The Matter of How Only a Political Rival Duke, Not My Own Family, Recognized My Worth After I Was Disowned ~When I Turned a Remote Frontier Territory Into the World’s Greatest City, the Noble Lady Assigned to Supervise Me Became the Best Fiancée~ - Episode 11: An Invitation from the Royal Capital

Episode 11: An Invitation from the Royal Capital

It had been one month since I defeated my foolish brother, Bertrand.

The Grindle Territory was now overflowing with energy unlike anything it had ever known before.

The fervor of victory had turned into a passion for development.

The people had awakened to the joy of building their own future with their own hands.

The newly completed irrigation channels nourished the once-dry lands. And the reclaimed farmlands swayed with the fresh green shoots of wheat.

From the mines, high-quality iron ore was being steadily produced. The rhythmic clanging of hammers rang day and night from the dwarves’ workshops.

I myself was buried in my duties as lord.

Drafting the mine’s safety management manual, planning the training schedule for the guards, designing residential areas for the new settlers…

The project management knowledge I had cultivated in my previous life was now being put to full use on the grand stage of “nation-building.”

Busy, but fulfilling.

The feeling of my plans steadily taking shape gave me a satisfaction that nothing else could replace.

“Lord Noah! A report from the watchtower!”

A soldier from the guard unit burst into my office—well, the makeshift room that served as one.

“From the western highway, a group bearing the royal family’s crest is approaching!”

“…The royal family’s?”

Isabella had been organizing documents beside me. She frowned.

So, it had finally come.

I rose quietly to my feet.

◇

In the grandest room of the manor, we received the royal envoy.

The man before us was an arrogant bureaucrat whose every gesture screamed self-importance. He glanced briefly at Isabella and me before dramatically unrolling the royal decree in his hand.

“By order of His Majesty the King, this decree is addressed to Baron Noah von Silford of Grindle!”

Everyone present knelt immediately.

With a pompous tone fit for a stage actor, the envoy began to read aloud.

The contents were divided into two main points.

The first: recognition of my achievements in defeating the Goblin army and greatly contributing to the stabilization of the frontier.

For this, I would be granted a sum of gold and several commendations—a gesture meant to make it seem as though the kingdom was properly rewarding my service.

But the true purpose lay in the next part.

“――Therefore, Baron Noah von Silford of Grindle is hereby ordered to appear in the royal capital within one month. To personally present his report of merit before His Majesty the King! That is all!”

Refusal was not an option.

It was, in effect, a royal summons.

◇

After the envoy departed as swiftly as a storm, heavy silence settled over the office.

“…It’s a trap.”

Isabella spoke first. Her expression was as cold and sharp as ice.

“There’s no doubt your father—the Duke of Silford—petitioned His Majesty for this. He intends to draw you out from this fortress of Grindle and crush you legally and publicly within the royal capital, where the law and authority are his weapons.”

“I’m fully aware.”

I replied quietly. I watched the people working diligently outside the window.

“It’s too dangerous. In the capital, your skills and your methods may no longer work. The Duke’s influence there is far greater than you imagine—”

“That’s exactly why it’s worth going.”

I turned to face her. I met her worried gaze.

“I can’t stay secluded in this frontier forever. 

If I want to elevate Grindle from a mere barony to a county—and someday to a marquisate—then political warfare in the capital is a path I cannot avoid.”

Then I added, with a familiar, fearless smile.

“They’re the ones preparing the perfect stage for a presentation. How could I refuse? 

It’s the best opportunity to sell our value—and Grindle’s—to His Majesty and all those stiff-headed nobles in the capital, don’t you think?”

At my words, the uncertainty in Isabella’s eyes vanished. It was replaced once again by her usual sharp gleam.

Yes—this woman wasn’t a sheltered princess to be protected.

She was my partner. One who would stand and fight beside me.

She let out a soft sigh. She then smiled with perfect grace.

“…Honestly, you never cease to amaze me. Very well, I’ll accompany you wherever you go. Everything I know about the royal capital—I’ll make it work in your favor.”

“I’ll be counting on you, my finest partner.”

We exchanged a firm nod.

A new project was beginning.

The royal capital—a den of scheming monsters and political beasts.

Now then, what sort of entertaining plan shall I draw up this time?

My heart throbbed with anticipation for the battles to come.