Chapter 114

Episode 114

My vassals, gathered in the room, were tense.

The messenger wouldn’t have used the phrase “I bring” if it were just a letter. It meant he was delivering an official decree to be announced throughout the territory.

‘Roman’s execution was a bit excessive.’

Typically, territorial wars ended with the victor imposing heavy war reparations.

Even if the enemy lord was captured, they were usually treated with some courtesy.

Many nobles had been surprised to hear about Roman’s brutal execution. The information from Jericho’s intelligence network was accurate.

But I was confident that there wouldn’t be any backlash. I knelt on one knee.

“Congratulations on your victory.”

As expected.

“I hereby appoint O’Brien of House Walker as the lord of the Alpheon region. As Grand Duke, I recognize Alpheon as the hereditary property of House Walker. Continue to serve your people well.”

“I humbly accept your decree.”

I received the Duke’s letter with both hands. The messenger left immediately.

“Congratulations! Hahaha! I was worried for nothing. I’ve realized that being a Grand Duke isn’t easy. His Grace has great ambitions!”

“Congratulations, my lord.”

“Congratulations!”

My vassals congratulated me one after another. I handed the letter to the administrator for safekeeping and sat down.

“The Gerard family matter is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many wicked people in this Dukedom, and indeed, throughout the continent. House Walker and the Lucius Inspection Unit must dedicate ourselves to eradicating these forces of evil.”

I suddenly wondered what the Lady would say when she heard about the Duke’s letter.

I realized that I had been subconsciously waiting for her reaction, like someone who doesn’t notice their clothes getting wet in the rain.

But I had to set aside my sentiments and focus on the task at hand.

“We’ll now proceed with the awarding of merits for this war. I’ve carefully reviewed the battle results and listened to many people’s accounts to ensure a fair evaluation.”

Objectively speaking, the scale of the war wasn’t that large. But since it was our family’s first territorial war, I intended to commend everyone generously.

“The greatest contributors to this victory are Knight Selendis and Sir Paris, who displayed true chivalry in the Battle of Hartan. Their dedication to protecting our family will forever be etched in the history of House Walker. I hereby award each of them twenty thousand gold and a fief in the Alpheon region.”

“It’s an honor, my lord.”

“I’m humbled by this excessive reward.”

Twenty thousand gold was equivalent to about two billion dollars in my previous life, so it was an excessively large reward.

But gold was overflowing in our territory now, so this wouldn’t even make a dent in our coffers.

“And the second greatest contributor is Ferguson, who successfully executed the ambush at the canyon and captured the enemy lord. We wouldn’t have been able to capture him alive without his meticulous planning. I hereby award him ten thousand gold and a fief in the Alpheon region.”

“Th… thank you, my lord…”

Ferguson couldn’t hide his stunned expression. Jericho nudged him playfully.

“Rookie, don’t know what to do with ten thousand gold? I can help you.”

“No, thank you. I’ll pass.”

“Why are you being so shy? I can double it for you. Don’t be so humble.”

“I’m fine!”

Ferguson was brave and intelligent. Thankfully, he escaped the devil’s whisper.

“And lastly, the third greatest contributors are Sir Deneve and Lady Ionia, who played a crucial role in capturing the enemy castle. They risked their lives to achieve this victory. I hereby award each of them five thousand gold and a fief in the Alpheon region.”

The two knights saluted with joyful expressions. I had never seen Ionia smile like that before.

As I awarded the merits, I realized something.

‘Our family has become more diverse.’

There was a saying, “all the colors of the rainbow.”

I personally liked this saying because it evoked an image of all the colors of nature gathered in one place.

We had started as a small organization called the Inspection Unit, but now we had become a large organization. House Walker now owned twice as much land as other baron families.

“Thanks to your efforts, the name of House Walker has become known throughout the land. I’m truly grateful. I might have overlooked some things due to the recent war, so feel free to speak your mind.”

No one raised their hand. But Jericho, the scribe, hesitantly raised his hand.

“Jericho, speak.”

“I apologize, but… it seems like someone is missing from the list of awardees.”

“Who?”

Jericho pointed at himself with his thumb.

“I bravely fought alongside the investigators and helped capture the castle quickly and efficiently. And we also found some very important materials, didn’t we? I might not deserve second place, but wouldn’t third place be appropriate…?”

“What do the others think?”

“I believe he deserves it.”

Selendis voiced her opinion, and the other vassals agreed. But I had a different opinion.

“Jericho, I acknowledge your contributions, but you acted as a member of the Lucius Inspection Unit, not House Walker. So, it’s only right for the Inspection Unit to award you.”

“…Understood.”

“Are you disappointed?”

“Not at all. You’re absolutely right.”

“You’re not being honest.”

The vassals laughed when I chuckled. I didn’t want our meetings to be all serious and gloomy.

“But my lord, even though the scribe might not be eligible, you also made a significant contribution. I still haven’t forgotten the scene where you leaped onto the castle wall.”

Ionia, who had participated in the operation, nodded in agreement with Deneve.

