Chapter 440
(Kyle Calendar Year
515: Age 22)
The Reborn Demon
Territory Dukedom
Since
there was no need to hurry the journey to the Imperial Capital Griffin,
we returned to Kusanagi taking ten days for the outbound journey,
staying for four days, and taking ten days for the return journey. Of course,
on the return journey, Clarisse-denka's
party representing the Kyle Kingdom and Krugel-heika's party representing the Principality
of Fearalt also accompanied us and stopped by Kusanagi. This is
because they were scheduled to participate in the awards ceremony for
distinguished services and the victory celebration to be held anew in Kusanagi.
Based on that, it was necessary to resolve headache-inducing problems such as
rewards for our own people and the distribution of territory in advance. For
that purpose, I had urgently sent an express messenger ahead from the Imperial
Capital to Raymond, conveying the contents decided in the Imperial
Capital, information on the newly acquired territory, and the draft policy
for the awards ceremony. And then... Immediately after returning, I gathered
the key figures and held a meeting to make the final decisions. Those summoned
to this venue from our side were Raymond, Miseri, Alexis
(Viscount Solis), the Commander of the Demon Territory Knights
(Viscount Weiss), Yuka, and from our allies,
Marquis Gorman, Marquis Solis, Count Falmus, Viscount Bold,
and Chrisia. First is the source of funds for the awards ceremony...
Precondition
1: Reward Money (Reparations)
・
From the Empire (Converting Imperial Great Gold
Coins to Kingdom Gold Coins)
o
5 million coins (Demon Territory Dukedom)
o
200,000 coins (Principality of Fearalt)
o
500,000 coins (Kyle Kingdom)
・ From the Lute-Vile-Cain Kingdom
o 300,000 coins (Demon Territory
Dukedom)
Precondition
2: Cession of Territory
・
From the Empire
o
Former Roland Principality Territory (Third Prince's
Mandated Territory)
o
Count Jark's Territory
o
Parts of other Imperial Territories
・ From the Lute-Vile-Cain Kingdom
o
Territories on the national border side of each country
o
One southern county of the former Istoria Orthodox
Theocracy
Honestly
speaking, an enormous amount of gold coins and new territory double what we had
until now, but even so, we couldn't just rejoice unconditionally. The number of
those who lost their lives in the battle to protect the national territory,
starting with Gale, and the injured soldiers is also large. In addition
to that, the new territory, which is double the previous Demon Territory
Dukedom territory, has been ravaged by war, and it is necessary to inject
considerable investment and manpower for reconstruction and cultivation. There
were many headache-inducing problems, but at the meeting, Raymond began
speaking from the start.
「The lords who remained in Kusanagi
and we have consulted receiving the contents sent by express messenger and Archduke-heika's intentions, and have privately
solidified a draft. May I first report on that?」
As
expected of Raymond, he works fast. From the looks of it, it seemed he
had already finished laying the groundwork.
「As a basic policy, Takuhir-sama's concerns have also been resolved
without issue. As for the opinions of each house, they are unanimous that 『promotion in peerage due to military exploits is
unnecessary,』 as they have already received
excessive positions.」
Oho...
so they had already solidified that point. Actually, this point was the most
headache-inducing problem, but if everyone is convinced, it's a relief.
「We belong to the Demon Territory
Dukedom, but as long as we are also vassals of the Kyle Kingdom, we
must also consider the balance with the peerage of the Kingdom, so...」
That's
right. If Marquis Gorman or my father is promoted in peerage, they will
become Dukes, the highest rank among the nobles in the Kyle Kingdom.
Even now, we already stand shoulder-to-shoulder in peerage with the influential
nobles from the Twelve Clans, after all... If we run ahead selfishly, the old
raccoon dog and others will present bitter words saying 『consult
with us beforehand.』
「Those to be promoted in peerage this
time will be only a portion of those who had particular military exploits. As
exceptions, those to be conferred the peerage of Knight, those promoted to
Administrative General equivalent to the peerage of Knight, and those promoted
from the peerage of Knight to Baronet will be implemented according to their
achievements as a policy.」
「Yeah, I think that's no problem. We
are a rapidly rising country, but the base supporting us is still immature,
after all. I would like those who supported the front lines to take positions
commensurate with their achievements.」
Well,
this is also in accordance with the prior policy, so there is nothing in
particular for me to supplement.
