Chapter 1317 - 565: The Great Enfeoffment of Musillon

Chapter 1317: Chapter 565: The Great Enfeoffment of Musillon

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Laine began to distribute rewards to his subordinates and allies.

Firstly, Laine expressed gratitude to all allied forces who came to fight in this war and contributed to the recapture of Musillon. He will personally draft letters of thanks to these friends who lent a hand, regardless of whether voluntarily.

Next, he began to allocate the spoils of this battle.

The Angerong clan of Belgar comprised the first group to receive allocation, as their Dwarf allies made significant contributions in the battle, from the surprise attack on Sharp-Top Palace to the hard fight against Tzeentch’s Demon Army, from the Landuin Tomb to the rescue of Kulona, and finally to the recapture of Musillon. The Dwarves played a crucial role throughout.

Laine announced a special embassy industrial zone in the city for the Angerong clan of Dwarves. Here, the dwarves will enjoy embassy immunity, and access to the embassy’s work and living areas is restricted without the consent of the Dwarf ambassador. The diplomatic personnel will have immunity from security and criminal matters, some civil-commercial immunity, and the property belonging to Dwarves within the embassy will be immune to confiscation.

Then, King Belgar and his Dwarf Army will receive approximately twelve thousand gold crowns from the spoils.

Belgar nodded repeatedly, very satisfied with these conditions.

Then came the Wood Elves. In this battle, the Wood Elves provided pivotal support to the Order Alliance Army. King of the Forest Olein personally joined the fight, and without their timely intervention, Laine and his forces might have been defeated by Tzeentch’s Demon Army during the Landuin Tomb battle.

The Wood Elves would receive a whole forest area in the eastern Krechatt Forest to establish their observation post and supplies depot. Laine also promised that Musillon’s docks would open to these forest folk, granting the Wood Elves a fully autonomous trade zone.

In addition, the Wood Elves would receive eight thousand gold crowns as part of the spoils allocation.

Alaros nodded in agreement, and the Forest Lord expressed that they did not seek money, but they would use these funds to purchase necessary supplies.

Next up were Dukes Francois and Bohemond. During this war, both Duchy leaders personally led their main forces to assist, sacrificing their spring sowing and causing significant losses to their territories. In the decisive battle against Tzeentch’s Demon Army and the subsequent recapture of Musillon, both Francois and Bohemond dukes personally charged into battle.

They would each receive five thousand gold crowns from the spoils. Additionally, Laine promised that various historical relics and artworks would be gifted to Francois and Bohemond from the Musillon spoils.

Francois, with a satisfied stroke of his beard, agreed despite being not particularly concerned about the money, confident that losses from the war would eventually be replenished with Laine as the Duke of Musillon. However, Francois wouldn’t refuse, as his knights and the Quenalis Champion Knights Brotherhood under him also wanted rewards and pensions.

Duke Bohemond also nodded, and felt that five thousand gold crowns is more than sufficient, enough to afford dozens of new Kingdom Knights’ equipment and ample funds for pensions. More than the money, he’s more interested in the relics, artworks, and historical souvenirs.

Duke Hagen of Jisoleox received three thousand gold crowns to thank him for leading troops back in aid and supporting until the end.

Boldro was assigned with three thousand gold crowns to Marquis Fidmund, the legitimate son of Duke Bodric, in gratitude for Boldro Duchy’s assistance.

The Imperial Army received compensation of two thousand five hundred gold crowns for their assistance in this war.

Count Galament Kaled received fifteen hundred gold crowns in thanks for personally killing Mad Duke Merovin.

Kingdom Knight Leofric-Karal of Winford received five hundred gold crowns in recognition for defeating the former Duke of Atuo, Zilfroy, now an Undead Black Knight, in the champion duel.

The rest of the Holy Grail Knights who participated also received enough awards.

With this distribution, Laine had just twelve thousand gold crowns left out of the fifty-six thousand crowns in spoils from Musillon, a testament to his generosity.

Witnessing Laine’s largesse, distributing such a large portion of his spoils from Musillon Castle, everyone was smiling, eagerly discussing the merits and thrills of the war.

Duke Hagen of Jisoleox exhaled lightly; he had narrowly escaped death in these series of battles twice. His army also suffered considerable loss. Now, with three thousand gold crowns, not only could he cover his significant losses, he might even earn a small profit. It’s an excellent news for him.

At least he fared far better than Leonais and Montfort Duchy, both of which suffered the most significant losses but gained nothing from the spoils due to their non-participation in this war.

Laine’s distribution was highly fair: the more effort exerted, the more money received. The more accomplished one’s exploits, the more money awarded.

Kaled felt a bit shy about receiving such a large sum, though he accepted it, and immediately whispered to Belgar, saying he needed to custom-make a better Dwarf Rune Full Plate Armor and horse armor. Belgar assured him, thumping his chest, saying, "I’ll help you with that."

After announcing the spoils for allies, Laine finally began announcing rewards for his forces amidst expectant gazes. He brought forth a lengthy scroll, declaring loudly, "Now, I’ll announce the new institutional reforms and fiefdom in Musillon Duchy."

