Chapter 216: Very Well
"Very well. A nation cannot be without its ruler for even a day, and a vassal state cannot be without its vassal king for long without inviting criticism. Stay in Eldora with your mother for a few more days, then set off to return."
Emperor Alaric then added. "I have received news that Fern’s Sundeland Tribe has entered West Ham and taken control of Snake Pass. It seems there will be more turmoil on the grasslands in the future."
"Father, rest assured. No matter who it is, I guarantee that Dunmere will not fall." Simon vowed.
Emperor Alaric nodded slightly with a smile and said to Prince Gal. "As an elder brother, you should reflect on yourself."
Though Prince Gal seethed with hatred inside, he obediently replied. "Yes, Father."
Having received some exquisite gifts from Simon, Emperor Alaric was eager to return and admire them. He signalled to Carl, who announced. "Court is dismissed!"
Since there were no pressing matters today, the officials bowed and slowly exited the Imperial Hall.
"Your Highness, Your Highness!" As soon as he left the hall, Lancet caught up with him and said. "Your Highness, do you have any more of those telescopes? Could you spare one for this old minister?"
Simon replied. "General Lancet, don’t worry. While others may not have them, I won’t forget you. Yesterday, I visited Grand Secretary Hughes, and today I was planning to send the gifts to you."
"Your Highness is too kind. I don’t need anything else, just the telescope!" Those who had never fought in wars couldn’t understand the telescope’s importance on the battlefield.
"Is that so? Then I’ll take back the wine." Simon joked.
Lancet was taken aback and said. "Your Highness, once a gift is given, how can it be taken back?"
Simon laughed. "I knew General Lancet loved his wine too."
As they walked out of the gates, Simon suddenly remembered Liam and asked. "General Lancet, I’ll be returning to Brambleford in a few days. Liam has been quite useful to me there, but after all, he’s still a captain of the Imperial Army."
At this, Lancet’s expression turned serious. After a moment of hesitation, he said. "Your Highness, Liam has been idle in the Imperial Army. Rather than wasting his time, he should return with you and contribute in some small way. If Your Highness doesn’t mind, I’ll petition the Emperor to assign Liam to you as a family general. How does that sound?"
Bringing up Liam was a test of Lancet’s attitude. If Lancet refused, it would mean he didn’t trust Simon. But now that he offered Liam as a family general, it showed his favour toward Simon.
"That would be perfect. Thank you for your kindness, General Lancet." Simon said with a smile.
Lancet replied. "In the Eldorian Empire today, how many are like Your Highness, truly devoted to serving the nation? For this reason alone, Liam will surely achieve great things under your command. This old minister is only doing this to ensure the Quake family’s legacy doesn’t end abruptly."
"What do you mean, General?" Simon asked, puzzled.
Lancet said. "If one doesn’t plan for the future, troubles will come soon enough. Your Highness, this is just an old man’s unnecessary worry."
Simon frowned, suddenly thinking of Benjamin. Perhaps Lancet feared ending up like him.
By placing Liam under Simon’s command, at least the entire family wouldn’t suffer together.
Back at his residence, Simon had servants deliver gifts to Lancet. By now, he had already given gifts to all the officials outside the castle.
The only ones left were the imperial concubines.
Those who whispered in the Emperor’s ear were dangerous, and since they were close to Emperor Alaric, Simon didn’t dare neglect them. He entered the castle to deliver perfumes, soaps, and other items.
"You’re returning to Brambleford in a few days?"
Upon hearing this, Lady Isolde looked reluctant to see him go.
"Mother, Brambleford is still in a state of recovery, and I cannot afford to slack off. Every day, I feel as if I’m treading on thin ice. The journey there and back takes a month, and I fear unrest may arise in my absence." Simon explained.
Lady Isolde was a reasonable woman. Instead of tearfully begging him to stay, she said. "You’ve grown up and finally understand that governance cannot be neglected for even a day. Since that’s the case, I won’t keep you."
In this world, Lady Isolde was the only person who made Simon feel warmth. He said. "Mother, you must also be careful and guard against schemers."
Lady Isolde held Simon’s hand and smiled. "A mother’s status depends on her son. Now that you’ve gained your father’s favour, he will naturally take better care of me. If you’re worried about me, focus on developing your territory."
Simon nodded. Though Lady Isolde lived deep in the castle, she understood the situation clearly;y, the more powerful Simon became, the higher her status would rise.
"Understood, Mother. Please distribute these gifts to the concubines you’re close with. That way, you’ll have more allies." Simon said.
Gift-giving was a delicate matter, knowing whom to give to and whom to avoid. Since he wasn’t familiar with the castle and couldn’t move freely, he entrusted the gifts to Lady Isolde for distribution.
"Don’t worry about this. I’ll handle it." Lady Isolde assured him.
As they spoke, Carl’s voice came from outside. Soon after, Agnes led him in.
"Congratulations, Your Highness! The marriage decree has been issued. The marriage between Your Highness and the Baker family is now official! Carl announced joyfully.
Lady Isolde was overjoyed. She said. "Thank you for your trouble, Minister Carl. Agnes, prepare some gifts for Minister Carl."
"Your Majesty, there’s no need. This old servant is not greedy. His Highness has already rewarded me generously." Carl said with a smile.
"The Prince is the Prince, and I am I. This is different. Besides, this is a joyous occasion." Lady Isolde insisted excitedly. She had been waiting for this news for a long time.
Agnes came out with some rewards, and Carl had no choice but to accept them.
After Carl left, Lady Isolde said to Simon. "Now that the marriage is settled, once the rites are completed, you can wed."
The imperial family of the Eldorian Empire still followed the Six Rites of marriage: Proposal, Name Inquiry, Divination, Betrothal Gifts, Date Selection, and Wedding Ceremony. These procedures were extremely elaborate.
With the marriage settled, the Ministry of Rites would handle the arrangements. However, completing all these steps would take at least half a year, and selecting an auspicious date would likely push the wedding to a year from now.
"Now that the marriage is settled, there’s truly nothing left for me to do in Eldora," Simon said with a smile.
Lady Isolde nodded. With this matter resolved, she said. "In that case, you should set off soon. I’ll handle the wedding preparations. Once an auspicious date is chosen, I’ll inform you. But it will likely take a year or so."
Her words aligned with Simon’s expectations. He felt relieved; a year would give him enough time to stabilise Brambleford. If the wedding happened immediately, it would delay many of his plans.
With the marriage settled and nothing else keeping him in Eldora, Simon spent a few more days with Lady Isolde before having Ysabeau and Joan pack their belongings for the return to Brambleford.