Chapter 161

Chapter 161 Regressor of the Fallen Family Chapter 161 The half of the territory that was returned from the previous Callian Marquess, and the half of the territory returned from the Kaihl Marquess, will all be granted to the McLaine family. The McLaine family’s historical rank as border counts at the time of the founding of the nation was restored and elevated to a dukedom, conferring upon them the title of duke. “Wow!” “Such a thing...!” The nobility present expressed their astonishment with exclamations at such an unprecedented reward. From this moment, the McLaine family had transformed into a major territory with more than 20 castles expanding from the west to the south, becoming the Kingdom’s sole ducal house situated directly below the rank of Grand Duke. But that was not all. “Additionally, to Logan McLaine personally, separate from the McLaine family, the title of count will be bestowed, along with the estate closest to the palace in the capital. His presence has made me what I am today, and henceforth all the citizens and nobles of this land will honor him as they honor me!” “Cries of wonder!” The eyes of all the nobles in the hall, and even those of the knights on guard, turned in unison towards Logan. A direct decree from the king to treat a noble as one of their own, showing just how highly the king esteemed Logan. Even Logan’s eyes widened, and the Sword Sage also turned to look at him. ‘I never intended for it to go this far.’ When Logan slightly shook his head, indicating that this was not prearranged, the Sword Sage let out a small sigh and looked toward the new king. Yet, it was not over. “If the royal circumstances were more abundant, I would like to provide more, but I regret that I cannot; however, young lord Logan. Do you personally desire anything from me?” They would give even more? Sounds of gasps could be heard from everywhere. Logan let out a small sigh and spoke. “There is, indeed, a humble request that I have.” “Hmm? Haha. Indeed, feel free to speak what’s on your mind.” “If our McLaine family receives the lands of two ducal territories, which can be regarded as prime properties in the west and south parts of the kingdom, it would be too much for just a duke. I’m concerned that this might set a bad precedent in the history of our kingdom.” Hearing this, the king smiled again but did not retreat easily. “To bestow only a title upon the greatest contributor would be an even worse precedent. I hope you would not decline my will.” “If it must be so, then I would prefer to accept the Taren region of the royal centrally administered territories in the east-central part.” “The Taren region?” To the southeast, based on the capital Gran, lied the Taren region. That was a mining district known for producing vast amounts of iron, copper, and gold, once called the center of the kingdom’s mining industry. Two hundred years ago, roads were constructed to supply the bountiful resources to the entire kingdom, making it a valuable territory that supported a large part of the royal finances. Up to two hundred years ago. “You want that land full of abandoned mines and wastelands? The McLaine territory isn’t even adjacent to it.” “Yes, that’s correct. There is precedent for a house ruling disconnected regions.” There was such a precedent indeed. In the past, the king had divided a land to keep that retainer in check. Naturally, the king’s expression became ambiguous. The Taren region, which stretched a long mountain range from the eastern mountains down to the center of the kingdom. The vast area between the northern plains, a part of the capital Gran’s territory, and the central plains, territory of the southwest Harun Castle, was divided into two geographical categories. Abandoned mining districts along the ridge and the wastelands below them. In other words, it was a big land, but utterly useless. A place where taxes were not collected, and maintenance costs were higher. “Do you intend to make me look like an incompetent ruler? To bestow such useless land on the highest contributor—how would the people think of me?” “I’m merely concerned that too generous a reward may damage Your Majesty’s authority.” In truth, the land had a clear purpose to Logan, but cloaked in modesty, he sought the king’s favor. “I understand your heart well. But I cannot be at ease with that, so the McLaine family shall also be granted the northern territories of the Callian Marquess, to bridge between McLaine and the Taren region.” An additional source of income had been secured. With a definitive expression, the king offered the extra reward, and Logan did not delay in bowing his head. “I am grateful for Your Majesty’s grace.” There was no wavering. Bang. Bang. Bang. Logan inwardly and the king outwardly shared smiles in a beautiful exchange, concluding the discussion of Logan’s reward. “Ahahaha! To have a loyal man like you brings peace to my heart. With this, let’s conclude the rewards to the McLaine family. Just like the Duchy of Esperanza, I entrust the awards for the McLaine family’s merits to you.” “Thank you, Your Majesty.” Afterward, rewards proceeded for the neutral nobles who, although not having taken any action, decided to follow McLaine’s lead. With the disappearance of the original border counts, a new force was needed to fill the gap with plausible excuses. Although the realms of the two dukes and seven border