Translator: Cinder Translations
...
"Creak! Creak!"
The sound of metal scraping continued into the dining room. Paul looked somewhat bewildered at the heavily armored captain of the First Infantry Battalion.
"Bryce, what's this?"
"Oh, my lord!"
Bryce knelt and saluted, but after not wearing the armor for a long time, he had some trouble standing up again.
"I'm adhering to the etiquette of a noble retainer. As your former military commander, I should always be armored to protect my lord from any possible threats."
Paul couldn't help but laugh and invited him to sit at the table.
Soon, butler Philip directed several servants to bring out delicious dishes for the table.
TL Note: I am changing Bryce's name from Bryce Alden to Bryce Alder, we already have two Aldens (The Region & The Town), so we don't need a third one.
Paul instructed, "You may leave now; I want to speak with Colonel Alder directly."
Old Philip complied and led the servants out of the dining room.
Bryce raised an eyebrow, realizing that tonight's meeting was indeed more than just a meal.
Once the servants' footsteps had completely faded away, Paul poured a bottle of wine and filled his own glass before moving to Bryce's side.
"Bryce, let's start with some wine to whet our appetites."
As he spoke, he poured wine into Bryce's glass.
Seeing the earl personally pouring wine for him, Bryce quickly stood up, only to be pressed back into his seat by Paul.
"Stay seated; tonight, you're my guest."
"Th-thank you, my lord."
Bryce was both nervous and excited, his words stumbling over themselves.
Paul returned to his own seat, raised his glass, and said, "Let's drink to this."
Bryce quickly raised his glass, and their glasses clinked with a crisp sound.
After finishing the first glass, Paul refilled both glasses, which led to another round of thanks from Bryce. The two continued to eat and chat.
As they talked, Paul casually asked, "Bryce, the Alder family has been serving the Grayman family for quite some time, hasn't it?"
"Yes, my lord," Bryce quickly replied. "Since my great-grandfather's generation. Ah, we've been under the favor of your family for so long; we truly feel undeserving."
"Haha, Bryce, you're too modest. Let's not talk about your ancestors. Just considering you alone, you've resolved many issues for me and made significant contributions."
"No, no!" Bryce seemed flustered. "Those were just minor contributions! Really just minor contributions. Besides, those were duties and obligations as your retainer."
"I think you're the most accomplished among all my subordinates. Even Schroeder, who is higher in rank, doesn't compare to you."
"Th-th-that…" Bryce was a bit lost for words. "How can I compare with Lord Schroeder? He is a legitimate knight."
Paul waved his hand dismissively. "Here, we don't care about titles or ranks, only actual contributions."
In truth, Paul was being somewhat disingenuous. During the second battle against Quik, if not for Schroeder decisively halting the retreating troops, the book might have ended badly.
TL Note: A casual 4th wall break?
Moreover, Schroeder had served in the northeastern army of the kingdom, being the only person in Alden with proper military experience. He was responsible for implementing modern military concepts that Paul had brought from Earth into the army and for teaching new officers how to deal with contemporary armies. Not to mention, he had formulated many plans and personally led the troops to open a second front during the Usurper War.
However, Bryce's contributions were also considerable. After old Grayman's passing, Bryce, along with Cecil, staged a performance to stabilize Paul's position as lord. After an initial defeat to the pirates, he stayed behind to cover the retreat, allowing Paul to escape successfully. During the Usurper War, he led the army to a great victory at Biddeburg, subsequently captured Emden, and occupied half of Maltz Kent's homeland, greatly accelerating the progress of the war.
The victory at Biddeburg was particularly important; it was the first battle where Alden demonstrated its strength to the outside world, dispelling its image as weak among the northwest bay lords and showcasing its military might.
Their contributions were essentially on par and hard to distinguish.
"Come, let's toast to your achievements!"
Paul raised his full glass.
"Haha! Your praise makes me… makes me… really feel… embarrassed!" Bryce, with a flushed face, raised his glass, feeling both shame and pride at the earl's recognition.
They clinked glasses again and drank.
Then they continued drinking, glass after glass. After an unknown number of cups, both Paul and Bryce were somewhat drunk.
"Bryce…" Paul swayed his glass, causing the wine inside to ripple slightly.
"Yes, my lord."
Bryce straightened his posture, sensing that the serious discussion was about to begin.
"Hansel brought back the king's decree from the capital. I assume you've heard about it."
Indeed, Bryce's heart tightened, reminding himself not to make any mistakes.
"Uh… yes."
Paul's eyes were fixed on Bryce as he slowly asked, "Since I've regained the powers of a lord, I should naturally reward those who have contributed. Bryce, what do you think I should reward you with…" He noticed a flicker in Bryce's eyes. "…and others?"
"Well…" Bryce couldn't look Paul in the eyes and turned his head slightly. "It's entirely up to your judgment, my lord."
"Sigh, you're my top contributor, my confidant, understand? Confidants, you see, need to be consulted."
Bryce looked at Paul again, scratching his head. "My lord, you're making it difficult for me. I'm a simple man; I can handle fighting, but when it comes to distributing rewards, perhaps… perhaps you should consult Lord Ford or Lord Schroeder?"
His expression didn't seem deceitful. Alright. Paul finished his glass of wine.
"Bryce, do you know why I've been building schools and implementing education over the past two years, using exams to select officials?"
"Well…" Bryce furrowed his brow and thought for a moment. "Since you now govern Alden, Byerldine, and Emden, but don't have a reliable group of lower lords, you naturally need to find talented people from the populace to assist in governing the territory, or… use the schools to 'produce' capable people."
"'Produce' people from schools? Haha." Paul was amused by Bryce's description.
"You're right. Just like how cans are produced in a canning factory or pottery is made in a pottery workshop, talent can also be 'produced' from schools."
"With a large number of talented officials, I won't need lower lords to firmly control vast territories."
"According to my optimistic estimate, in five years… no, in four years, Alden, Byerldine, and an even more extensive Emden will all be under the firm control of the Administrative Council."
Paul held his glass in his right hand and clenched his left fist confidently.
Bryce's heart became even more unsettled, but not with the excitement he had felt earlier. What the earl meant by this…
He remained stiff in his seat, waiting for his lord's next words.
"So, let me be straightforward!"
Paul's gaze was fixed on Bryce's face.
"How much do I need to offer to make you willingly… accept only the honor of a knight without the power of a knight?"
(End of the Chapter)
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