Now, does anyone else have any objections?
The Duke spoke with an unpleasant expression, and several mbers of the Ferdinand family imdiately withdrew in agreent.
The hall quickly fell into dead silence. It was clear that involving oneself in this matter would only bring misfortune.
After a few seconds, a man stood up. It was Marltz Kent, the Count whom the Duke had designated as his successor.
Duke, I am of limited ability and truly unfit for the position of Duke.
Marltz Kents voice was as sincere as it could be. Your Grace should find another more suitable candidate.
No!
The Duke waved his hand dismissively at him, I have decided. You will inherit the title of Duke, as long as your Kent family restores the Ferdinand surna.
This
Marltz Kent appeared hesitant.
The Duke, sowhat pleadingly, said: The current mbers of the Ferdinand family are utterly incompetent. I fear that after I am called by the Lord, the family will decline further.
Hearing this, those of the sa lineage as the Duke felt deeply ashad.
What about it, Marltz Kent? Our families share a common ancestor. Wont you contribute to the glory of our ancestors?
I
Marltz Kent was still hesitating.
Even Paul, who was watching, beca impatient. Co on, this is a once-in-a-lifeti opportunity, and hes still hesitating. Hes obviously just putting on an act.
Although Paul had issues with Marltz Kent, the prospect of such luck landing on Kent made Paul envious.
Why couldnt such fortune fall upon him?
Alright then! Marltz Kent seed to have made up his mind.
If Your Grace does not disdain , then I will boldly accept your arrangent. Duke, I will definitely develop and strengthen the Ferdinand family.
Hearing Count Kents acceptance, the Dukes face displayed a smile that was not quite a smile, continuously uttering, Good! Good! Good!
He seed to instantly regain his previously frail appearance, shakily raising his glass the servants had swiftly cleaned the ss on the floor and rearranged the food and drinks.
Gentlen! Let us celebrate the birth of the new successor of the Ferdinand family!
The hall instantly beca lively again, with guests resuming their toasting and feasting, no longer rembering the Viscount Henry who had been dragged away.
People took turns to curry favor with the future Duke Ferdinand.
To establish a good relationship, Paul and Malron also approached Marltz Kent with their wine glasses.
Count Kent, congratulations!
Paul, suppressing his disgust and the urge to spit in his face, congratulated Count Kent, despite his heart being filled with old grudges and jealousy.
Hahaha! Well said, well said. I will surely rely on the help of my two neighbors in the future!
Marltz Kent laughed heartily and drank a large glass of wine with Paul and Malron, as if there had never been any unpleasantness between them.
After fulfilling the formalities, Paul returned to his seat and started eating and drinking by himself.
Count Kent, watching Pauls retreating figure, wore a triumphant expression.
His accompanying servant remained silent throughout.
After the banquet concluded, the Duke announced a martial arts tournant, inviting confident nobles and knights to showcase their skills in the arena.
Are you interested in participating? Paul asked Bryce and Victor.
Bryce responded self-deprecatingly: Haha, forget it. We, informal knights like us, dont have the qualifications to compete. If Lord Schroeder were here, he could participate.
Paul shrugged his shoulders. Alright, Im not interested in watching either. Lets head back.
Malron, however, seed very interested: Although we wont participate, watching should be fine.
Victor had a similar expression of interest.
Fine then, Malron, you and Victor go enjoy the tournant. Bryce and I will visit Bishop Leonard.
Thus, they parted ways. Guided by Bryce, Paul headed towards the cathedral.
After about half an hour of riding, they arrived at the grand cathedral in Center City, the residence of the Bishop of the Northwest Bay Church.
Bishop Leonard received them in the reception hall.
The Bishop looked healthy, contrary to the claims of illness that had excused him from attending the Dukes banquet.
Old Dean, long ti no see.
Count, its been a long ti.
Leonard still had his stern expression, but seeing an old acquaintance, he showed a rare smile.
They chatted casually. Paul narrated recent events in Alda, bringing more smiles to Leonards face.
When the conversation turned to the recent banquet, Leonard sharply criticized the luxury and debauchery of the nobles. He spoke so freely because he knew Paul led a relatively modest life compared to other nobles.
Speaking of which, there was an incident at the banquet just now.
Oh? What kind of incident?
The Duke Ferdinand announced his successor.
Finally, it seems the Duke has given up on having a son. Was it his younger brother, Viscount Henry?
The Dukes efforts to father a son were well-known.
No, youre mistaken. The successor is that guy Marltz Kent.
Hearing this, Bishop Leonards expression turned grave.
Marltz Kent? His family does have so connection with the Ferdinands, but its odd for the Duke to choose such a distant relative. I rember last year
Yes, last year he even threatened our Alda, although I dont know what changed his mind and made him spare us.
The old Dean sighed deeply, his expression growing more somber.
I fear trouble may ensue. Marltz Kent is not an easy person to deal with. Count, you must be careful. Once he holds the Dukes authority, there will be little to restrain him in the northwest.
Although Leonard was now a high-ranking Bishop, he was a stickler for rules, believing the Church should not intervene in secular lords affairs unless it involved church matters.
Thus, his warning to Paul was more of a personal caution.
Thank you for the warning, but Alda is no longer the pushover it used to be.
Paul spoke with confidence.
Leonard agreed with this. Through correspondence with his student, Father Anderson, he knew Alda was rapidly developing and was no longer the impoverished and weak countdom of before.
He had a deep affection for the place where he was born and had worked for so long. The changes over the past year pleased him, and he had co to respect Paul, who had facilitated these changes.
After spending nearly two hours at the church, Paul and Bryce bid farewell to Bishop Leonard and returned to their residence.
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