The King's Power (2)
Departing from Brancia on a swift vessel, the Royal Envoy was sailing rapidly north toward Hanes County.
An envoy tasked with delivering a royal decree was typically chosen from the ranks of counts or higher.
Under normal circumstances, sending a noble of such high standing to oversee a mere border dispute between minor lords was utterly absurd.
Summoned by the King's command, Count Renkai had received a special mandate directly from the monarch.
"When you journey north this time, you will oversee the territory war between Baron Farrow and Viscount Rebion. Ensure that a fair contest is conducted."
"I shall obey Your Majesty's command," Count Renkai had replied, "but I worry it might diminish the royal dignity. Is it not customary to dispatch a viscount for matters of this scale?"
"Hahaha! Indeed, you are ever my loyal subject. The reason you are being sent is for what comes after the territory war."
"What comes after, Your Majesty?"
"Should Baron Farrow emerge victorious, you are to present him with a royal decree elevating him to the rank of viscount on the spot."
"What?! And if Baron Farrow loses?"
"What of it? The typical end of a ruined noble who failed to seize his chance awaits him."
It was a double-edged sword.
The King had made it clear that the promotion was a condition valid only upon Baron Farrow's victory.
If he won, he would rise as a prominent noble of the north, armed with expanded territory and a higher title. Should it come to that, Jeron Farrow would enjoy the King's favor and advance rapidly.
Even this decision was rooted in the King's political calculations.
Though not widely known to the public, the King's heart lay with the Crown Prince.
He held the stance that the throne should be inherited by the eldest son, and he had been quietly working to bolster the Crown Prince faction.
His desire to nurture Baron Farrow stemmed from this very motive.
At a time when every single helping hand was desperately needed, adding an influential noble to their faction would provide a significant boost in power.
"Baron Farrow, is it?"
Count Renkai had also heard the rumors surrounding the young baron.
A new lord of the frontier who was climbing the ranks rapidly under the patronage of Duke Langton.
He was young—almost too young to be a lord—yet the Farrow family was risking everything to secure a promotion in rank.
With many nobles of the Crown Prince faction backing Baron Farrow, Count Renkai, who had also received gifts from Jeron Farrow in the past, harbored no ill will toward him.
"Let us see. Will he become a rising star, or a falling meteor?"
It was a warm, sunny afternoon when the swift vessel finally docked at the harbor.
An unexpected figure was waiting at the docks.
"Oh? What brings you here!"
"What do you mean? How could I stay put when my Academy classmate is arriving?"
"You really are something else!"
It was Count Hanes, the ruler of the north.
He was Count Renkai's classmate from their Academy days, and they had maintained a close friendship ever since.
Seeing his old friend come all the way to greet him brought a bright smile to Count Renkai's face.
"My friend, your wrinkles seem to multiply by the day."
"Ha! As if that only applies to me. You've aged too. Soon enough, we'll be marching into our coffins side by side."
"Bwahaha! Indeed! When you're old, you might as well die!"
They traded dark jokes freely.
It was the kind of banter only possible between truly close friends.
Hanes County was as bustling as ever.
As the most developed territory in the north, the harbor was crowded, and large-scale international merchant caravans moved in and out constantly.
On their way to the lord's castle, Count Renkai posed a question to his old friend.
"Tell me. Baron Farrow's name is quite hot in political circles right now. Do you know anything about him?"
"Baron Farrow?"
"I'm curious because a mere baron is causing such a massive stir."
"Hahaha! He is a truly remarkable fellow."
"Is that how he is evaluated?"
"His administrative skills and political acumen are top-tier. Recently, he completely subdued the barbarians. Eliminating that headache alone is a massive achievement."
"Oh, is that so?"
Count Hanes evaluated Baron Farrow as an outstanding young lord.
The position of ruler of the north was not won by luck.
Few nobles possessed an eye for people as sharp as Count Hanes, and if such a man held the youth in high regard, the King's expectations were well-founded.
"Is that the reason you came all the way here?"
"It seems His Majesty intends to back Baron Farrow."
"What...?!"
Count Hanes was startled by Count Renkai's words.
He knew Baron Farrow had connections in the capital, but he had not expected the King himself to take an interest.
Just what on earth has this kid been doing to win even His Majesty's favor?
It was all the power of bribes disguised as gifts.
The fact that Baron Farrow had established a direct line to the King was a monumental event.
It meant that not just the northern nobles, but the entire kingdom was now watching Baron Farrow.
"The reason I am here is for Baron Farrow's promotion. Though, of course, I must verify his capabilities first."
***
The territory war between the Farrow and Rebion families was rapidly approaching.
Jeron, who had been working tirelessly on administrative duties while visiting Earth every other day, received word that Count Renkai was heading toward the Farrow Forest.
They were to gather at the border zone this afternoon to finalize the official notarization.
Inwardly, Jeron had also been waiting for word from the royal court.
To ensure the explosive growth of his territory, a promotion in rank was absolutely essential.
Fortunately, since the royal court had taken two of his masterpieces, Jeron had anticipated some political returns.
