Wulfrik listened intently, nodding frequently and occasionally offering his own insights or questions.
Duke Frederick patiently answered each of his questions and sometimes presented hypothetical scenarios to test Wulfrik's adaptability and decision-making wisdom.
As the sun set, the light in the study gradually softened, but the father and son's discussion grew more intense.
Wulfrik used his understanding of modern management concepts, combined with the actual conditions of this world, to propose some innovative ideas that made Duke Frederick's eyes light up.
"Wulfrik, your thinking surpasses many of your peers, even many seasoned nobles."
Duke Frederick praised: "Remember, true leaders must not only follow tradition but also dare to innovate."
"These ideas of yours might become valuable assets for the Sowerbright family's future."
After the lesson ended, Duke Frederick gave Wulfrik a collection of notes from successive family lords, filled with the wisdom and experience of their predecessors.
Wulfrik accepted it solemnly, his heart full of anticipation and determination for the future.
...
In the following days, Wulfrik's life became even more fulfilling and intense.
Besides daily sword and riding training, he delved deep into studying estate management, military strategy, diplomatic negotiation, and many other areas of knowledge.
In this era where nobles monopolized knowledge, these subjects were almost all closely guarded secrets of each noble family.
Take military affairs, for example—this world wasn't like Wulfrik's previous life, where various military treatises summarized by predecessors were widely circulated.
Without someone to teach you, many people couldn't even understand the simplest troop formations and marching, let alone how to fight wars.
This was why famous generals basically all came from noble families.
Wulfrik was fortunate because the knowledge he was learning represented hundreds of years of accumulated essence from the Sowerbright family. Combined with his previous life's knowledge, this fusion undoubtedly put him far ahead of people in this era.
At the same time, Wulfrik began paying attention to the kingdom's internal political dynamics, gathering intelligence through various channels and trying to find opportunities for the family to establish itself and develop in the chaotic situation.
After more than half a month passed this way, with Wulfrik's fourteenth birthday just days away, Duke Frederick suddenly told Wulfrik important news.
"Wulfrik, I need to go to the royal capital in a few days. While I'm away, you'll handle the family's affairs."
Upon hearing this, Wulfrik's heart jolted—he felt both thrilled and overwhelmed by pressure.
Managing family affairs was undoubtedly a huge challenge for him, but also an excellent opportunity to demonstrate his abilities and gain valuable experience.
He took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm, and responded respectfully: "Father, I will do everything in my power to manage all family matters and await your return."
Duke Frederick looked at Wulfrik's firm, bright eyes, his heart full of satisfaction.
He knew this decision was risky, but crucial for Wulfrik's growth.
So he carefully briefed Wulfrik on matters requiring special attention, including agricultural production within the territory, tax management, maintaining relations with neighboring territories, and handling various emergency situations that might arise.
"Remember, Wulfrik, no matter what problems you encounter, first stay calm, analyze with wisdom, and face them with courage."
"Also, don't forget to listen to the opinions of the family's veteran retainers—they're experienced and can help you greatly."
Duke Frederick instructed earnestly.
Wulfrik nodded seriously, etching each piece of advice into his memory.
He understood this wasn't just a test of his abilities, but also cultivation of his sense of responsibility.
In the following days, Wulfrik studied even more diligently, not only reviewing all the details Duke Frederick had explained, but also actively consulting the family's veteran retainers to understand their unique insights and experience in managing the territory.
Finally, the day before Wulfrik's fourteenth birthday, Duke Frederick left the territory with an elite guard unit, heading for the royal capital.
And Wulfrik officially took over family affairs, beginning his career as acting lord.
...
On the first morning after Duke Frederick's departure, Wulfrik woke earlier than usual.
He stood on the castle's high terrace, gazing at the territory gradually awakening in the dawn light, and took a deep breath.
A breeze carrying the fresh scent of wheat fields brushed across his face, and cooking smoke rose gently from distant villages—everything seemed so peaceful and serene.
"Young master, all the stewards are waiting in the council chamber."
Butler Wilson reminded him softly.
Wulfrik nodded and adjusted his collar.
Today was his first time presiding over a meeting as acting lord, so he had specially worn the dark blue formal wear embroidered with the family crest.
In the council chamber, over a dozen family stewards and knights were already arranged on both sides.
When Wulfrik entered with steady steps, everyone rose and bowed.
Wulfrik noticed that some eyes held scrutiny while others showed concern—after all, in their view, he was just a child who hadn't even come of age.
"Please, everyone sit."
Wulfrik's voice was steadier than they had expected.
"Father briefed me on all matters before leaving, but I'd like to hear everyone's views on the territory's current situation."
After a slight stir, the agricultural steward was first to stand: "Young master, there are signs of locusts in the eastern wheat fields. If we don't deal with them promptly..."
Wulfrik listened carefully to each person's report, sometimes nodding, sometimes asking questions.
When the tax official complained about several southern villages defaulting on taxes, Wulfrik keenly sensed something unusual.
"These villages have always paid taxes promptly in previous years. Why the delay this year?" Wulfrik asked.
The tax official hemmed and hawed: "Well... probably poor harvest..."
Wulfrik's fingers tapped lightly on the table: "Arrange it. Tomorrow I'm going to inspect the south personally."
After the meeting ended, Military Commander Sir Renard stayed behind.
This nearly fifty-year-old veteran knight was one of Duke Frederick's most trusted subordinates.
"Young master, are you sure about going to the south personally?"
"It's near the border, and there've been rumors of bandit activity lately," Renard said with concern.
Wulfrik smiled slightly: "That's exactly why I need to go see for myself."
"Father always said that if a lord doesn't understand his people's suffering, how can he make correct decisions?"
Sir Renard's eyes flashed with admiration at these words.
Seeing Wulfrik's determination, he said no more, only nodding silently and indicating he would arrange all security measures to ensure Wulfrik's safety.
The next morning, a company of over a hundred knights and attendants set out from Argentum Eagle Castle.
Wulfrik sat tall in his saddle.
He had refused the comfort of a carriage, insisting on riding like a true knight during his inspection.