leonardwarren Chapter 364: The Scapegoat 2
Chapter 364: The Scapegoat 2
TL: Etude
“Clank! Clank!”
The sound of metal friction continued until it reached the dining room, where Paul looked in astonishment at the fully armored infantry battalion commander.
“Bryce, what’s this about?”
“Oh, Count!”
Bryce knelt on one knee in salute, but having not worn this suit of armor for a long time, he struggled a bit to stand up again.
“I am merely performing the duties of a noble vassal. As your former military governor, I ought to be armored at all times, ready to shield my lord from any potential threats.”
Paul, unable to hold back a laugh, gestured for him to sit at the dining table.
Soon, the butler Philip directed several servants to set the table with delicious dishes.
Paul instructed, “You may leave us. I wish to have a moment alone with Colonel Ald.”
Old Philip complied and led the servants out of the dining room.
Bryce raised an eyebrow, sensing that the Count had more than just a meal in mind for the evening.
Once the footsteps of the servants had completely faded, Paul picked up a bottle of wine, filled his own glass, and then poured for Bryce.
“Bryce, let’s start with some wine to whet our appetites.”
As he poured the wine, Bryce quickly stood up, only to be gently pushed back down by Paul.
“Stay seated, tonight you are my guest.”
“Tha... thank you, my lord.”
Bryce was a mix of nervous and excited, hardly able to articulate his words.
Paul returned to his seat, raising his glass, “Let’s drink to this.”
Bryce hurriedly raised his glass, and their glasses clinked together with a clear sound.
After they finished their drinks, Paul refilled both glasses, prompting another round of thanks from Bryce as they began to eat and chat.
“Hansel brought back a royal decree from the capital, as you might have heard.”
Indeed, Bryce tensed up, reminding himself to be cautious with his words.
“Uh... Yes.”
Paul eyed him closely and slowly asked, “Now that I’ve regained the powers befitting a lord, naturally, I should reward those who have made contributions. Bryce, what do you think...” he noticed a flicker in Bryce’s eyes, “...I should bestow upon you and others?”
“This...” Bryce hesitated, avoiding Paul’s gaze, “It’s entirely up to you, my lord.”
“Sigh, but you’re my top contributor and confidant, you understand? Naturally, I would consult with you.”
Bryce looked back at Paul, scratching his head, “My lord, you put me in a difficult position. I’m a simple man, good at charging into battle, but as for rewarding and recognizing merits... perhaps you should consult Lord Ford or Sir Schroeder?”
Paul noted the genuineness in Bryce’s eyes and downed the wine in his glass.
“Bryce, these past two years I’ve been building schools and promoting education, recruiting civil servants through examinations. Do you know why?”
“This...” Bryce frowned in thought, “You now rule over Alda, Baylding, and Emden, without a reliable group of subordinate lords. Naturally, you need to find talented people from the populace to assist in governing, or perhaps... ‘manufacture’ capable people through schools.”
“Manufacture from schools? Ha ha.” Paul was amused by Bryce’s description.
“You’re right, just like canneries produce cans and potteries make ceramics, talents can also be ‘manufactured’ in schools.”
“With a large pool of talents as officials, I don’t need any subordinate lords to firmly control vast lands.”
“According to my optimistic estimate, in another five... no, four years, Alda, Baylding, and the even more expansive Emden, will all be under the firm control of the Administration Council.”
Paul, holding his cup in his right hand, suddenly clenched his left fist, exuding confidence.
Bryce’s heart was increasingly unsettled, but not with the excitement from before. The Count’s words implied...
He sat frozen, awaiting his lord’s next words.
“So, I’ll just say it straight!”
Paul’s gaze focused on Bryce’s face.
“What price must I offer for you to willingly... accept only the honor of a sword-bearing noble, while giving up the powers of one?”