Episode 116 The Next Era - The Saga of Lioncourt

Simon's wedding concluded smoothly, and the founding ceremony progressed towards its latter half. At the wedding, there exists a tradition where witnesses engage in a fistfight. Yet, everyone hesitated to punch me, their king, resulting in the bizarre situation where I ended up punching the witnesses one by one. A peculiar scene, but nothing significant. These punches serve as a way to physically engrave the vows upon one’s body through pain. Traditionally, the punches aren’t meant to be fully forceful, so I too slapped the witnesses without holding back... However, I struck Bruno, the bride's father, rather well, causing him to completely faint, stirring a bit of a commotion. Though it turned out to resemble something like a fighting spirit ritual, if there's vitality, anything is possible. Forgive me for that. Bruno, under his retirement terms, entered the priesthood, which meant he wasn’t referred to as Knight Bruno but rather Monk Bruno. Even as a monk, he remained active in worldly affairs, currently serving as an adviser to Simon. Truly, the black-robed chancellor... How cool. Even if he’s laid out on the floor. After Bruno was carried away, the customary banquet began. Since today was Simon's wedding reception, I observed the young ones reveling from a slightly removed spot. Simon, despite everything, is quite popular. The people of Lioncourt, who inherently admire heroes, seem to have their tendencies strengthened by my victory in foreign expeditions. Simon's popularity, bolstered by noteworthy achievements in battle and performances in tournaments, is inevitable. In time, it will be necessary for the eldest son, Robert, to make striking accomplishments as well. "Hey, what are you brooding over?" My brother, Hugues, approached me. He’s a rare individual who casually interacts with me, even though I am constantly guarded by several members of my retinue. It's genuinely appreciated. Back when he was in Lioncourt, Hugues had a reserved and difficult-to-approach demeanor, but upon reuniting, he had become like a friendly uncle. Hugues’ time abroad seems to have honed his communication skills, forging a persona that took years to develop. Just like rocks upstream, rough and angular, grinding down and becoming smooth by the time they reach downstream... Hugues too has been tempered by the world, becoming more rounded. ...He must have had a tough time... Imagining the hardships Hugues endured, I felt a bit somber. "What's up? You're making a weird face." Unaware of my thoughts, Hugues rudely commented. It’s not a weird face at all. "No, I was just reminiscing about your wedding." "Hm? Robert’s?" Hugues showed a slightly complex expression at my mention. His relationship with our eldest brother, Robert, wasn’t great, likely not evoking fond memories. "Yeah, back then, Father and old man Drelm were around... Albert was there too. It's a nostalgic story." "Indeed. Lord Drelm passed away last year... Did you know?" Upon hearing Hugues' words, I murmured, "I see." Piero de Drelm, once said to be immortal, surely had surpassed sixty. There’s no surprise in him meeting his lifespan’s end. "The Drelm knight family is caught between the capital and Duke Castella, navigating a delicate path. The current head seems aligned with the capital..." If rumors are to be believed, the Drelm knight family is facing quite a dire situation. Small powers, caught in the clash of larger forces, are always on the brink of existential threat. Hugues, having been employed through Drelm’s introduction to Marquis Fourier, visibly felt for the Drelm knight family’s hardships. "Is that so, the Drelm knight family has it rough... Hugues, I suppose you have your feelings, but surely our nephew Tristan is there. If he flees, lend him aid." Indeed, Tristan, Robert's son, is likely situated at the Drelm knight family. While I doubt he would seek refuge in Lioncourt now, given past disagreements with me, seeking aid from his uncle Hugues, despite estrangement, seems plausible. "Ah, but in Fourier, there’s Father... He might lean towards Varian rather than us." Hugues suddenly suggested something odd, eliciting a startled "What!?" from me. Attracting unnecessary attention, I felt a bit embarrassed. "Don’t make such weird noises." "Sorry... Huh? Father is in Fourier?" My bewilderment prompted Hugues to respond with his own, "Huh? You didn't know!?" This too was surprise-laden. "No, I had no idea! I thought he was dead. Everyone should think the same." "Really... He told me ‘I informed them myself’..." Hugues, too, looked puzzled. There’s the possibility that Rudolf wrote a letter himself, which was lost during delivery... "He did it on purpose." "Yeah, he did it on purpose." Our opinions aligned perfectly. Rudolf likely omitted contact on purpose. We exchanged glances and laughed. Truly, an incorrigible rogue of a father. Apparently, Rudolf has become a guest of Marquis Fourier, and even there, he’s scattered his offspring. I heard I have two more siblings now... Moreover, they are half -Amoros. ...No wonder he didn’t reach out... I laughed bitterly, finally understanding. "Still, Father should be nearing sixty..." "Yeah, well... He's quite lively. He even went to battle last year... Actually, I only have daughters, and adopted one of the newly born brothers. He's still very young, but when he comes of age, I plan to pair him with my youngest daughter." Blood-wise, it would be an uncle-niece marriage, but it’s not unheard of. Despite being an adopted child, a closer bloodline is preferred over strangers. While female succession is recognized, having a male heir is obviously more desirable. "We have plenty of siblings born in the capital, brothers and sisters. They are adequately trained and competent, want to take a few?" "It would be helpful. I have no longtime retainers, so it’s a welcome offer... But I need to check their consent." Admittedly, being my half-siblings with low-status mothers puts them in an awkward position. Likewise, for Hugues, who has no kin to rely on in a foreign land, welcoming blood-related brothers is very welcome. Ultimately, Hugues returned to Marquis Fourier's territory with two brothers and one sister, later leading them to great achievements. Additionally, I entrusted Hugues with a personal letter to Marquis Fourier, formally establishing an alliance between the Lioncourt Kingdom and Marquis Fourier’s territory. This accomplishment greatly enhanced Hugues’ reputation, and later on, he was granted land in Fourier and formally established the Blare knight family. Consequently, the Lioncourt Kingdom repeatedly encountered individuals claiming to be “Count Rudolf’s offspring,” seeking protection, becoming a decades-long enduring issue, eventually evolving into a humorous tale known as: “The Count’s Offspring” “What, you’re hungry? Why don’t you declare yourself a ‘Count’s child’? In this kingdom, if you claim to be a ‘Count’s child,’ the king will feed you. I’m a ‘Count’s child’ too; the blacksmith over there is a ‘Count’s child,’ and his son is definitely a ‘Count’s child.’ Among the butcher’s twins, just one is a ‘Count’s child’... Hm? Who’s the count? Haha, nobody really knows that.” The next day, I departed the banquet and allowed Baron Arbeau and his retinue to tour the domain. Originally, Tanqueray was supposed to handle this task, but he was absent due to a lung illness, likely stemming from a chest wound sustained in his younger days. Perhaps with proper rest and recovery, he might have improved, but as a diligent worker, he overexerted himself with daily duties, which seems to have entirely deteriorated his health. As concerning as it is, the reality of Amoros’s medical capabilities merely allows for adequate nutrition and rest. I wish him well. "My apologies, Your Majesty. On the special day of your son..." Baron Arbeau bowed his head apologetically. Although Simon's wedding was over, the celebratory banquet spanned multiple days. "Not at all, I was at the wedding... Besides, today’s main character isn’t me. It’s a good opportunity to leave things to my son." Even though it's a reception, it felt more like a continuous series of daily banquets, and since I wanted to avoid alcohol, using Baron Arbeau’s domain tour as an excuse was a convenient reason to step away. I had already communicated this to Simon and Marielle, and they had no objections. In fact, Marielle expressed concern for my health... it warmed my heart and made me feel a bit giddy, despite my age. I'd definitely support Marielle if she ever quarreled with Simon. ... Then Marielle, whispering "If only the father-in-law were my husband," hugged me... Sorry, Simon, but I’d happily go for that outcome. As I chuckled contentedly, imagining this pleasant scenario, Baron Arbeau and his retinue gave me curious looks. Baron Arbeau and his attendants earnestly toured the capital, observing innovations such as the rocket stove, treadmills, the guild hall serving as a police station, pigsties, designated garbage disposal sites, and new farming tools, all of which seemed to leave them in awe. A typical lord would not have reacted this way. Yet, Baron Arbeau's household, under the influence of an enlightened ruler, seemed free of aversion to new things. Moreover, since these innovations were already successfully implemented in Lioncourt as a test case, one could sense their eager intent to "absorb them." Currently, they were meticulously examining the "hanekuri bīchū" with several people debating, "What about this?" and "What about that?" I found their dedication quite admirable. "This is a wonderful invention, and we’d love to incorporate it into our domain, though... there’s also the matter of cost," Baron Arbeau commented while examining a hoe, visibly concerned with its iron parts and complex construction. Unlike the iron-abundant Lioncourt, producing such items in Baron’s domain would likely skyrocket the costs. This was unavoidable. "I’ll provide a few samples. Perhaps the rotary threshing machine might be easier to produce," I suggested. "Thank you, though... Can craftsmen in our domain