TL: Etude
After the turmoil caused by Quik, no one was willing to retain their lordly powers anymore. One after another, they loyally handed them over to the Administration Council.
A wave of rewards followed, and Alda gained a new Viscount (Old Ford), three Barons (Schroeder, Bryce, Austin), six Baronets, and a host of knights.
Almost everyone summoned to the lord’s mansion’s hall received a title, except for one person, Ladi Sertia, the acting head of the Department of Education. This was because there was no precedent in this world for directly bestowing a noble title upon a woman. Noblewomen usually inherited their titles from their deceased fathers or husbands, and this was only in the absence of any male heirs.
However, Ladi herself was not very keen on titles, perhaps due to her other identity, which made her somewhat indifferent to the worldly matters people coveted.
Subsequently, Paul instructed the steward, Philip, to arrange a grand feast, allowing these newly elevated nobles to revel in their ascended status. The lord’s mansion was filled with raucous celebrations all day, only quieting down when the guests dispersed in the evening.
Three days later, Philip brought an unexpected piece of news to Paul. Sir Herson and Sir Shaun, leading a group of Emden nobles – formerly vassals of the Kent family – wished to visit him.
“What do they want?” Paul asked.
“It seems to be related to the recent ennoblement,” Philip replied.
“Oh? Do they also want some benefit? Well, let them come this weekend.”
“Yes, my lord.”
...
“Congratulations, Lord Grayman!”
In the lord’s mansion’s hall, the Emden nobles, led by Sir Herson and Sir Shaun, collectively bowed to Paul.
“Please, take your seats!” Paul responded with a hearty smile.
Once everyone was seated, Herson spoke, “We have learned that Lord Grayman has been restored to power by His Majesty the King, so we have come together to congratulate you.”
“Oh? News travels fast, doesn’t it? It’s only been a few days.”
“Lord Grayman, you’re being a bit formal. You should have informed us.”
Sir Blake Shaun, the lord of Fort Bidou, said this with what he believed to be the perfect smile.
Paul replied with a smile, “Haha, you knew even without my notification, didn’t you?”
“We will follow you through sickness and health, until death!”
...
The hall was abuzz with vows and promises, each lord appearing incredibly passionate.
“Great, great! I can see that you are all sincere! Haha.”
Paul happily responded to the lords, though he was somewhat skeptical internally. Until death? Hadn’t Marltz Kent only been deceased for half a year?
Marltz Kent’s family had maintained a relationship with these vassals for decades, even centuries, through various means like marital alliances. Paul, on the other hand, could only offer them an empty promise of protection.
In actual warfare, they would likely do no more than the bare minimum required by the king’s conscription. Relying on them to lead troops in battle? As long as they didn’t stab him in the back, it would already be good.
But, not one to spurn a smiling face, Paul needed to respond to their pledge.
“Philip!”
“Yes, Lord Grayman,” the old steward responded promptly.
“Let’s hold another banquet today, hosting the lords of Emden. Everyone should drink heartily without restraint!”
“Thank you, Lord Grayman,” the lords chorused.
Paul also instructed Philip to invite Old Ford, Schroeder, Bryce, and others to join.
Thus, this vassal relationship was established.
However, the Emden nobles still felt a slight sense of disappointment. They could tell that Count Grayman was pleased with their allegiance, but he didn’t seem to take it very seriously. It was more of an attitude like, “It’s nice to have it, but no big deal if not.”
After all, Grayman had a formidable army under his command. In the war of the usurpers, many had witnessed the might of this force. The conscripted soldiers hastily gathered by the lords were no match for Alda’s troops in terms of discipline, morale, or equipment. They only managed to hold their own through sheer numbers.
At least Paul had acknowledged their protection. Previously, they were merely bound by the Administration Council, but now, should they face trouble, Paul was obliged to help.
How to reciprocate this protection? Both sides needed to benefit to maintain a lasting relationship. Since they couldn’t offer much military aid, they had to think of other ways to be useful.
Connecting this to the rumors surrounding Paul’s recent ennoblement of new vassals, the lords’ feelings grew complicated.