Regressor of the Fallen Family novel Chapter 161

Chapter 161

Regressor of the Fallen Family Chapter 161

The half of the territory that was returned from the previous Callian Marquess, and the half of the territory returned from the Kaihl Marquess, will all be granted to the McLaine family. The McLaine family’s historical rank as border counts at the time of the founding of the nation was restored and elevated to a dukedom, conferring upon them the title of duke.

“Wow!”

“Such a thing…!”

The nobility present expressed their astonishment with exclamations at such an unprecedented reward. From this moment, the McLaine family had transformed into a major territory with more than 20 castles expanding from the west to the south, becoming the Kingdom’s sole ducal house situated directly below the rank of Grand Duke.

But that was not all.

“Additionally, to Logan McLaine personally, separate from the McLaine family, the title of count will be bestowed, along with the estate closest to the palace in the capital. His presence has made me what I am today, and henceforth all the citizens and nobles of this land will honor him as they honor me!”

“Cries of wonder!”

The eyes of all the nobles in the hall, and even those of the knights on guard, turned in unison towards Logan.

A direct decree from the king to treat a noble as one of their own, showing just how highly the king esteemed Logan.

Even Logan’s eyes widened, and the Sword Sage also turned to look at him.

‘I never intended for it to go this far.’

When Logan slightly shook his head, indicating that this was not prearranged, the Sword Sage let out a small sigh and looked toward the new king.

Yet, it was not over.

“If the royal circumstances were more abundant, I would like to provide more, but I regret that I cannot; however, young lord Logan. Do you personally desire anything from me?”

They would give even more?

Sounds of gasps could be heard from everywhere.

Logan let out a small sigh and spoke.

“There is, indeed, a humble request that I have.”

“Hmm? Haha. Indeed, feel free to speak what’s on your mind.”

“If our McLaine family receives the lands of two ducal territories, which can be regarded as prime properties in the west and south parts of the kingdom, it would be too much for just a duke. I’m concerned that this might set a bad precedent in the history of our kingdom.”

Hearing this, the king smiled again but did not retreat easily.

“To bestow only a title upon the greatest contributor would be an even worse precedent. I hope you would not decline my will.”

“If it must be so, then I would prefer to accept the Taren region of the royal centrally administered territories in the east-central part.”

“The Taren region?”

To the southeast, based on the capital Gran, lied the Taren region.

That was a mining district known for producing vast amounts of iron, copper, and gold, once called the center of the kingdom’s mining industry.

Two hundred years ago, roads were constructed to supply the bountiful resources to the entire kingdom, making it a valuable territory that supported a large part of the royal finances.

Up to two hundred years ago.

“You want that land full of abandoned mines and wastelands? The McLaine territory isn’t even adjacent to it.”

“Yes, that’s correct. There is precedent for a house ruling disconnected regions.”

There was such a precedent indeed.

In the past, the king had divided a land to keep that retainer in check.

Naturally, the king’s expression became ambiguous.

The Taren region, which stretched a long mountain range from the eastern mountains down to the center of the kingdom.

The vast area between the northern plains, a part of the capital Gran’s territory, and the central plains, territory of the southwest Harun Castle, was divided into two geographical categories.

Abandoned mining districts along the ridge and the wastelands below them.

In other words, it was a big land, but utterly useless.

A place where taxes were not collected, and maintenance costs were higher.

“Do you intend to make me look like an incompetent ruler? To bestow such useless land on the highest contributor—how would the people think of me?”

“I’m merely concerned that too generous a reward may damage Your Majesty’s authority.”

In truth, the land had a clear purpose to Logan, but cloaked in modesty, he sought the king’s favor.

“I understand your heart well. But I cannot be at ease with that, so the McLaine family shall also be granted the northern territories of the Callian Marquess, to bridge between McLaine and the Taren region.”

An additional source of income had been secured.

With a definitive expression, the king offered the extra reward, and Logan did not delay in bowing his head.

“I am grateful for Your Majesty’s grace.”

There was no wavering.

Bang. Bang. Bang.

Logan inwardly and the king outwardly shared smiles in a beautiful exchange, concluding the discussion of Logan’s reward.

“Ahahaha! To have a loyal man like you brings peace to my heart. With this, let’s conclude the rewards to the McLaine family. Just like the Duchy of Esperanza, I entrust the awards for the McLaine family’s merits to you.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Afterward, rewards proceeded for the neutral nobles who, although not having taken any action, decided to follow McLaine’s lead.

With the disappearance of the original border counts, a new force was needed to fill the gap with plausible excuses.

Although the realms of the two dukes and seven border counts were divided and distributed in dozens of smaller parts.

The neutral nobles who had sworn allegiance to the new royalty could not help but beam, having struck luck without any effort.

‘It seems like a prepayment for the work to come.’

Logan looked each of the rewarded nobles in the eye, reminding them of the warning he had given them beforehand.

Of course, their smiles did not dim.

“With this, I declare the launch of the new national council!”

The protagonists leading the newly inaugurated national council.

After all the inauguration ceremonies of the new ministers had ended.

“To have been allowed to enter the palace once more… Your Majesty, your forgiveness is boundless.”

Palman Terih, the representative of the old bureaucrats ousted by factions and now returned, shed tears of joy having been honored by the righteous king.

“Everyone, raise your cups. And bless the beginning of the new Grandia!”

A festival began with the king’s lead.

* * *

The festival celebrating the new king’s accession to the throne was scheduled to continue for a week just in the capital.

As it was also meant to firmly signal to the people that the war had ended, it was decided that at least that much was necessary.

The royal treasury was opened, and food was distributed even to the slums outside the outer walls, filling both the inside and outskirts of Gran with voices praising the newly ascended king.

Logan ordered the knights and soldiers—who had not rested for several weeks due to their duty to occupy the palace after the war—to take a holiday.

Of course, this came after announcing the rewards for their post-war achievements, presenting the knights with dazzling gems and the soldiers with more gold coins than they could hold in one hand.

These treasures were obtained during the confiscation and search of the traitor border counts and dukes’ mansions.

From Logan’s perspective, it was little more than showing off with other people’s money, but the response was inevitably good.

“Long live the young lord!”

“It’s not ‘lord’ anymore, you guys! Long live the count!”

“His Grace, long live!!”

Thus, McLaine’s troops left behind only the minimum necessary to guard the newly acquired grand estate and all dispersed to enjoy the festival in the capital.

There were a few issues among them.

“Lord… your grace. Are you not going to rest?”

“Just call me as usual, Knight Eileen.”

“……Yes, young lord Logan. Are you not going to rest?”

Seeing the worried expression, Logan seemed to know what it meant, so he tried to smile gently.