construct such a complex machine?" Baron asked, to which I explained the structure of the threshing machine, and his group listened attentively, nodding earnestly. Baron Arbeau is an esteemed member of the Lioncourt Kingdom. If they grow stronger, it will bolster Lioncourt's national power. I hope they succeed. "Building a guards’ station in town can happen immediately." "Did you see the firepower of that iron stove (meaning the rocket stove)? If we had that, the amount of firewood needed..." "No, we should start with the treadmill. With that, we could reclaim the western wasteland..." Even after their tour concluded, they continued to enthusiastically exchange ideas. Instead of merely discussing their impressions, they eagerly considered how to implement the innovations, demonstrating both their diligence and creativity. Baron Arbeau exhibits outstanding qualities. Diligent, progressive in thought, and skilled in warfare. Above all, he excels in leading his retainers. In Lioncourt, I forced reforms through sheer determination, but Baron Arbeau guides his retainers through his character, attempting to incorporate new ideas smoothly. Though he may seem unremarkable, he possesses genuine talent among the lords of Lioncourt Kingdom. I envision him one day taking on larger roles... perhaps even serving as a minister of the kingdom. His character is mild and impeccable. ... Indeed, he could become something like a prime minister for the kingdom... we don't have such a system, but creating one would be simple... I reaffirmed Baron Arbeau’s abilities and grinned to myself. Thus, the lively founding ceremonies concluded, heralding a new era for the Lioncourt Kingdom. During the afterparty, various nobles of the Lioncourt Kingdom were promoted. Viscount Draîne became an earl. Both Barons Bennuro and Arbeau were elevated to viscounts. Knights Bashro and Ge became barons. Essentially, they were each raised one rank. I could have promoted them to marquises or dukes, but I held back, considering future advancements. If they were to achieve more, not having a higher rank to bestow would be problematic... Though it's possible to create new titles at that point. Incidentally, King Elwayne received the treatment of an earl, and his subchiefs were treated as knights. As an aside, allow me to introduce the ennoblement of retainers. Uncle Rodrigue became a viscount... henceforth known as the Viscount of Lioncourt. Simon’s Casta family also became viscounts. Young Pierre, Maurice, and the Beri family were elevated to barons. The Beri family was continued by a brother due to Nicolas’s childlessness. This ennoblement recognized the contributions of Nicolas and Toussaint. Andre, Poncero, Jose, and the Antrumon family were made baronets—a title granting a single generation the rank of baron. Although I considered making Andre a baron, I prioritized balance. As Jose had no land, he was granted a castle in the former Bachelard territory. Enzo was made a knight, and I granted him two villages in Lioncourt. Tanqueray, Daumier, Rolland Cauchy, and other veteran members were awarded with knighthood, a rank for individuals to hold for a single generation. I would have liked to see Tanqueray knighted, but unfortunately, he is still under recovery. I’ll reconsider once he's well. Mother’s lover, Rolland Cauchy, achieved this position thanks to Lucienne’s passionate support. Initially, she pushed for "Make him a baron," but even that had to be gently refused. I went beyond my limits, but Lucienne is disgruntled... Yet, Daumier shares the same rank, right? Additionally, veteran members of the guild and accomplished citizens of the domain were granted knightly honors. Jiro, Loro, and Decos declined their ennoblement. Well, Jiro and Loro were expected, but Decos’ refusal was unexpected. He intends to retire and run an eatery in the old Bachelard territory. Decos, stating “Information gathers at taverns and eateries, so if anything arises, I’ll inform you,” seemed satisfied. As a parting gift, I carved a plaque: “Decos Eatery: The food is great, even Varian would be surprised” into a stone tablet and presented it to him. Delighted, Decos embedded it prominently on the wall of his eatery. Although many received modest land or no land at all, delivering only the ‘honor’ of ennoblement, everyone seemed delighted. Even when holding the same rank, the scale of lands differs significantly between the nobility and the retainers... For instance, the Beri family and Jean’s holdings are vastly different, but that is the way of things. The order of seating is of great importance, and there are those who would wage war over it... Indeed, regardless of rank or social standing, there is a spirit of honoring prestige. ……………… Thus, the era of "Great Amoros," the unified kingdom, came to an end. Just as an ancient tree falls and new shoots take nourishment from its decayed remains, the Amoros region sees the conclusion of one era and the dawn of another. This occurred 61 years after the unification by Henri I, the eighth king of the Amoros Kingdom.