Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World

Chapter 368: Loyalty

TL: Etude

After the turmoil caused by Quik, no one was willing to retain their lordly powers anymore. One after another, they loyally handed them over to the Administration Council.

A wave of rewards followed, and Alda gained a new Viscount (Old Ford), three Barons (Schroeder, Bryce, Austin), six Baronets, and a host of knights.

Almost everyone summoned to the lord’s mansion’s hall received a title, except for one person, Ladi Sertia, the acting head of the Department of Education. This was because there was no precedent in this world for directly bestowing a noble title upon a woman. Noblewomen usually inherited their titles from their deceased fathers or husbands, and this was only in the absence of any male heirs.

However, Ladi herself was not very keen on titles, perhaps due to her other identity, which made her somewhat indifferent to the worldly matters people coveted.

Subsequently, Paul instructed the steward, Philip, to arrange a grand feast, allowing these newly elevated nobles to revel in their ascended status. The lord’s mansion was filled with raucous celebrations all day, only quieting down when the guests dispersed in the evening.

Three days later, Philip brought an unexpected piece of news to Paul. Sir Herson and Sir Shaun, leading a group of Emden nobles – formerly vassals of the Kent family – wished to visit him.

“What do they want?” Paul asked.

“It seems to be related to the recent ennoblement,” Philip replied.

“Oh? Do they also want some benefit? Well, let them come this weekend.”

“Yes, my lord.”

…

“Congratulations, Lord Grayman!”

In the lord’s mansion’s hall, the Emden nobles, led by Sir Herson and Sir Shaun, collectively bowed to Paul.

“Please, take your seats!” Paul responded with a hearty smile.

Once everyone was seated, Herson spoke, “We have learned that Lord Grayman has been restored to power by His Majesty the King, so we have come together to congratulate you.”

“Oh? News travels fast, doesn’t it? It’s only been a few days.”

“Lord Grayman, you’re being a bit formal. You should have informed us.”

Sir Blake Shaun, the lord of Fort Bidou, said this with what he believed to be the perfect smile.

Paul replied with a smile, “Haha, you knew even without my notification, didn’t you?”

The hall fell into an awkward silence, confirming the rumors about the young count’s lack of social finesse.

After a silent exchange of glances, Sir Herson and Sir Shaun stepped forward and suddenly knelt on one knee, followed by the other nobles.

Paul, sitting in the lord’s seat, was somewhat baffled. “What is this about?”

Sir Herson raised his head and said, “Please accept our loyalty, Lord Grayman!”

What does this mean?

Sir Shaun added, “Emden is now under Lord Grayman’s jurisdiction, and we, the lords of Emden, are under your command. Now that you have been restored to all your rights as a Sword Noble by His Majesty the King, it is only fitting that we acknowledge you as our liege.”

Ah, they’ve come to curry favor.

After two years in this otherworldly realm, Paul finally enjoyed the feeling of being a powerful lord with subordinates readily pledging allegiance.

Slightly smug, Paul’s eyes twinkled as he stood and gestured magnanimously with his hands.

“Good, good, good! I accept your loyalty. Rise, all of you. From now on, you are the official vassals of the Grayman family.”

Regardless of their true intentions, having a bunch of new subordinates was certainly a cause for joy.

The nobles were surprised by the simplicity of it all.

Traditionally, shouldn’t there be a solemn and dignified ceremony, inviting neighboring earl-level lords as witnesses, and then everyone swearing allegiance to their new lord under the Light of the Holy One? That would have been the proper procedure. ?

Although the Emden nobles could sense that Count Grayman was happy with their allegiance, the casual manner in which he accepted it seemed too childish and undignified.

To put it bluntly, it felt like a warm gesture met with a cold response.

Seeing the baffled faces around him, Paul cleared his throat and said, “I guess I know what you’re all thinking. But I, as a Count, have never been fond of cumbersome formalities. If your loyalty is sincere, why bother about such superficial ceremonies? I will immediately inform the surrounding areas that you are now under my protection.”

“We are indeed sincere!”

“Rest assured, my lord, we will always be ready to answer your call!”

“Please send me to lead the charge in the next battle!”

“We will follow you through sickness and health, until death!”

…

The hall was abuzz with vows and promises, each lord appearing incredibly passionate.

“Great, great! I can see that you are all sincere! Haha.”

Paul happily responded to the lords, though he was somewhat skeptical internally. Until death? Hadn’t Marltz Kent only been deceased for half a year?

Marltz Kent’s family had maintained a relationship with these vassals for decades, even centuries, through various means like marital alliances. Paul, on the other hand, could only offer them an empty promise of protection.

In actual warfare, they would likely do no more than the bare minimum required by the king’s conscription. Relying on them to lead troops in battle? As long as they didn’t stab him in the back, it would already be good.

But, not one to spurn a smiling face, Paul needed to respond to their pledge.

“Philip!”

“Yes, Lord Grayman,” the old steward responded promptly.

“Let’s hold another banquet today, hosting the lords of Emden. Everyone should drink heartily without restraint!”

“Thank you, Lord Grayman,” the lords chorused.

Paul also instructed Philip to invite Old Ford, Schroeder, Bryce, and others to join.

Thus, this vassal relationship was established.

However, the Emden nobles still felt a slight sense of disappointment. They could tell that Count Grayman was pleased with their allegiance, but he didn’t seem to take it very seriously. It was more of an attitude like, “It’s nice to have it, but no big deal if not.”

After all, Grayman had a formidable army under his command. In the war of the usurpers, many had witnessed the might of this force. The conscripted soldiers hastily gathered by the lords were no match for Alda’s troops in terms of discipline, morale, or equipment. They only managed to hold their own through sheer numbers.

At least Paul had acknowledged their protection. Previously, they were merely bound by the Administration Council, but now, should they face trouble, Paul was obliged to help.

How to reciprocate this protection? Both sides needed to benefit to maintain a lasting relationship. Since they couldn’t offer much military aid, they had to think of other ways to be useful.

Connecting this to the rumors surrounding Paul’s recent ennoblement of new vassals, the lords’ feelings grew complicated.