CHAPTER 148: This is all mine (3)

Homerne burst out in fierce protest.

"What are you saying right now! The royal family is supporting Perdium, so on what grounds does the heir get to decide the distribution?"

"It's the decision of the royal family."

Baron Share pulled out another document from his coat and showed it to the people. 

It was an appointment letter designating Ghislain as the administrator for military supplies in the northern region. At the bottom of the letter, the royal seal was stamped as large as a fist.

Zwalter and the vassals of Perdium were left flustered, asking meaningless questions.

"The young lord even secured a royal position?"

"Then... what does this mean for us?"

Although the title of "Northern Administrator" was mostly nominal—since Perdium was the only northern territory receiving royal support—it granted immense authority within Perdium itself.

Baron Share addressed the astonished crowd again.

"Baron Fenris here is an official under the Ministry of the Royal Palace, having received the royal family's endorsement. In fact, the supplies were supposed to go directly to him, but to maintain appearances, we're proceeding under the guise of supporting Perdium. I hope you understand."

In short, while preserving Zwalter's dignity, all the actual benefits had been handed to Ghislain.

Gulp.

The vassals were left speechless, their mouths opening and closing like fish out of water.

It was Homerne who barely collected himself enough to stammer a question.

"Th-then does this mean the supplies we've been receiving every year… will also be distributed by the young lord?"

The response came from Ghislain himself.

"Yes, I'll handle the distribution."

"Th-then… how much will you give us?"

"For now, since the estate hasn't stabilized yet, I'll give you half this time."

Ghislain spoke as though he were doing them a favor.

Homerne's expression grew gloomy. It wasn't as if they were taking back something that had already been given, but the joy of receiving what he thought was entirely theirs diminished now that it was halved.

Moreover, the phrase "for now" left him uneasy.

"Th-then what about next year?"

"Well, we'll see? I'll decide after assessing the situation then."

The implication was clear—if he wasn't satisfied, he might give nothing at all.

Everyone understood what Ghislain's words meant.

The faces of the Perdium people grew even darker.

Even though these resources were brought in through the heir's influence and they couldn't complain even if they received nothing, the prospect of receiving only half—and knowing that they'd continue to be dependent on the heir—was bitter.

Ghislain then turned to Albert and asked casually.

"Oh, Treasurer, you really don't need food supplies? Shall I not send any?"

"N-no… That must be a misunderstanding."

Albert, who had been brimming with confidence earlier, now muttered in a subdued tone, completely deflated.

Ghislain also sought Zwalter's agreement.

"Father, is this arrangement okay? I thought it would be better for me to handle the distribution."

"Y-yes… That's fine. Since you secured this, it's only right that you manage it."

Zwalter nodded, already plotting to siphon off a little next time supplies arrived.

But as if reading his thoughts, Baron Share interjected.

"Oh, and starting next year, the supplies will be sent directly to Fenris estate. From there, they will be redistributed to Perdium."

"..."

Homerne could only let out a hollow laugh, too drained to even feel disappointed anymore.

Once the situation was roughly settled, Baron Share sidled up to Ghislain with a friendly demeanor.

"Baron Fenris, it's been an honor working with you, even briefly."

"Haha, not at all. It's you who've had it rough, Baron. I appreciate your patience as I took extra time to purchase items needed for the estate."

The two laughed and shook hands, exuding camaraderie.

Zwalter, watching this, cautiously asked.

"Um… Baron Share, you seem to be quite close with my son."

Baron Share smiled brightly and nodded.

"Yes. I became acquainted with him during the Goddess Ball, held by Marquis Branford. Along the way here, I had many conversations with the Baron and was repeatedly impressed by his bold spirit."

The vassals of Perdium looked dumbfounded.

Right, someone as reckless as the heir might indeed seem bold at first glance.

You have no idea what you're dealing with!

While everyone else was still dazed, Ghislain and Baron Share continued their amicable conversation.

"Are you planning to rest here for a few days? I'll arrange for you to stay in the finest guest room."

"No, Count Norton instructed me to return as soon as possible. I'll rest for just one night before leaving. You know how things are in the capital right now."

"That's true. Still, you must be tired from the long journey. I feel bad for causing you so much trouble."

"There's no need for such words between us. Ah, and this is a small gift I brought."

Baron Share handed Ghislain a small jewelry box.

"Oh, you didn't have to. This is too much."

Despite his words, Ghislain smoothly accepted the box and handed it over to Bellinda. It was clearly a practiced motion.

"I couldn't come empty-handed. If you happen to meet the minister later, please speak kindly of me."

"Of course! I'll make sure to repay your generosity."

"Thank you so much."

Watching the warm interaction, Zwalter broke out in a cold sweat.

'Is this… bribery? Is my son being bribed by a royal administrator?'

And yet, Ghislain led the conversation with such confidence and finesse that Zwalter could hardly believe it was the same son who used to be a troublemaker.

