Chapter 81 Oath of Loyalty

The word "Derby" has come to be used more in later times as a sports term, representing the "fateful battle" between two teams from the same region or with a history of rivalry.

This originates from the Derby races founded by the Earl of Derby in the 19th century. Almost all the exceptional racehorses came from Derbyshire, thus "Derby battles" were used to describe races between horses from Derbyshire.

From this, you can see how developed Derbyshire's horse breeding industry was.

In the Middle Ages, it was no exception, being an important horse breeding area in the Kingdom of England. Equally famous was Derby's brewing industry. Of course, they did not brew wine.

The English prefer beer.

But William did not serve John simple and rough beer. In the Great Hall of Derby Castle, tables were laid out with wine and cider from Normandy, as well as all the delicacies William could think of.

This was his heartfelt welcome as a vassal to his lord, as well as a means of expressing his loyalty.

"Your Highness, this is the banquet I have prepared for you to refresh yourself," William said, slightly bowing as if he were a servant.

John was not at all polite and sat directly in the main seat. William gestured slightly, and the servants left behind by the Earl of Derby began to serve John. They carved the roast meat and placed it before John.

Glasses were filled with wine, ready for John to drink in one gulp.

Since William had prepared so well, John decided to enjoy himself first and not mention the inheritance issues.

Under everyone's gaze, John ate and drank heartily, sweeping through the delicacies on the table.

When John had eaten his fill, the servants began to slowly remove the food and bring out some light snacks to help settle his stomach after his feast.

"Thank you very much for your hospitality, William. The food here is delicious," John said casually, picking up a bunch of grapes. "I'm curious, where are your brothers now?"

William bowed his head slightly. "They are not in Derby at the moment. Due to recent disturbances, I have placed them in a safe location."

Very good, this guy is quite astute.

Putting down the grapes, John said seriously, "I'm sorry about your father's death. Little Robert acted too quickly; my knights were unable to protect your father in time, and for that, they failed."

As he spoke these words, William's face showed no emotion, as if his father's death did not affect him at all.

Looking at his expression, John couldn't help but feel a bit moved. Indeed, in a feudal society, where a father dies and the son laughs, William truly seemed to lack any sense of sorrow.

"This is all part of the Lord's arrangement, Your Highness," William replied vaguely. "Fate has its way, and I accept it."

John continued, "I will avenge your father. When His Majesty personally judges Little Robert, I will ensure he is sentenced to death."

William remained silent, as if waiting for John to continue.

"Next, we come to the matter of your family's inheritance, William," John said. "Your father must have left behind a considerable estate."

As he spoke, John's tone suddenly became sharp, as if he intended to pierce through William's body.

In Europe, there was something very important—inheritance tax.

According to his title, the new Earl of Derby would have to pay a substantial inheritance tax. This tax would amount to the value of four knights' equipment and eight foot soldiers. Even for someone of the Earl's rank, it was not a small sum.

"I will pay the inheritance tax in London before Christmas, Your Highness," William's tone was unusually compliant, as if he had long prepared for succession.

However, John was also that kind of person. His Gloucester County was obtained in this manner.

He continued, "Regarding your brothers, I'd like to ask if there have been any arrangements within your family?"

Such an attitude was almost equivalent to conceding to William, which left William feeling extremely surprised. John seemed to have no intention of interference, merely following traditional customs in handling the inheritance.

"Uh..." William fell silent, unsure how to respond.

Seeing his hesitation, John lightly tapped the table, outlining for him, "Firstly, one of your four brothers must serve in my court, representing your family's loyalty. Secondly, your youngest brother Robert can be sent to the church for education and become a priest in service to God."

"I intend to send Walcain to your court to serve you, Your Highness." William entrusted his second brother, who posed the greatest threat to him, to John, ensuring an additional layer of security for his succession.

John continued, "In that case, your third brother, Pernel, should receive a castle or a substantial sum of money to allow him to venture out into the world."

At this moment, in the eyes of all witnesses, John seemed to transform into a patriarch figure. He meticulously arranged for the heirs of the Earl of Derby, even more diligently than their father. William listened quietly to John's arrangements, adding a solemn tone to the scene.

This is what a true monarch should be.

All the nobles felt fortunate for their future. If John were as tumultuous as Henry II, they would not be able to endure it.

"I will give Pernel five hundred pounds so he can go on a pilgrimage to Rome or Jerusalem," William decided. "Your Highness, what do you think of this arrangement?"

Sending Pernel on a pilgrimage was practically signing his death sentence. Even though those places were protected by Christians now, embarking on such a journey still carried considerable risks. Pernel could perish at the hands of bandits or succumb to illness.

But no matter what, as long as he wasn't in Derby, William would feel considerably relieved.

John understood William's little scheme perfectly well, but he agreed nonetheless, "Let it be as you've arranged. Send Pernel on the pilgrimage. But remember, treat your brothers well."

These words were purely ceremonial; William merely nodded in agreement.

Until the end, William did not mention who should inherit the title of Earl of Derby, effectively handing over the initiative to John.

John smoothly took over the topic, "So, if we follow this arrangement, Walcain will follow me, Pernel will go on a pilgrimage to the East, and Robert, being young, will enter the church. That leaves you as the only suitable heir to the title of Earl of Derby."

Taking advantage of the moment, William knelt on one knee and bowed humbly to John.

"I, on behalf of the King of England, officially confer upon you the title of Earl of Derby and the inheritance of your father's estate. Remember to be devout to God, loyal to your liege, do not shame your kin, and do not forget your honor, William de Lefevre."

John then drew his sword from his waist and lightly tapped William's shoulders on both sides with the flat of the blade.

"Under the witness of God, William, you are now the Earl of Derby. You may now exercise guardianship over your lands and command your subjects to work for you."

"I will remember your words, Your Highness," William's voice trembled slightly, perhaps because he was officially becoming the Earl of Derby.

But John did not stop there; he continued, "William, I, on behalf of the King of England, command you to accompany the Earl of Lancaster to Leicester to quell the rebellion. Will you willingly follow your liege?"

Here, John played a subtle game.

Under the gaze of everyone present, he asked William if he would willingly follow his liege. If William agreed and accompanied John to Leicester, it would signify his acceptance of John's authority. In feudal times, allegiance was of utmost importance and could not be easily violated.

If William agreed, it would imply that he recognized John as his liege lord rather than the current King Henry II. This choice presented a dilemma for William.

But what if he refused? Was William willing to bet that John wouldn't become king?

After a long silence, William finally spoke slowly, "I constantly bear in mind the words you have told me. As a vassal, I am willing to serve my liege, follow my liege into battle, and even die for him."

It was almost a pledge of allegiance.

A slight, imperceptible curve appeared at the corner of John's mouth. He had achieved his goal—to gain the support of the Earl of Derby. Whether willing or not, William had objectively pledged his support to John.

Now, John found himself in a difficult position. If he didn't go along with John, the current events would become stumbling blocks in his future. All of this came at the cost of the old Earl of Derby's life.

Of course, John did not reveal these thoughts. His face remained solemn and serious, as if he had gained nothing from the situation.

"Your loyalty is truly commendable, Earl of Derby," John concluded.