"Alright." Duke Edmund's lips curled slightly, a hint of meaningfulness hidden in his smile.

He did not further comment on the merits of the choice, only lightly marked the area with a circle.

Then, he turned to the silent Willis, "And you, have you chosen?"

Willis did not answer immediately but stood quietly in front of the map, his brows furrowed.

Initially, like Pal, he thought of avoiding Snow Peak County and selecting an unnoticed corner to establish himself independently.

He was not willing to submit under his younger brother.

But during this northern journey, he saw too much; desolate villages, shattered forts, refugees frozen by the roadside, and skeletons gnawed by wild beasts.

The Northern Territory is not land for expansion but a battlefield that devours the weak.

Yet Louis managed to stand firm on this land.

Willis did not want to admit it, but he understood one thing: to survive in the Northern Territory, one relies not on lineage nor background, but on strength.

And his brother Louis clearly possesses such strength.

Rather than clinging to empty pride and fighting alone in the wind and snow, it's better to act according to circumstances, at least to survive before planning further.

He gently raised his hand, pointing to a territory near the edge of Snow Peak County, close to Ice Ridge Territory.

It's an area with slightly elevated terrain, near the Cyan Rock Rift, rich in timber resources nearby, and a tributary winding through.

The geographic conditions are already considered decent in the Northern Territory.

Duke Edmund looked at him, a flicker of admiration in his eyes.

He nodded, marking that area too, "It's a wise choice."

Pal pursed his lips at this but did not comment further.

Willis didn't look at him, nor did he explain why he chose this piece of land.

The Northern Territory is not a place for dignity; it's a place for survival.

Only with one's resources and backing does one have the possibility to survive.

Duke Edmund reached out, taking a heavy steel seal from the side of the table. It was the frontier seal of the Northern Province, representing the initial sovereignty over this barren land.

He spread out two documents on the table, each stamped with the royal seal, pausing slightly.

"Since you have both chosen your territories, from this moment, you become Barons of the Northern Territory."

Before his words fell, he stamped heavily, the metal colliding with the paper with a dull "click" sound.

Willis and Pal's hearts both jolted.

At that moment, they officially owned their own land, becoming true Barons of Expansion.

Even though the title brings no immediate wealth, even though the future is fraught with danger, this written acknowledgment means they qualify to stand at the gambling table of the Northern Territory, to fight for their own future.

Excitement, apprehension, ambition, and unease surged in both men's hearts.

Duke Edmund returned the documents to them with some formal words, "The Northern Territory is harsh and treacherous; I wish you quickly build your fortress and survive until next spring."

He added with a semi-serious smile, "Simply surviving here is worthy of respect."

He shifted his tone, casual yet concerned, "The Governor's Mansion's frontier supplies are limited. You might want to check out the black market; some early survival essentials and slaves might be useful. Remember to haggle, don't be a fat sheep."

Pal's eyes flashed with slight disdain, as he had the vast Calvin Commerce Association behind him, but he still nodded in acknowledgment.

Willis quietly folded the documents, nodding solemnly.

The two men left the Governor's Mansion office, the sun shining on the stone-paved street, yet the air still carried a trace of the characteristic chill of the Northern Territory.

Just as Pal adjusted his collar, preparing to stride proudly onto the road of a Baron, a figure brushed past them.

It was a lady in a dark blue gown, graceful in demeanor, naturally exuding radiance.

Her blue hair gleamed softly in the sunlight, her features were exquisite and stern, bearing an undeniable noble air.

Pal instinctively turned to gaze, his eyes lingering on that silhouette, staring for a moment before coming back to his senses.

He licked his lips, lowered his voice, and asked the accompanying officer beside him, "Who is this lady?"

The officer glanced at him, showing a faint trace of reverence, "Duke Edmund's daughter, Lady Emily."

Pal's heartbeat inexplicably quickened upon hearing this, his mind suddenly whirring.

Edmund's daughter?

Could it be... just perfect!

A suitable age, noble background, matching family status.

All considered, she's a perfect marriage prospect for himself.

He even began fantasizing about their future wedding and the name of their first child, maybe "Arthur" would be better?

However, the blue-haired lady didn't glance at him, just walked past with icy composure.

Her gaze remained aimed straight ahead, as if they were mere unnoticed stones on the street.

Meanwhile, Willis stayed silent. His attention did not linger on the lady but remained in thought.

He knew his focus should be on Louis.

That brother he once looked down upon, today stands firm in this wilderness, even earning the Duke's recognition.

How should he approach him? Seek honest assistance or cautiously draw near?

He lifted his head, looking toward Snow Peak County, silently making a decision:

If he could grasp the thread leading to the future, even bowing a little would be worthwhile.

Emily, with elegant steps, walked past the stairs in front of the Governor's Mansion, her boots creating a series of clean echoes on the stone ground.

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