception had just begun, a steady stream of splendidly dressed men and women had already started to enter Baron Vili’s manor, their cheerful voices filling the air as they proceeded in an orderly fashion.

They were mostly the families of minor officials in White Bear Town or prominent local merchants and their relatives. They intended to use the New Year’s opportunity to demonstrate their sincerity and loyalty to Baron Vili. At the same time, they hoped to befriend others of similar status.

The higher one’s status and position, the more one valued networking.

"Happy New Year, Lord Baron!"

Vili wore a black formal suit today. His straight posture and resolute gaze couldn’t help but inspire respect and admiration.

Everyone was well aware that this young baron had accomplished many astonishing feats over the past year.

Annihilating the Green Shell Pirate Gang, reviving White Bear Town’s agricultural economy, and wiping out the Wata Duchy’s cavalry corps...

Any one of these achievements, taken on its own, was enough to demonstrate his powerful capabilities.

"Happy New Year."

Holding a glass of red wine, Vili moved among the guests.

None of the truly distinguished guests worthy of Baron Vili’s personal reception had arrived yet.

These guests of more ordinary status would only offer a brief greeting, even if they saw the Baron himself.

They knew full well that approaching Vili to strike up a conversation uninvited would only earn his displeasure.

"Happy New Year, Lord Baron!"

Vili’s back was to the entrance, but he instinctively turned around upon hearing an old, familiar voice.

He saw an old man in clean, coarse linen clothes walking toward him, looking hale and hearty. The man’s eyes were filled with excitement and warmth.

It was the Village Chief of Fandou Village, Old Yor.

Old Yor was a completely different man now. Although he was a year older, he actually looked younger. His entire spirit had undergone a world-shaking transformation.

Beside him was a young Yadon.

Yadon, too, looked completely different from when Vili had first met him.

Yadon looked quite mature. As if to make himself seem more like an adult, he had even deliberately grown a small mustache.

"Old Yor!"

Vili laughed heartily and walked toward Old Yor, drawing surprised looks from the other guests.

Many of the guests didn’t know who Old Yor was and were quite curious. Why was this plainly dressed old man, who looked no different from a commoner, receiving a personal welcome from the Lord Baron?

Some of the more calculating guests had already decided to try and befriend the old man later.

"Happy New Year, Old Yor."

Vili patted Old Yor on the shoulder.

Strictly speaking, Old Yor had been Vili’s very first trusted subordinate.

Back in Fandou Village, Vili, the nominal Village Chief, had done almost nothing while Old Yor had bustled about, handling everything.

Old Yor had poured far more of his heart and soul into Fandou Village than Vili ever had.

Old Yor was so emotional that his body was trembling slightly.

He took a small step back and gave Vili a deep bow.

Old Yor’s gratitude toward Vili was sincere and came from the bottom of his heart.

Vili had changed his family’s destiny. Not only had Old Yor himself become the Village Chief of Fandou Village, but his grandson, Yadon, was also being entrusted with important responsibilities by Baron Vili. Their once-impoverished family was now the object of many people’s envy.

"So, how is the projected harvest for the Star-Spotted Snow Root next year?"

Vili began to chat casually with Old Yor.

"The harvest is better than we ever expected!"

Speaking of which, Old Yor’s face broke into a delighted, wrinkled smile. "Following your instructions, we planted the Star-Spotted Snow Root using the most optimal methods. By my estimate, this year’s harvest will be about double last year’s!"

"Excellent."

Vili offered a word of encouragement.

The income from the Star-Spotted Snow Root was negligible when compared to the revenue of White Bear Town as a whole.

However, as it was the place where he had built his foundation, Vili was still very much invested in it.

"When spring comes next year, I will bring you the best of the Star-Spotted Snow Root crop."

Old Yor said to Vili.

"I’ll be counting on you, then."

Vili and Old Yor exchanged a few more pleasantries before Old Yor requested to see Lake.

Back in Fandou Village, the two of them had been close partners.

During last year’s bean harvest, Lake had even made a special trip back to Fandou Village with Mrs. Shaven to personally supervise the work.

Vili naturally granted Old Yor’s request.

He summoned a Personal Guard and had him take Old Yor to Lake.