Jeron set out quickly with a small escort.
Clatter! Clatter!
The carriage carrying Jeron and his guards rumbled loudly as it crossed the Farrow territory.
Upon spotting the carriage, the residents immediately knelt to show their respect.
Jeron, who had been looking out the window, turned to Sir Leila, who was riding with him to discuss strategy.
"The fact that the Royal Envoy has come all the way to this remote countryside suggests a clear intention, doesn't it?"
"It appears so. It is likely a test from the King."
"A test?"
"To see if you are worthy of becoming a pillar of the Crown Prince faction."
"I didn't think I was that influential yet."
"You are in the process of making yourself so."
Jeron realized the true power of bribery.
Honestly, he hadn't expected his gifts to yield such massive results when he first started.
He would have been satisfied just having someone to back him politically from the shadows, but the current turn of events had far exceeded his expectations.
"It's starting to feel a bit burdensome. It's too early for His Majesty to pay this much attention to me."
"There is no turning back now. We can only move forward."
"I suppose so."
Jeron steeled his resolve.
Since things had turned out this way, he had to make the most of the opportunity.
In that case, winning the favor of the Royal Envoy was of utmost importance.
"What about the items I asked you to prepare?"
"I have brought the gifts you referred to as the 'Triple Set.'"
Sir Leila carefully presented a box.
Inside the elegant case lay the bribes Jeron had prepared.
Using data gathered through Seira regarding the preferences of the capital's nobility, he had selected items that a count would find irresistible.
Recently, as his scavenging operations on Earth expanded, he had been able to source higher-quality goods, allowing him to upgrade the luxury of his offerings.
Furthermore, he had tasked the engineer, Mr. Kang, with decorating the metal components in a flashy, ornate style. He could already picture the Count's ecstatic reaction.
Jeron arrived at the encampment set up in the Farrow Forest.
Viscount Rebion's side had not yet arrived.
Geographically, the forest was closer to Jeron's castle, allowing him to arrive ahead of his rival.
Upon meeting the Count, Jeron bowed politely.
"I greet the Royal Envoy."
"Hahaha, rise. So you are the famous Baron Farrow."
"You flatter me, my Lord."
The middle-aged man showed immediate warmth toward Jeron.
Count Renkai was an influential noble in the capital who wielded substantial power.
He ruled a fertile fief comparable to Hanes County and held the position of Deputy Chancellor in the central government.
Count Renkai had stayed in Hanes County for a day to recover from his journey.
Since he was visiting an old friend, it was obvious that he and Count Hanes had shared drinks, during which Jeron's name must have come up.
Jeron surmised that Count Hanes's recommendation was the reason Count Renkai was acting so favorably during their first meeting.
"The capital speaks highly of your talents, but I see your reputation in the north is equally stellar."
"It seems Count Hanes was kind enough to speak well of me."
"He described you as a polite and promising young lord. No wonder His Majesty sent me here."
Count Renkai guided Jeron into the tent.
There were three chairs arranged around the table. One was reserved for Viscount Rebion, who had yet to arrive.
Since the Viscount would be arriving soon, Jeron decided to use this window to score some points.
Click.
Jeron presented the elegant box.
For this specific gift, Mr. Kang had personally engraved the silver wolf, the symbol of the Renkai family, onto the lid.
It was even plated in platinum, making the wolf look as if it were about to leap off the box.
"Oh!"
Count Renkai immediately understood Jeron's intention.
Engraving the family crest meant this was a customized gift prepared solely for him.
Now that the gift was presented, it was time for Jeron to work his charm.
"Since the Royal Envoy has traveled so far for a humble lord like myself, I have prepared a small token of my appreciation. Please, do not feel burdened."
"To engrave my family crest... and this craftsmanship is surely beyond human hands!"
"It took some time to locate, but my vassals eventually found a gift worthy of your esteemed name, Count."
At Jeron's words, the Count opened the box as if possessed.
Inside lay a dagger engraved with the silver wolf, alongside a fountain pen—the premier choice of bribe among the nobility.
The crowning jewel was a ring bearing the Renkai family crest.
With the silver wolf emblazoned on every item, this transcended a mere bribe; it was a deeply touching gesture.
"My boy... you did not have to go to such lengths."
"Not at all. Are we not members of the same Crown Prince faction? As a close friend of Count Hanes, you are practically family to me."
"Family... Hahaha! Indeed! We are family!"
"And family members do not stand on too much ceremony."
"Hahaha! I see now why you have become so famous. You possess the power to move people's hearts. How could anyone call you ordinary? Do not worry about this territory war. As long as you win, all preparations for your promotion are already complete."
"Then I shall gladly accept your support."
Jeron and the Count looked at each other and smiled warmly.
The plan had succeeded flawlessly.
The effects of the bribe manifested immediately.
Although Count Renkai had not set a strict time for the meeting, he fiercely reprimanded Viscount Rebion the moment the man arrived late.
"Ha! What an insolent fool! How dare you keep the Royal Envoy waiting? You must have a death wish!"