「Then, since we have also obtained Takuhir-sama's agreement, I would like to
proceed with the discussion regarding the awards ceremony for our own people.
First is Marquis Gorman, his main territory remains unchanged and
receives only a reward, and when his son reaches adulthood, he will inherit a
territory equivalent to a Viscount's territory in the new territory; agreement
has been obtained for this addition this time.」
「Indeed. My territory will eventually
be passed to my daughter (Yuka), in other words, it is something the Archduke
will inherit. If so, a new addition is unnecessary. Above all, we are endlessly
grateful for your consideration in ensuring my branch family can establish
itself.」
Saying
so, my father-in-law (Marquis Gorman) bowed his head deeply. In his
case, his legitimate wife and the children born between them received
punishment as dependents of the former Count Goyoku due to the previous
civil war. If Yuka's younger brother, who lost his right of inheritance
in the Kyle Kingdom, is recognized as a Viscount within the Demon
Territory Dukedom and can inherit a new territory, everything will be
settled amicably.
「Taking those into consideration, we
would like to officially recognize the reward for Marquis Gorman as
equivalent to 150,000 Kingdom Gold Coins, officially recognize the
establishment of a branch family as a Viscount, and grant the region ceded from
the former Vile Kingdom as territory following Takuhir-sama's intentions.」
In
the Demon Territory Dukedom, we basically use Kyle Kingdom Gold
Coins as the base currency, but in trade with the Empire side, we use Imperial
Great Gold Coins. Therefore, the currency circulating domestically has
become a double standard, but all economic estimates are done in terms of
Kingdom Gold Coins. However, regarding the rewards this time, since most of
them will be paid in Imperial Great Gold Coins, they are all expressed
as equivalent to Kingdom Gold Coins for presentation, though.
「Yeah, that's no problem. The
territory entrusted to him is the keystone of trade between the newly born Lute-Vile-Cain
Kingdom and the Demon Territory Dukedom, a strategic point that was
formerly the front line with the Empire. I think it's a place worth
governing. For the time being, I would appreciate it if Marquis Gorman
acts as a guardian, inherits the territory, and proceeds with its governance.」
Yes,
this land is a place with a corresponding 『flavor』. Furthermore, in terms of area, it is almost equivalent to
the current Marquis Gorman's territory! Therefore, he can save face, and
regarding this distribution, Yuka also bowed her head deeply.
「Next is Count Falmus's
territory. Following Takuhir-sama's
intentions, we have also obtained agreement to entrust him with the territory
ceded from the former Count Jark's territory and the former Cain
Kingdom, in exchange for his current territory.」
Yes,
this land is an important place bearing two roles. The territory given to Count
Falmus will become a new strategic point bordering truly three
countries: the Griffonia Empire, the Lute-Vile-Cain Kingdom, and
one other country. Therefore, having someone govern it as an exclave, or
dispatching a deputy and making it a direct control territory, brought anxiety.
I believed it should be entrusted to a lord who resides in that land, prepares
armaments, and becomes a rapid response force to protect the national border.
「Furthermore, due to the main house
obtaining an excessive reward, Viscount Bold has declined an addition to
his territory. He wishes to prioritize cooperating with the main house's
governance from here on. Therefore, we have obtained agreement that the
distribution of the reward will be equivalent to 100,000 Kingdom Gold Coins to
Count Falmus, and equivalent to 50,000 Kingdom Gold Coins to Viscount Bold.」
That's
certainly true... Although he is the main house, since he formerly governed a
Baron's territory on the same level as Viscount Bold, Count Falmus
is in a state lacking human resources to handle governance. Therefore, Viscount
Bold will concentrate on supporting him, is that it?
「I want Count Falmus to become
a Margrave with Marquis treatment from here on, and ensure the peace of the
national border. For the immediate governance, I intend to spare no support in
terms of troops and human resources. Viscount Bold, please support him
as well.」
「「Ha, understood.」」
The
two bowed their heads grandly with satisfied looks. With this, one of the
national borders serving as an issue is secure.
