Chapter 148
Chapter 148: This Is All Mine. (3)
A fierce protest erupted from Homern’s mouth.
“What do you mean by that! The royal family is providing support to Perdium, so what right does the Grand Duke have to decide the distribution?”
“It’s a decision from the royal family.”
Baron Share pulled out another document from his jacket and showed it to everyone.
It was an appointment letter declaring Ghislaine as the military support administrator for the North.
The royal seal was stamped at the bottom of the letter, about the size of a fist.
Both Zvalter and Perdium’s retainers repeated meaningless questions in their bewilderment.
“Are you saying the Grand Duke acquired a royal position?”
“W-What does that mean?”
Since Perdium was the only territory receiving support from the royal family, the title of ‘Northern Administrator’ was close to being just a name.
However, in Perdium, it was a position that wielded a significant amount of authority.
Baron Share spoke once more to the astonished crowd.
“Baron Penris is a bureaucrat under the royal court who has also received the royal endorsement, so please take note. In fact, the support supplies are supposed to go to Baron Penris, but it doesn’t look good, so officially, it will be processed as support for Perdium. I hope you understand.”
In other words, while preserving Zvalter’s face, the benefits were funneled entirely to Ghislaine.
Mouths agape, the retainers were left at a loss for words.
Finally regaining some composure, Homern stuttered a question.
“Then, does that mean the support supplies that were said to come every year will also be distributed by the Grand Duke?”
The response came from Ghislaine.
“Yes, I will distribute them.”
“W-What amount will you be giving?”
“Since the territory is not stable yet, I’ll give you half this time.”
Ghislaine stated as if granting a favor.
Homern’s expression turned gloomy. It felt less like a gift to be taken back, and with the realization that the bounty he thought was all his was now halved, his joy diminished as well.
Moreover, the phrase “this time” weighed heavily on his mind.
“W-What about next year?”
“Who knows? We’ll have to evaluate the situation then before distributing.”
It meant that if he was unsatisfied, he might not receive anything at all.
No one here failed to grasp the implications of Ghislaine’s words.
The faces of the people from Perdium darkened even further.
Since these were things acquired through the Grand Duke’s power, they had nothing to say if he simply didn’t give them. However, even half was still an enormous amount…
It seemed they would continue to be dragged around by the Grand Duke henceforth.
Ghislaine then looked toward Albert and asked.
“Ah, Treasurer. Do you really not need food support? Is it okay if I don’t give any?”
“No… I-I think you must have misunderstood.”
The formerly confident Albert now mumbled in a subdued tone.
Ghislaine sought Zvalter’s permission as well.
“Father, this is alright, right? I think it’s better if I handle the distribution.”
“Y-Yeah… I don’t mind. You brought it in, so you should handle it…”
Zvalter nodded, already thinking about how to skim a little off the top when the support goods arrived next year.
At that moment, as if reading his thoughts, Baron Share said:
“Oh, and starting next year, the support supplies will go directly to the Penris territory. They will be distributed there and then sent to Perdium.”
“……”
Homern no longer had the energy to feel disappointed and lost himself in a blank chuckle.
Once the situation was more or less sorted out, Baron Share cozied up to Ghislaine.
“It was truly an honor to be with you, Baron Penris, even for a short time.”
“Haha, what are you saying? Rather, you worked hard, Baron. I took some time to collect the necessary items for the territory, so I appreciate your understanding.”
Baron Share and Ghislaine exchanged friendly smiles and shook hands.
Seeing this, Zvalter hesitantly asked.
“Um… Baron Share, you seem to be quite close with this person’s son.”
Baron Share smiled and nodded.
“Yes. I built a rapport with Marquis Branford at the Goddess’s banquet. During our journey here, I’ve had many conversations with him, and I have admired his bold spirit several times.”
At his words, the retainers from Perdium had dazed expressions on their faces.
Sure, someone as reckless as the Grand Duke could seem striking at first glance.
You all just don’t know the reality behind it!
While everyone was lost in thoughts, Ghislaine and Baron Share continued to converse naturally.
“Will you be staying here for a few days? I can show you to the best guest room.”
At Ghislaine’s question, Baron Share shook his head.
“No, Count Norton asked me to return as quickly as possible. I’ll rest for a day and then head back. You know how the atmosphere is in the capital, right?”
“That’s true. Still, since you’ve come from so far, it’s a shame you won’t be able to rest long… You are truly working hard because of me.”
“What are you saying? It’s nothing to feel burdened about. I’m really fine. Ah, and this is a gift I’ve brought especially for you.”
Baron Share handed a small jewelry box to Ghislaine.
“Why would you bring something like this? You didn’t have to do that.”
Ghislaine’s hands, contrary to her words, accepted the box smoothly and handed it to Belinda. She clearly had experience with such things.
“Would I come all this way empty-handed? If I get the chance to meet the ministers later, please say a good word for me.”
“Ah, of course. If you show such kindness, I must repay it.”
“Thank you very much.”
Watching the warm exchange between the two, Zvalter broke out in a cold sweat.
‘A request? Is my son receiving a request right now? From a royal administrator no less?’
Moreover, he was very composed and skillfully leading the conversation.
It was hard to believe that this was the same person who used to stir up trouble!
‘I don’t know; he’s my son, but I really don’t understand.’
