Episode 148: This is all mine. (3)
A fierce protest burst from Homer’s mouth.
“What are you talking about now! The royal family is supporting Ferdium, so what right does the Archduke have to decide on the distribution?”
“It is the royal decision.”
Baron Share took another document out of his pocket and showed it to the people.
It was an appointment letter appointing Jiselle as the Northern Military Support Manager.
At the bottom of the appointment certificate is a fist-sized stamp of the royal seal.
Zwalter and Ferdium’s vassals also repeated meaningless questions in embarrassment.
“Are you saying that the Archduke even obtained a royal title?”
“Then what happens?”
Among the northern territories, only Ferdium was supported by the royal family, so the title of ‘Northern Administrator’ was more of a nominal position.
However, in the Ferdium that received support, it was also a position that could wield very strong authority.
Baron Share spoke again to the surprised people.
“Please keep in mind that Baron Fenris is an official of the Imperial Household Department who has received royal approval. In fact, the aid items should have gone to Baron Fenris, but it doesn’t look right. Officially, we will proceed in the form of support to Ferdium. I hope you understand.”
In short, he was saying that he would save Zwalter’s face but give all the blame to Giselle.
Pfft pfft.
The deceased were all just opening their mouths and unable to speak properly.
Homer, who had just come to his senses, asked stammeringly.
“So, then the aid supplies that come every year… … are you saying that the Archduke distributes them?”
The answer came from Giselle.
“Yes, I will distribute it.”
“Then how much will you give me?”
“The territory is not yet stable, so I will give you half this time.”
Jiselle said it as if she was doing a favor.
Homer made a sullen expression. He didn’t give or take, and the gift that he thought was all his was cut in half, so his joy was also cut in half.
Also, the phrase ‘this time’ is on my mind.
“Me, next year?”
“Well? I’ll have to go there and report the situation and share it with you.”
If you don’t like it, it means you won’t be given any.
There was no one here who did not understand what Giselle meant.
The faces of the Ferdium people became even more gloomy.
Since these are things that were obtained through the power of the Grand Duke, there is nothing to say even if he doesn’t give them to me at all, but even if he gives me half, it is still a huge amount…
It seems that in the future, I will not be able to escape the situation of being dragged away by the Archduke by the collar.
Jiselle looked at Albert this time and asked.
“Oh, Mr. Treasurer. Do you really not need food aid? Can I not give it to you?”
“No… … . You misheard that.”
Albert, who had always been confident, muttered in a timid tone as if he had never been like that.
Giselle also asked for Zwalter’s understanding.
“Father, are you okay? I thought it would be better if I distributed it.”
“Okay, okay… … . I don’t care. Since you got it, you should handle it yourself… … .”
Zwalter nodded, thinking that he would try to get some when the supplies arrived next year.
Then, as if reading his thoughts, Baron Share spoke.
“Oh, and starting next year, the supplies will go directly to the Fenris Territory. We’ve decided to distribute them there and send them to Ferdium.”
“… … .”
Homer no longer had the energy to be disappointed, so he just laughed in vain as if he had lost his mind.
After the situation was roughly sorted out, Baron Share clung to Giselle, pretending to be friendly.
“Baron Fenris, it was truly an honor to have spent some time with you.”
“Haha, what are you talking about? It was the Baron who had a hard time. I was a bit delayed because I had to buy some things for the territory here and there, but thank you for understanding.”
Baron Share and Giselle smiled and shook hands.
Seeing that, Zwalter asked cautiously.
“Hey… … Baron Share, you seem to be quite close with this man’s son.”
Baron Share smiled and nodded.
“Yes. I met the Marquis of Branford at the Goddess’s banquet and became friends with him. I had many conversations with the Baron during our journey here, and I cannot count the number of times I was impressed by his cheerful spirit.”
At those words, all of the Ferdium followers had blank expressions.
Yeah, at first glance, a guy who just goes out like the Archduke looks cheerful.
That’s because you don’t know the truth!
While the people were absent-minded, Giselle and Baron Share had a natural conversation.
“Are you going to rest here for a few days? I will show you the best VIP room.”
Baron Share shook his head at Giselle’s question.
“No. The Count of Norton told me to come back as soon as possible. I will rest for a day and then go back. Don’t you know what the atmosphere in the capital is like these days?”
“That’s true. But you must be tired from coming such a long way, and you can’t rest for long… … . I’m sure you’ve had a hard time because of me.”
“What are you talking about between us? I’m really fine. Oh, and this is a gift I brought separately.”
Baron Share handed Giselle a small box of jewels.
“Why did you bother to bring something like this? You didn’t have to.”
Unlike her words, Giselle’s hands naturally took the box and handed it over to Belinda. It wasn’t something she had done once or twice.
“How could I come here empty-handed? If you have the chance to meet the ministers later, please let me know.”
“Oh, of course. Since you showed me such sincerity, I must repay you.”
“thank you.”
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Zwalter broke into a cold sweat at the sight of the two people’s friendly appearance.
‘A favor? Is my son accepting a favor right now? And from a royal administrator?’
Moreover, he leads the conversation very confidently and skillfully.
It was so suspicious that I wondered if he was the same person as the son who got into fights with the troublemakers.
‘I don’t know, he’s my son, but I really don’t know.’
