I'm not a lord

Chapter 255 Count Baihe May Well Establish an Empire
"My lord, this is Princess Chloris, and this is her mother, Princess Katarina."

In the main hall of the castle in Shirokuma Prefecture, Mayor Leon of Mikawa City was introducing the two women he had brought with him.

Lynn had actually seen this scene a few days ago.

However, Leon's sales pitch was a bit weak, since he couldn't be 100% sure of the two people's true identities.

Unlike old Hafdan, who was completely overwhelmed by the power of the Goddess of War, Karula, and coerced into selling goods to Lynn.

Just as Chloris and her mother stepped into the hall, a princess steward standing beside Lynn excitedly exclaimed, "Your Excellency, I swear on my life, this is Her Highness the Princess!"

Lynn sat in the main seat of the hall and waved her hand gently: "Okay, I understand. You can go down first. I'll give you time to catch up later."

The steward happily withdrew to report the good news to his two companions.

From a personal relationship perspective, these three stewards are still Chloris's retainers. They were previously "rented" to White River Territory as liaison officers and also served as teachers at Lynn's newly established elementary school.

At this moment, Chloris stepped forward with her mother, bowed her head and greeted them: "Your Excellency Earl of White River, Chloris of Amber Harbor pays her respects."

“Your Excellency, Katarina from the Southern Territory extends her sincerest greetings and thanks you for taking us in during this time of crisis.” The former Queen Katarina also adopted a very humble posture.

People have to bow their heads under the roof.

No matter how noble their previous status was, they had to bow their heads and behave themselves in Baihe Territory.

This is not the royal palace, nor Amber Harbor, nor Katalina's home in the Southern Territory.

In terms of territorial ownership, Baihe Territory is not a directly controlled territory of the royal family, and the owner of this territory has no vassal relationship with the royal family.

To put it bluntly, they came to Baihe Territory to escape, and it's still uncertain whether the territory's owner will take them in.

Before meeting Lynn, Chloris and her mother deliberately removed their black hoods and robes used for disguise and put on exquisite long dresses purchased from Three Rivers City, showing off their beautiful figures.

Lynn's gaze lingered on the mother and daughter for only a moment before turning to Leon behind them and smiling, "Leon, you've worked hard. Sit down and rest."

No matter how important the political status of this former dynasty princess was, she was still considered an outsider in Baihe territory.

Leon and Lynn have a close relationship, and Leon is the mayor of Three Rivers, holding an important position. Lynn naturally cannot forget his old love just because he has a new one.

"Yes, my lord!"

When Leon heard that he was entitled to sit down and listen, he was very grateful. He quickly stepped forward and sat down to Lynn's right.

This meeting between the Earl and the former princess is likely to determine the future development of the territory and may also have a significant impact on the Earl's lovers, such as Lia and Agna.

At this moment, Lynn finally turned his gaze to Chloris, who was standing at the end of the long table, and a faint smile appeared on his lips:

"Then, Your Highness, I hope you can answer a small question that has been bothering me: why did you appear in my White River Territory after the fall of Amber Harbor?"

Lynn understood that although the two were mother and daughter, Chloris clearly held the reins, so he quickly overlooked the former queen, Katharina.

In his eyes, the former dynasty princess, dressed in a pure white dress, was naturally also completely visible.

【Chloris ★★★★】

[Command D] [Strength E-] [Constitution D-] [Intelligence B+] [Internal Affairs B] [Charisma A]

[Loyalty: 52 (Can be taken as a follower)]

[Characteristic 1: Think Tank – Their own suggestions are more likely to be accepted]

[Special Feature 2: Strong Luck - Not easily captured, not easily sick]

【Characteristic Three: Talented Women – Possessing an advantage in domestic affairs and education】

Looking at the panel, this princess has a four-star rating, including attributes with an A rating, but the shock she brought to Lynn was far less than that of the goddess of war, Karula.

This princess's main strengths lie in intelligence, domestic affairs, and charm, especially charm.

