One noble, whose second son served in the Special Task Force, spoke gently.
"We are willing to defer rewards for our own n. Given the uncertain outco of the war, it may be better to finalize their compensation afterward. Their contributions will be recorded regardless. However, those who voluntarily joined from the Lania Kingdom should receive fitting rewards to encourage their continued support."
Henry's dilemma was clear. What was the point of rewards when the war was far from over? Lands left unclaid or ravaged by the Empire's forces were not practical grants. Nobles who sent their second sons to the Task Force did so with the expectation of securing proper fiefs post-war.
In contrast, compensating the participants from Lania was more straightforward. Narrowing his eyes, Henry posed a direct question.
"Are there any among the Lania participants who wish to remain in our kingdom?"
The intent behind his words was unmistakable. If any were willing to pledge loyalty to Elonia, substantial rewards could be justified. The prospect of incorporating elite knights from Lania into Elonia's ranks was highly appealing.
Mark hesitated before replying, his expression strained. "Your Majesty, discreet inquiries were made through nobles stationed at the fortress. However, their loyalty to their holand runs deep. None expressed interest in remaining here, even with the promise of land."
Henry frowned. "If they don't wish to stay, so be it. We'll defer rewards for our own loyalists until the war's conclusion and grant rewards to the Lania participants first. Michael shall be awarded the most fertile lands of the Elandor Plains and elevated to Count of Elandor. Handle the rest as you see fit."
The declaration drew murmurs of approval and subtle glances among the ministers. The lands of the Elandor Plains sounded impressive, but their actual value was contingent on securing victory in the war.
Mark cautiously inquired, "And what of other rewards, Your Majesty?"
Henry coughed, adjusting his tone. "Allocate 300,000 gold from the treasury, with 100,000 to Michael personally. Distribute the rest among the others as deed appropriate."
Elonia was rich in gold but had failed to channel its wealth into the military, a failure Henry now lanted. Shaking off his thoughts, he added, "Send an appropriate gift to Crown Prince Randolph as well. His recomndation of Michael warrants recognition."
As Henry exchanged a aningful look with Mark and exited the council chamber, the nobles began animated discussions about dividing land and titles among the Lania participants.
"What about parceling the northern wetlands of the Elandor Plains?" one minister suggested.
Though the land was currently barren, its potential for developnt made it a plausible reward. It was also a safe option for offering minimal actual value.
Another minister scoffed. "Those wetlands flood whenever it rains. Even as a symbolic gesture, it's not fitting. We should consider the western borderlands instead."
The western lands, adjoining the Drago Mountain Range, were notorious for frequent monster attacks and poor soil quality. Yet, they were closer to Lania and boasted unique resources, making them appear more valuable on the surface.
"Those lands change hands constantly due to the monster incursions," soone remarked.
The ministers exchanged knowing smiles.
"Exactly," one said. "That makes them perfect. They'll likely revert to us in the future anyway."
Here's the translated and restructured passage in the third-person narrative style:
"For the next 50 years, the land will belong to them only if they can defend it successfully. With the size of the tracts, each recipient would hold at least a barony. Such conditions shouldn't seem unreasonable."
So ministers found the terms harsh, but they couldn't argue against the majority's decision.
"They're capable individuals," one minister reassured. "They'll manage."
With the distribution of land settled, the council quickly moved on to assigning titles and dividing the gold within the predetermined budget. The discussions concluded swiftly. Though the rewards might seem modest considering the Special Task Force's achievents, favoritism toward Elonia's own nobles was inevitable.
In Lania Kingdom...
Unlike the drawn-out deliberations in Elonia, Lania's rewards were swiftly finalized.
"The Crassus family shall be elevated to the rank of count, and the barony held by Michael von Crassus will henceforth be inherited by the family's successors. Additionally, the entirety of the Drago Mountain Range near the Crassus estate shall be included in their domain. Material rewards will be provided once the war concludes. These decrees take effect imdiately," declared Charles V, King of Lania.
By further elevating the Crassus family, Charles V demonstrated his satisfaction with Michael's achievents. The addition of the entire Drago Mountain Range to the family's domain was a significant enhancent. Previously, the Crassus territory extended only to the lake near their estate.
With the mountain range under their control, the Crassus family would collect taxes from those hunting beasts or gathering herbs in the area. This alone would surpass the inco of many countships, making it a substantial reward.
After finalizing Michael's reward, Charles V turned to the rest of the court.
"Other mbers of the Special Task Force shall receive rewards based on their contributions, divided into three tiers. The chancellor will oversee the criteria and distribution."
As soon as the king finished speaking, Chancellor Lant stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, while Sir Michael deserves recognition, his accomplishnts were only possible thanks to the Crown Prince's keen judgnt in assigning him the mission. Shouldn't the prince also be rewarded?"
Charles V's expression brightened as he chuckled.
"Haha, the boy will inherit the kingdom one day. Seeking talent is a prince's duty, isn't it?"
Not wanting to miss another opportunity, the pri minister stood abruptly.
"Your Majesty, while that may be true privately, officially, he is Crown Prince of Lania. If he has contributed, he too should be rewarded appropriately."
Charles V's smile grew broader, his hand stroking his beard more vigorously.
"Indeed. Without the Crown Prince's foresight, Sir Michael's talents might have remained buried. Perhaps the greatest credit belongs to the prince," added the treasurer, his sycophantic tone drawing a slight frown from the king.
"That man is too transparent," thought Charles V. While he loved his son dearly, he was also a shrewd ruler.
"Enough," Charles V said, raising his scepter and striking it twice against the floor. After a mont's thought, he continued, "The Crown Prince shall also be rewarded. Bestow upon him the royal family's ancestral pearl set."
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