Wait a minute, why does he have to go to Imperial City to become a lord? Why didn't he go there first? If he's not the lord of this territory what did he actually receive from Tiana in chapter one besides some cash? Is this the author going "whoops, I gave my main character too much stuff at the...
So what was the merchant's plan if his little "test" failed and the MC had actually been someone he wanted to keep away from? Flee for his life as he's chased by an angry ex hero with a serious grudge?