The allure of her A-level rating significantly boosted her score.

According to Lynn's understanding, the evaluation criteria for the attribute "Charm" are very complex, and it is not entirely based on a person's appearance.

Take Leon as an example. At this time last year, he was just a black market merchant with an charisma rating of E+.

His appearance has remained largely unchanged, and his belly has even grown larger, but his charm level has quietly risen to C+.

The reason for such a huge promotion was entirely due to the change in his status.

He is now a genuine mayor, with the power to decide the fate of countless people. Many people want to advance their careers by currying favor with him, which can be seen as a manifestation of his charisma.

Lynn's charm is now at an A-level, naturally because he controls a vast territory and a powerful army. Men want to serve him, and women want to climb into his bed. This is also a kind of charm.

As for Chloris's A-grade charm, it is certainly influenced by her appearance. By Lynn's aesthetic standards, there is really no fault in her appearance.

But without a doubt, her status as a former princess and the power she carried significantly boosted her appeal, earning her near-top-tier charm.

What surprised Lynn the most was Chloris's loyalty to him.

Goodness, he's already scored over fifty points on our first meeting. Does that mean he's decided to stay in Baihe Territory?

While Lynn observed the former dynasty's princess, Chloris lowered her head and curiously peered at the high-ranking Earl of White River out of the corner of her eye.

Young, so young, that was the most profound impression Lynn left on her.

Before coming to White River Territory, Chloris had imagined Lynn's appearance and personality countless times.

Based on the various rumors and actions of Lynn, she believed that the Earl of White River should be a powerful man in his thirties, experienced, skilled in both literature and martial arts, and at the peak of his career.

But when she actually met Lynn, she discovered that this newly famous nobleman of the North was so young and so dazzling. No wonder the Duke of the Vale was offering such a huge dowry to marry his eldest daughter to Lynn!

When Lynn asked the question, she looked up, slightly taken aback.

Faced with Lynn's almost scrutinizing and authoritative gaze, she hesitated for a moment before finally replying:
“My lord, please just call me Chloris. The Urenis dynasty has ended, and I am no longer a princess. I am not worthy of being called Your Highness.”

After a brief pause, she added in a calm and firm tone:

"The reason I came to your White River Territory is, of course, to seek your protection. The three stewards I sent to the White River Territory all recommended that I come here. In their words, you are the most generous and righteous noble example in this northern region."

I traveled westward by boat along the River Tranquil, and what I saw was mostly slaughter and chaos. Peace and smiles had vanished, as if the entire North had fallen into a terrible hell.

But when I arrived in Three Rivers, I discovered that peace had not vanished in the North. Every face in the city wore a peaceful smile. From that moment on, I understood that only you could heal the wounds of the North and bring peace back to this once-great nation.

Chloris had been preparing these words for a long time.

She first pointed out the three stewards, thereby telling Lynn that she was not completely ignorant of White River Territory, and that she had come to seek refuge with Lynn after careful consideration.

At the same time, it was also a subtle reminder to Lynn: These three stewards are nominally special envoys of the former royal family, and you are also the Earl of White River and the royal executive appointed by the former royal family. I, Chloris, obtained these two titles for you from King Morris.

Even if we don't say we've done them a favor, we've at least formed some positive connections.

As for the next two paragraphs, Chloris stopped pretending and stated directly: The North is rotten to the core, filled with war and hell, and only you, Earl of White River, can create a new dynasty and save the depraved North.

The subtle implication wasn't just something Lynn could understand; Leon grasped it instantly as well.

Well, this princess from the previous dynasty really is after the position of lord's wife! She's practically trying to persuade the Earl to fight for the crown of the North!

Leon couldn't help but feel a chill for his younger sister. "Sister, this time you may really have no hope. The princess has the right to claim the Northern Kingdom, which perfectly matches the Earl's ambition."

At the same time, Leon was secretly pleased. He had personally escorted Chloris to White Bear County and had taken meticulous care of the princess along the way. If the princess were to succeed in ascending to the throne in the future, Leon would also have a share of the credit.