「Next are Marquis Solis and
Viscount Solis (Alexis), but following your intentions, we
proceeded with discussions and were able to reach an agreement.」
Yes,
this was also a point of major concern, you see. It's a waste to place Alexis,
who married Chrisia and was adopted into the Solis family, in the
safe rear (the former Kyle Kingdom side) and entrust him with
governance. Right now he is demonstrating his abilities as my staff officer,
but as it is, in the future he will inherit his father's territory and end up
secluding himself in the safe territory on the Kyle Kingdom side.
Precisely because he is excellent, I want him to govern the front lines and demonstrate
his abilities as a rapid response force. This was my wish.
「Alexis, I apologize for asking the
unreasonable, but this is not just my feeling, it's also a wish considering the
peace of the entire Demon Territory Dukedom. I would appreciate it if Chrisia
could also consent to this.」
「Of course! I was originally the
second son of a Baron family who couldn't even inherit a peerage. The Archduke-heika has granted me the excessive
position of Viscount; what more could I desire? I will devote myself to
becoming a new keystone of the Demon Territory Dukedom.」
「Elder Brother... no, I am terribly
sorry. We gratefully accept Archduke-heika's
feelings. Besides, the newly granted territory is several times larger than my
father Marquis Solis's territory; we gratefully accept it and will
ensure we meet your expectations.」
Yeah,
Chrisia has also completely become Alexis's wife. I've also heard
from Raymond that she has 『talent for governance』, so I can hold expectations here.
「Then again, in exchange for Viscount Solis
renouncing the succession of Marquis Solis's territory, he will govern
the one southern county of the former Istoria Orthodox Theocracy
including Tria, and the territory ceded from the former Lute Kingdom.
Following Archduke-heika's
intentions, we shall make the final decision to distribute reward money
equivalent to 150,000 Kingdom Gold Coins to Marquis Solis, and the same
amount equivalent to 150,000 Gold Coins to Viscount Solis.」
「Yeah, that is fine. And I want Alexis
also to protect the national border as a Margrave from here on, and support the
Lute-Vile-Cain Kingdom from the rear.」
Yes,
there is a meaning to placing the two Margraves here. As literally stated, it
has the meaning of supporting the Lute-Vile-Cain Kingdom respectively,
but one is to have them become existences that protect the national border and
keep a watchful eye from the next generation onwards. The other is to not only
support Viscount Gorman (Yuka's younger brother), who is still an
unknown quantity, from both wings, but also bear the role of keeping him in
check so that inconveniences do not occur as he grows up.
「The remaining distributions are two.
First, regarding the direct control territory of the Two-Headed Eagle
Mercenary Band, we have received instructions from Takuhir-sama to allocate the entire area of the
former Viscount Durul's mandated territory excluding the northern part.」
「What! Such an excessive response
is...」
「Commander, that I am what I am today is all
thanks to the Commander, you know. I was thinking of preparing a place
around here where the mercenary band can permanently take root. Besides...
establishing this land as the stronghold has other purposes as well, you see.」
Saying
so, I looked straight at the Commander. Even if I don't put it into
words, this is a story the Commander also knows. The outward purpose is
to have them solidify the western national border of the Demon Territory
Dukedom. Though, since beyond the national border is the land newly
governed by Count (former Viscount) Durul, there is no worry for
the time being. Incidentally, the territory of Viscount Durul (at the
time), which was an exclave of the Empire that existed within the Demon
Territory Dukedom for convenience due to cession previously, has been ceded
as Demon Territory Dukedom territory in this distribution. In its place,
the former Baron Kampfer territory newly exists as an exclave of the Empire.
More important is the hidden purpose. The contents requested by the Empire
since a long time ago—the experimental ground for the revival of the Demon
Territory will be conducted in the area at the foot of the great mountain range
extending towards the Empire side from the northern part of the former
Viscount Durul's territory. Naturally, if it goes well, it will border
the regenerated Demon Territory, and even if not, it is a place where monsters
will be released in the testing stage. Of course, as a premise, we plan to
enclose the entire experimental ground with a vast defensive wall, but it is
appreciated to have the mercenary band's stronghold as a rapid response force
in case of an emergency.