"Temple Knight Alfred, awarded two thousand gold crowns for special merits in Musillon’s offensive. I hereby declare that the ancient Freya church district and surrounding two hundred hectares will be Alfred’s parish, granting him autonomy in this district."

Alfred stood up excitedly but let out a pained cry as he moved his wound. Nevertheless, he waved his only movable right hand energetically: "Excellent!"

Being granted a whole ancient church district with autonomy on the land signifies what?! Alfred could organize his army and appoint managers, effectively becoming a Great Noble!

"I declare lady courtier Veronica Bernadotte rewards of one thousand gold crowns, granting a large villa plot in the Lost District, and a commercial district store of choice!"

Veronica shrugged, deliberately acting nonchalant, but in her heart, Lady Jialan Witch had already chosen more than one golden location. She secretly calculated which would be the most advantageous, pondering if she made Laine happy, could she ask for a bit more.

"Lady Teresa Bernadotte, the female courtier, is awarded a thousand gold crowns, granted a piece of land for a large villa in the Lost District, and a selection of a shop in the commercial area!"

Teresa appeared to be quite pleased, nodding to indicate her acknowledgment. The female sorcerer had her eyes on an ancient library at the corner of Landuin Street, and she planned to turn it into a vacation villa.

"Standard Bearer and Holy Grail Knight Armand is appointed as the Lord of Musillon, awarded a thousand gold crowns, and is titled Baron Merovin, stationed at Merovin Castle!"

Holy Grail Knight Armand gave a bitter smile; compared to being a baron, he preferred to continue as the standard bearer. However, Laine cleverly positioned him within Musillon, allowing him to mobilize at any time, leaving him without grounds for opposition.

"Baron Hex of Devon is promoted to Great Baron of Devon, awarded a thousand gold crowns, stationed at Devon Town!"

Hex, with a face full of sinister scars, nodded. He had only been elevated to baron before, and the gap to count was still significant. Receiving the title of great baron was acceptable.

"Kingdom Knight Olivier is titled Baron Richard, awarded a thousand gold crowns, stationed at Richard Castle in the north!"

Olivier responded loudly; after years of service to Laine following his introduction by Duke Schultz of Marinburg, he finally received his noble title!

"Kingdom Knight Lops is titled Baron Waz, awarded a thousand gold crowns, stationed at Musillon coastline!"

Lops forcibly kept a calm face, but his legs couldn’t stop trembling. This Nord knight, at the thought of finally becoming a baron, couldn’t help but rub his hands vigorously: "At your command!"

"Kingdom Knight Juan Carlos the Sunwatcher is titled Baron Biocari, awarded a thousand gold crowns, stationed at Biocari Castle."

Juan was the most composed of all, being the duke’s legitimate son, he felt the title of baron was not that exceptional, yet he was still pleased.

"Kingdom Knight Lucian is titled Baron of the Sharp-Top Palace, awarded a thousand gold crowns, stationed at the Sharp-Top Palace."

Lucian, an excellent knight from Winford College, came from behind among all, relying on outstanding command ability and unique tactical skills to earn Laine’s recognition, now also winning the baron title!

Lucian instinctively glanced toward Duke of Winford, Francois, who smiled and gave Lucian an encouraging look, filling Lucian’s heart with an indescribable thrill!

"Tax Officer Gaspardon is promoted to Chief Tax Officer!"

"Steward Kasenberg is promoted to Great Steward of Musillon!"

All the knightly nobles who participated in the recovery of Musillon received ample rewards!

Additionally, Laine upgraded fifty Ranger Knights, who accomplished feats in this war, to Kingdom Knights in one stroke, equivalent to conferring thirty villages in one breath. The grandeur of the new Duke of Musillon was astonishing.

Now, his ranks had suddenly increased by five barons! Together with Baron Devon previously appointed, Laine now had six barons under his command.

And this was only just the beginning; Musillon still had so much wasteland waiting to be cultivated, so much land awaiting development. Now, Laine had merely appointed barons; in the future, there would be counts, even marquises!

Yet Laine seemed unsatisfied with this; following this, the new Duke of Musillon announced an overwhelmingly astounding announcement that left everyone present speechless!

"I announce, starting today, Musillon will officially establish a new army!"

"This new army is a fully professional military force. They will enjoy higher pay, better food, better welfare allocations, and independent high-grade military camp accommodation!"

"Recruits will be drawn from the serf soldiers and free people soldiers who have fought alongside me for many years, with the basic standard being at least five years of service and having participated in three major battles for assessment."

"The new army will be divided into three battalions: Infantry Battalion, Musket Battalion, and Pistol Cavalry Battalion! Each battalion will be organized with 300-400 personnel! And the sergeants appointed as battalion commanders will enjoy knight treatment and hold knight titles!"

"Bertrand!" Laine shouted to Sir Bertrand, who was sitting by the door.

"Yes!" Bertrand startled, quickly rising: "I’m here, my duke!"

"I entrust the command of this new army to you!" Laine said calmly: "Materials and necessary funds will be in place soon!"

"Uh..." Bertrand was stunned for quite a while before hastily replying: "Then, my lord duke, please give this army a name..."

"Hmm, let’s call them... the Old Guard!"