"Hmm. Duchies are usually the bigger, and most settled parts of the kingdom, and those who hold the titles are often considered part of royalty, and not merely nobility. Next down would be a Marquess, and they're usually given border lands, and are charged with protecting and defending them. Not that I foresee that being an issue here, but that's the responsibility that comes with that rank. Earls are next, and those are the ones you may have read about who kept up areas of land, especially those for agricultural use. A Viscount is someone who works for the Earl whose land they're on. Baron is the lowest rank, and they also see to the kingdom's lands. I remember that there are books in the castle, and there might be some which aren't destroyed or too damaged by time which would explain these in better detail."
Her lips twisted into a coy, cunning smile. "For example, if I were to have to make Nikki and her friend ladies-in-waiting to keep the peace, well, they'd be Baronesses. But I'd rather not, to give you both the pleasure of knowing they're chewing on their livers because you two got what I'm sure they undoubtedly feel is their own right to have, given that they don't run shops and spend all their time gossiping." Zelda rolled her eyes.