“It was you who opened the gate, not our separate unit. I believe you also deserve to be rewarded.”

“I was just doing my duty as the lord.”

I dismissed their suggestion with a smile, so Deneve wouldn’t feel embarrassed.

“But I appreciate your thoughtfulness. I should climb more walls in the future.”

“Hahaha.”

“Hassale, I almost forgot about your hard work because of the war. It must be tough working in this heat. How’s the gold excavation going?”

Hassale was currently the manager of the Lucius Trading Company, but I was planning to appoint him as the general manager of House Walker soon.

“It’s not much different from what I reported before. We haven’t found any more gold nuggets yet, but we’re continuing our search. And the first transaction will begin soon. It’ll be a deal worth two hundred thousand gold.”

“Put the anti-monster equipment business on hold for now. Sir Jericho has other tasks to attend to.”

Jericho sighed in relief. The vassals chuckled, finding his reaction amusing.

“But keep purchasing holy water. We need to maintain a good relationship with Sir Godfrey. And starting this year, House Walker will also make donations to the church. Discuss the amount with the scribe.”

“As you command.”

“Oh, and my lord, there’s something you need to decide.”

Jericho spoke seriously.

“The Alpheon region now belongs to you. You need someone to govern it.”

“You mean a deputy lord?”

“Yes. Alpheon is larger than this territory, both in terms of population and land area. There might be chaos if we don’t appoint a deputy lord. It’ll also affect tax revenue.”

I couldn’t think of a suitable candidate.

It wasn’t because we lacked capable people. Everyone was competent, but they all had important roles to fulfill.

“What are your thoughts?”

“Honestly, everyone is so busy that I don’t know who to recommend.”

“Then, you, the scribe, will also serve as the deputy lord. But it’ll be too much for you to handle alone, so I’ll appoint Administrator Balzac as the deputy lord as well.”

Balzac was surprised.

In just six months, he had gone from being a humble butler to a deputy lord. It was only natural for him to be shocked.

“My lord, I’m too incompetent for such an important task. Please reconsider.”

“I don’t think it’s a big deal for the administrator of House Walker to serve as a deputy lord. And it’s not a solo position. You’ll be working together, so it’s important to have people who can cooperate well.”

The main reason was that you were sent by Lady Lucia.

I didn’t say that out loud.

“Our dear scribe is silent, so I assume my judgment isn’t wrong.”

Laughter filled the room again. Jericho pouted.

“Balzac, I expect great things from you.”

“My life belongs to you, my lord. I’ll do my best.”

“You’ll be busy traveling between the territories, so you can recommend an assistant administrator.”

As I organized everything, I realized that we still needed more talent. The knight order seemed to be in good shape, but we were lacking in administrative personnel.

I gave the vassals another order.

“Our family will be taking on more responsibilities in the future. If you know of any talented individuals in any field, recommend them to me immediately. I plan to embrace all talents.”

“As you command.”

After the vassal meeting, delegations from various families arrived to congratulate us on our victory. Most of them were from newly established noble families.

So, I decided to hold a banquet.

It was a week-long banquet, unheard of for a barony. We provided an abundance of food and drink.

Lords from neighboring territories, hearing the rumors, flocked to our castle.

“It was a truly historic battle! Your strategy must have astonished the heavens and shaken the earth!”

“Congratulations on your victory!”

The most impressive guest was Baron Fontaine, the head of House Regulus. He was also Sir Deneve’s father, and he came bearing generous gifts.

“Thank you for keeping your promise. I’m delighted that my son has achieved such a great feat.”

“I never make promises I can’t keep. You’ve raised a fine young man. House Regulus is truly a prestigious family. I’ve received much help from your son. Sir Deneve will thrive here.”

And there was another unexpected guest.

Gladius, the head of House Innerheim and Lady Ionia’s father.

Her face, weathered from her years as a mercenary, was covered in scars. And he was incredibly large. He looked at least two meters tall. He would look imposing with a massive greatsword strapped to his back.

He had a fierce name to match his physique.

But during our first meeting, he uttered words that were completely out of character for his intimidating appearance.

“My daughter is going through puberty, so she has a bit of an attitude. I apologize for any trouble she might cause you. I’m sure it’ll be a challenge.”

All fathers were the same. He was worried about his daughter.

“Not at all. Lady Ionia made a significant contribution to this war. I have high expectations for her.”

“If she ever disobeys you, let me know. I’ll discipline her.”

“I’m more interested in hearing your story, sir. I heard you were a famous mercenary.”

“I’m retired now.”

“You seem a bit young to retire.”

He looked to be in his late thirties. Experience was crucial for mercenaries, and they usually reached their prime in their forties.

“I lost my wife to illness, and it changed my perspective. My daughter is all I have left. I can’t die in some unknown place.”

“So, you settled in the Hogden territory.”

After meeting Gladius, I could see how much he loved his daughter. So, I made him an offer.

“Forgive my boldness, but would you consider joining House Walker? I’ll provide you and your daughter with a mansion.”