Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World

Chapter 359: Rewards

TL: Etude

The pirates of Port West had been annihilated!

This tremendous news quickly spread throughout the royal capital, Crystal Shine, bringing a sigh of relief to the common folk.

Recently, people dared not leave the city, fearing attacks by pirates disguised in civilian clothes. History had seen pirates raiding deep inland, and these bandits, far from any regular army, were unrecognizable in commoner’s attire.

It was strange to think about the Kingdom of Ordo’s recent plight with rebellions and pirate invasions. Had they offended the Lord of Light himself? Fortunately, one more menace was now eliminated.

Harrison Abbott, riding a tall horse, led his soldiers through the western gate of Crystal Shine, basking in the glory of a hero’s welcome.

Amidst the cheers of the populace, beautiful young women showered the reportedly single young commander with flowers.

Hansel, following closely behind Harrison, looked on with a mix of envy and admiration at his brother.

Alas, what could be done? Though they shared a father, Harrison was born of the legitimate wife, while Hansel’s origins were less auspicious. In terms of status, Harrison had been a royal guard, whereas Hansel was just a minor tax official in the suburbs of the capital. Even now, he was merely working for a rural lord.

On second thought, Count Grayman seemed to be more than just a simple rural noble now!

He effectively controlled three counties, surpassing even Henry Ferdinand, the leading noble of Northwest Bay, in terms of territory and population.

Not to mention Grayman’s lucrative ventures. His workshops, especially the porcelain factory, must be making a fortune. Christopher, a representative of the Horn Bay Alliance’s Foster family, had drunkenly revealed to Hansel that every batch of porcelain shipped to Horn Bay was pre-ordered. Porcelain had become a symbol of status and position there.

When Hansel first arrived in Alda as a royal commissioner two years ago, Paul Grayman was under constant threat from pirates. Now, Grayman’s fortunes had taken a complete turn.

Following such a lord, Hansel’s future didn’t seem so bleak after all.

“Lord Abbott!”

A shout snapped Hansel out of his reverie.

Was someone calling him? Hansel squinted and saw that they were addressing his brother.

A royal attendant in official garb had halted their procession.

“Lord Abbott, His Majesty commands your immediate presence at the royal palace for a council meeting.”

Without hesitation, Harrison responded, “Please tell His Majesty I will be there at once.”

Hansel felt slighted, as the king hadn’t even mentioned him.

Disheartened, he bid his brother farewell, “I’ll be heading back.”

But Harrison grabbed him, “Why the hurry? You contributed significantly to this battle. Come along.”

After instructing their troops to return to camp swiftly, the brothers and a few officers headed to the royal palace.

The king chose the council hall for the meeting, a place for discussing state affairs, highlighting the significance of their victory over the pirates.

Upon entering, they found the hall filled with many dignitaries, including Prime Minister Rupert, Minister of Intelligence Merlin, and even Queen Phyllis. Beside her sat a lady Hansel didn’t recognize, presumably Princess Eileen, her face veiled.

Hansel knew little about the king’s youngest daughter. After the Abbott family fell out of royal favor, his father rarely interacted with key members of the royal family, let alone an illegitimate son like Hansel. Only Harrison, favored for his reputation, remained a royal guard.

Hansel had only glimpsed the princess from afar at a festival in his youth, before she had matured and left for the scholar’s tower in the Gabella Empire. Since then, stationed outside Crystal Shine, Hansel had never seen her again.

The assembled ministers turned their gaze upon the Abbott brothers, causing Hansel to tense under the scrutiny of so many powerful figures.

“Harrison, congratulations on your great victory. You’ve worked hard,” the king, seated on the throne, spoke.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Harrison responded with a hand over his chest, bowing to the king. “It is my duty to serve the kingdom. I dare not speak of hardships.”

“Good, very good,” the king stroked his beard, pleased with this former guard’s performance. He regretting not promoting him to a commanding position earlier. His disreputable father had indeed hindered his son’s progress.

Harrison spoke up, “The victory wasn’t solely my achievement. It was Northwest Bay fleet that defeated the pirates’ ships, allowing us to conduct a successful ground operation.”

He glanced at his brother. “It was Hansel who coordinated with us.”

The king’s satisfaction grew with Harrison’s refusal to take all the credit.

He was already familiar with the specifics of the battle from the reports. Harrison’s detailed account revealed nothing particularly extraordinary. He had blockaded Port West, gathered intelligence, and waited for the Northwestern fleet’s arrival before striking with an overwhelming advantage. It was a standard, by-the-book operation.

Yet, the king preferred such cautious and steady leadership, especially given the kingdom’s current fragile state.

“You both have done well. Harrison, what reward would you seek?” the king asked.

Without hesitation, Harrison said, “Please send me to the southern front, Your Majesty. Even as a mere soldier, I am willing.”

The king laughed heartily. “Having you as just a soldier would be a punishment from the Heavenly Father. This pirate threat, likely instigated by Jars, has been a wake-up call. We’ve been too complacent about our coastal defenses. You will continue to be stationed at Port West to reorganize our sea defenses. Additionally, I grant you a royal estate as a reward for your victory.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Harrison accepted the decree. Although he didn’t get his wish to head south, remaining in the military was satisfactory.

The king turned to Hansel, his tone more serious. “And you, the younger son of the Abbott family?”

Hansel, with a glimmer of hope, cautiously said, “Your Majesty, I wish to serve in the capital… or perhaps join the southern forces.”

He had learned that his old rival, Matthew Stoman, had secured an important position under the Foreign Affairs Minister, favored and with a bright future ahead.

But the king firmly refused. “No!”

Hansel’s heart sank.

“You will continue as the royal representative in Northwest Bay, liaising between Crystal Shine and the local lords. Additionally, I grant you a thousand gold coins. Perform your duties well.”

Was it his lineage that mattered after all? Hansel felt disheartened, interpreting the king’s “perform your duties well” as a warning not to aspire beyond his station.

The king, however, had other thoughts. Northwest Bay had shown considerable potential after this battle, rich in food and weapons. Perhaps it was time to rethink this once-barren land.

“Perhaps a miracle has occurred there, or have we all been mistaken?” the king pondered.

“Hansel, advise the local lords to treat their people well. Loyalty to the kingdom is commendable, but they must not overburden the populace,” the king instructed, suspecting that Count Grayman might be exploiting his subjects to show off his capabilities.

The ministers agreed, echoing their thoughts.

“The king is right. Let’s hope he takes this advice to heart.”

“Count Grayman is not yet twenty, understandably impetuous. Such is youth.”

The ministers seemed to agree that retaining such a loyal and useful subject was essential, avoiding any potential rebellion due to excessive exploitation.

Princess Eileen, sitting beside the queen, covered her mouth, seemingly amused.

“Yes, Your Majesty. I will advise him,” Hansel said, a bit disheartened, not bothering to clarify.

The king nodded, then looked around. “So, what reward should we give Count Grayman? We must not chill the heart of a meritorious subject. Any suggestions, gentlemen?”