TL: Etude


    Ever since the news spread that the Grayman family’s noble status as a sword-bearing aristocracy had been restored, the calm waters of Alda began to stir with undercurrents. Officials and generals were enveloped in excitement, driven not only by their immense desire for social advancement but also apanied by feelings of suspicion, anxiety, and unease.


    “What title will I be granted? Viscount? Baron? Even a knighthood would suffice!”


    “What if the lord has not noticed my usual performance? I have my hard work, even if not recognized for any outstanding achievement.”


    “Could there be a situation where someone less diligent than me ends up with a better title ornd? Should I express my dissatisfaction then?”


    Naturally, the question that most unanimously came to everyone’s mind was:


    “It’s been so many days, why has there been no word from Count Grayman?”


    All these emotions resulted in rampant rumors.


    Finally, the much-anticipated news arrived: Count Grayman was to gather everyone to announce the rewards for those who had contributed.Alda was abuzz!


    On the day of the enfeoffment, the lord’s hall was crowded with high-ranking officials from Lakeheart Town, and even naval officers from Port Fran had arrived, except for Tirpitz, who was stillmanding the royal navy in the south.


    From the army, Baron Andrew, themander of the 4th Battalion, was not present. He was stationed in Emden with his troops and, being a vassal of the Ganard family, was already a sword-bearing noble with his ownnd.


    “Ladies and Gentlemen!”


    Paul, sitting in the lord’s seat, called out loudly.


    “You must have been anxiously waiting these past few days! Now, you will finally receive what you deserve!”


    Everyone replied in unison: “We rely on the Count’s judgment!”


    Each person was solemn, their gazes ‘clear’ and focused.


    The moment of truth had arrived, and it was crucial to appear unambitious and modest.


    Paul instructed a map to be hung up, the same one he had examined with Bryce the night before.


    “Bryce Ald!


    The count called the first name, beginning the enfeoffment.


    This surprised some, as the chief civil officer was Wackley Ford, and the chief military officer was Owen Schroeder. Why was Bryce, only a campmander, the first to be called?


    However, considering Bryce’s advantage of wartime service over old Ford, and his longer service for the Grayman familypared to Schroeder, being the first to receive an award didn’t seem too excessive.


    Bryce walked up to the steps of the lord’s seat with his head held high and knelt down on one knee, his expression solemn.


    “I appoint you as Baron of Band Castle!” Paul announced loudly.


    “Wow!”


    The hall erupted in excitement. Band Castle was formerly the residence of an earl, with fertilend; this was indeed a generous reward.


    Bryce looked up at his lord and said, “Thank you, Count! The Ald family will forever serve you and yourwful heirs.”


    “Good!” Paul nodded with authority.


    Just when everyone thought Bryce would step down, they noticed he remained kneeling.


    Some felt indignant. Was this man still not satisfied? They thought. Don’t block the count from rewarding us!


    Paul, feigning ‘confusion,’ asked, “Bryce, is there something else?”


    Bryce answered loudly, “Lord Grayman! I have a request, and I implore you to grant it.”


    Damn it! Many thought. Knew this guy was going to ask for more! Already a Baron of Band Castle and still not satisfied? He seemed like a straightforward and honest man…


    “Count, I am immensely honored to ept the title of Baron of Band Castle, but I ask that thend of Band Castle continues to be managed by the Administration Council!”


    See, see! Just as I thought… Wait, what? Did I hear that right?


    The people in the hall were momentarily stunned, unable to believe what they were hearing from Bryce.


    Except for old Ford and Schroeder, whose life experiences were more extensive, they caught a fleeting smile on the Count’s face amidst everyone’s shock.


    The lord’s decision to reward Bryce first – could there be other reasons? The two exchanged nces, pondering this.


    Paul asked loudly, “Bryce, why? Bing a lord is what many dream of!”


    Bryce stood up and replied proudly, “Count, first, it is due to my limited abilities and energy. As a leader in your standing army, my duty is to serve in the military, not to governnd. If I were to abandon mymand for my own territory, wouldn’t that be disloyal to you? And I have no reliable person to manage it in my stead. Since the Administration Council already has an established team, why not entrust them? Just like Count Ganard’s Baylding, under the council’s management, it has flourished, which is evident to all. Furthermore…”


    Paul interrupted, “Furthermore, what?”


    Bryce’s voice softened, “I swear by the Light, I am utterly loyal to you, but… but… I cannot guarantee that my descendants will remain loyal to yours. If a rebellion like the one in Baylding were to ur, it would ruin the Ald family’s reputation in an instant, a terrifying thought. Therefore, I solemnly request that you only grant me the title of lord.”


    After Bryce’s speech, many in the hall began to sweat nervously.


    Goodness, with talks of loyalty brought to such a level, what are we supposed to do?


    Paul narrowed his eyes, stroking his faint beard, deep in thought.


    After a long pause, he finally said, “Alright, Bryce, I agree to your request!”


    What? The count agreed? Well… there’s no reason for him not to.


    Paul sighed, “Your family has served the Grayman family for three generations. Even if you refuse administrative authority over thend, you must ept its economic benefits. Hence, all the public farnds in Band Castle under the council’s administration will be awarded to you!”


    “This… Count…” Bryce seemed about to protest.


    Paul frowned, slightly ‘angered’, “What now? If you refuse, I will be displeased!”


    “Alright, thank you for your generosity, my lord!”


    Bryce knelt again to express his gratitude, and Paul finally smiled.


    “Wackley Ford!”


    Paul called the name of the head of the Administration Council.


    Old Ford stepped forward and knelt, but Paul quickly asked him to stand.


    “Although you inherited a barony from a rtive, it was only in name. I now promote you to viscount.


    You may not have military achievements, but managing the Administration Council is no small feat. Therefore, I also grant yound — Red Rock Town!”


    “Thank you, Count!”


    Old Ford expressed his gratitude and then said, “However, I also request that mynd continue to be managed by the Administration Council!”


    What? Another one?


    The hall was again filled with internal groans!


    Old Ford rambled on, but his core message was simr to Bryce’s.


    The others began toin inwardly. With such high moral ground taken by these two, where did that leave them?


    The ownership ofnd was bing a hot potato!


    This sentiment was mostly among the military officers, while the civil officers from the Administration Council seemed calm, almost enjoying the drama. They had initially resigned themselves to being merely titr nobles, but a glimmer of hope sparked when Old Ford was grantednd. However, his refusal quickly extinguished that hope.