NOVPUBHomer’s fierce protest burst out.
“What are you saying?! This support is from the royal family for Ferdium! On what grounds does the young master have the right to decide how it’s distributed?”
“It’s a royal decree.”
Baron Share pulled out another document from his coat, showing it to everyone. It was an official appointment letter designating Ghislain as the Northern Supply Administrator. The royal seal at the bottom of the letter was as large as a fist.
Zvalter and the retainers from Ferdium were all stunned, repeating questions of disbelief.
“The young master has secured a royal appointment?”
“So, what does this mean now?”
Although Ferdium was the only northern estate receiving royal support, the title of ‘Northern Administrator’ was largely ceremonial. However, for Ferdium, it was a position with immense authority since the administrator would control the flow of support.
Baron Share addressed the stunned crowd again.
“Baron Fenris is now a royal officer under the Chamberlain’s office, so please take note of that. While the supplies were intended for Baron Fenris, for appearances’ sake, we’ve presented them as aid to Ferdium. I hope you understand.”
In other words, Zvalter’s dignity had been preserved, but the actual control over the resources was given to Ghislain.
The retainers could only gape, unable to find the words to respond.
Finally, Homer, still dazed, stammered out, “S-so... are you saying the annual support will now be distributed by the young master?”
The answer came directly from Ghislain.
“Yes, I will be handling the distribution.”
“W-well then, how much will we receive?”
“For now, since the estate is still stabilizing, I’ll give you half this time,” Ghislain said, sounding as though he were doing them a favor.
Homer’s face drooped. The joy of thinking everything belonged to them had just been cut in half, and so was the happiness.
Moreover, the phrase “for now” weighed heavily on him.
“And what about next year?”
“We’ll see then, depending on the circumstances,” Ghislain said smoothly.
The message was clear—if they didn’t play along, they might get nothing at all.
Everyone in Ferdium understood the implications.
Although they couldn’t complain, as all of this had been secured through Ghislain’s efforts, they were now firmly in his grasp. Even half the supplies were a considerable amount, but it was clear that they were now tethered to Ghislain for the long term.
Ghislain turned his attention to Albert, the estate’s treasurer.
“Ah, Treasurer, are you sure you don’t need the grain support? You said it wasn’t necessary, didn’t you?”
“N-no... You must’ve misheard me,” Albert mumbled, his once-confident demeanor deflated.
Ghislain then addressed Zvalter with a respectful tone.
“Father, I hope you don’t mind. I believe it’s better for me to handle the distribution.”
“S-sure... do as you wish. It’s your achievement, so it’s only right you manage it...”
Zvalter had already begun planning how to divert some of the next year’s supplies for himself when Baron Share interrupted his thoughts.
“Oh, and starting next year, the supplies will be sent directly to Baron Fenris’ territory. From there, they’ll be distributed to Ferdium.”
“...”
Homer couldn’t even muster the energy to feel disappointed anymore. He simply let out a hollow laugh.
With the situation now mostly explained, Baron Share sidled up to Ghislain with a friendly grin.
“Baron Fenris, it’s been a true honor to accompany you, even for such a short time.”
“Haha, you flatter me, Baron. You’ve done all the hard work, especially with the delays we had while I made purchases for the estate. Thank you for your understanding.”
The two shook hands, laughing as though they had been lifelong friends. Watching this, Zvalter cautiously inquired.
“Baron Share, you seem to have become quite friendly with my son.”
Baron Share smiled and nodded. “Indeed. I met him at the Lady’s Ball hosted by Marquis Branford, and we’ve become quite close. I’ve been continually impressed by his spirited character.”
The retainers of Ferdium stood in a daze.
‘Right, anyone who doesn’t know better might mistake the young master’s recklessness for boldness. You don’t know what you’re in for!’
While the retainers were lost in their thoughts, Ghislain and Baron Share continued their casual conversation.
“Will you be staying a few days to rest? I’ll have you shown to the best guest rooms.”
“Oh, no. Count Norton has asked me to return as quickly as possible. I’ll rest just for the night and leave tomorrow. You know how things are in the capital.”
“Of course. Still, I regret that you won’t be able to rest longer. You’ve been through so much trouble because of me.”
“Oh, please, between us, no need for such formalities. And here’s a small gift I brought.”
Baron Share handed a small jewelry box to Ghislain.
“You shouldn’t have! But I appreciate it,” Ghislain said, though his hands moved swiftly to pass the box to Belinda. Clearly, he was no stranger to receiving gifts.
“How could I come empty-handed? If you happen to meet with the ministers, I’d appreciate it if you could speak a kind word on my behalf.”
“Oh, of course! I’ll make sure to repay this kindness.”
“Thank you so much.”
Watching this exchange, Zvalter began to sweat.
‘Is... is my son receiving bribes from a royal administrator? And he’s doing it so naturally!’
The Ghislain he knew, the reckless troublemaker who only knew how to fight, had seemingly transformed into someone entirely different.
