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 excitement, driven not only by their immense desire for social advancement 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 achievement.”
“Could there be a situation where someone less diligent than me ends up with a better title or land? Should I express my dissatisfaction then?”
Naturally, the question that most unanimously came 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 enfeoffment, 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 Gentlemen!”
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 judgment!”
Each person was solemn, their gazes ‘clear’ and focused.
The moment of truth had arrived, and it was crucial to appear unambitious and modest.
Paul instructed a map to be hung up, the same one he had examined with Bryce the night before.
“Bryce Ald!
The count called the first name, beginning the enfeoffment.
This surprised some, 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?
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 seemed 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 name 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 name. I now promote you to viscount.
You may not have military achievements, 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 message 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 sentiment was mostly among the military officers, while the civil officers from the Administration Council seemed calm, almost enjoying the drama. They had initially resigned themselves to being merely titular nobles, but a glimmer of hope sparked when Old Ford was granted land. However, his refusal quickly extinguished that hope.