CHAPTER 87: I must take half (2)

"Land, you say?"

Zwalter asked, clearly taken aback.

Sure, land wasn't something he couldn't grant.

It was customary for a lord to reward their vassals with money or land.

Since Perdium was short on money, asking for land instead was a reasonable request.

But still—asking for half of a county!

While Digald County was relatively small, that was only in comparison to other counties.

Even half of a county's land wasn't something to be taken lightly.

The other vassals were just as stunned by the audacious request, blinking in disbelief.

"Bring it in."

Ghislain gave a simple signal, and two mercenaries entered the hall, pushing the doors open without hesitation.

Homerne frowned inwardly. These mercenaries came in and out of the hall as if it were some roadside inn.

'If not for the young lord…'

As he muttered under his breath, the mercenaries promptly spread out a map.

It was clear they had come prepared.

"Ahem, I'll begin the explanation."

Ghislain pulled out a thin pointer from nowhere and started pointing out locations on the map.

"The Digald County, aside from the main territory, consists of five baronies. I'll take the three territories centered around Fenris Barony—those to the north and south."

Instead of explaining, he was practically declaring which areas he was taking.

Zwalter let out a dry laugh in disbelief but then scrutinized the map with sharp eyes.

The three territories Ghislain had pointed out lay to the south and east of the main county, bordering other lands.

In other words, he wanted the frontline territories.

"Is there a reason you want those areas?"

When Zwalter asked, Ghislain nodded confidently.

"These regions border other territories. I'll defend them. If Rayfold attacks Perdium, I'll be able to hit their flank."

He tapped the southern part of Perdium on the map with his pointer, where it bordered the eastern edge of Digald.

The name "Rayfold" was marked on the neighboring territory.

"Rayfold? Why bring them up all of a sudden?"

"They're not much different from Desmond. If word spreads about the Rune Stone, they'll set their sights on it, too."

Ghislain was already considering Rayfold as a potential enemy.

It was obvious that Amelia would eventually take control of Rayfold.

To be honest, he wanted to deal with that situation as well, but other pressing matters prevented him from diverting his attention.

He had to plan with the possibility that Rayfold could become an enemy at any time.

The others didn't know the specifics, but they didn't think Ghislain's words were far-fetched.

After all, he had successfully extorted money from Amelia before.

"Of course, we'll still have to pass through Zimbar if we want to keep Rayfold in check, but if they invade, I can easily send reinforcements to Perdium from here."

"So, you're saying you want to raise an army?"

"Yes. Relying solely on mercenaries has its limits."

Zwalter's eyes held a hint of worry.

"You are, after all, the heir to this estate. With Digald annexed, Perdium is no longer a small estate. Have you thought about gaining experience in a larger domain?"

"The situation in the North is too unstable for that. It's better if I remain flexible in my movements."

If he received the land, Ghislain would become the young lord of Perdium as well as the lord of Fenris Barony.

Even as the heir to a large estate, being a lord was on a different level altogether.

"Managing a territory isn't easy. Digald's post-war conditions are likely worse than Perdium's. And you don't even have any knights loyal to you, do you? There may be some remaining officials, but knights aren't easily acquired, even with money."

"I'll manage. I have my own plans for that."

"Hmm, well, you've never been one to listen to me anyway."

Zwalter sighed, shaking his head with a resigned smile.

Managing a territory wasn't just about winning battles or having money.

It required responsibility, vision, and capability to endure as a lord.

A wicked lord who exploited his people would have an easy time, but Ghislain didn't seem to be that kind of person.

And if he ever showed signs of it, Zwalter wouldn't allow it, anyway.

At least Digald didn't have to contend with barbarian invasions and the Forest of Demonic Beasts, as Perdium did—a money pit.

"Well then, will that be enough?"

"Yes. I lack administrative personnel, so that's a good starting point. I plan to integrate the three baronies into the Fenris region."

"'For now,' you say… Just how ambitious are you?"

At such a young age, he was achieving great feats and claiming three baronies as though it was nothing.

Zwalter could hardly keep up with his son's boundless ambition.

'It's admirable that he's willing to stand on the frontline himself.'

Three baronies were no small territory, but they were lands he wouldn't have acquired had they not won the war.

Since Ghislain was ultimately the heir to Perdium, it would be beneficial for him to gain experience managing a territory.

The people of that land might be a concern, but… Zwalter trusted his son.

Surely, he wouldn't suddenly start acting like a spoiled brat now.

If the state of the land proved problematic, he could always step in later.

"What do you all think?"

The vassals sighed, unable to answer immediately.

This has become the norm lately. It had gotten difficult to keep up with the young lord's actions.

'He never consults with us. He only informs us of his decisions!'

'And with the Rune Stone, we can't oppose him, nor persuade him.'

'Our lord must feel the same way…'

The vassals glanced at Zwalter.

He wore a faint smile, as if finally accepting that he couldn't control his son and was seeking their approval to lighten his conscience.

Homerne, after a moment's thought, wiped the sweat from his brow and spoke up.

"Perhaps we should let the young lord do as he wishes."

They weren't sure about his talent as a lord, but he had proven himself more than capable in war.

Protesting now would only make the dissenters look foolish.

Homerne, though surprised, had no intention of strongly opposing him.

His perception of Ghislain was gradually shifting.

