Steel Empire
Living as a Baron Heir

Henrietta reappeared with the court physician not long after she left. Although he wore an expression that showed a lot of concern, the doctor did not share empathy with him. Berengar sat upright in bed, having difficulty speaking due to his dry throat. Evidently, this body secretes most of its excess fluid when it has a fever. Few thought he would be good that night.

The doctor carefully examined Berengar and was surprised to see that the young man had recovered from the fever, as there had previously been little hope for his survival. Despite being a medieval physician and having almost no knowledge of any practical medicine, the man named Ewald showed a level of competence after making the announcement.

"No need to worry, Lady Henrietta, your brother's fever has subsided, and besides being very dry, he's completely healthy."

After saying that, Ewald gave Berengar a glass of water and let the young man drink it until his thirst was completely gone. After finishing the glass and wiping his mouth with his sleeves, Berengar nodded at the healer and thanked him for his service.

"Thank you, Ewald; you're always reliable when I need you."

The words Berengar internally are insincere; however, if two lives have taught him something, it is unwise to voice your condescending attitude out loud. So he acted civilly in accordance with the Baron's heir.

After hearing that her brother was healthy for the first time in a long time, Henrietta smiled happily; this was incredible news for him. Berengar was always prone to disease; he was born with a weak constitution and a fragile body. Something where the sedentary lifestyle of a medieval nobleman was only exacerbated.

His next words surprised him as it was a question that was beyond his expectations for his elder brother.

"My dear brother, do you not mind if your sister calls the servants and tells them to get ready to prepare your bath. alright I feel as if cleaning up the dirt from my body would be much better for my health."

The physician snorted at Berengar's statement. Although baths were not unusual for nobles, they were certainly not as frequent as in the modern world. Despite the doctor's reaction, Berengar insisted on his request to his sister.

Henrietta smiled as she replied Berengar, "of course, brother, I will go and call them this very second"

with that said, he once again left Berengar's large stone room and went to do as he asked. The doctor saw that he was no longer needed, excuse me

"I will also go and tell your father Baron that you have recovered ..."

Berengar nodded once more as he put on an indifferent expression

after saying that, Ewald left Berengar alone. Berengar sighed deeply, lowered his head and sniffed at his clothes that smelled of sweat and dirt. After grimacing from the foul smell, he sighed deeply

"When I inherit the title, there will be some serious changes around here ..."

He had decided that the order of his first business when he came to power was to institute laws throughout the Barony on basic hygiene, perhaps even building some public baths like the Romans used to have. Whatever it takes to bring a level of cleanliness to the people in his territory.

After getting out of bed and stretching his limbs for a while, he heard a knock on the door, which came from one of the family servants.

"My master, the bath is ready."

He quickly opened the door with an overzealous smile on his face, which shocked the maid.

The servant recovered from their shock and nodded as he did as the son of the Baron had asked. After walking for a while down the hallway, Berengar reached the bathroom, where he quickly closed the door and undressed.

He carefully examined his weak body with a feeling of dissatisfaction, though not being too thin; there was no doubt that his bones were weak and his muscles were not developing. He definitely needs to change his eating habits to a diet rich in protein and calcium. Until he can replace his father and apply the changes already in his head, he must first focus on building his body and maintaining his health.

Washing away the sweat and dirt that had accumulated in his body during his fever was a good first step. Therefore, he dipped his toes into the wooden bath to measure his temperature before immersing his body completely.

After getting into the bathtub, Berengar stared at his reflection in the puddle. She has short golden blonde hair and sparkling eyes of sapphire gemstone color. His facial features are majestic and handsome. Her skin was milky white, something that accentuated her regal demeanor. If he was not as sack of skin and bones, he would look very much like a prince. Although he might have reincarnated into a weak body, he did not care much, considering he was extremely handsome. Its body could be smoothed like steel, but its appearance was made like stone.

After spending nearly thirty minutes in the bathtub cleaning up the dirt on his body and the mental pressure that had accumulated due to the transmigration, he finally stepped out of the bathtub. He found a set of 15th-century noble clothes prepared for him. It is properly cleaned, which is the most redeeming quality of clothing.

"My master, the Baron and the Baroness are waiting for you in the dining hall ..."

Berengar nodded with a stoic expression

the waiter bowed about his request

"Yes, sir"

After quite a while crossing the castle, Berengar arrived at the Dining Room where he saw his family sitting, patiently waiting for his arrival. He quickly took his seat and noticed the food on the table with various foods to choose from. Despite being a lower noble family, the family was still wealthy enough to buy plenty of food every day.

After giving thanks, Berengar quickly gave steamed fish, roasted chicken, various beans, and green vegetables, as well as a large glass of milk to his meal. He did not even make eye contact with his family as he filled his plate to the brim. He was starving and felt the urge to dig immediately.

His family looked at him with various expressions that he immediately ignored; only after he lifted his gaze from his plate did he see their expressions of concern. Berengar had already cut off a piece of fish and was about to put it in his mouth when he saw their gazes. Sensing the awkwardness of the situation, he couldn't help but ask.

"What's that?"

Sieghard is a tall and strong man with regal facial features, he has short blonde hair, a matching beard, and sky blue eyes. He was also the father of Berengar and Baron Kufstein. He looked at his son in astonishment; until now, the young man who was his heir had become a vegetarian. But half of his plate was filled with fish and poultry. When asked by his son why he was surprised, he felt his answer was obvious, and therefore, he gestured to Berengar's plate.

Berengar had a puzzled expression on his face; after all, he had yet to fully adjust to the memories of this body.

"Does this child not eat meat?"

His mother, Gisela, a beautiful blonde-haired and busty girl, looked at him with sapphire eyes glittering in an equally puzzled manner.

"You eat meat?"

Suddenly Berengar understood the meaning behind their confused expression as he remembered that he was a vegetarian. He was beginning to understand why this body he inherited was in such a terrible state.

Berengar smiled at his beautiful mother and nodded

"I've decided to make some changes in my lifestyle. Starting today, I will eat meat and exercise. I can't go on living as a junk vegetarian!"

A wide smile spread across Sieghard's lips as he heard his son's statement; for too long, the boy used his health as an excuse to laze around; it was good that he had finally grown up. He then took out his fork and placed a large piece of beef on Berengar's plate.

"Then eat; until your stomach is full."

Berengar smiled and began to eat the well-prepared food. Although sooner or later, she had to discuss basic hygiene with the kitchen staff. For now, he would devour this food without any complaints.

His younger brother, Lambert, has the same physical characteristics as the rest of his family. However, there was a hint of malice in his sea-blue eyes as his gaze was fixed on Berengar. Although Berengar was unaware of what he had done to anger the young man, he noticed such a gaze and vowed to be cautious around his brother in the future.

After he finished eating, Berengar left the dining room in a hurry; he wanted to start his exercise regimen as quickly as possible. If he worked, he could diligently turn his weak body into that of a warrior within a year or less. Something he wanted to get rid of as soon as possible.

As Berengar ran along the castle walls, he was completely oblivious to the evil gazes aimed at him from within one of the tower towers. The gaze was none other than Lambert, who bit his lips as he quietly muttered softly.

"How are you still alive?"