Chapter 263 - 261: New Territory

Chapter 263: Chapter 261: New Territory

The grand martial tournament final ended with Orisien’s forced congratulations.

Duane stood in the center of the now-ruined tournament stage, basking in the cheers of thousands of spectators chanting his name.

From this day forward, the name Duane Brian would echo throughout the entire Pruck Kingdom—and not just as a Master of Painting or a destitute island Lord with a knack for fashion design.

Amid the roaring cheers, King Eric rose to his feet, raising his scepter high.

"Sixty years ago, my ancestor raised the flag of Pruck upon this very land."

His voice was impossibly loud, as if amplified by a magical instrument, reaching the ears of every single person present.

The entire arena fell silent, leaving only the sound of the many flags fluttering atop the grandstand.

"Sixty years later, Duane Brian, you have used the blade of your Sword to bestow upon this celebration its most dazzling crown!"

He pointed his scepter at Duane.

"Today, in the name of Pruck, I grant you the title of Honorary Earl of the Star of the Sky, along with the Starburst Badge!"

An Honorary Earl is not a landed Lord, so the conferment process is far simpler.

As the King’s solemn voice faded, a ceremonial official carefully stepped across the ruins of the tournament stage, presenting the edict of conferment and the Honorary Earl’s Staff.

Duane accepted them with grace.

He gazed at the staff in his hand—

A Black-eyed Cyan Snake was coiled around the long, solid gold staff. At its top was a five-pointed golden star, encircled by sixty shooting stars that swirled like a vortex, merging into a galactic river.

A new crest, a new beginning.

Duane knelt on one knee and declared solemnly, "Thank you for this gift, Your Majesty! I, Duane, will not fail you. I will dedicate the full strength of the Brian Clan to the Pruck Kingdom!"

The crowd erupted once more into thunderous applause, their cheers rising in waves, as if they meant to tear the very sky asunder.

King Eric smiled, gratified. "It is my honor to have a follower as young and powerful as you!"

"And now, Earl of the Star of the Sky, it is time for you to exercise your new authority!"

Before the tens of thousands of spectators and the assembled Nobility, a massive map of the Kingdom was slowly unfurled, draping down from the grandstand.

Three new territories were marked upon it with golden sigils:

The Silver Jade Territory below the Jade Mountain Range, the Needleleaf Forest above it, and Pigeon Tail Town on the shores of Three Realms Lake.

Everyone witnessed this moment.

The commoners dreamed of one day becoming one of the new Nobility like Duane, while the noble Lords watched his choice with rapt attention.

Though they were all nobles of the same Kingdom, competition was unavoidable.

Duane already had the foundation of Black Forest Island, and he was also incredibly young and powerful. Whichever Territory he chose would shift the geopolitical balance and, in turn, harm their interests.

Count Kais and Baron Uriel exchanged a look.

Before, cooperating with them had been Duane’s best option.

But now, Duane was different. He had more options.

They couldn’t be sure if he had developed new ideas and could only wait for him to make his choice.

Meanwhile, the Holy Radiance Court and Marquis Sean were also watching Duane intently.

As the representatives for second and third place, they could only contend for the two territories left over after Duane made his pick.

"Your Majesty, thank you for granting me this authority. I choose the Silver Jade Territory, below the Jade Mountain Range."

Duane hadn’t changed his plan.

The Silver Jade Territory was the closest to Black Forest Island, faced the Starfall Islands directly, and had allies nearby. It was the best position.

"Haha, good!"

King Eric spoke words of encouragement, "I hope that in the near future, a new city will rise from the desolate lands of the Silver Jade Territory!"

And just like that, the special conferment ceremony for the champion was over.

The arrangements for the second and third-place territories would be negotiated separately between the relevant parties and the King.

The matter of storing the Meteorite Ore shipped from the Starfall Islands, which Count Kais had mentioned earlier, was also set aside for now.

Duane wasn’t particularly concerned about it.

If it were stockpiled in the Silver Jade Territory, he would have to assign men to guard it against theft.

’In fact, he thought it would be best to pass this hot potato on to someone else.’

After the King delivered his final remarks, the martial tournament for the Founding Day celebration officially concluded.

By now, evening was approaching, and a lavish banquet had been prepared within the Royal Palace.

