Chapter 243
Chapter 243
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 243
Chapter Title: Finally, the Fruits of Our Efforts
After breaking the stubbornness of the elders to some extent, the design was quickly finalized.
They were the type who could wrap things up briskly once the direction was clear, so considering that, it wasn't wrong to say it had taken a while.
"If there's anything else you'd like to discuss later, feel free to call on me."
"We'll make sure there's no need for that."
"Of course, I sincerely hope everything goes smoothly from here."
I mentioned that if any issues arose or further discussions were needed, they should summon me, then completely washed my hands of the wedding dress.
Not that I had zero desire to tinker with it more.
But group projects like this hellish ordeal only grow more monstrous the longer you cling to them.
If I ignored that and stubbornly kept sticking my spoon in, I might end up bursting at the seams and dying. Better to bow out cleanly.
Of course, even now it felt like overeating, but with Elizabeth's halo, this level of indulgence was digestible.
"Ugh... No more wedding dresses unless it's family..."
With the work done, I stepped out of the workshop to leave the palace.
"William."
Elizabeth called out to me, trotting over.
"Are you heading back now?"
"Yeah, it's getting late, and the direction's solidly set."
"Good timing, then. Mother wants to see you."
"Her Majesty?"
"Yes, she said she has something important to tell you."
"Something..."
For a moment, I wondered what it could be, but then it hit me. There was something.
All the delays from one thing after another—our employees' titles were finally due.
"Did she say to come right now?"
"If possible, but tomorrow or the day after is fine if not."
"Let's go now."
"Oh my."
I eagerly volunteered to meet His Majesty the Emperor, and Elizabeth's eyes widened as she covered her mouth with her hand.
"What's gotten into you? Grinning like that on your way to see Mother."
"I've grown up a bit."
"......"
Elizabeth narrowed her eyes and wrinkled her nose slightly.
She looked utterly unconvinced by my growth.
Honestly, I didn't believe it myself.
If it were me, it'd take about fifty years to adjust.
"Nope, not happening."
Sensing some inexplicable change and feeling an unknown dread, Elizabeth clutched my sleeve tightly.
"I'm coming with you. I feel uneasy."
"Sure."
It wasn't a secret anyway, and she'd find out soon enough. I nodded and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with her.
_
"Your Majesty, Count Howard has arrived to see you."
"Quick, isn't he."
I'd summoned Count Howard and was lounging in the audience chamber when, not even ten minutes later, the chamberlain reported his arrival.
"And Her Highness Princess Victoria wishes to join the audience as well. What shall I do?"
Elizabeth too, no less.
I was glad I'd entrusted it to her of all people, and with a lazy smile, I waved lightly to the chamberlain.
"Let them both in."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The chamberlain bowed and retreated, then opened the central doors of the audience chamber—not the side door for private meetings—and ushered in Count Howard and Elizabeth.
"Hm?"
The first thing that caught my eye was Count Howard's expression.
Usually, he showed me a pale, rigidly frozen face, but now he wore a smile as bright as a clear blue sky.
Who knew this man could flash such a fresh, endearing grin.
It was just like Helen's son, the one who made men weep with nothing but a foxy smile.
If only he walked around smiling like that all the time, instead of trembling like a mouse before me...
"Mother, I brought William."
"Your Imperial Majesty, William Henry Howard, Count Howard, at your service."
"Mm. Rise and lift your head."
"Thank you."
I felt a twinge of annoyance that he didn't show me that smile, but I magnanimously overlooked it and bade William, bowing beside Elizabeth, to stand.
His face was still brimming with confidence and joy.
"Count, do you know why I summoned you?"
"If I may presume to guess Your Majesty's intent, I believe it's regarding the matter I requested some time ago."
"Spot on."
No wonder he looked so inexplicably cheerful—he was thrilled at the thought of bestowing titles on his subordinates.
Rare was the noble who fussed over vassals this much, let alone mere employees.