After hearing this, Lynn asked, "So? What can you offer me?"

Why would he need a little girl to teach him these principles?
What he needs is a more straightforward and thorough commitment.

He could tell that Chloris had feelings for the Northern Kingdom; this former princess was obsessed with restoring peace to the Northern Kingdom.

It's not that Lynn is boasting, but right now, the North is truly the place where he has the best chance of reunifying the entire kingdom.

Chloris bravely raised her head, her right hand resting flat on her chest: "All I can offer you, sir, is my wisdom and intelligence, and the claim I carry."

Beside her, former Queen Katarina closed her eyes and sighed softly in resignation: So it has come to this? Isn't it all too soon? My daughter, you've only just met him!

But Chloris didn't regret it. She and Lynn were both smart people who knew what the other needed and what they had to give up.

On the contrary, Chloris was even somewhat relieved; she had to be thankful that Lynn had rejected the Duke of the Valley's marriage proposal.

If the Duke of the Valley's eldest daughter were to get there first, her position in the White River Territory would be extremely awkward.

Lynn's smile brightened a bit, but her words were icy: "Your frankness and courage are truly amazing, but unfortunately, I can't marry you right now."

Chloris's disappointment flashed for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure and replied in a louder tone:

“My lord, I hope you will give this matter more consideration. In my opinion, the crown of the North is by no means your final destination. If you wish, you may be able to create a vast empire that spans the North and the South. The various policies you have implemented in the White River Territory can become the cornerstone of a great empire. If possible, I hope to stay by your side and follow you to achieve all of this!”

Chloris's dreams and ambitions were actually bigger than Lynn had imagined.

The Northern Kingdom may have a large territory, but its overall strength is relatively weak.

Chloris's ultimate dream was to go to the southern border and compete with the more powerful kingdoms for territory and population.

She not only holds the claim to the Northern Kingdom, but also, through her maternal family connections, the right to claim a portion of the Southern Territory.

Moreover, the Northern Kingdom and the Rui Kingdom share the same roots. If Lynn can defeat Otto III in the North, he can completely unite the forces of the North to launch a counterattack against the South.

Was Otto the only one qualified to build an empire?
Lynn had to admit that he was actually somewhat persuaded by Chloris; she truly deserved to be the second woman with the [Strategist] trait.

Back when he first took control of White Bear Territory, it was thanks to Agnès's [Strategist] ability that she successfully persuaded him to accept her proposal.

However, Chloris's appetite and audacity are countless times greater than Agna's. This princess from the previous dynasty not only wants to unify the North, but also plans to launch a counterattack on the South!

To realize her ambitions, she must rely on Lynn's abilities and strength.

However, ambition aside, Lynn, as the de facto leader of the power, had to consider the actual situation at hand.

After a moment's thought, he replied, "I remember there's a proverb in the South that says, 'Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.' The crown may be dazzling, but with my current strength, I'm afraid I'm not capable of bearing the title of the Northern Kingdom."

This is not Lynn being self-deprecating; his development speed is actually very fast, but he still needs a lot of time to continue developing.

With his current strength, he is not yet capable of making an enemy of the entire Northern Territory.

Lynn then stood up and said, "Chloris, you will stay in my territory for now. When the time is right, I will consider your proposals, but for now you must forget your past identity."

This can be considered Lynn's promise to Chloris, and also his order.

Chloris felt somewhat relieved and bowed respectfully: "Your Excellency, as I said before, I am no longer a princess, and I am willing to follow your arrangements."

Her mother beside her quietly opened her eyes, looking at her daughter with a puzzled expression, as if asking: Is that all? He doesn't plan to marry you now? Aren't you afraid that things might change in the future?

A mother is unhappy when her daughter is in a rush to get married, but she gets anxious when the man doesn't want to marry her.

Chloris gave her mother a reassuring smile.

All of this was actually within her expectations.

(End of this chapter)