TL: Etude
Ever since the news spread that the Grayman family’s noble status as a sword-bearing aristocracy had been restored, the calm waters of Alda began to stir with undercurrents. Officials and generals were enveloped in excitent, driven not only by their imnse desire for social advancent but also accompanied by feelings of suspicion, anxiety, and unease.
“What title will I be granted? Viscount? Baron? Even a knighthood would suffice!”
“What if the lord has not noticed my usual performance? I have my hard work, even if not recognized for any outstanding achievent.”
“Could there be a situation where soone less diligent than ends up with a better title or land? Should I express my dissatisfaction then?”
Naturally, the question that most unanimously ca to everyone’s mind was:
“It’s been so many days, why has there been no word from Count Grayman?”
All these emotions resulted in rampant rumors.
Finally, the much-anticipated news arrived: Count Grayman was to gather everyone to announce the rewards for those who had contributed.
Alda was abuzz!
On the day of the enfeoffnt, the lord’s hall was crowded with high-ranking officials from Lakeheart Town, and even naval officers from Port Fran had arrived, except for Tirpitz, who was still commanding the royal navy in the south.
From the army, Baron Andrew, the commander of the 4th Battalion, was not present. He was stationed in Emden with his troops and, being a vassal of the Ganard family, was already a sword-bearing noble with his own land.
“Ladies and Gentlen!”
Paul, sitting in the lord’s seat, called out loudly.
“You must have been anxiously waiting these past few days! Now, you will finally receive what you deserve!”
Everyone replied in unison: “We rely on the Count’s judgnt!”
Each person was solemn, their gazes ‘clear’ and focused.
The mont of truth had arrived, and it was crucial to appear unambitious and modest.
Paul instructed a map to be hung up, the sa one he had examined with Bryce the night before.
“Bryce Ald!
The count called the first na, beginning the enfeoffnt.
This surprised so, as the chief civil officer was Wackley Ford, and the chief military officer was Owen Schroeder. Why was Bryce, only a camp commander, the first to be called?
However, considering Bryce’s advantage of warti service over old Ford, and his longer service for the Grayman family compared to Schroeder, being the first to receive an award didn’t seem too excessive.
Bryce walked up to the steps of the lord’s seat with his head held high and knelt down on one knee, his expression solemn.
“I appoint you as Baron of Bayland Castle!” Paul announced loudly.
“Wow!”
The hall erupted in excitent. Bayland Castle was forrly the residence of an earl, with fertile land; this was indeed a generous reward.
Bryce looked up at his lord and said, “Thank you, Count! The Ald family will forever serve you and your lawful heirs.”
“Good!” Paul nodded with authority.
Just when everyone thought Bryce would step down, they noticed he remained kneeling.
So felt indignant. Was this man still not satisfied? They thought. Don’t block the count from rewarding us!
Paul, feigning ‘confusion,’ asked, “Bryce, is there sothing else?”
Bryce answered loudly, “Lord Grayman! I have a request, and I implore you to grant it.”
Damn it! Many thought. Knew this guy was going to ask for more! Already a Baron of Bayland Castle and still not satisfied? He seed like a straightforward and honest man…
“Count, I am imnsely honored to accept the title of Baron of Bayland Castle, but I ask that the land of Bayland Castle continues to be managed by the Administration Council!”
See, see! Just as I thought… Wait, what? Did I hear that right?
The people in the hall were montarily stunned, unable to believe what they were hearing from Bryce.
Except for old Ford and Schroeder, whose life experiences were more extensive, they caught a fleeting smile on the Count’s face amidst everyone’s shock.
The lord’s decision to reward Bryce first – could there be other reasons? The two exchanged glances, pondering this.
Paul asked loudly, “Bryce, why? Becoming a lord is what many dream of!”
Bryce stood up and replied proudly, “Count, first, it is due to my limited abilities and energy. As a leader in your standing army, my duty is to serve in the military, not to govern land. If I were to abandon my command for my own territory, wouldn’t that be disloyal to you? And I have no reliable person to manage it in my stead. Since the Administration Council already has an established team, why not entrust them? Just like Count Ganard’s Baylding, under the council’s managent, it has flourished, which is evident to all. Furthermore…”
Paul interrupted, “Furthermore, what?”
Bryce’s voice softened, “I swear by the Light, I am utterly loyal to you, but… but… I cannot guarantee that my descendants will remain loyal to yours. If a rebellion like the one in Baylding were to occur, it would ruin the Ald family’s reputation in an instant, a terrifying thought. Therefore, I solemnly request that you only grant the title of lord.”
After Bryce’s speech, many in the hall began to sweat nervously.
Goodness, with talks of loyalty brought to such a level, what are we supposed to do?
Paul narrowed his eyes, stroking his faint beard, deep in thought.
After a long pause, he finally said, “Alright, Bryce, I agree to your request!”
What? The count agreed? Well… there’s no reason for him not to.
Paul sighed, “Your family has served the Grayman family for three generations. Even if you refuse administrative authority over the land, you must accept its economic benefits. Hence, all the public farmlands in Bayland Castle under the council’s administration will be awarded to you!”
“This… Count…” Bryce seed about to protest.
Paul frowned, slightly ‘angered’, “What now? If you refuse, I will be displeased!”
“Alright, thank you for your generosity, my lord!”
Bryce knelt again to express his gratitude, and Paul finally smiled.
“Wackley Ford!”
Paul called the na of the head of the Administration Council.
Old Ford stepped forward and knelt, but Paul quickly asked him to stand.
“Although you inherited a barony from a relative, it was only in na. I now promote you to viscount.
You may not have military achievents, but managing the Administration Council is no small feat. Therefore, I also grant you land — Red Rock Town!”
“Thank you, Count!”
Old Ford expressed his gratitude and then said, “However, I also request that my land continue to be managed by the Administration Council!”
What? Another one?
The hall was again filled with internal groans!
Old Ford rambled on, but his core ssage was similar to Bryce’s.
The others began to complain inwardly. With such high moral ground taken by these two, where did that leave them?
The ownership of land was becoming a hot potato!
This sentint was mostly among the military officers, while the civil officers from the Administration Council seed calm, almost enjoying the drama. They had initially resigned themselves to being rely titular nobles, but a glimr of hope sparked when Old Ford was granted land. However, his refusal quickly extinguished that hope.
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