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Chapter 345 - 345 345 It Seems Like I Was Tricked by a Beastman

345: Chapter 345: It Seems Like I Was Tricked by a Beastman 345: Chapter 345: It Seems Like I Was Tricked by a Beastman “Indeed, I haven’t.” There was no need to hide such a matter.

If anything, this was just part of the process; the King surely had his affairs thoroughly investigated by now.

As a King, even when dealing with one’s own savior, the approach is different than with ordinary people.

Were it himself, he would first need to ascertain if this was truly a benefactor or someone deliberately scheming to deceive him.

The reason he had been summoned after so many days was likely because this issue also took some time to address.

Balola suddenly spoke, “I suggest you become a noble attached to the Royal Family.

Although nominally, the territory would still belong to the Royal Family, we can give you a promise to ensure that in the future, management of the territory will remain with your descendants.”

This was, in essence, akin to hereditary nobility, which constitutes the most significant difference between attached nobles and independent lords.

But Zhao Guang didn’t trust it; after all, would the King’s promise hold up under his successor, or the kings after that?

All in all, pinning everything on others was fraught with considerable danger.

Sensing Zhao Guang’s thoughts, Balola seemed disappointed, “Of course, being a frontier lord isn’t bad either; you can continually expand your territory.

With your wealth, this might be a good choice.”

It was a pity that he couldn’t fully bring him under his command, which was somewhat disappointing.

The King, however, revealed a smile—it seems he had thought the same.

Zhao Guang also declared, “I choose to become a frontier lord.”

The King nodded, “Then these areas on the map, and these as well, can be chosen as frontier territories for expansion; you may freely select a location.”

Choosing land in the frontier regions was very arbitrary and egalitarian for anyone.

However, choosing land bordering other countries wasn’t allowed, unless the two nations were in a hostile relationship.

Moreover, if an enemy nation was too powerful, then no one would choose those areas as their territory.

For example, who would dare to select a region bordering the Beastman Empire, unless they tired of living.

Having already prepared for this, Zhao Guang immediately looked towards the North.

In the northwest of the Chirali Empire, which was also the northeast border of the Beastman Empire, lay a land without a lord.

At that intersection, the Luin River, symbol of the rebellious son, flowed quietly by.

“I’ll choose this place,” Zhao Guang pointed to that location.

Seeing the location, the King’s brow furrowed slightly.

Many people had chosen this place in the past, but not a single one had managed to hold on; it had been many years since then.

“To be honest, while the land there is quite fertile, it is not a good choice.”

“Rest assured, I have some dealings with the Beastman side.

You need not worry, I won’t be trading any banned items to the Beastmen,” Zhao Guang said.

After all, it was just a statement; whether they believed it or not was their own affair.

The King seemed a bit helpless, “Since there’s no issue with the Beastman side, then it’s not a big problem.

But are you sure you want to choose this place?

It has been more than two hundred years since anyone selected it.”

Such a long time, all the better—it implied there were no powerful local forces in the area.

Building a territory, the most troublesome part is actually dealing with local powers.

Once you touch their interests, they’d use their home advantage to cause you endless trouble.

“It’s settled on this place,” Zhao Guang cared even less about the King’s words now.

The King nodded to the herald at his side, “Alright then, if that’s your choice, we’ll settle on this place.

Although barely inhabited now, the Empire hopes to see it thrive.”

Wait, what does ‘barely inhabited’ mean?

“There are no residents there?”

“Indeed, because it’s close to the Plague Swamp, and the Undead Mages there occasionally emerge in search of materials.

Over time, that place became uninhabited, otherwise why would no one choose it for their territory?”

The merits of this location were quite evident; Zhao Guang could see it, and others were no fools either.

If there were no development issues, who would want to select this place?

Cold sweat dripped from Zhao Guang, feeling as though he might have been tricked by the Beastmen.

Those creatures, could they have recommended this without knowing the real situation?

Now he was truly in trouble.

While he disliked dealing with powerful local forces, he also didn’t want to be completely alone.

With no residents, how could he develop the area?

Was he expected to deal with the Undead?

But the herald had already noted down his choice, and it seemed he no longer had the chance for regrets.

He couldn’t give up either because doing so would mean losing the opportunity to become a frontier lord again in the future.

“Um…” Zhao Guang opened his mouth, hoping to salvage the situation.

Yet the King continued, “Since you’ve chosen this place, I can offer some compensation.

This entire area can be designated as your territory.”

“Given the size, this region is already equivalent to an Earl’s domain.

However, the nobles won’t concern themselves with how much you acquire here,” Balola added from the side.

“Um…” Zhao Guang extended his hand, but it seemed they hadn’t heard his words.

“Additionally, as compensation, I grant you full development rights.”

The King’s words quelled Zhao Guang’s struggling heart.

Full development rights—what were those?

This was the greatest privilege for a frontier lord.

Previously, after a frontier lord developed new territory, a portion of it belonged to the King.

Even most territories developed by lords were largely the King’s.

However, full development rights were not easily granted because they meant that all the land Zhao Guang developed would be his own.

So long as he paid taxes according to the law, there were no limits to the expanse of territory he could develop.

Truth be told, if it weren’t for the fact that Zhao Guang’s selected location was really not that great, and most nobles didn’t think he’d survive, even the King wouldn’t be able to offer these compensations without the approval of the Noble Management Office.

But for Zhao Guang, it was different.

With full development rights, he was now completely free.

No matter what he decided to do in his territory in the future, he needn’t worry about anyone coming to meddle.

What he had intended to say was swallowed; Zhao Guang spoke with solemn gravity, “I thank Your Majesty for your great kindness; I will do my utmost to strive for the development of the Empire.”

The King showed a smile, but his eyes held a hint of regret.

It was his own choice—nevertheless, there would be opportunities to compensate him in the future.

After some more conversation, the King had the herald escort Zhao Guang out.