Chapter 184: His Majesty's Judgment

“I have violated the laws of the Kingdom. I am prepared to accept punishment.” Father knelt before His Majesty King Edgar II.

Thinking it would be better to report the situation regarding the defensive battle of the Woodpole territory to His Majesty quickly, Father and I came to the Fairchild Margrave residence in the Royal Capital using Teleportation Magic.

When we requested an audience with His Majesty, we received a reply that he would meet us the next day, so Father and I went to the Royal Castle.

We were guided to a small room where only His Majesty and the Prime Minister were waiting. This meant it was an unofficial audience.

In that room, Father honestly reported to His Majesty what had happened in the Woodpole territory, and at the end, he apologized for deploying troops to the Woodpole territory without His Majesty’s permission.

Considering the achievement of annihilating the massive monster horde and the fact that there would have been much greater damage if Father hadn’t moved the knight order, I thought the punishment would be lenient even if he violated national law. However, His Majesty’s judgment was unexpected.

His Majesty looked at my apologizing Father with a dissatisfied expression. “Theodore, would you stop kneeling? Or do you truly believe I would punish you for violating national law?”

Father stood up and responded with a serious face. “Nobles must not deploy troops to another noble’s territory without His Majesty’s permission. Since this is the law of the Albion Kingdom, it is certain that I violated the law.”

“That national law is intended to prohibit private wars between nobles. It was not assumed to cover cases like this, where reinforcements go to save a noble territory about to be overrun by a massive horde of monsters.”

His Majesty sighed. He looked somewhat tired.

“Many people have offered their opinions on this matter. First, the Northern Duke’s family, who consider William-kun their benefactor, said it would be unthinkable to punish the Margrave family.” I’m grateful to Lord Luke.

“There was also a proposal from the Southern Duke’s family that the Margrave family should not be punished.” Wait, the Southern Siltikheim Duke family too?

“It seems the Duke’s daughter, who heard the story from Edward-kun at the Royal Academy, appealed to her parents.” Oh, my brother’s connections are amazing.

“Furthermore, my daughters Elizabeth and Flora came to me pale-faced. They said that originally the Royal Knights should have dealt with the massive monster horde, but because their response was slow, they caused trouble for the Fairchild family.”

“They even said it would be a shame on the Royal Family if we punished the Fairchild family when they dealt with it in place of the Royal Knights.”

Come to think of it, Flora apparently hurried the preparations of the Royal Knights and rushed over with her twin guards. She also sent me a letter from which I could tell she was genuinely happy for my safety. Flora‘s feelings made me very happy.

“Flora said that if I were to punish the Fairchild Margrave family, she would cut ties with the Royal Family and marry Will. She was serious about that.” His Majesty had a distant look in his eyes.

“It is utterly regrettable that everyone around me thinks I might punish you. Originally, I should have made you a Duke last year. My foresight was naive. I apologize for causing you hardship because of that.”

“Your Majesty, please raise your head.” Father hurried to stop His Majesty.

“Knowing the history of this country, I understand that you cannot easily confer the title of Duke. The Prime Minister said so as well.”

“Yes, I made an error in judgment back then. I regret it.” It is rare for the Prime Minister to admit his own mistake.

“Now then, I shall convey my judgment regarding this matter.” His Majesty changed his expression.

“First, we will act as if there were secret instructions from the Royal Family to go aid Woodpole. Therefore, the Fairchild family has not broken national law.” That is quite forceful.

“And for the merit of destroying the massive monster horde and subjugating the leader, the Magic Tiger, I shall promote the Fairchild Margrave family to a Ducal family.” Both Father and I were dumbfounded. Far from being punished, he’s promoting us?

“Don’t decline this time. This is a Royal Command.” “Ha! I am grateful for the honor.” Father bowed deeply.

“By the way, both the Northern and Southern Ducal families agree with the promotion to a Ducal family. Furthermore, it is also the last will of Count Waterford.” “Count Waterford‘s last will?”

I was surprised by the will of the Count who didn’t get along with our family. It’s no wonder Father asked back reflexively. Doing so in front of many people would be considered disrespectful for doubting His Majesty’s words, though.

“It is no wonder you are surprised. Honestly speaking, I was surprised too. But in his will, the Count apologized for not properly evaluating William-kun’s achievements.”

“And he wished to return the Earldom, which would be left without an heir, to the Royal Family, and if possible, to have the Fairchild family made a Ducal family in exchange.”

To think that Count, a heavyweight of the conservative faction who said His Majesty overestimated my Production Skill, would leave such a will.

“Count Waterford was a representative of the hard-headed conservatives. However, he showed his sincerity and strong sense of responsibility at the very end.” Come to think of it, Count Cardiff evaluated him as stubborn but a man who stuck to his own principles.

“Count Waterford fought bravely against the monsters to protect his people and fell. I intend to commend him as the Kingdom. Would Theodore and William-kun be alright with that?”

“As Your Majesty wills.” “Yes. I believe it was because Count Waterford held back the monsters for a time that the Royal Knights and our relief efforts made it in time.”

Looking at it this way, I feel like we lost a regrettable person. I wish we could have talked more. Regret always comes too late.