Chapter 178: 178 Conferring Titles

Chapter 178: Enfeoffment

With the Year-End Celebration and the Marquis's birthday banquet concluded, nobles from all regions were preparing to return to their respective domains.

Yet before their official departure, they were far more curious about how Ushan Fortress would handle Baron Reisen, with some even delaying their return to their domains out of sheer curiosity.

In the afternoon, nobles of all ranks gathered at Ushan Fortress.

They murmured in small groups, yet most were discussing the Marquis's reason for summoning them.

Many speculated the meeting concerned either Reisen or Ronin.

Of all present, only Ronin knew the meeting's purpose. He sat with eyes downcast, nose to chin, offering not a single word even when approached tentatively for information.

Soon, Rulans arrived, accompanied by Grand Mage Miloslav, Brohl, Blanche, and Knight Misi.

As they took their seats, the fortress hall fell silent.

Rulans smiled faintly. "I've summoned you here for two matters today."

"The first concerns the disposition of Reisen Sain."

The old Marquis paused, glancing at Toru seated below, who had prepared the testimonies of Reisen's retinue.

"After last night's interrogation, Reisen's embezzlement of Ushan resources and repeated attempts to kill Ronin have been confirmed. He is also strongly suspected of involvement in the assassination attempts on Princess Blanche and Viggins."

"Such crimes fall beyond noble law's protection. I hereby declare..."

All present leaned forward, though they already knew Reisen's fate, they longed to hear it spoken aloud.

"The Sain family's hereditary barony is revoked, their marsh town domain forfeited. Reisen and his kin shall be imprisoned. Whether he participated in the princess and Viggins' assassination will be investigated jointly by the royal court and Ushan Fortress."

"But regardless of his involvement in those two matters, once the investigation concludes, Ushan Fortress will execute Reisen by hanging to cleanse his crimes!"

"In short, Reisen's death is inevitable—only the timing depends on the investigation's conclusion."

Rulans gestured, and Sir Toru stepped forward with the interrogation records.

"These are yesterday's interrogation results. Those interested may review them. Any objections to my ruling may be voiced now."

Immediately, several nobles raised hands to examine the records, including Viscount Marven and Count Auson.

They weren't doubting Ushan's authenticity—most were merely curious.

A moment of review followed.

Auson scrutinized the documents at length before closing them. "I have no objections."

Ronin was taken aback.

He'd expected Auson to defend Reisen, perhaps even save him. Instead, the count openly voiced no dissent.

More nobles followed suit, all endorsing the Marquis's ruling.

"Since all concur, Reisen's sentence is now in effect."

Rulans turned to Blanche seated below. "Should Reisen be implicated further, Ushan will hand him to the crown for judgment and assist in hunting the assassins and their mastermind."

Blanche nodded. "Brohl, assign a knight to assist Ushan's investigation."

"As you command, Your Highness!" Brohl bowed.

The hall fell silent for a moment before Rulans continued. "With the Sains stripped of title and lands, Marsh Town now lies vacant."

Every head snapped up at his words.

Nobles always sought to expand their domains. Vacant lands held great allure, especially those with existing infrastructure.

Though Marsh Town's industries were modest and its population sparse, it boasted one prized asset: blackwater cattle.

These beasts excelled in labor, and Reisen had profited handsomely from their sale each year.

Whoever claimed this vacant land would inherit the blackwater cattle trade.

Ronin noted the shift in nobles' gazes. Even Viscount Marven burned with hunger, while Count Auson remained more reserved.

"It was Ronin's protection that spared Princess Blanche unscathed during the arena assassination attempt."

"Ronin averted the princess's peril, earning the Auduin dynasty an indelible deed! He also saved Ushan Fortress from catastrophe, his merits undeniable!"

Rulans turned to Ronin. "Now, as Marquis of Auduin and Lord of Ushan, I name the Sain lands and those northward 'Ubei Domain,' and formally enfeoff Ronin Ushan as Viscount of Ubei!"

Several nobles gasped. Ubei Domain—a vast territory now bestowed upon Ronin?

This was... too much...

Yet considering Ronin's deeds, his salvation of the princess, and Rulans' intentions, they could grasp the rationale.

Auson frowned slightly.

He'd anticipated the Sain lands going to Ronin, but hadn't expected Rulans to grant him the entire northern expanse.

Ubei Domain's size was no mere viscountcy—it could rival a county.

Of course, this was secondary. Ubei was barren, nearly uninhabited. Developing it would be arduous and time-consuming.

Auson fixated on Rulans' phrasing.

If his memory served, Ronin had changed his surname upon becoming Lord of Forest Town, dropping 'Ushan'.

Yet Rulans had just declared 'Ronin Ushan,' signaling Ronin's return to his original surname.

The implication was clear.

Under his robe, Auson's fist clenched. 'Rulans, do you truly intend to disinherit my grandson and name Ronin heir instead?'

Disinheriting Ronin would be simple—his maternal line was extinct, and he lacked noble support;

but stripping Breton of his claim? That would require more than words—and Auson would be the first to oppose it.

Rulans let the hall's murmurs linger before asking coolly, "Any objections to this enfeoffment?"

Enfeoffing a baron—especially for a remote place like Forest Town—was within Rulans' or even Viggins' power, as it didn't threaten other nobles' interests.

But enfeoffing a viscountcy over such vast territory? That could stir resentment among the nobility.

In noble society, vassals owed fealty to their liege, who in turn protected them.

If an enfeoffment harmed other nobles' interests, the liege failed in his duty—and his vassals could voice objections.

Thus, Rulans' question was reasonable.

Nobles exchanged glances.

Though covetous of Marsh Town and Ubei's expanse, none dared oppose Rulans' decree.

Everyone could see Rulans was backing Ronin.

Ronin exhaled inwardly at the silence. Things were progressing far smoother than he'd anticipated.

Yet as his relief faded, an untimely voice cut through the quiet.

"Marquis, I object!"

(End of Chapter)