Chapter 105: Enfeoffment Ceremony (Part 2)
Jiangyou also spotted Winston behind Vivian. His sworn brother's injuries must have fully recovered. He was dressed in a royal blue military uniform, looking incredibly dashing. Standing next to Vivian, they looked like a perfect match.
Jiang You was still looking around when she felt a pinch on her bone claws. She turned around and saw Annina pouting at her: "The ceremony is about to begin."
She hurriedly followed Annina and stood in her place according to her order. She saw a herald walk out of a small door at the top of the steps at the front of the hall and blow a horn.
The chattering sounds in the hall died down instantly, and the nobles all stood up straight, putting on an appearance of utmost respect - how much of this was genuine and how much was a pretense, probably only they themselves knew.
After the herald finished his short song, he announced in a resounding voice, "His Majesty the King has arrived!"
The hall was divided into two parts. The front third was a raised platform where the throne sat. The back two-thirds was where the nobles were sitting. A red carpet ran down the middle, extending from the throne to the main gate at the end of the hall.
Behind the throne was a smaller door. After the herald gave the order, the door opened with a bang, and His Majesty the King strode out of the door with his head held high, and walked straight to the throne and sat down.
Jiang You looked at His Majesty the King. She could see that His Majesty the King did have some similarities with Andre, such as black hair, green eyes, and a sturdy body...but His Majesty the King's face was more square and resolute, completely different from Andre's somewhat ruffian and bad boy style.
His Majesty the King was also larger and stronger, with bulging muscle lines visible through the thick dress - at this size, he was too strong, like a bodybuilding champion, but lacked some appeal.
"The enfeoffment ceremony begins now. Please invite Viscount Andre Lu Huntington into the hall!" The herald's loud voice sounded again.
This time, the door at the other end of the hall opened, and Andrei strode in. He looked particularly handsome today, which made Jiang You's heart surge - hey, her boyfriend is really pleasing to the eyes!
"Viscount André," His Majesty the King said, his voice powerful and imbued with authority. "You have discovered Augustin van Neumann's treason and found irrefutable evidence. Neumann has colluded with the Evil Eye Moon and committed numerous crimes throughout the Duchy of Huntington. Having betrayed his country and his people, he no longer deserves any noble power, territory, or title.
"It's gratifying that Neumann's heir has wisely recognized the sins committed by his family and has offered to atone for them with everything the family owns. Their family's property and territory will be returned to me, and I believe that no one is more suitable to govern this territory than Andrei."
Jiang You felt that the king's words were particularly artistic. In just a few words, he explained what the nobles wanted to know most: Augustin van Neumann committed the crime of treason himself, and the territory was returned by his heirs in order to atone for his sins. Therefore, it was natural for His Majesty the King to reward this territory to a meritorious minister.
...amazing! No, this is practically cunning, isn't it? Truly worthy of His Majesty the King...
"...From now on, all the territories that originally belonged to Baron Neumann, namely, the western city of Eston, the hills of North Lorich, and the village of Garnier..." His Majesty the King read out a long list of place names, "will become the territory of André Lu Huntington. After paying 20% of the territory's annual taxes, this territory will be enjoyed by André Lu Huntington in perpetuity and can be inherited by his heirs."
"Twenty percent tax!" As expected, the nobles present gasped, though their attitudes varied: some gloated over the misfortune, while others felt a faint sense of desolation...
"I accept." Before the nobles could react, Andre readily accepted the condition.
His Majesty the King handed a map to the herald, and the herald handed it to Andre. At this point, all the ceremonial procedures were completed, and Andre had become a true viscount with a territory!
"Ladies and gentlemen, the ceremony is over. His Majesty the King has ordered the meal to be prepared. Please enjoy it." The herald said with a smile.
"The next step is the highlight," Annina whispered into Jiangyou's ear. "Those nobles are like jackals smelling blood. They'll soon come around and pry for all sorts of information. Some will extend olive branches of alliance, while others will be hostile... But we can leave those troublesome matters to Andrei."
His Majesty the King did not stay after the ceremony. He left through a small door, leaving the nobles to discuss their next steps. By this time, Andrei was surrounded by quite a few people, three layers deep inside and three layers deep outside. Jiang You couldn't squeeze in at all, and of course, she had no intention of pushing in.
Fighting with those nobles who want to get information, and then finding an opportunity to talk to the great magician Mebucha Huntington and get a confession... these are all Andre's tasks.
Jiang You looked around, accurately located Heidi's location, and approached happily: "Heidi! Are you okay?"
"Master You!" Heidi said enthusiastically, "I'm feeling much better! The Ba Duan Jin and recipes you taught me are really effective! Now I can eat and walk and talk with more energy!"
"That's great!" Jiang Youxi said.
"By the way, regarding what the Viscount mentioned earlier." Heidi leaned closer to her and lowered her voice mysteriously, "My father has agreed. He has allowed me to handle this matter on his behalf. When things here are finished, shall we meet in my restaurant to discuss the cooperation in detail?"
"Great!" Jiang You was delighted. She'd been working on the case with Andrei for the past couple of days, and it had gotten to the point where her entire frame was breaking. Everyone seemed suspicious, but Heidi was definitely fine! She had nothing to do with Mi You's case, and she needed treatment herself. Her credibility was completely maxed out!
After having dinner at Heidi's restaurant yesterday, she had many new ideas. As long as Heidi cooperates with her, it will be enough to turn that restaurant into a real Michelin version of this other world!
Whether it's Chinese food or Western food, as long as it's delicious, she can cook it all! She's not afraid of not being able to conquer the nobles in the royal capital! While gaining a foothold in the royal capital, she also plans to open a snack stand at the Royal Magic Academy. However, she doesn't know if Heidi has any connections there and whether she can handle this business.
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