「Ha, I am grateful for your
consideration, and promise further devotion and the training of our successors.」
「Then as a reward, this will also be
equivalent to 100,000 Kingdom Gold Coins and a new domain. With this, the Two-Headed
Eagle Mercenary Band will belong to the Demon Territory Dukedom Army,
and from here on will adopt an independent accounting system.」
「Of course! Now that we have received
territory as a mercenary band, from here on, we will supply troops similarly to
the lords and bear a part of the national defense.」
Yeah,
it's appreciated that the Commander also understood the meaning. With Raymond's
words, the general distribution and the rewards for our own people can be said
to be settled. Now, as for the final one... this one has pros and cons, you see.
「Then, regarding Archduke-heika's other intention: a corner
centering on the city of Lorelei where the Kyle Kingdom's church
used to be, a land equivalent to a Baron's territory, will be donated to the Central
Church and newly established as Church Territory.」
「What!」
「Indeed...」
「To that miser?」
「That is...」
Right,
everyone's reaction is somewhat negative. Even my father, who had always been
favorable towards the church...
「It's no wonder everyone is
surprised. Even I have thoughts about the church's money worship and policies,
you see. I cannot tell everyone the details, but the secrets harbored by the Kingdom's
church include matters that are a matter of life and death for us.」
The
orbs essential to birth Mages, and stories surrounding the orbs hidden in the
darkness of history. This is a secret known only to royalty even in the Kyle
Kingdom.
「Having learned of that, I previously
formed a secret agreement with individuals who 『listen
to reason』 at the Central Church in the
Royal Capital. Of course, in a form where there is 『profit』 for us. But that is a story where there is 『profit』 for each other as well.」
Of
course, the individuals who listen to reason are Cardinal Clevaras and
Border Cardinal Grace. And there is also the secret agreement with Sieghart
and the others.
「Fortunately, Lorelei, where
their church used to be, has been devastated and called the 『ruined capital』, and it's a place where there are
no longer even residents due to this invasion. Giving them their base there, I
will embrace the organization called the church within. I plan to donate 10,000
gold coins as preparation funds for that.」
Yes,
even if I give them territory, they need funds. Though, this gold coin is not
to be donated to the Central Church, but will take the form of being
donated to the newly granted Church Territory.
「I see... it has always been so, but
the Archduke knows things we cannot know, and his eyes see things we
cannot see. This is not a matter for us who are ignorant to complain about,
indeed! What say you, everyone?」
Saying
so, Marquis Gorman stood up, glared at everyone, and then nodded
grandly. Matching that, my father, and the lords participating also nodded in
the same way.
「Everyone, I want to thank you for
believing in my words. Besides, the church in Lorelei, as mentioned in Rosa's
report, also needs to completely renew its personnel, after all.」
Yes,
they stubbornly refused to evacuate, and as a result, the evacuation of the
orphans was delayed. Because of that, they were attacked by the soldiers under
the command of the King of Vile, and of all things, the people of the
church abandoned the orphans and fled before anyone else. As a result, the
soldiers who escorted them also suffered damages, the then Viscount Durul
who headed for their rescue was injured, and Viscount Kamin's army also
suffered damages. Normally they should be given appropriate punishments, but
there is also a verbal promise Rosa unavoidably made to get them to
move. Therefore, I won't punish them officially, but it's a matter of letting
the Central Church that rides in later handle the disposal. Since
Cardinal Clevaras can obtain the long-desired territory unique to the 『Clan of Light』, he will likely cooperate gladly.
「With this, the rough framework has
been decided. Next is the gratitude to the reinforcements to be paid from the Demon
Territory Dukedom, and the rewards to each commander and soldier who
participated in the expedition...」
From here on, the discussion proceeded without any particular problems. Well, this too is thanks to Raymond having arranged almost all the preparations and laid the groundwork beforehand. Having finished these preliminary consultations, I was able to face the awards ceremony for distinguished services and the victory commemoration ceremony the next day with a feeling of a weight lifted off my shoulders.
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