Taking Over Byerldine

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

Paul briskly entered the hall of the lord's mansion, greeting warmly, "You've come so quickly, my brother."

Malon's face lit up with surprise as he approached and embraced him, "You're the fast one. I thought the war would last at least a week."

The two found seats and sat down. Paul, with a hint of regret, said, "It's a pity. Only Ebbert was killed by us while leading the knights in a charge. Ankiro and the other two, along with your steward, all fled."

"They probably returned to their own fiefs to gather more troops."

Paul sneered, "Hmph! They're all just cannon fodder anyway."

After discussing the next steps, although Paul won the battle, Malon Ganard was still the lord of Byerldine.

They finally decided to continue sweeping through the lands of Byerldine to deal with the two viscounts and two barons involved in the conspiracy, confiscating their properties, stripping these families of their titles and honors. If they captured Ankiro and the others, they would be brought back for trial and execution. If they had fled, warrants would be issued to neighboring territories.

As for Baron Andrew, who led the troops south to suppress the rebellion, his lands would be left untouched until his involvement in the conspiracy was confirmed.

Of course, considering they had just experienced a fierce battle, Paul told Malon that his soldiers needed time to recuperate.

As they continued their conversation, Malon suddenly sighed deeply.

Upon returning home this time, everything had changed. The place was desolate, and all the familiar faces were gone. Although he knew that most of the servants in the house were arranged by his steward, Miles, seeing the empty mansion still caused him great sorrow.

"Paul, I want to..." Malon hesitated.

"Hmm? What do you want to do?" Paul asked.

After hesitating for a while, Malon finally said, "After avenging my father by executing those traitors, I plan to become a monk in the monastery."

"Pff—" Paul sprayed the water he had just drunk.

Monks never marry, live on simple food and drink, spend their days in prayer and scripture recitation, dedicating themselves entirely to the Lord of Light. If this were on Earth, wouldn't it be entering seclusion? Why abandon such a good lordship? What for?

Paul was greatly worried. There was another reason he was anxious. Originally, the plan was to help Malon suppress the rebellion and gain access to several mines in his territory, which would greatly assist his future industrial development plans.

He had saved Malon's life and helped him so much. Coupled with their past friendship, it should have been easy to persuade him.

But if Malon now gave up his position as lord, the Ganard family's lands would either be reclaimed by the royal family or inherited by some unknown relative who popped up. What would happen to Paul Grayman then? Wouldn't this battle have been fought in vain?

No, he had to make Malon abandon this foolish idea or at least postpone it until he obtained what he wanted in Byerldine.

He quickly said, "Hey hey hey! How did you suddenly come up with such a crazy idea?"

Malon shook his head, "This idea has actually been on my mind for a while. Ever since you rescued me, I've felt disheartened. All my previous efforts and achievements seem illusory, like bubbles bursting at a touch. I can't bear it. I want to escape. After thinking it over, only the monastery seems suitable for me to stay. By the way, there's a monastery on the north bank that belongs to you. I've been there a few times when you were busy, and I found the environment there very nice. The abbot there is also a very upright person. So I think..."

Paul shook his head repeatedly, "Absolutely not, absolutely not!"

He tried hard to persuade Malon to give up this idea, presenting various reasons—from the hardships of monastery life to the conveniences enjoyed by nobles, from the responsibilities borne by a local lord to the long and illustrious history of the Ganard family.

Finally, with great passion and frustration, he exclaimed, "Is this how you honor your father who was murdered? Is this how you repay the soldiers under my command who sacrificed themselves for your vengeance?"

"Um..." Malon seemed swayed, his face showing a hint of shame. It was evident he had been hesitant before, but Paul's words intensified his uncertainty.

Gripping his cup tightly with both hands, Malon lowered his head and said, "But I'm afraid I'll still be an inadequate lord. Look how Ankiro and his cohorts deceived me for so many years without my knowledge. Continuing in this position, I'm afraid others will deceive me again. Moreover, all the past dealings were based on fabricated information. I'm afraid I know nothing about the true state of my territory. I don't have anyone I can truly trust by my side. What should I do?"

Putting down the cup, he covered his face with both hands, looking utterly lost.

Alright, it was time to play the role of a trusted brother.

Paul extended his right arm and tightly embraced Malon's back, "Hey, brother. Your last words truly hurt me. Have you forgotten you have a blood-sworn brother like me? At the very least, you can trust me."

"Don't worry, I will help you. Whatever you need, I'll assist you. Under my protection, no one will deceive you again, no one will plot against you."

Malon turned to face Paul, who was smiling warmly, looking incredibly dependable.

"Thank you, Paul."

He sincerely thanked him but asked, "But what should I do now?"

"This is what we should do."

Paul held up a finger, saying, "Seeing how troubled you are, I have a suggestion. If you currently don't have anyone reliable by your side, perhaps I can have Steward Ford assist you. He's adept at various administrative matters and keeps Alden well-organized. Although Byerldine is somewhat larger than Alden, it shouldn't be too difficult for him."

"Of course, this proposal is contingent on your agreement. Moreover, we will keep you informed of all matters related to Byerldine. After all, you are the true lord of Byerldine, and you have the final say over everything in your territory."

"Until you find a capable and trustworthy new steward."

After saying this, Paul stared into Malon's eyes, awaiting his brother's response.

To his surprise, Malon hesitated almost none at all. Upon hearing this, he seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, then tightly grasped Paul's hand, saying, "I think that's a good idea, Paul. Let's do as you said. I've had several discussions with Steward Ford recently. He truly is a reliable and steady elder. With his assistance, Byerldine will surely improve."

"Uh... Since you agree, let's proceed with that." This was indeed an unexpected joy. He had originally only wanted a few mines, but he hadn't expected Malon to readily entrust him with the management of Byerldine.

Byerldine was larger than Alden in both size and population. With these additional resources at his disposal, he could really loosen up.

Paul clenched his fist excitedly, exclaiming, "Tomorrow, we'll set out for the territories of those traitors, drag them out for trial, and avenge Uncle Ganard!"

(End of the Chapter)