Episode 87: I Should Ask for Half.
“You’re asking for land?”
Zvalter asked back in surprise.
Well, I guess I can’t exactly deny him land.
Originally, lords often rewarded their vassals with money or territory.
Since Perdium is broke, asking for land is somewhat of a reasonable demand.
Still, asking for half of a count’s territory!
No matter how small Digald’s domain is, it still isn’t something to scoff at compared to other count territories.
Even other retainers blinked in shock at such an outrageous request.
“Come in.”
Ghislaine casually signaled. Two mercenaries then burst into the great hall, swinging the door wide open.
Baron Homern quietly furrowed his brow. These guys act like the great hall is some neighborhood inn they can wander in and out of.
‘If only he weren’t a grand duke…’
Whether he grumbled internally or not, the mercenaries wasted no time and unfurled a map.
It was clear they had come prepared.
“Ahem, let’s begin the explanation.”
Ghislaine slyly pulled out a thin command baton from somewhere, pointing at various spots on the map as he spoke.
“The Count Digald’s territory consists of five baronies, excluding the direct territory. Among them, I will take three territories centered around Baron Penris’ Territory, which is to the north and south.”
But rather than explaining, he was straightforwardly declaring where he intended to take control.
Zvalter was dumbfounded, letting out a hollow laugh while glaring sharply at the map.
The three territories Ghislaine mentioned were positioned adjacent to other areas south and east of Count Digald’s territory.
In other words, it meant he was aiming for the front-line regions.
“Do you have any reason for wanting those areas?”
When Zvalter asked, Ghislaine nodded vigorously in response.
“Those are borderlands adjacent to other territories. I will defend this area. If Raybold attacks Perdium, I can strike at his flank.”
Ghislaine tapped the southern territory of Perdium marked on the map with his baton.
The territory to the south of Perdium and east of Digald was labeled with the name Raybold.
“Raybold? Why there all of a sudden?”
“There’s really not much difference between that place and Desmond’s territory. Once the Runestone gets known, they’re sure to get interested.”
Ghislaine had already considered Raybold as an enemy.
It was obvious Amelia would ultimately take over Raybold.
To be honest, Ghislaine wanted to meddle there too, but more important matters were piling up, leaving him little leisure.
He had to start planning, keeping in mind that Raybold could become an enemy at any moment.
Others didn’t know the situation, but they didn’t think Ghislaine’s words were nonsense.
Unbeknownst to me, I didn’t think Ghislaine’s story was just a tall tale.
It’s because there had been instances where Ghislaine had extorted money from Amelia.
“Of course, since Jimbar must go through Raybold, we can’t take action immediately, but if they invade, we can send support to Perdium from here at any time.”
“Are you saying you want to formally raise an army?”
“Yes, there are limits to moving around with just mercenaries.”
Zvalter revealed a worried expression.
“You’re the heir to inherit this place anyway. If you merge with Digald, Perdium can no longer be considered a small territory. Don’t you have any thoughts about gaining experience from a larger territory?”
“The atmosphere in the North isn’t good for that. Since we don’t know what might happen, it’s better for me to move more freely.”
If Ghislaine receives a territory, she would become both the Grand Duke of Perdium and Baron Penris.
No matter how big a Grand Duke’s territory is, it can’t compare to that of a Lord.
“Ruling a territory isn’t an easy task. That place will likely have worse conditions than Perdium due to the aftermath of the war. Besides, don’t you have any knights who would pledge loyalty to you? A few officials may still be around, but knights can’t be easily obtained, even with money.”
“It’s alright. I have a plan for that.”
“Hmmm, well, it’s true that you’ve never willingly followed my advice.”
Zvalter shook his head with a self-deprecating smile.
Ruling a territory is indeed a tough job.
It’s not just about being good at fighting, nor does having a lot of money make it easy.
One must combine responsibility, belief, and ability to endure the position of a Lord.
If one were to become a vicious lord exploiting the residents, it wouldn’t be difficult, but Ghislaine didn’t seem to be thinking that way.
If she were to show even a hint of such intention, Zvalter wouldn’t allow it.
The only silver lining is that the Digald territory isn’t in a position suffering from monsters and the Forest of Monsters like Perdium, akin to a bottomless pit.
“Alright. Is that sufficient?”
“Yes, there’s a lack of administrative personnel, so for now, that seems appropriate. I’m planning to consolidate three baronies into governing Penris Territory.”
“Haha, ‘for now’… how ambitious you are.”
At a young age, she talks as if it’s nothing, having already achieved something as significant as acquiring three baronies.
Such boundless confidence is truly something I can’t keep up with.
‘While it’s commendable that she’s willing to take the frontlines herself…’
Three baronies were no small size, but it was still land she wouldn’t have obtained had she not won the war.
Ghislaine is the heir who will inherit all of Perdium later, so it would be good for her to gain experience in governing beforehand.
Being a bit worried about the territory residents… Zvalter still believed in his son.
Surely, he wouldn’t act recklessly after all this time.
If the state of the territory were truly deplorable, he could intervene later on.
“What do you all think?”
“……”
The retainers could only sigh and couldn’t answer hastily.
This has been the trend lately. For some time now, it has been tough to comprehend and keep up with the behaviors of the Grand Duke.
‘It’s always just notifications without discussions, so there’s no exchange of opinions!’
‘Holding the Runestone means they can’t object even if they want to, nor can they persuade her.’
‘The Lord probably feels the same way…’
The retainers stole glances at Zvalter.
He had a faint smile, as if he had laid down the burden on his mind.
Perhaps he gave up trying to stop his son and thought that just receiving agreement from the retainers would ease his mind a little.
Since the son can’t be stopped, it’s better to just give up and at least get some agreement from the retainers to ease the mind.
After a moment of contemplation, Baron Homern wiped the sweat off his forehead and stepped forward.
“Just let the Grand Duke do as he pleases.”
While his talent as a lord is uncertain, he certainly showed his abilities in war.
Opposing him here would only make those who oppose look foolish.
In the first place, Homern was just surprised and didn’t really intend to oppose strongly.
This was evidence that his perception of Ghislaine was changing.
It’s true that worries weren’t completely gone, but he couldn’t treat Ghislaine like a reckless fool anymore.
The recent war had significantly diminished his resentment towards Ghislaine.
Other retainers felt similarly.
“If he accomplished great things, he deserves rewards. I think granting him a fief is appropriate.”
“Someone has to take on that responsibility anyway.”
“It seems we just need to focus on how to divide the remaining estates.”
“It’s not excessive to reward him for saving the territory from danger.”
“The Grand Duke is not the same reckless troublemaker as before, so I think it’s worth trusting him this time.”
His behavior of acting on impulse and informing everyone later hasn’t changed.
But it was also true that some trust in the Grand Duke’s change had begun to grow.
Albert, too, brought forth his reasons to agree.
“If it weren’t for the Grand Duke, we wouldn’t have gotten this land at all. And with our current capabilities, we can’t seize all of Digald’s territory.”
Perdium couldn’t manage the suddenly increased land efficiently due to a lack of administrative power.
It was better to let the wealthy Grand Duke handle half of it rather than letting it sit idle.
Randolf, who had been quietly observing Ghislaine, finally threw in his support.
“The Grand Duke’s abilities have been somewhat verified. While it’s still a bit risky, it seems reasonable to trust him with the southern territory. We can’t afford to neglect the north even with Desmond targeting us.”
Although the retainers felt the decision had already been made, they knew it was important to maintain appearances.
It was a way for Lord Zvalter and the retainers to save face.
Ghislaine announcing this was also a form of courtesy towards Zvalter and the retainers.
The retainers silently accepted Ghislaine’s consideration, thinking it was better than nothing.
Zvalter seemed awkward and kept clearing his throat.
“Ahem, ahem, very well. Since he has met the qualifications and all the retainers agree, I will grant Ghislaine the title of Baron Penris.”
“Thank you.”
“Let’s set a date soon for the oath of loyalty….”
“Just do it casually now. It’s not like we’re in a royal castle, and do we really need to be that formal among ourselves? It’s a waste of time.”
“Ahem, that’s indeed a great idea.”
While they were father and son privately, publicly they had to maintain the lord-vassal relationship, so they had to do something.
But Ghislaine didn’t care much for formality, and since Zvalter didn’t either, they decided to let it slide.
A hastily prepared title-bestowing ceremony was briefly carried out under the watch of a few retainers, knights, and mercenaries.
Zvalter held a ceremonial sword and declared in a solemn voice.
“…Thus, recognizing your significant contributions, I, Zvalter Perdium, having received full authority from the gracious King, bestow upon you the newly granted fief of Penris and the title of Baron. You must devote yourself to unfailing loyalty and protect the people and the weak, while upholding the law and justice for the rest of your life…”
“You shall devote your immortal loyalty to protect the people and the weak, and dedicate your life to uphold law and justice…”
The tedious proclamation went on, and when the time came for the final question of whether he would give his all, Ghislaine gave a half-hearted answer, and the title awarding ceremony ended haphazardly.
In the awkward and uneasy atmosphere, the retainers offered hollow congratulations.
Beyond the open doors of the great hall, mercenaries, soldiers, and even servants had gathered, curiosity written all over their faces.
It seemed that the rumor of Ghislaine receiving a title had spread throughout the castle.
Having obtained what he wanted, Ghislaine got up, merely nodding his head at Zvalter before swiftly turning away.
There was no time to dawdle in a place where he had just accomplished what he came for.
‘Still, it’s a bit much for the guy who just got a title.’
Zvalter chuckled, and the retainers smirked as if they expected this.
Meanwhile, the mercenaries cheered and flocked to Ghislaine.
Especially Belinda, who was bouncing with joy.
“Young Master! How wonderful! Our Young Master has become a Lord! Is it all thanks to my early training?”
“Early training…? So that’s why the captain turned out like that, huh?”
Belinda shot a glare at Kaor and jabbed him in the side with her elbow.
Kaor, clutching his side, grumbled in irritation.
“What the heck! Why poke? It’s clear where the captain got his personality from!”
“I don’t want to see anyone bleed on a good day, so, Dutzuz…?”
Maybe Belinda’s gaze held genuine intent, for Kaor laughed and radiated the same vibe back at her.
“Let’s see whose blood will be spilled.”
Ghislaine watched the bickering duo and shook his head inwardly. Fortunately, Gillian intervened, preventing it from escalating.
‘I need to give them a good scolding later.’
In the meantime, the area in front of the great hall had turned bustling like a marketplace due to the crowd that had gathered to hear the title awarding news.
Knights and soldiers who had fought alongside Ghislaine extended their congratulations.
Even the maids looked at him in awe, as if finally realizing something.
He was now being praised for simply doing his job without tormenting people as he used to.
Surrounded by those lauding him, Ghislaine let out a bitter smile filled with regret.
‘How was it this easy…?’
Why hadn’t he realized it back then?
“Lord?”
Ghislaine stood still, lost in thought, when Gillian called out to him in confusion.
He quickly fixed his expression, wearing an arrogant smile.
“In celebration of receiving my title, I will treat everyone today! Our victory feast starts now! Prepare the drinks and meat, and everyone gather!”
With exaggerated wide arms, he coaxed the crowd for a response.
“Whoa! The Grand Duke is treating us!”
“That’s right! Now that the urgent matter is done, we should celebrate big! He really knows how to enjoy life!”
“Our Baron captain is the best!”
“Wow! It’s a festival! The Baron’s treating us!”
Everyone was so excited, shouting as if they might lift the roof off.
The retainers inside the hall clicked their tongues, frowning, but soon shook their heads and let it go.
Ghislaine led the people, shouting loudly.
“Let’s go!”
The people followed enthusiastically, chanting his name.
It was a shout filled with joy and familiarity, not fear.
“Long live Baron Penris!”
Ghislaine Penris. A name that would soon reverberate throughout the kingdom.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.
