章 330: Award Ceremony III
Two months after Will returned, the Fermion soldiers marched into Tirana to loud cheers and fanfare. The troops in spotless uniforms marched in unison.
The troops looked impressive as they marched in rows of six down the street stomping in front of the palace and saluting the king.
Will, Elizabeth, Camille, and Edward watched the troops parade passed the palace. They stood next to King Roland, the Queen Mother, Duke, and Duchess vont Whitby, Francis II, and his family.
"Cousin, have you heard the news?" asked King Roland keeping his eyes locked on his troops.
"No, I haven't read today's report," Will answered honestly.
"Your disciple, Crown Prince Lukas, sacked the Kingdom of Qhosnir on his return to Annapolis.
Not only did he claim the territory east of the Yangtze River, but he also renamed the old capital Lukas City.
He forced the former king and prince across the river. Now the western half of the fallen Qhosnir Empire is a war zone. Lords are fighting each other for supremacy.
Even the Kings of Icer and Zhekid, the Prince of Suyuet, and the Duke of Kro have all been dragged into war.
By the time the lords have finished infighting, they'll be to weak fight the empire.
Moreover, according to my spies, the Crown Prince has declared himself emperor. He plans to conquer the Great Eastern Empire and depose his tyrant father," the king explained.
Their conversation was audible to everyone on the balcony. But no one dared to interrupt.
"I had no idea, he seized Eastern Qhosnir," Will lied. As he had given his disciple the idea.
"He is wise. By marching his troops to Annapolis he's building a massive following. By the time he arrives in Annapolis, half the empire may stand behind him," King Roland said impressed.
"I'm happy for Lukas, he'll make a wonderful emperor!" Will said remembering the three years he spent mentoring the crown prince.
"He's sent me an invitation to his coronation and award ceremony. There was also an accompanying letter.
The letter says you'll be granted a fief. Your disciple has offered you the pick of any fief. Cousin, I'll hold no grudge whether you decided to reside in Fermion or the Empire.
However, I'm also promoting you to Duke for your military accomplishments as Allied Quartermaster Commander and meritorious service.
Furthermore, at today's award ceremony, I'll announce Duke Francis's retirement. Tell me now, whether you desire the positions.
And I'll promote you to Finance Minister. Regardless of what you decide, I've decided to betroth my daughter Sophia to Liam," King Roland said looking Will in the eyes.
"Cousin, are you sure this isn't your way of saying you'll miss me?" Will joked.
"No, I'm saying this because Rosalind's second child was stillborn and this kingdom deserves to know the line of succession," he said stoically.
Will could tell, the death of his second child weighed heavily on the king's shoulders.
"I'm sorry for your loss, cousin. Where is the queen?" Will asked.
"She's been removed from her chamber and isolated in an obscure part of the castle until her death. I should have known that Guillemot whore was useless!" he said angrily clinching his fist.
"Cousin, have you looked over the list of candidates Will and I submitted?" asked Francis II trying to change the subject.
"I have, but I'm tired of beautiful women. I have 30-something concubines, but I love not one. This time, I want what you and Will have. I want to fall in love, with an intelligent, beautiful wife!" he commented.
Elizabeth and Christina smiled at the king, and back at their husbands to gloat.
"Surely, you'll find a better one than them," said Queen Mother Ashley Maria, bursting Elizabeth and Christina's egos.
The slight remark was so unexpected that Will and Francis II chuckled, which earned them glares from their wives.
Which made every on the balcony laugh, except for Christina and Elizabeth. The levity was much needed.
With the war and refugee crisis over, there was breathing room now for levity. With the majority of soldiers outside the kingdom, everything was a delicate balance.
Now the kingdom had experienced, battle-hardened, veterans to secure its cities and stamp down on the rising crime.
While some soldiers may have trouble reintegrating into society, the large majority would be able to start work immediately.
As long as the wars on the southern continent remain there, everyone looked forward to Fermion returning to normal.
Fermion had no natural enemies except the empire which still had 16 years left on the treaty. If nothing else, that was 16 years of peace.
When the last division of soldiers saluted the king, Will looked at the 30,000 troops stationed outside the palace. The Marine Rifle Battalion stood in the front row. Their weapons were safely stowed away in the palace's armory.
This show of strength was to honor the soldiers and remind the nobles and commoners that order had returned. The symbolic display of the king's strength was a deterrent.
"Welcome home heroes," King Roland's speech began.
"You shall be immortalized for your service. You who fought bravely to repel the demonic invaders stand as a symbol of courage and bravery for us all.
When the Third Schism fell upon us, you looked death's eye the eye said, "not today hellspawn, begone from my world."
It's thanks to your effort, the Kingdom of Fermion can hold its head high. The world witnessed our might to the world.