While he still had some lingering concerns, it was impossible to view Ghislain as the reckless troublemaker he once was.

The recent war had significantly softened their resentment toward him.

The other vassals felt similarly.

"If he's earned his reward, then it's only fair he receives it. Granting land is appropriate."

"Someone has to manage it, regardless."

"We just need to handle the remaining estates properly."

"He saved the estate in a time of crisis; it's not excessive to reward him."

"The young lord is no longer the same as before. Perhaps it's time to trust him."

He still acted independently and informed them only after the fact.

But they were beginning to have some faith in the young lord's transformation.

Albert chimed in, adding his support with practical reasoning.

"Without the young lord, we wouldn't have acquired this land at all. And frankly, we lack the resources to manage all of Digald."

Due to Perdium's administrative limitations, they couldn't efficiently oversee the expanded territory.

Rather than leaving it underutilized, it made sense to let the wealthy young lord handle half of it.

Randolph, who had been observing Ghislain, cast his vote in favor.

"The young lord's abilities are proven. He takes risks, but… with his skill, entrusting the southern region to him shouldn't be an issue. Even if Desmond is targeting us, we can't neglect the North."

While the vassals felt it was largely a formality at this point, they played along, as appearances mattered.

It allowed Zwalter and the vassals to save face.

They also saw Ghislain's announcement as a form of respect toward Zwalter and the vassals.

Accepting his consideration, they stayed quiet.

Zwalter cleared his throat awkwardly.

"Ahem, very well. You've proven yourself capable, and with the approval of all the vassals, I grant Ghislain the title of Baron Fenris."

"Thank you."

"We'll schedule an official oath of fealty soon…"

"Why not just do it now? We're not in the capital, so there's no need for such formality among us. Let's save time."

"Hmm, a fine idea."

Though they were father and son in private, they were now lord and vassal in a formal sense, so something had to be done.

But Ghislain wasn't one for the ceremony, and since Zwalter respected his son's wishes, they decided to keep it simple.

With a few vassals, knights, and mercenaries as witnesses, the hurried ceremony proceeded swiftly.

Holding a ceremonial sword, Zwalter declared in a solemn tone.

"…In recognition of your great service, I, Zwalter Perdium, endowed with authority by His Majesty the King, grant you the land of Fenris and the title of baron. You must dedicate yourself to unwavering loyalty, protect the people and the vulnerable, and uphold the laws and justice with all your strength…"

After the lengthy formalities, the ceremony ended when Ghislain gave a half-hearted response to the question of his dedication.

In an awkward and subdued atmosphere, the vassals offered their halfhearted congratulations.

Beyond the open doors of the hall, a crowd of curious onlookers—mercenaries, soldiers, and servants—had gathered.

The news of Ghislain's title had already spread throughout the castle.

Having gotten what he wanted, Ghislain quickly stood up, gave a slight bow to Zwalter, and turned to leave.

There was no reason to linger now that his business was done.

'To think, he just got the title, and he's already leaving.'

Zwalter let out a soft chuckle, and the vassals gave knowing smiles.

Meanwhile, the mercenaries erupted in cheers, rushing over to Ghislain.

Belinda, in particular, was overjoyed, practically bouncing in excitement.

"Young Master! Oh, what a joy! Our young master is a lord now! Maybe it's all thanks to my early training?"

"Early training? So that's why the captain turned out like such a rascal, huh?"

Belinda glared at Kaor, jabbing him sharply in the ribs with her elbow.

Kaor winced, clutching his side with annoyance.

"What was that for? Now I see where the captain's attitude comes from!"

"Do you want to ruin this day with blood?"

Seeing the deadly glint in Belinda's eyes, Kaor returned the glare, his own eyes sparking with menace.

"You want to find out whose blood it'll be?"

Ghislain clicked his tongue at the bickering pair, but fortunately, Gillian stepped in to defuse the situation before it escalated.

'I'll have to give them a stern talk later.'

Meanwhile, the area outside the hall had become as noisy as a market square, with people gathering to discuss the knighting.

Knights and soldiers who had fought alongside Ghislain in the war offered their congratulations.

Even the maids looked on with admiration, as if he'd finally matured.

Simply doing his job without causing trouble had changed people's opinions of him.

Ghislain looked around at those cheering for him and let out a bitter smile.

'It was this simple all along…'

Why hadn't he realized it back then?

"Young Lord?"

Seeing him standing there silently, Gillian called to him with a puzzled look.

Ghislain quickly composed himself, plastering a smug smile on his face.

"To celebrate my new title, tonight's on me! Let our victory banquet begin! Prepare the drinks and meat, and make sure everyone's there!"

Spreading his arms wide, he encouraged the crowd's enthusiasm.

"Woohoo! The young lord is treating us!"

"Now that the serious stuff is done, it's time to celebrate properly! He really knows how to enjoy life!"

"Our Baron Captain is the best!"

"Yeah! It's a festival! Drinks on the baron!"

Everyone shouted with excitement, filling the air with jubilant cries.

The vassals in the hall shook their heads with sighs and disapproving frowns but eventually accepted it.

Leading the crowd, Ghislain shouted loudly,

"Let's go!"

People chanted his name in excitement, not with fear but with genuine joy and camaraderie.

"All hail Baron Fenris!"

Baron Ghislain Fenris—the name that would soon become famous throughout the kingdom.

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