TL: Etude
The pirates of Port West had been annihilated!
This tremendous news quickly spread throughout the royal capital, Crystal Shine, bringing a sigh of relief to the common folk.
Recently, people dared not leave the city, fearing attacks by pirates disguised in civilian clothes. History had seen pirates raiding deep inland, and these bandits, far from any regular army, were unrecognizable in commoner’s attire.
It was strange to think about the Kingdom of Ordo’s recent plight with rebellions and pirate invasions. Had they offended the Lord of Light himself? Fortunately, one more menace was now eliminated.
Harrison Abbott, riding a tall horse, led his soldiers through the western gate of Crystal Shine, basking in the glory of a hero’s welcome.
Amidst the cheers of the populace, beautiful young women showered the reportedly single young commander with flowers.
Hansel, following closely behind Harrison, looked on with a mix of envy and admiration at his brother.
Alas, what could be done? Though they shared a father, Harrison was born of the legitimate wife, while Hansel’s origins were less auspicious. In terms of status, Harrison had been a royal guard, whereas Hansel was just a minor tax official in the suburbs of the capital. Even now, he was merely working for a rural lord.
Wait, a rural lord?
On second thought, Count Grayman seemed to be more than just a simple rural noble now!
He effectively controlled three counties, surpassing even Henry Ferdinand, the leading noble of Northwest Bay, in terms of territory and population.
Not to mention Grayman’s lucrative ventures. His workshops, especially the porcelain factory, must be making a fortune. Christopher, a representative of the Horn Bay Alliance’s Foster family, had drunkenly revealed to Hansel that every batch of porcelain shipped to Horn Bay was pre-ordered. Porcelain had become a symbol of status and position there.
When Hansel first arrived in Alda as a royal commissioner two years ago, Paul Grayman was under constant threat from pirates. Now, Grayman’s fortunes had taken a complete turn.
Following such a lord, Hansel’s future didn’t seem so bleak after all.
“Lord Abbott!”
A shout snapped Hansel out of his reverie.
Was someone calling him? Hansel squinted and saw that they were addressing his brother.
A royal attendant in official garb had halted their procession.
“Lord Abbott, His Majesty commands your immediate presence at the royal palace for a council meeting.”
The king laughed heartily. “Having you as just a soldier would be a punishment from the Heavenly Father. This pirate threat, likely instigated by Jars, has been a wake-up call. We’ve been too complacent about our coastal defenses. You will continue to be stationed at Port West to reorganize our sea defenses. Additionally, I grant you a royal estate as a reward for your victory.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Harrison accepted the decree. Although he didn’t get his wish to head south, remaining in the military was satisfactory.
The king turned to Hansel, his tone more serious. “And you, the younger son of the Abbott family?”
Hansel, with a glimmer of hope, cautiously said, “Your Majesty, I wish to serve in the capital... or perhaps join the southern forces.”
He had learned that his old rival, Matthew Stoman, had secured an important position under the Foreign Affairs Minister, favored and with a bright future ahead.
But the king firmly refused. “No!”
Hansel’s heart sank.
“You will continue as the royal representative in Northwest Bay, liaising between Crystal Shine and the local lords. Additionally, I grant you a thousand gold coins. Perform your duties well.”
Was it his lineage that mattered after all? Hansel felt disheartened, interpreting the king’s “perform your duties well” as a warning not to aspire beyond his station.
The king, however, had other thoughts. Northwest Bay had shown considerable potential after this battle, rich in food and weapons. Perhaps it was time to rethink this once-barren land.
“Perhaps a miracle has occurred there, or have we all been mistaken?” the king pondered.
“Hansel, advise the local lords to treat their people well. Loyalty to the kingdom is commendable, but they must not overburden the populace,” the king instructed, suspecting that Count Grayman might be exploiting his subjects to show off his capabilities.
The ministers agreed, echoing their thoughts.
“The king is right. Let’s hope he takes this advice to heart.”
“Count Grayman is not yet twenty, understandably impetuous. Such is youth.”
The ministers seemed to agree that retaining such a loyal and useful subject was essential, avoiding any potential rebellion due to excessive exploitation.
Princess Eileen, sitting beside the queen, covered her mouth, seemingly amused.
“Yes, Your Majesty. I will advise him,” Hansel said, a bit disheartened, not bothering to clarify.
The king nodded, then looked around. “So, what reward should we give Count Grayman? We must not chill the heart of a meritorious subject. Any suggestions, gentlemen?”