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 18: The Appointment as Count and the New Royal Decree

Episode 18: The Appointment as Count and the New Royal Decree

“—Interesting. Truly interesting, Noah von Silford!”

King Augustus III’s words resounded through the audience chamber as an absolute decree.

From the corner of my vision, I saw the bl00d drain completely from the faces of my father Duke Silford and my elder brother Alphonse.

The scenario they had crafted had collapsed entirely.

The King nodded deeply in satisfaction. He then glanced toward the Chancellor.

“You are no mere warrior or noble. You are a true statesman, one who lays the foundation of nations. With your ability and achievements, the rank of baron no longer suits you.”

And then, the King declared in a ringing voice:

“By royal decree! From this moment forth, Baron of Grindle Noah von Silford is to be elevated to Count Grindle! 

Furthermore, all rights and privileges pertaining to the iron produced in the Grindle territory shall henceforth be formally recognized as belonging to the Grindle Count family, under the authority of the royal house!”

“Wha—!?”

Alphonse let out a stunned cry.

It was extraordinary—far beyond precedent. A double promotion in rank. Even more shocking, an explicit royal endorsement cutting all interference from the main Silford family.

It was a clear declaration: the King had decided to separate me from the Silford Duchy. And he had elevated me as a direct vassal of the crown—an asset of the nation itself.

“I am deeply honored, Your Majesty. I humbly accept this undeserved glory.”

As I bowed deeply, the King narrowed his eyes with amusement.

“However, it would be dull to grant only honor. Count Noah, I would have you demonstrate that exceptional talent of yours for me first.”

It comes, I thought. I braced myself inwardly.

“You know of the northern region—the Alma Wasteland, yes? That barren land that none have managed to develop for decades.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I have heard of it.”

“I grant you a new royal decree. Within one year, you are to construct a road connecting the Alma Wasteland to the royal capital. You will then establish a base for future development there. You shall be granted the necessary budget and authority over personnel, to the fullest extent, in consultation with the Chancellor.”

It was a new trial.

A national-scale project in land even harsher than Grindle.

If successful, I would gain even greater glory.

If I failed… my reputation would plummet, and I would lose my newfound support.

It was, at once, a test and a shrewd maneuver—to remove me from the central political arena and make me work tirelessly for the sake of the kingdom.

A truly cunning move from the King.

The King turned deliberately toward the frozen father and son of House Silford.

“Well then, Duke Silford. Your son—no, Count Grindle’s—remarkable achievement. Surely you have some words of congratulations for him?”

It must have felt like torture.

My father’s face twisted with humiliation. Alphonse forced out a trembling voice:

“…Y-yes. My… brother’s—no, Count Grindle’s—promotion… is an honor… to House Silford…”

To everyone present, his words could only sound like a pitiful declaration of defeat.

◇

Leaving the audience chamber, I walked down the corridors of the royal castle.

My father and brother were walking ahead of me. The backs of them both no longer seemed like the towering wall they once were.

They looked small—faded and insignificant.

As we passed each other, I gave them only a single glance.

There was no pity, no mockery—no emotion left at all.

Waiting by the castle gates were Isabella and Duncan. Their faces lighted up with uncontainable joy as they heard of my return and the results of the audience.

“Count… Lord Noah, you’re a Count now…!”

“Yes. But it seems the title came with a troublesome bonus.”

When I explained the royal decree concerning the Alma Wasteland, Isabella’s expression grew tense.

“The Alma Wasteland… It is not only a den of monsters, but a land where everything freezes solid in winter. It will be an even harsher site than Grindle. His Majesty truly intends to test you…”

“A trial? No, Lady Isabella, that’s not what this is.”

I brushed off her concern with a laugh.

My eyes were already set not on the power struggles of the capital—but on the vast, untamed lands of the north.

“His Majesty essentially told me this: ‘What you did in Grindle, I’ll now let you do on a national scale—with the kingdom’s full budget.’”

My heart stirred with excitement for the massive project that awaited.

“It’s the ultimate business opportunity, isn’t it? Grindle was merely a test site. Now, it’s time to show them a real nation-building—something no one in this kingdom has ever seen before.”