The festivities were about to begin.

"Count Duane, congratulations!"

Marquis Sean was the first to approach and offer his congratulations, his usually stern face now wreathed in smiles.

"If it’s convenient, I’d like to invite you to my estate for a small gathering."

Duane smiled and agreed.

’On the surface, it was an invitation for a small gathering, but in reality, it was surely to discuss their recent collaboration.’

He had already made it impossible for Tara to compete for third, allowing Marquis Sean’s son, Keldert, to secure the position uncontested.

Now, it was time for Marquis Sean to make good on his promise.

The two exchanged a few brief words, after which Count Kais, Baron Uriel, Viscount Raul, Natalia, and many others all crowded around to offer their congratulations.

Here, atop the ruins, Duane was the center of attention.

Orisien scowled as he watched Duane in the center of the crowd.

’That moment of glory should have been his, but now it belonged to another.’

"Are you all right?" Crown Prince Sigmund walked over, asking about his friend’s injuries.

"It’s just a minor injury. Nothing serious."

Orisien grumbled, "Sigmund, I had no idea your Kingdom had such a powerful young man."

Sigmund gave a helpless, wry smile. How could he have known, either?

"Though it’s a shame you didn’t win the championship, it hasn’t delayed the plans for the Holy Radiance Church Headquarters."

He continued, "Besides, Duane chose the Silver Jade Territory. It doesn’t conflict with the Needleleaf Forest that you’ve set your sights on."

Orisien shot a cold glance at Marquis Sean. "I just wonder which territory that Marquis has his eye on, and whether he’ll try to compete with me for it."

"We’ll negotiate!"

Sigmund gestured for him to walk with him. "As long as we can talk it out, it will be fine."

Orisien nodded. The negotiations could be left to the Saint Hall Grand Commander; he wasn’t particularly interested in the aftermath.

’Right now, all he wanted was to reclaim the feeling of victory from Duane.’

"Sigmund, there is a matter I’d like His Majesty’s and your help with."

The Crown Prince laughed. "With the instructions from His Holiness the Pope, feel free to ask for anything. As long as it doesn’t violate the laws of the Kingdom, we will fully support you and the Holy Radiance Court."

The Holy Radiance Court was essentially foreign aid brought in by the Royal Family; it was a mutually beneficial arrangement.

The Pruck Kingdom wanted to use this power to consolidate its internal factions and neutralize potential threats.

The Holy Radiance Court’s objective, in turn, was to use the Pruck and Fidun Kingdoms to secure its own foothold on the Shadow Mist Continent.

’The Sunset Continent, after all, was just a little too small.’

"I have my eye on a girl."

Orisien said after a moment’s thought, "And I would ask for His Majesty’s help in making the arrangements."

"Oh?"

Sigmund’s expression was odd.

When Orisien had first arrived in the Kingdom, King Eric had considered marrying his Fourth Princess to him, but Orisien had shown no interest.

Now, having just lost the tournament, with the wound on his shoulder still bleeding, Orisien was saying he had his eye on a girl.

The whole situation seemed rather inappropriate, no matter how one looked at it.

Still, since he had brought it up, it was a good thing. After all, it could strengthen the cooperation between them.

"Which girl has caught your eye?" Sigmund asked.

Orisien said, while using the Holy Healing Technique to ease the pain of his injury, "Count Kais’s daughter, Miss Natalia."

Sigmund’s brow furrowed, and he couldn’t help but glance over his shoulder.

At that very moment, Natalia was standing beside Duane, her face a picture of adoration and joy.

"’Natalia and Duane seem to be on very good terms,’" he remarked.

But Orisien countered, "I looked into the Kennedy Clan before the fashion show. Natalia isn’t betrothed to anyone from another family, is she? As for Duane, yes, they’re cooperating, but it seems to be just that—cooperation."

Sigmund nodded. "That is true. However, aside from Duane, my second brother also seemed to have spoken to Count Kais about this matter not long ago."

Orisien’s brow tightened. That was something he hadn’t known.

Normally, he would have said, "Then forget it," but today he hesitated, remaining silent.

Sigmund seemed to understand.

"Very well. Since you insist, I will convey your wishes to His Majesty. The final decision will rest with him."