From now on, let our enemies quake when they see our soldiers on the horizon.
Let our enemies despair when they hear our battle cry.
For victory follows where our soldiers tread!" King Roland shouted victoriously.
A loud cheer erupted from the soldiers and citizens below. The cheering was so loud it shook the palace.
Needless to say, everyone was excited to have the troops and love loved ones return.
After 10 minutes King Roland raised his hand, to silence the crowd.
"Today, we must also honor those who gave their lives, so that we may live ours to the fullest. We honor the dead, that they may find eternal rest in Elysium.
To honor their sacrifice, I shall build an eternal flame memorial.
The flame shall be a constant reminder of the heroes that gave their lives for our freedom and liberty.
Now please join me in silent prayer for past heroes," King Roland said regrettably.
Everyone in the audience joined the king in silent prayer. After a few minutes, the king lifted his head.
The crowd gently applauded the memory of the deceased and the soon-to-be-built memorial.
"Finally, we must honor our mages and knight who bravely fought alongside our soldiers. Two, in particular, need mentioning, Sage Ming and Grandmaster vont Ballard.
During the war, they often fought on the frontlines, and it was thanks to their effort the Allied Army was able to advance under perilous circumstances.
Grandmaster Wang has requested to set down as Headmaster of Mage Academy and Sage Ming has graciously accepted to serve as his replacement.
I henceforth appoint Sage Thaddeus vont Ming, Mage Academy Headmaster. He could not be here because he is currently working at the academy," he declared triumphantly.
Will was stunned. He didn't know Elder Thaddeus agreed to such a request.
But he remembered how much Elder Thaddeus enjoyed living in his house peacefully hidden away in the alcove.
No doubt he and Archimedes wanted to return to their peaceful corner of the world. And how could he blame them?
The more the thought about it, the more he realized, he missed sleeping in that loft. He missed seeing Elder Thaddeus in his rocking chair, with a blanket over his lap, reading a book with one hand and holding a cup of tea in his other.
Those simple memories as a student made his eyes moisten. Back then, no one knew him, he was just the youngest son of a rural Baron. Will wiped his eyes, he was truly happy for his master.
"Step forward, Marquis vont Ballard," Bryson said nudging him.
"Like former Headmaster Wang, Finance Minister Duke Francis has also decided to retire. Both these men's contributions to the kingdom cannot be overshadowed. Both these men's names shall be inscribed in the hallowed hall where they worked tirelessly for years!" King Roland announced.
Elizabeth looked at her father in shock. She knew how much her father enjoyed that position. He'd been serving in that position for over a hundred years. She quickly left Will's side and hugged her father.
"I'm old, and I want to spend time with my grandchildren. It's time for the younger generation to step up," he whispered to Elizabeth and kissed the top of her head.
"Colonel vont Ballard, for exemplifying the principles of knighthood, your merits on the battlefield, and merits as Allied Quartermaster Commander off the battlefield you are promoted to Marshall, bestowed the Distinguished Service Cross, and the esteemed peerage of Duke.
Furthermore, I henceforth appoint you the King of Fermion's Finance Minister, do you swear to uphold the laws of this kingdom?" King Roland asked.
"I swear!" Will said raising his right arm.
"To mark the celebrations of Fermion's second dukedom, I hereby promote Lezhe to a viscounty and grant you it as a holding title.
In addition, I announce the betrothal of my daughter Princes Sophia to your son Liam!" he said momentously.
The awards were so great the nobility in the audience was speechless. Will was now the second most powerful man in the king
Will became a Marshal, Duke, and Finance Minister all in one-day. Moreover, his oldest son Edward, was the de facto Viscount of Lezhe, and his youngest son, Liam was next in line to be king.
With this move, King Roland settled the hereditary debate. Will and Elizabeth's factions went wild in support.
Other nobles wondered how the fifth child of a western fringe Baron became a Duke and Finance Minister. And how his infant son might become the next king.
Others wondered if the rumors were true, was Will genuinely blessed by the god of wealth? If he was, his meteoric short rise was easily explained.
Will thanked the king and whispered something in his ear, which made the king chuckle.
"Soldiers, to celebrate his good fortune, and your safe return, Finance Minister Duke William vont Ballard, is throwing a bonfire celebration. Free food and beer for everyone!" King Roland shouted joyfully.
While the commoners celebrated in the streets, the nobles prepared for the masquerade ball.
"Cousin, are you ready to find yourself another wife?" Elizabeth asked.
"Are the preparations complete?" King Roland asked raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, everything has been taken care of. I promise you, you'll find your love match. Christiana assured him.
"Good, then tonight we dance!" he said festively.
クリエイターの想い 
MightyEagle
MightyEagle If you like the story please give PS
週次パワーステータス
-- 推薦
ランキング 
-- 推薦
チケット