What fruit this affection for his staff would bear, I couldn't say, but for the foreseeable future, their loyalty would surely pierce the heavens.
And if things went well, he could become the nucleus of a new faction, beholden to neither imperial nor noble interests.
The light in the gray zones centered on collateral heirs and ladies far from succession and power.
If that came to pass, it would be a headache for Alexandrine, but a useful weapon too.
"Heh heh."
It was endearing how he shunned politics yet unwittingly danced to my tune.
If only there were two more such foolhardy puppies around me—instead, I was surrounded by sly, cunning foxes...
Hopefully his children took after him completely.
That would duplicate nobles like Count Howard.
"...?"
After my opening question, I sat silently staring at him, and Count Howard tilted his head.
Time to shelve idle thoughts and get to the point. I smiled and flicked my hand casually.
"At first, in exchange for resolving the witches' attire issue, I granted you the right to bestow a few knighthoods."
"Yes, that's correct."
"I meant to do it in July originally, but every time a reward was settled, you'd bring new gains, and every time that happened, you'd resolve yet another task. Days kept slipping away, and I'm sorry it's taken nearly two months to discuss your reward."
"Your Majesty need feel no apology for justly weighing merit and reward. I shall gladly accept whatever boon you deem fit."
"I'm grateful for those words."
Reading the positive tone in my voice, the count's mouth stretched from ear to ear.
To make even a count this gleeful over a reward for his underlings—remarkable.
"When the topic first arose, it was knighthoods or baronetcies—the ranks commonly granted for such feats."
"Indeed."
"But considering your accomplishments these past two months, a knighthood or baronetcy would truly fall short."
"Your praise is overly generous."
The count humbly lowered his head with needless modesty.
But there was little he could do when I insisted on overvaluing him.
Gripe behind my back at most.
I straightened my back and spoke with even greater authority.
"Count Howard, I hereby grant you partial authority to appoint nobles of baron rank or lower."
"What?!"
"Limited to three barons and no more than ten knights. This authority takes effect tomorrow."
"Unbelievable...!"
Not even baronetcies—full barons.
The bare minimum for nobility, the threshold of blue blood.
An unremarkable title that comprised most nobles, yet their numbers weren't endless.
Unlike the thousands—nay, tens of thousands—of knights and baronetcies scattered about.
There were barely a few hundred barons in total.
And I'd handed him the right to create three of them.
"Mother...?"
"Your Majesty..."
Elizabeth and the count, well aware of this reward's weight, gaped in disbelief, eyes wide as they stared at me.
"Does it please you?"
"Yes... I scarce know how to express my gratitude for such an undeserved honor."
"Then I'm glad. I pondered long what to bestow."
Unlike the irreverent gaze he showed during past reward attempts, respect and loyalty now shone in the count's eyes.
"Even including this wedding dress affair, I feel this falls short."
"It's more than enough—truly."
I hinted at remorse over his recent duties, and sensing something off, the count hastily drew the line.
"It's not enough in my eyes. We'll discuss additional rewards for this matter later."
"Ahaha..."
But when I feigned obliviousness and dangled more, the count's face finally twisted.
His earlier confidence began to ebb away.
"You dislike it? If so, I could help elevate you to marquess right now..."
"No, it's perfect—truly wonderful. Now I can better provide for my staff."
"Good to hear it suits you. Look forward to the gifts yet to come."
I asserted discipline myself, and the count cut in no more, offering an awkward smile and a polite reply.
"I certainly will."
A bold move, but I let it slide with a nod.
Now the count would soon have vassals befitting a noble.
With modest lands, he'd reach the baseline of high nobility.
A level where marrying into imperial blood wasn't odd.
This pace would let me share plenty of good news with the people and nobles come Founding Day.
"Heh heh heh..."
I smiled in satisfaction.
A most promising trajectory.
Soon, I'd summon Helen to the capital to discuss these and other matters.