Once the conversation concluded, Ghislaine looked for someone to guide them around. However, the people of Perdium all seemed dazed.
Ghislaine hid her frustrated expression and nudged them.
“Let’s first escort the secretary to the castle. We can’t just leave him standing here forever, can we?”
“Y-Yeah. I was so dazed I didn’t take care of that. Let’s hurry inside.”
“Ah, I will classify the support goods and head back to the territory right away.”
“What? You’re leaving already?”
“Yes, I have a lot to do.”
“N-No, wait… Someone, hurry and escort the royal guests to the guest room! I’ll tidy things up and follow quickly.”
A few retainers ushered Baron Share, followed by several administrative officials and guards, into the castle. Once they disappeared from sight, Zvalter let out a heavy sigh.
“Phew, that was overwhelming.”
As the people from the royal family vanished from view, his tension started to ease.
Fortunately, the guests planned to leave after just one night, so he wouldn’t have to watch them closely for long.
Feeling a bit more composed among familiar faces, Zvalter cautiously asked.
While he felt happy, he also needed to address the issues clearly.
“Um… Since Baron Share is gone, I’m asking for confirmation, but… even though it’s only half, that’s quite a lot. Can we really accept this? There’s no issue, right?”
“Yes, there’s no issue, so just accept it. Isn’t this a good thing?”
“It is good, but honestly, it’s just so sudden. I have no idea how things are turning out.”
“Father, you don’t need to worry. Isn’t it true that the support from the royal family and nobility has been lacking until now? We are just receiving what we rightfully should.”
“That’s… true.”
‘You may be taking your cut out of it, but still.’
Seeing Zvalter’s complex expression, Ghislaine smiled.
“Don’t worry. No one will be able to disregard this place from now on.”
Zvalter nodded silently. He felt something wanting to be said, but his throat tightened, preventing him from speaking.
His son’s voice was resolute and overflowed with confidence.
Why does a simple phrase hit so painfully in the heart?
Yet, it was clear that his son had changed from before.
‘That’s a good thing…’
His son was now being praised within Perdium. Now, he had grown to a level recognized by the royal family and high-ranking nobility as well.
His chest felt tight. The grievances built up from being overlooked and the weariness from poverty seemed to melt away.
‘If he’s going to do great things, he should be a bit more relaxed, like his mother.’
I wish my wife could see him like this.
‘Darling, why did you have to go so quickly…’
Zvalter rubbed his eyes, feeling them heat up.
‘Thinking about it, he’s also inherited her reckless nature.’
As thoughts of all the mishaps Ghislaine had caused flooded back, he suddenly felt tears welling up.
Remembering how he felt when he heard that his son was caught by Marquis Branford sent chills down his spine.
‘If he’s going to grow up, I wish he’d grow up a little more.’
It’s clear that looking at what Ghislaine has accomplished recently, most lords would pale in comparison.
He felt joy and pride. His son’s growth and that ability were saving a territory that had long struggled.
Yet the things his son did still seemed risky and fraught with danger.
After all, he had gambled with Marquis Branford, putting his life at risk!
‘Well, I don’t know how far my authority as a father will stretch… But if I let go, he’ll just act even more recklessly.’
He had no choice but to prevent even the northern barbarians from causing further chaos to prove that the father still had a strong presence.
Lost in thought, Zvalter was interrupted by Ghislaine’s farewell.
“Then I’ll take my leave now. Father, you should head inside quickly. I’ve already sorted the supplies into wagon loads, so it shouldn’t take long to distribute.”
Zvalter finally came to his senses and grasped Ghislaine’s arm.
“Why are you rushing off? You’ve come back after so long; at least eat and rest for a while. You should see your younger sibling’s face too.”
“No, I’ll make time to come back later. We need to send Captain Randolf back quickly as well.”
“What? You rarely keep in touch, and now you want to find time to come back?”
“…Ah, I’m busy, you see.”
“Is there really no one else in the world who is busy besides you? Other people manage to take care of family even while busy. Besides, you don’t even have a wife or children.”
“……”
“Now that we’re on the topic, let’s talk. When will you get married? Don’t you have anyone you’re seeing?”
It didn’t seem like he used to be like this but now, as an older man, his father was becoming rather nagging.
It seemed that talking about wedding gifts earlier had made him even more keen on pushing for marriage.
Right now, Ghislaine had no time to think about dating or marriage.
He lowered his gaze as if not listening to anything.
At that moment, the retainers chimed in.
“Absolutely right! You need to find a suitable match quickly!”
“Marriage is something that’s better if done sooner. It’s important to solidify the successor position.”
“Now that your reputation is rising, this is the perfect time. If you miss this opportunity, the way the Grand Duke is, who knows when your reputation might drop again?”
Zvalter, hoping to press the point, added firmly.
“Since it seems you’re not seeing anyone, I’ll find a possible match for you.”
“I absolutely, definitely, do not think about marriage right now.”
Ghislaine emphasized each word as he cut in, but those around him weren’t listening.
“Even if you don’t have anyone, you must marry. Marriage isn’t just about your personal choice.”
In noble families, the decision to marry always belonged to the head of the household.
Ghislaine sighed and tried to change the subject.
“How about you look for a match for yourself, Father? You seem a bit lonely these days.”
Zvalter replied earnestly.
“I’m not popular.”
“……”
The man’s pitiful and honest confession left Ghislaine speechless.
