Chapter 220
Chapter 220: How Many Matters Have You Dealt With? (2)
Currently, the Ruthania Kingdom’s military organization consists of four legions. They were tightly guarding the area around the capital, Cardenia.
In case of war, local lords are summoned to reorganize the regional forces.
However, the commanders of these regional forces are pre-selected during peacetime to establish strategies to respond to various situations. This approach is far more stable than hastily appointing commanders in the heat of the moment.
As a result, even the position of a regional commander is merely a title when no war is occurring.
But this position comes with one powerful authority.
The right to summon all local lords of the relevant area during wartime.
And currently, the commander of the Northern Army was Count Desmond.
Ghislaine was planning to take this position.
“I’ll need that name if I want to fight the Duke faction later. It will surely help during the Age of Turmoil.”
Though it was close to a ceremonial role now, in a past life, it had wielded tremendous power.
The successful rebellion of the Duke Delphine faction forcibly drafted soldiers from every region, weakening the lords’ powers and turning them into something akin to the kingdom’s standing army.
And at that time, Harold Desmond, who had ascended to the duke’s position, naturally continued to serve as the commander of the Northern Army.
Ghislaine thought of taking full control of the North, just as Count Desmond had in her previous life.
However, Marquis Branford, who had no way of knowing the future, found Ghislaine’s request baffling.
“Is there a reason for this?”
“Well, I’ll inevitably clash with Desmond. Did you not see the situation?”
“They can’t just start a war recklessly. They know full well that we can directly strike Desmond if it comes to that.”
While he was saying something thoughtful, to be honest, Ghislaine did not trust him much. The Crown Prince faction was bound to struggle against even a single duke.
Yet there was no need to say that and hurt her pride, so Ghislaine glossed over it with other words.
“I’ll need a justification to suppress the other lords after capturing Desmond.”
“Justification?”
“Yes. I act as a representative of the Crown Prince faction. If I continue a war with all the northern lords, that wouldn’t look good, now would it?”
Only then did Marquis Branford nod a few times.
If no war occurs, it’s just a useless position, for at that time, no one would have the authority to command anyone.
However, if a civil war breaks out, the story is different. A civil war is still a war. The regional army commander’s title would provide ample justification and authority to deal with the confused lords.
“Anyway, since Count Desmond has revealed this, I was planning to overrule him…”
In the Southern and Western regions, where all the lords had already sided with the Duke faction, it made no difference who was appointed as commander.
But the Eastern and some Northern regions were still holding out, not having turned to the Duke faction yet.
In those regions, no matter how nominal the position might be, they could not leave a person from the Duke faction in the commander’s seat.
Especially in the North, where a fresh breeze like Baron Penris was blowing, it was even more essential to reduce the Duke faction’s influence.
After a moment’s contemplation, Marquis Branford spoke with a lackadaisical expression.
“Even if the Northern commander is a mere title, it wields considerable authority in wartime. While we must deal with Count Desmond, appointing you to that position is a different matter altogether.”
“Since we’ve won the war anyway, wouldn’t it be best to push forward with that victory? I imagine you were wondering what else to give me?”
At Ghislaine’s brazen response, Marquis Branford smiled slyly. Ghislaine’s words were not incorrect.
There is a momentum in battle. The Crown Prince faction was quietly sinking, continuously pressured by the Duke faction. In such an atmosphere, Ghislaine’s victory provided a turning point.
The other lords and nobles who had been cautious began to subtly align themselves with the Crown Prince faction.
“Oh? Is that little brat from the North that capable? If so, how much potential does the Crown Prince faction possess?”
“At this rate, even the powerful Duke faction won’t easily suppress the Crown Prince faction. After all, the justification is on our side, isn’t it?”
“Indeed, it was Marquis Branford who previously sent the 2nd Corps to thwart Desmond’s army. The rumors of Count Desmond being part of the Duke faction spread like wildfire.”
And Marquis Branford was not the type to miss such an opportunity.
With decades spent in the political arena, eliminating rivals, he intended to give Ghislaine a solid reward to further elevate the current momentum.
“In hunting, a hound must be fearless and possess exceptional skill.”
This oddball before him certainly fit that bill. However, whether it was a hound or a mad dog that might eat its owner was a matter that needed further assessment.
“Well, if someone must be appointed, this guy is the best option.”
Entrusting significant responsibilities to someone inexperienced would surely cause a ruckus. Yet, no matter how they thought about it, there was nobody better than this guy in the North.