'I don't understand. Is this really my son?'

Once their conversation concluded, Ghislain looked around for someone to escort Baron Share. But the people of Perdium were still too stunned to move.

Ghislain sighed, clearly annoyed, and chided them.

"Let's get the secretary to the castle first. We can't leave him standing around here forever."

"O-oh, yes. I must have lost my wits. Let's head inside."

"I'll sort the supplies and head back to the estate immediately."

"What? You're leaving already?"

"Yes, there's much to do."

"Wait, hold on… Someone, escort the royal guests to the guest rooms! I'll join you shortly."

Several vassals and knights guided Baron Share and his party into the castle. Once they were out of sight, Zwalter let out a heavy sigh.

"Ugh, what a day."

With the royal party gone, the tension began to lift.

The guests would only be staying for a day, so there wasn't much to worry about.

Feeling somewhat calmer among familiar faces, Zwalter carefully asked a question.

"Excuse me... Since Baron Share isn't here, I'm asking again to confirm... Even half is quite a lot. Can I really take this? Is it okay?"

"Yes, there's no problem. Just accept it—it's a good thing."

"It is good, but it's all so sudden. I don't even know what's going on anymore."

"You don't need to worry about it, Father. The lack of adequate support from the royal family and nobles was an issue before, wasn't it? This is just getting what we're owed."

"Well… that's true."

'Even though you took half for yourself.'

As Zwalter wore a complicated expression, Ghislain smiled confidently and reassured him.

"Don't worry. From now on, no one will be able to look down on this place."

Zwalter nodded silently. He wanted to say something, but his throat felt tight.

His son's voice was firm and full of confidence.

Why did that simple statement strike such a chord in his heart?

It was clear that his son had changed.

'This feels good…'

Not only was his son now admired within Perdium, but he was also recognized by the royal family and high-ranking nobles.

His heart swelled with pride. The bitterness of years spent struggling in poverty seemed to melt away.

'He's as composed as his mother used to be.'

How he wished his wife could see their son now.

'Why did you have to leave so soon…'

Feeling his eyes sting, Zwalter rubbed them briskly.

'Then again, he's inherited her reckless side too.'

Thinking about all the trouble Ghislain had caused brought the tears to an abrupt halt.

When he remembered the time he heard Ghislain had been caught by Marquis Branford, a chill ran down his spine.

'If only he'd matured just a bit sooner.'

From what Ghislain had recently accomplished, Zwalter was sure his son was more capable than most lords.

He was proud and impressed by his son's growth—by his ability to revive the estate after years of hardship.

But his reckless behavior was still nerve-wracking.

Hadn't Ghislain gambled with the Marquis and risked his life?

'Ugh, I don't know how much authority I have left as his father… but if I let go, he'll run wild for sure.'

Zwalter resolved to hold his ground, even if it meant fending off northern barbarians, to prove that the father was still capable.

Lost in thought, Zwalter was interrupted by Ghislain.

"Well, I'll be off now. Father, please head inside. The supplies have already been sorted by cart, so distribution shouldn't take long."

Zwalter snapped out of his reverie and tried to stop Ghislain.

"Why are you in such a hurry? You've come all this way—stay for a meal and rest. See your siblings."

"No, I'll make time to visit properly later. I need to return quickly and let Sir Randolph go as well."

"You never keep in touch, and now you say you'll visit later? You only come when it suits you."

"... I've been busy."

"Is everyone else in the world not busy? Others still manage to care for their families. It's not as if you have a wife or children to distract you."

"…"

"Now that we're on the topic, when are you getting married? You don't even have anyone in mind, do you?"

Ghislain sighed heavily. His father's nagging seemed to have increased with age.

It was probably because of the earlier mention of dowries that Zwalter had become so fixated on marriage.

But Ghislain had no time for relationships or marriage.

Feigning deafness, he lowered his gaze.

Unfortunately, even the vassals chimed in.

"My lord is absolutely right! You need to secure a match quickly."

"Marriage is better done sooner than later. You need to solidify your position as an heir."

"Now is the perfect time with your reputation on the rise. If you wait, who knows when it'll plummet again, considering your personality."

Seizing the opportunity, Zwalter spoke firmly.

"I'll find a match for you since you clearly don't have anyone in mind."

"I have absolutely no intention of marrying right now."

Ghislain emphasized his words, enunciating every syllable, but no one seemed to be listening.

"You might not want to, but it's not just about you. Marriage isn't entirely your decision."

In noble families, the head of the house always had the final say in marriage matters.

Ghislain sighed heavily and tried to steer the conversation in another direction.

"Father, why don't you look for a match yourself? You've been seeming lonely lately."

Zwalter replied earnestly with a straight face.

"I'm not popular."

"…"

At this blunt and pitifully honest statement, Ghislain was left speechless.

[T/L: Please support me and read extra chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans ]