Chapter 148: This Is All Mine. (3)
Baron Homern erupted in fierce protest.
“What do you mean by that! The royal family is supporting Perdium, so what right does the Grand Duke have to decide the distribution?”
“It’s a royal decision.”
Baron Share pulled out another document from his coat and showed it to the people.
It was an appointment letter designating Ghislaine as the Northern Military Supply Steward.
At the bottom of the appointment letter was the royal seal stamped large as a fist.
Zvalter and the retainers of Perdium repeated meaningless questions in confusion.
“The Grand Duke got a royal position too?”
“Then, what does that mean?”
Since Perdium was the only territory in the North supported by the royal family, being called the ‘Northern Steward’ was almost just a name.
However, in Perdium, it was a position that wielded very powerful authority.
Baron Share spoke again to the shocked crowd.
“Please keep in mind that Baron Penris is an official from the ministry with the approval of the royal family. In reality, the support supplies should go to Baron Penris, but it seems inappropriate, so it will officially proceed as a support to Perdium. I hope you understand.”
In short, it meant that Zvalter’s face would be saved, but the benefits all went to Ghislaine.
Muttering.
The retainers were all just mumbling and couldn’t properly voice their thoughts.
Finally regaining his composure, Homern stuttered a question.
“Then, does that mean the support supplies that were supposed to come every year… will be distributed by the Grand Duke?”
The answer came from Ghislaine.
“Yes, I will distribute them.”
“Then, how much will you give?”
“Since the territory isn’t stable yet, I’ll give half this time.”
Ghislaine said as if doing a favor.
Homern’s expression sank. It wasn’t like it was being taken away, but realizing that the gift he thought was entirely his was now cut in half halved his joy as well.
And the word ‘this time’ weighed heavily on him.
“What about next year?”
“Well, I guess I’ll have to assess the situation and decide then.”
If he didn’t like it, he wouldn’t give anything at all.
No one failed to understand the implication of Ghislaine’s words.
The faces of the people of Perdium turned even more gloomy.
Since these were things obtained by the power of the Grand Duke, there would be no complaint even if nothing was given, but half was still an enormous amount…
But even if it’s only half, it’s still an enormous amount…
It looks like I’ll be trapped in the situation of being dragged around by the Grand Duke from now on.
Ghislaine, this time, turned to Albert and asked.
“Ah, Treasurer. Do we really not need any food support? Is it okay if we don’t receive it?”
“No… you must have misheard that.”
Albert, who had been confident, mumbled in a meek tone as if to say, when did I ever say that?
Ghislaine sought understanding from Zvalter as well.
“Father, is that alright? I think it would be better if I handle the distribution.”
“Y-yeah… I don’t mind. You brought it, so you should take care of it…”
Zvalter nodded, already thinking about how to sneak away a little of the supplies coming next year.
At that moment, as if reading his thoughts, Baron Share spoke up.
“Oh, and starting next year, the support supplies will go directly to Penris Territory. We’ve decided to distribute them from there and send them to Perdium.”
“…”
Homern was so drained of energy that he simply let out a hollow laugh, devoid of disappointment.
Once the situation was roughly settled, Baron Share approached Ghislaine with a friendly demeanor.
“Baron Penris, it was truly an honor to be with you, even if briefly.”
“Haha, what are you saying? It was more of a hassle for you, Baron. Thank you for understanding, even when I took some time to buy what the territory needed in between.”
Baron Share and Ghislaine shook hands while smiling at each other.
Upon seeing this, Zvalter cautiously asked.
“Uh… Baron Share, you seem quite close to this person’s son.”
Baron Share smiled brightly and nodded.
“Yes. I built a rapport with Marquis Branford at the Goddess’ Feast. During our journey here, I talked to the Baron many times and admired his gallant spirit more than a few times.”
At those words, the retainers from Perdium all wore dazed expressions.
Sure, someone like the Grand Duke seems gallant enough at first glance.
You don’t know the real deal!
While the people were still in a daze, Ghislaine and Baron Share continued their conversation naturally.
“How many days will you be resting here? I’ll guide you to the best guest room.”
At Ghislaine’s question, Baron Share shook his head.
“No, I can’t. Count Norton has asked me to return as soon as possible. I’ll rest for just a day and then head back. You know how the atmosphere is in the capital fortress, right?”
“That’s true. Still, you’ve come such a long way; it must be tiring not to rest longer… You’ve really gone through a lot because of me.”
“What’s this about being upset between us? I’m really fine. Oh, and this is a gift I brought separately.”
Baron Share handed Ghislaine a small jewelry box.
“Why did you bring something like this? You didn’t have to go through the trouble.”
Ghislaine’s hands, unlike the horse, expertly received the box and passed it to Belinda. It was clear she had done this a few times before.
“How could I come all this way empty-handed? If I get a chance to meet the officials later, please say a good word for me.”
“Oh, of course. Since you’ve shown such sincerity, I must repay you.”
“Thank you so much.”
Seeing the friendly exchange between the two, Zvalter broke into a cold sweat.
Seeing the scene, Zvalter broke out in a cold sweat.
“Is it a favor? My son is getting a favor? From the royal administrator, no less?”
Moreover, he was leading the conversation so confidently and skillfully.
It was hard to believe he was the same son who used to cause trouble and only knew how to fight.
“I don’t know, he’s my son but I really can’t wrap my head around this.”
After finishing the conversation, Ghislaine looked around for someone to guide them. But the people of Perdium were all in a daze.
Ghislaine, unable to hide her frustration, chided them.
“Let’s get the secretary to the castle first. We can’t just keep him standing here, can we?”
“Y-yes. I lost my focus and forgot to take care of that. Let’s hurry inside.”
“Oh, I’ll sort out the support supplies and head back to the territory right away.”
“What? You’re leaving already?”
“Yeah. I have a lot to do.”
“Wait a minute… Hey, get the royal guests to the VIP room right away! I’ll tidy things up and follow soon.”
A few retainers guided Baron Share along with some administrators and guards into the castle, and Zvalter let out a big sigh.
“Ugh, I’m so scatterbrained.”
Once the royal visitors disappeared from sight, the tension started to lift.
Fortunately, the guests were only staying for a day, so there wasn’t much to be on edge about.
After calming his heart among familiar faces, Zvalter cautiously asked.
“It’s a happy occasion, but since Baron Share is no longer here, I have to double-check… There’s quite a bit of quantity here. Can we really accept this? There’s no problem, right?”
“Yes, there’s no problem, so just accept it. Isn’t it a good thing?”
“It is good, but to be honest, it’s all a bit sudden. I don’t even know what’s going on.”
“You don’t need to worry, Father. It’s true that the support from the royal family and nobles has been lacking for a long time, right? We are getting what we should have received now.”
“That’s… true.”
“Even though you took a chunk for yourself…”
Seeing Zvalter with a complicated expression, Ghislaine smiled and said.
“Don’t worry. No one will be able to look down on this place from now on.”
Zvalter nodded silently. He wanted to say something, but somehow his throat tightened, and words wouldn’t come out.
His son’s voice was resolute, filled with confidence.
Why did that short sentence resonate so deeply in his heart?
But it was clear that his son had changed from before.
“This is good…”
His son was now being praised even within Perdium. And now he had grown to a position recognized by the royal family and high-ranking nobles.
It swelled his heart. The resentment of being overlooked and the weariness from poverty seemed to melt away.
“It’s like she gave birth to the same kind of calmness even after achieving great things.”
He wished his wife could see their son like this.
“Dear, why did you have to go so soon…”
Feeling his eyes sting, Zvalter rubbed them absentmindedly.
“Now that I think about it, he’s inherited that reckless behavior too…”
Thinking of all the trouble Ghislaine had caused up to that point made him suddenly feel tears welling up.
My tears just vanished.
When I recalled how I felt upon hearing the news that I was captured by Marquis Branford, a chill ran down my spine.
‘If I’m going to grow up, I might as well make it worthwhile.’
Considering Ghislaine’s recent accomplishments, he could put many lords to shame.
I felt joy and pride at my son’s growth, his ability to revitalize our long-suffering territory.
But what my son was doing still looked perilous and fraught with danger.
It was a fact that I had gambled with Marquis Branford’s life on the line, after all.
‘Hmm, I don’t know how much authority I, as a father, will have now… but if I let go of his reins, he’ll go wild, that’s for sure.’
I had no choice but to fend off the northern barbarians to prove that I, the father, was still intact.
While Zvalter was lost in thought, Ghislaine greeted him.
“Well then, I’ll take my leave. Father, please go inside soon. I’ve already sorted the support supplies into wagons, so it won’t take long to distribute them.”
Zvalter finally snapped back to reality and grabbed Ghislaine.
“Why are you in such a rush? It’s been a while since you came back; eat something and rest a bit. You should also see your younger sibling’s face.”
“No, I’ll set aside time to come later. We need to send Commander Randolf back quickly, don’t we?”
“You’ve hardly contacted us and now you want to visit later? You only come when you need something.”
“…Ah, it’s because I’ve been busy.”
“Is there no one else in the world who’s busy? Other people manage to take care of their families even while busy. Besides, you don’t even have a lady or children.”
“…”
“Since we’re on the topic, let’s hear it. When are you going to get married? It’s not like you’re seeing anyone.”
I didn’t remember my father being like this; it seems he got more naggy with age.
It must be that he’s thinking about marrying me off more since I mentioned wedding gifts earlier.
Right now, I have no desire or time for dating or marriage.
Ghislaine averted his gaze, pretending he couldn’t hear.
But then even the retainers jumped in with shouts.
“Very wise words! You need to find another match quickly!”
“Marriage is better the earlier you do it. We need to secure an heir.”
“Now is the perfect time, given your reputation has risen! If you miss this chance, with the Grand Duke’s temperament, who knows when your reputation might hit rock bottom again.”
Zvalter, seeing an opportunity to push, decisively said, “Since you seem to have no one in mind, I’ll help you find a match.”
“I absolutely, definitely do not think about marriage right now.”
Ghislaine spoke clearly and emphatically, but the others showed no sign of hearing.
“Even if you don’t want to, you need to do it. Marriage isn’t something you decide on your own.”
In noble families, the authority to decide marriage has always belonged to the head of the household.
Ghislaine sighed heavily, trying to steer the conversation elsewhere.
“Father, how about you look for a remarriage partner? You seem to be a bit lonely lately.”
Zvalter replied with a serious expression.
“I’m not popular.”
“……”
At the man’s pitifully honest statement, Ghislaine was left speechless.
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