After finishing the conversation, Jiselle looked around to find someone to guide her. However, all the people of Ferdium were absent-minded.
Jiselle did not hide her frustrated expression as she retorted.
“First, let’s lead the secretary to the castle. We can’t leave him here forever, can we?”
“Oh, yeah. I was out of my mind so I didn’t have time to take care of it. Let’s go in.”
“Oh, I’ll sort out the supplies and head straight back to the estate.”
“What? You’re leaving already?”
“Yes. I have a lot to do.”
“No, wait… … . Listen, first, quickly bring the royal guests to the VIP room! I’ll finish up right away and follow you.”
A few men accompanied the knights to guide Baron Share.
After several administrators and guards who had followed him entered the castle, Zwalter let out a deep sigh.
“Ugh, I’m out of my mind.”
Only when the people from the royal family disappeared from sight did the tension begin to ease little by little.
Fortunately, the guests only rested for a day, so there was no need to wait long.
Zwalter, who had calmed down a bit among those he knew, asked cautiously.
What was happy was happy, and what needed to be addressed had to be addressed with certainty.
“Excuse me… … Since Baron Share isn’t here, I’m asking again to confirm… … Even half is quite a lot. Can I really take this? Is it okay?”
“Yes, it’s okay, so just accept it. Isn’t that a good thing?”
“It’s good, but honestly, it’s so sudden. I don’t even know how things will turn out.”
“Father, you don’t have to worry about it. Isn’t it true that the support from the royal family and nobles has been insufficient? Now you are receiving what you deserve.”
“That was… … that’s what it was.”
‘Even though you took half of it.’
Giselle smiled and said to Zwalter, who was making a complicated expression.
“Don’t worry. I won’t let anyone ignore this place anymore.”
Zwalter nodded without saying anything. He wanted to say something, but his throat was strangely blocked and he couldn’t open his mouth.
The son’s voice was firm yet confident.
Why does a short phrase touch my heart so much?
Still, I can definitely tell that my son has changed from before.
‘Good… … .’
The son was praised even within Ferdium, but now he had grown to a position where he was recognized by the royal family and high-ranking nobles.
My heart was touched. It felt like all the resentment and hardship from being ignored and poverty was melting away.
‘You’re just like your mother, being able to be relaxed even after accomplishing something big.’
I wish my wife could see this side of her son.
‘Honey, why are you going so quickly… … .’
Zwalter rubbed his eyes for no reason, feeling them burning.
‘Come to think of it, it’s similar to running wild.’
When I thought about all the accidents that Jiselle had been in so far, tears suddenly welled up in my eyes.
A chill ran down my spine as I recalled how I had felt when I heard the news that the Marquis of Branford had captured me.
‘If you’re going to be wise, just be a little wiser.’
Certainly, just looking at what Jiselle has done recently, it would make any lord go away.
I was happy and proud. My son’s growth, his ability to save the land that had been struggling for a long time.
But what my son was doing still seemed unsettling and extremely dangerous.
Isn’t it true that you made a bet with the Marquis of Branford and your life was in danger?
‘Ugh, I don’t know how much authority I have as a father… … But if I let go, it’s obvious that he’ll run wild even more.’
Even if the northern barbarians try hard to stop them, I have no choice but to prove that my father is still in good health.
Giselle greeted Zwalter, who was lost in thought.
“Then I’ll go now. Father, you go in quickly. The supplies have already been sorted into carts, so it won’t take long to distribute them.”
Only then did Zwalter come to his senses and grab Giselle.
“Why are you leaving so hastily? It’s been a while since you came here, so eat something and rest before you go. And see your little brother.”
“No. I will come back later when I have time. Shouldn’t we also send Director Randolph back quickly?”
“You don’t even contact me normally, so why are you coming to me now? Don’t you only come when you need me?”
“… … Ah, I said it’s because I’m busy.”
“Are you the only busy person in the world? Other people take good care of their families even when they’re busy. It’s not like you have a wife or children.”
“… … .”
“While we’re on the subject, let’s hear your story. When are you getting married? You’re not seeing anyone, are you?”
I don’t think it was like this in the past, but as my father gets older, he nags me more.
It seems that the thought of getting her married grew bigger because of the talk about dowry earlier.
Right now, I have no intention of dating or getting married, and I don’t have the time.
Jiselle looked down, pretending not to hear anything.
But even the deceased join in and shout.
“That’s a fair point! I need to find another partner quickly.”
“The earlier you get married, the better. You need to solidify your position as successor.”
“Now that your reputation has risen, it’s the right time. If you miss the timing, your reputation may hit rock bottom again at any moment, given the nature of the Archduke.”
Zwalter also cut it off and said it clearly, intending to push forward while the topic was on the topic.
“It seems like you don’t have anyone to meet separately, so I’ll look for a spouse.”
“Right now, I have absolutely no intention of getting married.”
Although Jiselle spoke clearly and emphasized the point, the other person had no intention of listening.
“You have to do it even if you don’t have to. Marriage isn’t something you can do as you please.”
In aristocratic families, the decision-making power on marriage always rested with the head of the family.
Jiselle sighed deeply and tried to change the direction of the conversation.
“Father, why don’t you look for a new marriage? You seem a little lonely these days.”
Zwalter answered with a serious face.
“I am not popular.”
“… … .”
Jiselle was left speechless by the man’s pitiful and honest remark.
