Episode 132 Gaetan Tanqueray Street - The Saga of Lioncourt

The year turned, and I found myself thirty-two years old. From the end of last year through the early spring of this one, the power dynamic in Amoros shifted significantly. Firstly, Marquis Vauble defected from the Kingdom of Amoros. He has not yet proclaimed himself a king—this is not an act of independence but a pure defection. I had anticipated that the marquis would rise after the death of the current king, Matthias I. However, it seems there was a compelling reason to advance his plans. There has been no report of a large-scale campaign against him from the royal capital, but skirmishes continue unabated. Marquis Vauble appears to be countering the capital with support from Marquis Fourier, aligning their efforts together. It is likely that once a resolution is reached, they will establish a throne and completely secede. Moreover, what is central here, if I may be blunt, is that the royal capital’s influence has surged dramatically. Between Lioncourt and the royal capital lies a buffer zone, comprised of a cluster of small to mid-sized lords. This region once housed the rival Canaar Kingdom to the Amoros Kingdom about 140 years ago. Situated at the heart of the Amoros region, the Canaar Kingdom thrived as a powerful state with rich lands and trade. However, due to internal disputes, Canaar splintered, and seizing this opportunity, the Amoros Kingdom ultimately conquered and obliterated it. Afterwards, Amoros’ nobles were granted titles and lands, dividing the once-fertile Canaar Kingdom. Even though the size of the territories was somewhat small, the fact that there were two count families, two viscount families, one baron family, and four knighted families speaks volumes of the Canaar Kingdom's wealth. The lords of the former Canaar region had always maintained a neutral stance like weather vanes, but circumstances arose that demanded this approach be abandoned...me. Originally, these lords suffered greatly due to Bachelard’s campaign, during which Viscount Bachelard gathered troops and launched a massive looting expedition. Consequently, Lioncourt declared independence and began attacking and swallowing adjacent areas. Attacking Bachelard was something one could 'still' understand. Even if it was a clear fabrication, it resembled a succession dispute. However thin, there was a justification. Nonetheless, attacking Baron Cocteau and Count Darmont lacked any pretext. It was merely a self-serving rationale. The reason for the assault on Baron Cocteau was said to be his attack on Baron Gey’s territory, part of the so-called Kingdom of Lioncourt (still a knight’s fief outside Lioncourt). But the Kingdom of Lioncourt itself is intrinsically a 'rebellion.' The world likely saw Baron Gey welcoming rebel forces to conquer Baron Cocteau’s territory. Furthermore, the attack on Count Darmont’s land was supposedly due to a 'secret agreement,' which remained undisclosed. This too was a war of aggression bereft of justification. 'Rebels, driven by self-serving logic, initiating successive wars of conquest.' This was understandably alarming. The lords of the former Canaar region opted for return to the fold of the Amoros Kingdom. Technically, since they were originally part of the Amoros Kingdom, calling it a return may not be accurate, but they aligned themselves under the banner of Matthias I, whom they had previously kept at a distance. Despite his apparent misgovernance, Matthias I excelled at forming coalitions. It’s not hard to imagine his innate charisma playing out yet again. As a result, although Matthias I faced rebellion from Marquis Vauble, he achieved a significant advancement by reclaiming the former Canaar region. Thus, Lioncourt and Matthias I in the royal capital found their spheres of influence contiguous. However, there has been no notable movement from the royal capital. Occasionally, envoys arrive lodging complaints or suggesting they’ll acknowledge Bachelard’s dominion and elevate me to a duke if I call off the rebellion and present myself. But I am not so naive to respond with a simple "Yes, understood" and comply… hence, I ignore them. Likely, they are too exhausted after years of continual warfare, with Marquis Vauble’s rebellion consuming their efforts. I have no intention of stirring up trouble on my end, so a stand-off persists with the royal capital. In this manner, the power map of Amoros moved drastically. Simply put, I've caused such upheaval that the lords of the Canaar region were petrified, fearing they might be next on the list. So, they turned to their familiar master, pleading, "We will serve you if you protect us." And while Matthias I lacks the resources to attack me, he nevertheless dispatches envoys to maintain a pretense for his subordinates...that’s how I view it. Naturally, any move I make has a domino effect, manifesting in various repercussions...I was again reminded of the profound power tied to the title of 'king.' ................ Moreover, this year has been one of farewells. As winter's chill began to recede, Tanqueray died. He was thirty-six years old. After enduring injuries, his condition declined, leading to a lingering death. Upon hearing the news, I rushed to his side, only to find the funeral had already concluded. Tanqueray had instructed his family for an extremely simple burial, a wish they honored. That was understandable. I believe respecting the deceased's wishes is paramount. However, what shocked me was not the funeral. I was astounded by the living conditions of Tanqueray’s widow. They were exceedingly poor. Their home was no different than that of any destitute peasant, possessing barely anything more than a small, overrun field and two emaciated goats as assets...only the battle-axe he had used in his youth was well-maintained and gleamed dully. That was Tanqueray’s entire estate. Far from the lifestyle of a senior official of the Kingdom of Lioncourt. His gravestone was merely a natural stone placed in a corner of the cemetery, without even his name or years of birth and death inscribed. "What is going on here? Did medical expenses become overwhelming?" When I questioned Tanqueray’s widow about their impoverished state, she hesitantly and awkwardly shared their circumstances with me. She was a slender, gentle-looking woman. Perhaps due to poor nutrition, her skin lacked luster. Her only sign of vanity was her modestly braided black hair, adding to her fragile presence. “Um... my husband wanted to... express his gratitude to your Lordship... um, my husband…” Whether it was due to her reticence or nervousness, Tanqueray’s widow's explanation was somewhat incoherent. Nonetheless, with patient listening, I gradually grasped the situation. Tanqueray had been working nearly for free. The magistrates and castle wardens draw their salaries from the budget. When I was serving as warden of the fortress city Porto, I even had enough funding to cover the wages of my private soldiers—the Brotherhood. To be blunt, there's quite a bit of leeway for embezzlement as long as it doesn't interfere with daily operations. Yet, in such a scenario, Tanqueray did not indulge in any self-serving gains. He seldom returned home, worked incessantly until his health failed, leaving behind a neglected field and his emaciated wife and children. It seems Tanqueray considered his scantily paid servitude as a form of repayment to me, who had uplifted him from the plight of an unwanted hanger-on in a poor farming family. Working tirelessly without compensation, Tanqueray managed and cultivated the settlement entrusted to him. The settlement of Baisin experienced rapid growth, now housing 257 families, with four small villages springing up around it to support Baisin. There are even plans for a pottery-making community to be established within this fiscal year. He created such a vibrant community from nothing but an empty field. Without a doubt, Gaetan Tanqueray was an unparalleled internal affairs officer. Yet, my heart remains heavy. "This is not what I wanted, you damn fool," I scolded at the simple grave marked with a natural stone. "I'll take your wife and kids to the capital and pamper them in luxury, just you wait!" With that, I turned from the grave, informing Tanqueray's widow, "We'll hold a grand memorial mass for your husband." "You heard me, Rolo, make it a big one. This is the punishment for Tanqueray defying my wishes and neglecting his family. Don’t hold back." "Understood. For him to pass away without telling us—it’s truly unforgivable. Let’s give him a proper lesson." Rolo offered a gentle smile, though it was tinged with sadness. Thus, thanks to Rolo's management, a month later, a memorial mass was held at the Baisin settlement in honor of Tanqueray. This event was recorded as the first state funeral—albeit not exactly a funeral—both in the Kingdom of Lioncourt and the Eastern Holy Heaven Church. It was essentially a festival masquerading as a mass. The entire town turned out, laughing, crying, and celebrating. Gaetan Tanqueray, once known as the fearsome "Devil Magistrate," was greatly respected for his relentless, rigorous work ethic and unwavering commitment to austerity. Old companions from earlier days—the veteran members of the Brotherhood—gathered to share stories of the past, shedding tears. In Lioncourt, tears shed for a friend aren’t considered shameful. I drank heartily, pouring libations at Tanqueray's grave. Many comrades have died in battle, yet those who succumb to illness are few. …And so, I too have reached that age… Plagued by chronic indigestion and heartburn, I gazed at Tanqueray's grave with a mix of emotions. With that day, the Baisin settlement was recognized as a self-governing city, embarking on a new chapter in its history. I decided to honor Tanqueray’s contributions by naming Baisin's main street "Gaetan Tanqueray Street," and a stone statue modeled after him was erected in the square. That stone statue, however...what can I say, it bore a striking resemblance to a little Jizo. Whether due to the stonemason's lack of skill or the short production time, it’s hard to tell. Still, at about 60 centimeters, the statue standing in the corner of the square unmistakably looked like a little Jizo. When I experimented by adding a simple roof and tying a red bib to it, it fully transformed into a Jizo statue. "What is that?" "Up to something strange again, are you?" Andre and Jean, participating in the mass, looked on curiously. I decided to call this statue the Tanqueray Jizo. Going forward, the Tanqueray Jizo would likely continue to watch over Baisin in his stead. Somehow, adorning the Tanqueray Jizo with a bib became a tradition, with a new one crafted annually for a ceremony reporting the city’s governance to him each year...but perhaps that's a good thing? Though I'm not entirely sure. Meanwhile, Tanqueray's wife and children were taken under my protection, with his son becoming a schoolmate of Raymon. Although small and gaunt, it seems he shares Tanqueray's earnestness. Surely, he will come into his own. Furthermore, I employed a soldier who lost his foot in the recent Darmont battle (see chapter 131) and his sister to care for Tanqueray's family. This young soldier’s life was spared. Reflecting on Tanqueray's return from wartime injuries to succeed as a magistrate, I hope the young man will similarly find fortune and work diligently, inspired by Tanqueray’s example. As for the soldier’s sister, I had held certain expectations, but she bore an uncanny resemblance to Medaka’s master. Even I had no choice but to let this one slide. Apologies.