章 3: Foundations of Ambition
The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the modest room. Edwin woke promptly at 7:00 AM, his body still weak but determined to improve. After completing a short routine of stretches and light exercises, there was a knock at his door.
"**Young Master, breakfast is ready!**" a maid's voice called from the other side.
"Alright," Edwin replied, wiping the sweat from his brow.
He quickly dressed and made his way to the dining hall. As he approached the grand table, he observed his family assembling. To be honest, Edwin didn't feel much of a connection to them. On Earth, he had been an orphan, accustomed to fending for himself. This new family—however noble—meant little to him emotionally.
At the head of the table sat Baron Caine Umbracrest, his blonde hair and piercing gray eyes unmistakable markers of the Umbracrest bloodline. Beside him was his wife, Lady Eleanor, and the baron's two concubines, both dressed modestly but with an air of elegance.
Cedric, the eldest son and the barony's pride, sat on his father's right. His build was imposing, and his aura reflected the confidence of a seasoned **Silver Knight**. Beside him was Lucas, the second son, who was still striving for **Bronze Knight** status. Edwin, the third son, took his usual seat farther down the table. His younger siblings—a boy and two girls—chatted quietly among themselves.
Edwin's memories of his own mother were faint; she had passed when he was very young. His weak body and poor aptitude for knightly training had left him overshadowed by his brothers, relegated to an afterthought in family affairs. After six years of training, he had barely reached the **Iron Knight** stage—a rank his brothers had achieved with ease in their early teens.
The meal proceeded uneventfully. Butter and maids served a spread of bread, meats, and fruit. Edwin ate in silence, barely listening to Cedric's stories of his most recent skirmish against bandits or Lucas's complaints about his training. Soon, the family dispersed, each heading to their respective duties.
---
After breakfast, Edwin decided to take a walk around the castle grounds. He needed a moment to clear his thoughts and strategize his next steps. The Iron Sovereign Protocol had outlined the basic requirements for his first **mechanical enhancer**, but gathering the necessary materials would be a challenge.
As he strolled past the training grounds, the sound of clashing swords and barked orders drew his attention. He stopped to observe.
Nearly a thousand men trained in the open yard—some wielding swords, others practicing archery or sparring hand-to-hand. Most of them were soldiers or knights in service to the barony, but Edwin also spotted a few teenagers among them, many of whom were his cousins from the extended Umbracrest family.
A towering, broad-shouldered man stood at the front, shouting commands. Edwin recognized him as **Uncle Gerald**, one of the baron's brothers. To Edwin's surprise, Gerald's movements radiated an aura of strength and power.
"Another **Silver Knight**?" Edwin muttered under his breath. He had thought the barony only boasted two **Silver Knights**—his father and Cedric.
The realization left him frustrated. The previous owner of this body had been painfully ignorant of his own family's structure and assets, a gap Edwin now had to rectify.
As Edwin continued his walk, servants passed him, bowing respectfully. He returned their gestures with curt nods, his mind already shifting to the next task: acquiring the resources for his invention.
---
His path eventually led him to the **accounts office**, where the barony's finances were managed. Inside, the baron's chief steward, an older man named **Alfred**, sat reviewing ledgers.
"Ah, Young Master Edwin," Alfred greeted, rising from his chair. "To what do I owe this visit?"
"I need some funds," Edwin replied bluntly, crossing his arms.
Alfred raised an eyebrow. "Funds? And what might you need them for, if I may ask?"
"That's not your concern," Edwin said, his tone firm. "Just tell me how much I'm allowed to withdraw."
The steward frowned, his brow furrowing as he considered the request. "Young Master Edwin, you're entitled to withdraw up to **200 gold coins** at a time, though I must caution you against frivolous spending."
"200 gold? That will do. Bring it here," Edwin said with a slight smirk.
Alfred hesitated for a moment before nodding. He retrieved a heavy pouch from a nearby safe and handed it to Edwin. "Here you are. Do be prudent with it."
Edwin accepted the pouch and left without another word, already calculating his next move.
---
By midday, Edwin was back on the castle grounds, scanning for a familiar face among the servants. He spotted one—a young man named **Thomas**, who had always seemed eager to please.
"Hey, you," Edwin called, gesturing for Thomas to approach.
The servant hurried over and bowed. "Young Master, how can I assist you?"
"I need you to run an errand," Edwin said, lowering his voice. "Take this money and purchase **iron ore and copper** from the nearest trading post. Don't ask questions—just do it. And be discreet."
Thomas nodded quickly. "Understood, Young Master. I'll leave immediately."
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