Baron Betel ultimately couldn't refuse Charlotte's request, or rather… the Lord's demand.
Of course, he was indeed persuaded by the affectionate pitch.
Even knowing that Castel might want to strengthen central authority through a boiling frog approach, he was still moved by the various plans in the development stage and the future they heralded.
Strengthening central authority may be a future event, but if developed according to the plan, a revolutionary change in the Baron Betel Territory was inevitable.
Such an overarching developmental strategy was inseparable from the layouts, guidance, and support of higher-ranking lords; even if the nobles knew how to develop, they couldn't do it without the involvement of the lords.
To gain something, one must always give something up, or rather, take on something.
After the audience had ended, Baron Betel accepted Charlotte's invitation to dine with the young Count at Count Mansion, and he spent the night in a guest room there.
