Lord Evolution: Starting With SS-rank Skills

The next morning arrived quickly; the morning sun rose and took its usual place over Winterseed II, blessing the newborn territory with its heavenly radiance.

The people of Winterseed II rose quite early, earlier than they had under the reign of the late Fagin. However, they didn't get up early to leave for their farms or perform other tasks; instead, they used the time on their hands to prepare nice meals for their new lord.

A lot of women gathered together to prepare their most delicious meals, while the men brought the game they had hunted and stored beforehand. They all worked together, preparing the best dishes as a welcome to their new lord and the soldiers that came with him; this was to pay their initial respect and showcase their love for him.

The streets were filled with noises and the delicious aromas of numerous cuisines. The atmosphere was joyous.

Meanwhile, at the late Fagin's quarters, Rowan and his captains woke up quite early to discuss.

Inside the big sitting room, Rowan and the captains could be seen sitting down, facing each other and discussing.

"Lord Rowan, your position has improved; no longer are you the village head of Winterseed but the Lord of a dual fief," Roland said with a smile.

The lord of a village is called a village head, and a lord who rules over two villages is called the Lord of a Dual Fief or Fief Chief.

Rowan already knew about this but acted surprised and thrilled by the details.

The captains looked at him with faces brimming with hopeful and proud smiles. Rowan's position increasing also meant that theirs had improved as well; they would control a larger military base, and their authority would extend over more people than in Winterseed.

On the other hand, Rowan had decided to rename Glenwood, calling it Winterseed II.

He had already made his decision to let one of his captains become his assistant and rule over Winterseed II in his stead while he took care of the other.

He made this intention known to his captains.

"I do not want to leave your side, Lord Rowan. Being your captain is better than any other position," Bryce instantly rejected the idea.

"Same with me, I would love to remain a captain and help train the younger generation," Roland also rejected.

"Same," Bruce and Josh added.

All of them rejected his offer.

"Hmm, I understand that you all want to protect and serve me, but as you know, I am already strong enough to protect myself. I want someone I trust to oversee this village for me, and you four are the only people I trust," Rowan sighed.

He really needed them to agree with his proposal, but he didn't want to force them.

The captains refused once again, and Roland made a suggestion.

"You want Ren to take over while we return?" Rowan asked with a frown.

"Yes, Lord Rowan. I have only known him for a few days, but I can tell that he is sincere and loyal. Also, he knows more about this village and the villagers than any of us; he is a better person for that position," Roland explained.

Rowan listened and couldn't help but agree with him.

Rowan thought about his words for a few seconds, considering the option.

It wasn't a bad idea, to be honest; Ren is honest and smart enough to rule the people in his stead.

Nevertheless, he would have loved for Ren to return to Winterseed with him so he could use his herbalist skills to help some of his sick villagers and also train a new generation of herbalists to take care of the sick in his stead, like Liara, who already had a little knowledge about it.

"I already copied Herbal Knowledge, but I don't have that much time on my hands to go into the bushes, find, sort, and mix herbs to treat the sick, and I do not have enough time to teach others either," Rowan sighed.

Rowan had a lot of tasks to accomplish once he returned and didn't want more tasks to be added.

After thinking for a long time, he finally arrived at a decision. "That is settled; Ren will rule over in my stead."

The captains smiled upon hearing his decision; it was a big relief knowing they had no need to leave his side.

Rowan asked one of the soldiers stationed outside to call Ren for him. The soldier left immediately to deliver the message.

Almost thirty minutes after the soldier left, Rowan heard the commotion outside and strolled out with his captains to observe.

When they got out, they were greeted by a large group of women holding large baskets brimming with delicious, steaming food whose aromas wafted across the area, quickly reaching their noses. Rowan couldn't help but feel his stomach rumble at the sweet aroma.

"Lord Rowan, this is our little token of appreciation for purifying our village and becoming our new lord!" the women said in unison.

"We understand that you and your soldiers must be famished after such a long and tiring battle, so we have prepared more than enough delicious food to satisfy all of you!" one of them added with a sweet smile on her face.

The other women spoke one after the other.

A few minutes later, some men arrived with wines.

Rowan watched the show of love with a calm smile on his face. He was happy knowing that none of them thought of him as a merciless killer after his bloodbath last night; the smiles on their faces displayed their true love and respect for him.

Rowan thanked all the women immediately and gave them the go-ahead to serve their wonderfully prepared dishes.

Very soon, all his soldiers gathered around his place and began to devour the delicious meals presented before them.

Captain Bryce could be seen biting off a large chunk of flesh from the finely seasoned and roasted chicken given to him. Some soldiers could be seen taking large gulps of wine and eating the delicious food.

The street was suddenly filled with merriment, and everyone enjoyed themselves.

Rowan was specially served inside the house. On the table, there was a lot of delicious food, starting with the well-prepared rice grains to the delicious and greasy chicken. Rowan didn't hesitate and began devouring his meal.

He was halfway done with his meal when Ren arrived with the soldier who had been sent to call him.

"Lord Rowan, you called for me?" Ren bowed his head and greeted Rowan.

"Yes, I did. Have a seat," Rowan replied before turning to the young soldier and nodding for him to leave.

He thanked Rowan and rushed out of the room hungrily to join his colleagues outside.

Rowan ate a little and drank some wine before informing Ren of his decision. When Ren heard his proposal, he immediately fell into deep thought.

"Lord Rowan, I am not fit for leading others," he replied after contemplating for a few seconds.

"I understand, but you are the only person I trust in this village. You are smart and, most of all, you have a good heart that puts the needs of the people above your own. You are the perfect candidate," Rowan replied.

Ren rejected again and reminded him of his occupation as a herbalist. He said he wanted to help with what he loved the most.

Nevertheless, Rowan convinced him and showed him the benefits of the position. After a short conversation, Rowan was able to convince him.

DING [You have ordained a DEPUTY LORD]

[You will be able to influence and observe the decision of your DEPUTY LORD telepathically]

"Hmm," Rowan observed the notifications.

"Do not worry, as a fief chief with the staff of authority, I will be able to assist you even when I am away," he said to Ren.

Although it sounded strange, Ren nodded his head and tried to act as if he wasn't thrilled. Nevertheless, even though he tried to hide it, Rowan was able to see his stats thanks to his skill, and he decided to prove his point.

['I want you to improve the farmlands starting tomorrow,'] Rowan communicated with him telepathically.

Ren's eyes widened as he heard the voice of Rowan inside his head, loud and clear. He looked at Rowan with puzzlement.

"D-did you say anything just now?" he stuttered.

Rowan smiled and explained the process to him.

After ensuring he was clear about the mental link between both of them, Rowan discussed what he needed from him.

"I will return two weeks from now with Liara and a few of my people. I want you to teach them everything you know about herbs."

Ren's eyes widened upon hearing the proposition. He had long wanted students to learn his craft, but no one was interested; hearing Rowan's proposal made him realize that Rowan truly appreciated his knowledge. He promised he won't let him down and would work hard to make him proud.

---

Two hours passed, and Rowan made his decision about making Ren his deputy known to the people. Thanks to Ren's good reputation, the people accepted him without much talk.

Rowan made other announcements and promised the people he would return two weeks from now. They all listened to his words with smiles of respect and acceptance. The men watched him with pride, the young men with adoration and aspiration, while the young ladies couldn't help but imagine a romantic relationship with him, which was natural.

After making sure everything was in order, Rowan bade them farewell and left with his men. He brought 700 soldiers from the village with him, which increased the number of men with him to about one thousand.