Chapter 369: Gathering For Rewards
As the first rays of sunlight slipped through the cracks of the bedroom window, Simon slowly woke up.
He instinctively reached behind him under the blanket, only to find the bed already cold; someone had left.
Lying there, remembering the warmth and pleasures of the previous night, he couldn’t help but smile. After so many busy days, this felt like real living.
What surprised him the most was how much those two girls knew; it was clear they had been trained in this back in the castle.
Now he finally understood why Alaric was so afraid of losing the throne.
Wealth, beauty, and luxury — there was nothing like the royal castle.
Just then, the bedroom door opened. Joan came in holding a cup of salted tea for rinsing. "M Lord, you’re awake. Sir Baldwin has been waiting outside for quite a while. He said the generals from Snake Pass have returned and asked when the reward ceremony will start." She said, looking at Simon with new affection.
After giving herself completely to Simon the night before, she no longer looked shy. Her heart had changed, from a girl into a woman overnight.
Simon noticed this change clearly. He said to her. "You should let the other maids handle things like this. You already manage the weaving workshop and serve me; don’t work too hard."
Joan smiled. "Those maids are clumsy. I’m afraid they won’t serve Your Highness properly."
She passed him the tea.
Simon chuckled, reached out, and gently squeezed her waist.
Joan rolled her eyes at him. "My Lord, Sir Baldwin has waited long enough. You’ll have plenty of time for this later."
Simon took a sip and studied her. Before, she would’ve blushed and squirmed. Now she was calm, like a wife serving her husband.
Shaking his head with a bitter smile, Simon finished washing up and went to see Baldwin. Now more than ever, he valued political affairs; he needed to protect everything he had built.
Though the nomads were held back at Snake Pass, they were like hungry wolves, always looking for another chance to attack.
He hadn’t forgotten how strong they were in Preston. If they launched a full invasion of the Eldorian Empire, the country wouldn’t last long.
He didn’t think of himself as unbeatable. Until his army matched the level of the World Wars, the nomads would remain a serious threat.
Not to mention, the Western powers were still far ahead in technology. He still had a long road to walk.
In the main hall, Baldwin had been waiting. Simon asked for an update, and together they went to the Military Governor’s Office.
After the rewards ceremony, he’d begin preparations to travel to Eldora.
Once at the office, Simon sent messengers to the Brambleford army camp, summoned the top students from the Oxford Academy, and also called the merchants who had made major contributions during the northern campaign.
Over the past few days, he and Baldwin had finalized the list of honorees.
They spent the whole morning preparing, and in the afternoon, the ceremony began at the Governor’s Office.
"Everyone, you probably already know why I called you here today," Simon said, looking around the room.
There were people from the military, from the business world, and from the Oxford Academy.
They all looked excited and hopeful, eyes fixed on Simon.
He paused before continuing. "If it weren’t for your support during the Battle of Preston, not only would we have lost Preston, but Snake Pass would never have been in our hands. So today, I am keeping my promise. You will all be rewarded with noble titles."
Even though they had expected it, hearing it out loud thrilled everyone. Ethan and others were smiling so wide their mouths nearly reached their ears.
After that, Simon handed the floor to Baldwin.
Baldwin stood up and said. "First, we’ll announce the titles. After that, we’ll talk about some changes in Brambleford’s government positions."
He cleared his throat and looked at Ethan, Jayden, and Martin.
"Ethan led the Physics Department with bold innovation, creating the hot air balloon, which was crucial in the war. He was awarded the title of County Viscount, 1,000 caps of silver, and 200 acres of permanent farmland. Jayden and Martin bravely operated the balloons to provide intelligence and scout enemy positions. Each is awarded the title of County Baron, 500 caps of silver, and 100 acres of permanent farmland."
"Thank you, Your Highness, for this great favor!" Ethan stood up suddenly, his whole body trembling with emotion. Not long ago, he was just a poor scholar, likely to spend his life writing calligraphy to survive.
Now, in one night, he had become a titled noble with land, an incredible honor that brought glory to his family.
Jayden and Martin were just as thrilled. Martin even burst into tears. Titles like these were dreams beyond the reach of ordinary people.
Simon had intentionally awarded the Oxford Academy members first to show that technology was the most important productive force. There were reporters at the ceremony, and once the news was published, the public would see how much he valued the academy.
After that, Baldwin continued: James, Fjord, and Gru also received rewards. James and Fjord were granted the title of County Earl. Gru received the title of County Viscount.
James and Fjord had made the biggest contributions, and everyone seemed to agree with these decisions.
After honoring the academy and scholars, it was time to reward the military.
Baldwin respectfully handed the floor back to Simon. He never interfered in military matters.
Simon picked up the list and looked at Benjamin.
"Benjamin, as general, led the Brambleford army to defeat the nomads. For his great service, he is awarded the title of Regional Earl, 10,000 caps of silver, and 2,000 acres of land. Lancelot fought bravely and is granted the title of County Earl, 2,000 caps of silver, and 600 acres. Liam becomes County Earl, Timothy becomes County Viscount, and Collin is made County Baron..."
He read through the names. Every commander who fought in the campaign received some form of noble title. This showed how much Simon valued the military, breaking the old ways of the Eldorian Empire that favored scholars over soldiers.
"Thank you, Your Highness! We will serve you with all our strength, even unto death!" Benjamin and the other generals stood up and saluted.
"For glory and loyalty!" They all shouted together.