‘I don’t understand my son anymore...’
After wrapping up the conversation, Ghislain looked around for someone to escort the baron, but everyone from Ferdium still seemed in shock.
Frustrated, Ghislain scolded, “Would someone please escort the scribe to the castle? We can’t leave him standing here forever.”
“O-oh, right. I’ve been so distracted I forgot to arrange that. Let’s go inside,” Zvalter said, snapping out of his stupor.
“I’ll need to start sorting the supplies and then head back to my territory.”
“You’re leaving already?”
“Yes, there’s much work to do.”
“But... wait a moment. Guards, escort the royal guests to the guest rooms! I’ll catch up once I’ve finished here.”
Several knights and retainers moved quickly to guide Baron Share and his attendants into the castle. Once they were out of sight, Zvalter let out a long, exhausted sigh.
“Phew, what a whirlwind.”
As the tension eased with the royal guests inside, Zvalter started to relax. Thankfully, they wouldn’t be staying long, only a single night.
With his mind a little clearer, Zvalter cautiously asked the question that had been nagging him.
“I know Baron Share is gone now, but just to be sure... Even half the supplies are quite a lot. Are you sure there’s no problem accepting this? There won’t be any issues, right?”
Ghislain smiled. “Don’t worry, Father. Everything is above board. This is a good thing, isn’t it?”
“It is... it’s just all so sudden, and I don’t quite understand the full situation.”
“You don’t need to worry about it. The royal family and nobles have been neglecting the north for too long. We’re only getting what we deserve now.”
“Well, that’s true.”
‘You say that, but you’ve taken half for yourself.’
Ghislain’s smile reassured Zvalter, though. He couldn’t help but be proud of his son.
“Don’t worry, Father. From now on, no one will dare to look down on Ferdium.”
Zvalter nodded silently, his throat tightening as he tried to speak. His son’s words carried a sense of authority and confidence that stirred something deep within him. 𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒑𝒖𝙗.𝒄𝒐𝒎
Why did those simple words resonate so deeply?
Still, it was clear—his son had changed.
‘This is good...’
Ghislain had earned respect within Ferdium, but now he was also recognized by the royal family and high-ranking nobles.
Zvalter’s heart swelled with pride. Years of hardship, of being ignored and belittled, seemed to melt away.
‘He’s become just like his mother... always so composed, even when accomplishing great things.’
His wife would’ve been so proud to see this.
‘Why did you have to go so soon, my love?’
Zvalter wiped at his eyes, feeling a warmth there. But as memories of Ghislain’s past recklessness resurfaced, the tears quickly dried up.
‘I swear, if you’re going to mature, do it all the way.’
Ghislain’s recent achievements were impressive, surpassing many other lords. Zvalterwas filled with pride, seeing his son’s abilities revive the estate.
But even with all his success, Ghislain’s methods were often risky, his actions still unpredictable. Just thinking about how he had bet his life in that wager with Marquis Branford sent chills down Zvalter’s spine.
‘He’ll continue to run wild if I don’t rein him in...’
For now, Zvalter thought, he’d have to focus on the northern tribes and maintain his role as the stern father.
Lost in thought, Zvalter was interrupted by Ghislain’s farewell.
“Well, I’ll be going now, Father. You should head inside. The supplies are already sorted, so distribution shouldn’t take long.”
Zvalter snapped back to reality and grabbed Ghislain’s arm.
“Why are you in such a hurry to leave? You’ve come all this way—eat a meal, rest, and visit your siblings.”
“I’ll visit properly another time. I need to return quickly and relieve Commander Randolph.”
“You always say you’re busy, but everyone is busy. Other people manage to visit their families just fine. It’s not like you have a wife or children to take care of.”
“...”
“Speaking of which, when do you plan to get married? You don’t even have anyone in mind, do you?”
Zvalter’s age seemed to have brought with it more nagging than Ghislain remembered. Clearly, the earlier mention of wedding gifts had only fueled his father’s desire to see him married.
Ghislain had neither the time nor the inclination for romance or marriage right now. He lowered his eyes, pretending not to hear.
But the retainers joined in.
“The lord is right! You should find a suitable match soon.”
“Marriage is best when done early. You need to secure the future of the family.”
“Now is the perfect time, with your reputation on the rise. If you wait, who knows how long it’ll last?”
Zvalter pressed forward, sensing victory. “I’ll start looking for a suitable match since it seems you haven’t found one yourself.”
“I have no intention of getting married any time soon,” Ghislain said firmly, speaking each word clearly.
But no one seemed to listen.
“Marriage isn’t about what you want. It’s about duty.”
In noble families, the head of the house always had the final say in marriage arrangements.
Sighing deeply, Ghislain tried to steer the conversation away from himself.
“Father, what about you? How about considering a remarriage? You’ve been looking a bit lonely lately.”
Zvalter’s face became serious.
“I’m not exactly popular.”
“...”
Ghislain was left speechless by his father’s blunt and honest confession.