If Ghislaine managed to defeat Count Desmond, she would become a major lord whom no one could disregard.
“I’ve been pondering what rewards to give… But he really has impeccable timing, coming here to ask for what he wants. What a nasty fellow.”
He could refuse, but it would be tough to decline when the situation had been arranged so neatly. The more he looked at him, the more intriguing he found him.
Undoubtedly, his abilities were impressive. His personality was a bit erratic, but he wasn’t entirely uncontrollable.
After brief consideration, Marquis Branford nodded slowly.
“Alright, let’s give you that position.”
Ghislaine smiled brightly. Given their shared goals, she had not expected Marquis Branford to refuse, but after the thing wrapped up well, she felt delighted.
Having secured what she needed, she intended to gift some food and head back. However, Marquis Branford’s words had not concluded yet.
“Now that we’ve taken Count Cabaldy’s territory, I’ll soon submit a proposal to the royal family concerning your elevation.”
“I don’t intend to be elevated to a title, though.”
Ghislaine was sincere. That particular title was merely required to become a lord initially; it wasn’t needed anymore.
If she ever needed it later, she could bash her way to the title of Duke or King.
But Marquis Branford continued earnestly.
“The position of regional army commander can only be assumed by someone at least a Count. That’s the law of the kingdom.”
Ghislaine scratched the back of her head in confusion and chuckled.
“Oh, is that so? I’m not well-versed in laws. Ah, I didn’t know such a law existed?”
“…”
Well, this guy did live as if the law didn’t apply to him.
Seeing Ghislaine smirk unabashedly, Marquis Branford shook his head.
“Then, you can claim the territory of Cabaldy, and since it’s wider there, you’ll inherit the title of Cabaldy…”
“No, I’ll stick with Penris. If it keeps changing, people will get confused. Besides, I’m not fond of that name? Eventually, everything has been unified under Penris.”
“…Alright, do whatever you want.”
Even if the names of regions and titles had been long pinpointed, they wouldn’t easily vanish from the mouths of the people.
But if the master says so, what could one do?
He was the type of person who lived by his own whims, so any pushback from him would merely be nagging.
“I’ll confer with His Majesty and arrange the elevation ceremony soon.”
“Okay, sure… understood.”
She had come just to receive the commander position, yet found herself being elevated to a count by accident.
That’s not a bad deal. There’s nothing wrong with gaining more good things. It felt like receiving an unexpected gift.
“Your father’s vassal—having greater authority in the same title… Count Perdium won’t be feeling too good about that.”
“That doesn’t matter. That’s not important.”
Whether it was a duke or a marquis, a title is ultimately just a name. Without power, it’s useless.
Yet it seemed like it wasn’t particularly pleasing to Marquis Branford.
“Even so, if your vassal and son is inferior in every aspect, how will that look? Others will perceive it unfavorably.”
‘…What an old man.’
Unbeknownst to Marquis Branford, who did not grasp Ghislaine’s thoughts, he spoke as though he was showing immense generosity.
“I’ll ensure that Count Perdium’s elevation proceeds alongside yours. Just so you know.”
“Huh?”
“Of course, the justification will be separate from you. It will be seen as acknowledging the efforts of the Perdium family, which has suffered in the North for a long time. The baron will receive treatment akin to that of a marquis, so there won’t be significant backlash.”
Since it’s not truly offering assistance, such justification would likely be accepted. After all, everyone views these titles as mere shells.
Which, in reality, they are, but even then, isn’t obtaining a shell still something?
‘Is this… the image of an authoritative and patriarchal man…?’
She couldn’t deny it. For the nobles of this era, even such trivial appearances matter a lot.
In any case, Count Perdium’s family in the hinterlands was now becoming a Marquis family. She hadn’t asked for it, but it seemed like Marquis Branford’s temperament wouldn’t let it slide easily.
“It’s not absolutely necessary, but there’s a saying that says good things should be received gratefully. There’s no reason to refuse something being offered.”
Her father would surely be pleased.
“Thank you for your consideration.”
“Of course, later when you inherit the territory, you’ll become a marquis, so it’s not a bad deal at all. You can see it as an additional reward for your achievements.”
‘If you’re giving out an extra reward, why not provide something else? A title isn’t an urgent matter at the moment.’
Ghislaine was not thoughtless either, so she only grumbled internally and didn’t speak it aloud.
“I’ll push for it as quickly as possible. Is there anything else you need?”
“For now, that’s sufficient. If anything else comes up, I’ll reach out again.”