counts were divided and distributed in dozens of smaller parts. The neutral nobles who had sworn allegiance to the new royalty could not help but beam, having struck luck without any effort. [Ha... Hahaha. Hahahaha! A dukedom?! They’ve granted us a dukedom! Hahahaha! Yes, that’s great! Truly great!] Cheers from his father and glimpses of Dwayne and other retainers, and even his stepmother appeared behind him. The communication room, which usually had only one or two people, was bustling today, and fortunately, everyone was cheering. A smile naturally formed on Logan’s face. Seeing his unexpectedly brighter smile, Logan cautiously asked a question he had been holding back. “Has Knight Heinckel awakened?” [Ah... That’s right, I hadn’t told you. Fortunately, he regained consciousness a few days ago. However, he’s so severely wounded that he might not be able to serve as a knight any longer. He himself has requested to retire. He says he’d like to become an instructor for the soldiers.] “...An instructor?” [He wants to help the family in any way he can. The poor guy. I wanted to let him rest, but I suppose it’s time to bestow a title on him.] Among the rights he’d obtained was the authority to grant noble titles for rewarding the family’s contributors. There were three baronets and nine baronies. It sounded like he intended to use one of those. “Seems like a fitting compensation. It’s fortunate that he hasn’t lost his resolve.” [Yes, very fortunate. I’m considering giving him an instructor’s position. Although with Kai Solon around, maybe just advisory duties would be better.] Not you, I meant your words, father. Heinckel was seriously injured, and many of the middle-aged knights who had been with them for a long time had lost their lives in the McLaine battle. Logan had worried that maybe his father had fallen into despair, but fortunately, it had been an unfounded concern so far. “Well... Surely you’ll handle it properly, but make sure to compensate them well. Not just Heinckel, but the families of the knights and soldiers who died too. Even if they are grieving, resentment... Well. There’s bound to be some, but ensure it’s as little as possible, even if you have to drain the remaining budget to compensate them.” [Of course! If we don’t take care of those who have sacrificed for our territory, who else would be loyal to us?] “You should include the defense brigades too. Treat them the same as the soldiers.” [The same as the soldiers... Is that what you mean?] As I thought.... Father hadn’t completely shed his old nobleic mindset; he had merely expanded his perspective to include soldiers. It was a result of explaining the relationships between public sentiment and national power to him time and again. So the explanations had to align with that. “Yes. Future battles won’t be wars of only knights and magicians. You’ve seen their value with your own eyes. It’s only right to treat them that way.” [Hmm. Indeed, let it be so. But what do you mean by future battles? Don’t tell me you’re going to...?] “Absolutely not! It’s just a metaphor. Do not make such alarming remarks, Duke. Others might hear.” [Hoo, you scared me. Alright, I’ll arrange the defense brigades as you say. Harvest season is approaching, so I can squeeze out the remaining budget. Um, what? Logan, Dwayne has something to say... Eugh?!] Suddenly, Dwayne’s face popped into the view of the communication device. [Lord! If you throw around that compensation, what about the remaining knights?! How do you intend to distribute the rewards? Even just giving to the families of fallen soldiers and defense brigades will shatter the budget! Don’t tell me you’re not giving rewards because they survived?] “I’ve already taken care of it.” [Yes?] “There’s a fair amount of wealth left from the capital. Enough to give the knights and soldiers in the territory their reward, so don’t worry.” [Wow, really?! Truly, truly?!] As Dwayne’s face beamed with relief, Logan inadvertently smiled and answered. “Yes. It’s true.” [Wow, we’re saved! Phew, then that’s settled...] “What is it? If you’ve got something to say, say it quickly.” [I... Well, since I didn’t go into battle... I mean, we did a lot, with budgeting and executing... Our administration also struggled a bit, and... you know...] Chuckling. Watching Dwayne beat around the bush unsurely, Logan couldn’t help but let out a laugh. “Of course, I’ll give as much to the knights. Don’t worry and keep working!” [Whoo-hahaha! I knew you would do so! Lord, long live! No, you’re now an count now, right? His Excellency the Count, long live!] “Father. I’ll return and speak again, but regarding the new territories we’ve received...” [Take your time. You’ve worked hard enough, haven’t you? At least enjoy this moment. The rest can be dealt with when you return to the territory.] “What?... That’s...” [You should also afford yourself some leisure. You’ve achieved so much already. Take pride and enjoy reality for a while.] Lost in his father’s words, it felt as if his mind had fogged over. Then, other voices followed. [Please rest, Lord! They say there’s a festival in the capital, spend some time with Lady Eileen too!] [That’s right! Rest well and return at your leisure!] [We’ll take care of the rest here!] “Ah... haha.” The familiar bustle warmed his tired heart. The heavy load in his heart seemed slightly lightened. That’s the end of the translated passage.