So that's how it is...

  "Master, if the opportunity presents itself, you must assuredly claim the championship of the Grain King Competition," Tia interjected abruptly at that moment.

  "Why?" Kenley queried, a hint of perplexity in his voice.

  Upon Kenley's utterance of those words, both Fess and Tia regarded him with expressions of sheer incredulity.

  Fess seemed to grasp the situation. Given Kenley's background as a peasant, he was unfamiliar with noble traditions. He promptly stated,"Mr. Kenley, this championship is of paramount, indeed utmost, significance."

  He emphasized it with such gravity that he employed the term"utmost" twice.

  Tia echoed,"Master, this championship holds immense importance."

  The synchronized words from the two of them were such that, had it not been a chance encounter, Kenley would have suspected they had prearranged their statements.

  "Elaborate further," Kenley couldn't help but express his curiosity.

  "Master, upon securing the championship, you will have the privilege of attending the Duke's family banquet, an honor that countless vassals of the Duke have long yearned for but been unable to attain. Master, this is of vital consequence for you to expand your network of contacts and fortify the Duke's impression of you," Tia elucidated after a moment of contemplation.

  "Your Highness Tia is perfectly correct. Establishing a closer rapport with the Duke's family at the family banquet will yield substantial benefits in future wars, enfeoffments, and the accumulation of merits. For instance, in the event of a war, the Duke will prioritize those vassals with the most favorable impression for participation. The availability of a task implies an opportunity to earn merits, which will be highly advantageous, whether it pertains to the elevation of your title or the grant of additional land. Lord Kenley, if there is a chance, you must spare no effort to claim this championship," Fess provided a more comprehensive and in-depth explanation.

  Kenley instantly comprehended. In essence, it boiled down to deepening interpersonal relationships. Nevertheless, this was undeniably crucial. Moreover, the prospect of attending the Duke's family banquet meant the opportunity to meet Her Highness Guinevere. After all, she was the future Grand Duchess. Maintaining a positive relationship with her would undoubtedly be advantageous for him.

  "I understand. I shall endeavor to secure the championship in the upcoming session," Kenley nodded.

  Fess smiled."Lord Kenley, there is no need to be overly hasty. As a newcomer, you are yet to become acquainted with Deshalin Town. It would be rather arduous to claim the championship immediately upon your arrival. It is quite feasible to participate in the subsequent Grain King Competition."

  "Mr. Fess makes a most valid point, Master. There is no need for us to be precipitous," Tia concurred with Fess's assertion.

  Kenley remained silent. How could he possibly disclose to them that he possessed the ability to rapidly elevate the levels of the peasants?

  Currently, Kenley's character was at level 40, and the process of leveling up had become somewhat formidable. Firstly, within the Adventurer's Guild of the Imperial City, the highest rank of tasks typically available was the fourth rank, with no higher-ranked tasks in existence.

  Moreover, tasks of the fourth rank were exceedingly scarce, with the majority being of the third rank. Given the high level of public security surrounding Marlen Imperial City, high-level monsters rarely made an appearance, consequently resulting in Kenley's sluggish progress in leveling up.

  Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Kenley had calculated that, based on the experience gained from merely five fourth-rank tasks per month, he could, at most, advance three levels in a month, and the higher he ascended, the more sluggish his progress would become.

  Even if he were to undertake tasks ceaselessly throughout an entire month, encompassing both third-rank and fourth-rank tasks, Kenley estimated that he could only advance five levels to reach level 45 within a month. And in the following month, the situation would become even more challenging. The experience from five fourth-rank tasks would likely only permit him to advance one level, and even with the addition of numerous third-rank tasks to make up the numbers, he could, at most, advance two levels.

  Over the course of a quarter, Kenley could, at most, advance eight or nine levels, which was woefully inefficient. Kenley needed to transition to the high-level monster area to acquire more valuable experience from the monsters.

  Now that he had assumed the role of lord, it would be more prudent to conserve his experience points for the purpose of elevating the levels of the peasants and focus on the development of the territory. Once the territory could operate smoothly and autonomously, he could embark on hunting expeditions with ease. It should be entirely feasible to develop the territory within the span of a quarter.

  Regarding Count Megan, Kenley had also delved into detailed information about him. As he had been residing in the Imperial City without venturing even a single step outside, it was unlikely that he would come to cause trouble within the territory of the Christophon family.

  It seemed imperative for him to formulate a detailed plan. Firstly, he should journey to the Imperial City to accept tasks, amass experience, and expeditiously elevate the levels of the peasants.

  The level of his peasants remained at level 1 (the experience requirements for life occupations were lower compared to those for combat occupations). Completing a third-rank task would, without a doubt, enable him to advance their levels by twenty levels.

  Subsequently, a substantial amount of time should be dedicated to the management of the territory, with the aim of enhancing its prosperity as expeditiously as possible.

  "Mr. Fess, I am now aware of what needs to be done. Thank you for your reminders. I shall strive to claim the championship of the Grain King Competition in the upcoming session," Kenley's words caused the two of them to exchange a glance. They were truly taken aback by Kenley's audacious declaration.

  "Master, although Tia is cognizant of your peasant origins, this still seems rather exaggerated..." Tia couldn't help but voice her concerns.

  Fess also shook his head."Lord Kenley, there is no need to be incensed by the provocations of those two individuals earlier. The Grain King Competition is a contest that rigorously tests one's patience and technical proficiency. Even esteemed winemaking families such as the Baggins family often encounter failures."

  In Fess's perspective, Kenley had only recently arrived at the new territory and was entirely unfamiliar with the people and affairs there. Making such an audacious declaration immediately upon assuming office seemed somewhat excessive.

  "Thank you, Fess. I shall bear in mind your counsel today. It would, of course, be optimal if I could claim the championship. Even if I fail, others can do little to me as the newly appointed lord, correct?" Kenley offered a faint smile.

  Tia's eyes brightened."Master is truly sagacious!"

  ------

  Ten days elapsed.

  Kenley, in his capacity as lord, found himself on the expansive, boundless fields, having voluntarily ventured there, much like a peasant.

  "Your Lordship, perhaps you would be better off returning to rest. Leave this menial labor to us," a sincere and unassuming bearded mayor volunteered.

  Kenley shook his head."Our time is of the essence, Fulin. I require your extensive knowledge of the land."

  Fulin, the mayor of Deshalin Town, also hailed from a peasant background. Ever since he had learned that Kenley was a peasant from Laupa Town, he had developed a profound sense of goodwill towards Lord Kenley, who shared the same peasant origins.

  In the few days since Kenley's arrival, he had not only treated the people with the tenderness of a parent but had also refrained from harshly criticizing his subjects and had not imposed any additional taxes on them, much to the relief of all the townspeople.

  As the adage goes, a new official often initiates their tenure with a series of vigorous actions. Which townspeople would not desire a kind and benevolent lord?

  "Fulin, inform me, which crops are most suitable for planting in this season and can be harvested with the greatest speed?" Kenley posed a pivotal question.

  Fulin promptly replied,"Your Lordship, Deshalin Town is situated in close proximity to Tonks Lake, where the water and grass are lush and abundant. It is highly suitable for cultivating crops such as buckwheat, quinoa, soybeans, and grains. However, these crops are all annuals, and it is highly improbable that they will be ready in time for the upcoming Grain King Competition."

  Kenley nodded."I see."