Marquis Branford twitched his lips. The guy doesn’t even bring a proper gift but suddenly appears when he needs something.
‘If I consider this recent achievement as a gift, it’d be the greatest one I’ve received in a while.’
Thinking this way put him in a slightly better mood.
*
The elevation ceremony proceeded rapidly. Naturally, since it was officiated by Marquis Branford, it was extravagant and splendid. The feast lasted for several days.
A few nobles who attended the banquet trembled at their eyes and greeted Ghislaine.
“Oh, it’s been a while. Count Penris…”
“Um, going forward, uhh… I look forward to working with you.”
“Congratulations… on your elevation…”
These were the low-ranking nobles and princes who had subtly ignored Ghislaine at previous banquets.
Ghislaine greeted them with a radiant smile. It was evident they were about to explode from envy.
They certainly had not expected Ghislaine to rise to this level.
‘I thought I’d be used, then discarded, but I keep soaring, so it’s only natural to be perplexed.’
Now, they likely felt that the gap was too vast to ignore, yet jealousy and envy still glimmered in their eyes.
‘The Duke faction won’t stay still. Please die, already.’
‘There’s a rumor you intend to fight Count Desmond.’
‘Count Desmond, win!’
It was plain to see they were cursing internally, but Ghislaine felt no worth in paying them any mind.
Of course, not everyone appeared displeased.
Some high-ranking nobles who held a favorable view of Ghislaine genuinely congratulated her.
Particularly, Count Ailzbur and Count Norton were happier than anyone else.
“Congratulations! To achieve the title of Count at such a young age!”
“Thanks to my sister’s victory, our mood has greatly improved.”
“Whenever you need anything, just say it. I will assist you with all my might.”
“Thank you. I look forward to your continued guidance.”
As soon as the high-ranking nobles left, young ladies flocked around Ghislaine. Given the extraordinary rumors, it was only natural they would be curious.
Rosalyn, who was next to Ghislaine, got pushed back in the crowd and ended up falling.
She slammed her fist on the ground, grinding her teeth in frustration.
‘Damn! I’m so infuriated!’
Even priests from the Juana Sect came to visit. Porisco gleefully seized Ghislaine’s hand.
“Oh! Congratulations! You truly are one who has received the goddess’s revelation alongside me!”
‘Die, please die! Why did you become a Count?! What am I supposed to do?!’
Despite her true feelings, Ghislaine acted perfectly. It was rare to see someone with such excellent facial expressiveness, even acknowledging moments from her past life.
Ghislaine felt a chuckle bubbling inside her as she played along.
“Oh, you flatter me. This must indeed be the goddess’s grace.”
In this manner, managing social interactions with the prominent figures from the capital, Ghislaine was busier than ever during the feast.
By the end of the banquet, having finally found a moment’s respite, she sought out Meriel, curious about something.
“Do you know Ascon?”
“Ascon? Oh, that elf with anger management issues? Oh my, could the elf you rescued be the one?”
“Is he famous?”
“Of course! He’s quite well-known, you know. He has some special abilities.”
“Special abilities? What are they?”
“He doesn’t flinch when he gets hit and has remarkable endurance. The nobles who purchased him gave up on teaching him. He can also curse quite well.”
“Ah… that’s a decent ability.”
Ghislaine nodded. Ascon seemed to have experienced a brief taste of fear from death, so up to now, he had been well-behaved.
However, thinking that someone so notorious should be watched closely crossed her mind.
Having completed the elevation ceremony and banquet successfully, Ghislaine returned to her territory in high spirits.
‘Piote got his appointment letter, I secured a sacred relic, I put a leash on Porisco, I got a commander position, my father got elevated… Good grief, how many things did I deal with this time?’
After a long time, she gained significant rewards. There wasn’t a chance she could possibly feel bad.
As Ghislaine became a Count and returned, the atmosphere in the Penris territory was festive. Her close associates, Belinda, Fergus, and Gillian, were the happiest of all.
Knights, soldiers, and territory residents also united to celebrate their lord’s elevation.
But Claude stood frozen, unable to utter a single word.
“What? Supreme Commander of the Northern Army? Count Penris? It’s not just our lord who’s gone mad; the entire world is going insane! Seriously, he’s hogging all the good things for himself.”
Claude was convinced that only he was sane in this crazed world.
The noise caused by the information Ghislaine brought did not just stir the Penris territory.
Suddenly, chaos erupted in the Northern Fortress as well with the unexpected arrival of the royal envoy.
