Translator: Cinder Translations
...
Looking at the enthusiastic and even envious eyes of his subordinates, Paul felt a pang of anxiety.
Would they overthrow him if he couldn't provide what they wanted, just like they did with Malon's father?
The members of the Administrative Council were easier to deal with. After all, they were civil servants who could be pacified with a pile of honorary titles and some material rewards.
But what about the military officers? They were all war heroes.
Of course, Paul had been in the lord's seat for two years, commanded troops, fought battles, wiped out lawless pirates, and dealt with the arrogant Kent family. He had seen his share of storms. Although he was anxious inside, he managed to maintain an imposing demeanor on the outside.
He remained composed on the surface while contemplating how to respond.
A loud "bang" shattered the brief silence.
The sound broke everyone's thoughts in the hall. They all looked toward the source of the noise.
Lady Ladia Setia Gerald, the green-haired female advisor and acting Director of the Education Department, had slammed her notebook shut.
The advisor, who usually remained silent and took notes during meetings, suddenly became the focus of attention in the hall.
"Everyone," the advisor said slowly, "The Earl has announced the end of the meeting. We should return to our work."
Her tone was calm and unassuming, yet carried an indescribable power—this was how Paul felt.
She gave Paul a nod, "Lord Grayman, I'll take my leave now."
Then she picked up her notebook and walked out.
"Ah, we should leave too!"
"We need to get back to work."
As soon as Ladia left, everyone began to rise and bid their farewells, leaving the hall with displeased expressions.
Paul was left sitting there, confused.
Just like that… they left?
A coup d'état?
Ah, nonsense! Am I suffering from paranoia? How could I doubt the loyalty of my subordinates (so far)?
Sitting in his chair for a long time, Paul slapped his palm.
It must be! Ladia must have used some unknown method to make everyone leave obediently.
After all, Paul had experienced Ladia's skills at the church in Frand Harbor. She called it "suggestion."
What? Has Ladia evolved to the point where she doesn't even need to glare at you to suggest things?
Have I been unconsciously "brainwashed" by her?
Wait, wait, wait, she just saved you from trouble. How can you speculate so rashly?
Hmm? By the way, suggestion seems to be based on the premise that the other party also believes it is correct. So…
I need to come up with a plan, Paul began turning over ideas in his mind.
I need someone loyal, who cares about the overall situation, and has made significant contributions…
You're the one!
…
"Achoo!"
Sitting in the First Infantry Regiment's office, Bryce sneezed, rubbing his nose as he continued to think about what happened at the end of the meeting.
What if the Earl forgets about it?
The news that the Grayman family had the power to bestow fiefs spread quickly among the higher-ups, leading to many speculative thoughts.
Especially among the military officers! Not to mention that most of the senior officers were generations of "knights" of the Grayman family, but since the Earl's accession, they had all made great contributions.
Eliminating pirates, quelling the rebellion in Byerldine, defeating the menacing Kent family—these series of wars had greatly expanded the Grayman family's control over the population and territory.
This surely counted as expanding the territory, right?
For such achievements, the most appropriate reward would be granting a fief to the meritorious ones.
A knightly noble! Even someone like Bryce started dreaming. Previously, they were just a group of unrecognized wild knights, but now they could directly be promoted to real nobles!
I'm not greedy, just give me the five villages near the estate and that little forest. Titles? Just make me a baron... or no, a viscount would be fine. One must be content!
Hehe! Thinking of having a piece of land and a title to pass down to future generations, Bryce felt waves of excitement in his heart.
Not only would it benefit his descendants, but it would also bring glory to the ancestors of the Alden family. His family could finally have an honorable family tree.
With a territory, he would continue to serve the Earl faithfully, and when he got older, he would retire to his estate and enjoy a leisurely life.
Every day would be carefree, with hawks and hounds… Oh, scratch that last part.
How wonderful that life would be!
"Report!"
The soldier's voice interrupted Bryce's pleasant daydreams about the future.
"Come in."
"The butler Philip from the lord's residence is here, he says he wants to see you."
"What? Quickly, quickly, please let him in!"
The elderly butler, with gray hair but a sprightly demeanor, was soon ushered into the office.
Bryce stood to greet him, "Ah, Butler Philip, why not just send someone to call me? I would have come right away."
Old Philip adjusted his glasses and smiled, "The Earl specifically asked me to come."
"Oh? Does the Earl have any important matters?"
"It's nothing urgent. The Earl would like to invite you for dinner at the lord's residence tonight at 7."
"Oh! I'm honored. Are there any other guests?"
Philip shook his head, "No, as far as I know, it's just you."
"What?"
Bryce was a bit surprised and quickly reacted, "Please tell the Earl that I will be there on time."
After respectfully seeing off the old butler, Bryce's heart surged with excitement.
The Earl invited me alone!
What could this be about? He pondered left and right, wondering if it was about the fief.
The Earl didn't invite anyone else, only me. Bryce's excitement grew once again.
Indeed, as the true pillar of the Grayman family, besides old Fort, it was none other than me, with Cecil even being behind.
Bryce was quite confident about this.
"I am the Earl's loyal hound," he always held this belief.
He immediately sent someone to notify his family that he would not be home for dinner and then prepared carefully.
…
"Clank! Clank!"
Accompanied by the sound of metal scraping, a strangely dressed person arrived at the lord's residence.
The strangeness was due to the visitor wearing a full suit of knight's armor—completely covering from head to toe.
With Paul's reform of the military and the adoption of firearms, such armor had long disappeared in Alden Town.
Now, the Alden army also had metal armor, such as breastplates and helmets, but much lighter.
What was even more extravagant was that the visitor wore a large red cloak on his back.
It was like a character straight out of a knightly novel.
The guards at the lord's residence mentally complained.
As they moved to question the "knight," the visitor removed his helmet with the visor.
"Lord Bryce?"
(End of the Chapter)
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