Chapter 565: Chapter 565: The Grand Distribution of Mousilon
Ryan began rewarding his subordinates and allies.
First, he expressed gratitude to all the allied forces who participated in the campaign to reclaim Mousilon, regardless of their willingness. He promised to personally write letters of thanks to those who extended their assistance.
Then, he started distributing the spoils of war.
The first to receive their share were the dwarven allies of Belegar's Angrund Clan. They played a crucial role in various battles, from the surprise attack on Spire Palace, the fierce fight against the Tzeentch army, the great battle at Landuin's Cemetery, to the rescue of Couronne, and finally the reclamation of Mousilon.
Ryan announced that a special embassy-industrial area would be designated for the dwarves in the city. Here, the Angrund Clan dwarves would enjoy diplomatic immunity. Without the dwarf ambassador's consent, no one could enter the embassy's working and living areas. Diplomatic personnel would have immunity from law enforcement and criminal proceedings, some civil and commercial immunity, and the property within the embassy would also be protected.
Additionally, King Belegar and his dwarven army would receive about twelve thousand gold crowns from the spoils.
Belegar nodded repeatedly, very satisfied with the conditions.
Next were the wood elves. In this war, they provided crucial support at a critical moment. The King of the Forest, Orion, even joined the battle personally. Without their timely aid, Ryan and his forces might have been defeated by the Tzeentch army at Landuin's Cemetery.
The wood elves would receive a large forest area in eastern Mousilon to establish their observatory and storage facilities. Ryan also promised that the docks of Mousilon would be open to them, granting the wood elves their own free trade zone.
In addition, the wood elves would receive eight thousand gold crowns.
Aralos agreed, stating that they didn't need money but would use it to purchase necessary supplies.
Next were Dukes François and Berhemond. Both led their duchies' main armies to aid in the war, sacrificing their spring sowing and causing significant losses to their lands. They fought bravely in the decisive battle against the Tzeentch army and the subsequent recapture of Mousilon.
They would each receive five thousand gold crowns. Additionally, Ryan promised to give them historical artifacts, antiques, paintings, and calligraphy seized from Mousilon.
François, stroking his mustache with satisfaction, agreed. The wealthy father-in-law wasn't too concerned about the money, knowing that Ryan would eventually compensate for the losses from the war. However, François wouldn't refuse the funds, as his knights and the Quenelles Champion Knight Brotherhood needed rewards and pensions.
Duke Berhemond also nodded. Five thousand gold crowns was a substantial amount, enough to purchase a hundred sets of new kingdom knight equipment and provide ample pensions. Compared to the money, Berhemond was more interested in the artifacts, paintings, and historical relics.
Duke Hagen of Gisoreux received three thousand gold crowns as compensation for leading his army to support and help until the end.
Baron Federmond, the heir of Duke Bordeleaux, received three thousand gold crowns in gratitude for the aid from the Duchy of Bordeleaux.
The Imperial army received two thousand five hundred gold crowns in thanks for their help in this war.
Count Karad of Garamont received fifteen hundred gold crowns for slaying the Mad Duke Merovingian.
Kingdom Knight Leofric-Carral of Winford received five hundred gold crowns for defeating the former Duke of Artois, now an undead black knight, Sylvaroy, in a champion duel.
All the participating Grail Knights also received ample rewards.
After these distributions, Ryan was left with only twelve thousand gold crowns out of the fifty-six thousand gold crowns worth of spoils seized in Mousilon. He had been extremely generous.
Seeing Ryan distribute such a large portion of the spoils from Mousilon Castle, everyone smiled. They eagerly discussed the war's merits and thrilling moments.
Duke Hagen of Gisoreux breathed a sigh of relief. Having narrowly escaped death twice in these wars and suffering significant losses to his army, receiving three thousand gold crowns not only covered his losses but also provided a small profit—a piece of good news for him.
At least compared to the duchies of Lyonesse and Montfort, which suffered the most significant losses yet received no compensation because they didn't participate in this war, Hagen fared much better.
Ryan's distribution was very fair, with the amount of contribution determining the share of spoils. The greater the merit, the more the reward.
Feeling slightly embarrassed after receiving his substantial reward, Karad accepted the money. He then whispered with Belegar about commissioning a new set of superior dwarf rune full plate armor and horse armor. Belegar readily agreed, patting his chest and promising to help.
After distributing the spoils to his allies, Ryan finally began announcing the rewards for his subordinates. He took out a long scroll and declared loudly, "Now, I will announce the new system and enfeoffment of the Duchy of Mousilon."
"Templar Knight Alfred is awarded special merit for his role in the assault on Mousilon, rewarded with two thousand gold crowns. I hereby announce that the entire district of the ancient Freya Chapel and two hundred hectares of surrounding land will be enfeoffed to Alfred as his parish, granting him autonomy over the area."
Alfred stood up excitedly, but then grimaced in pain as he pulled his wounds, waving his only functional right arm vigorously. "Awesome!"
Receiving an entire ancient chapel district with autonomy meant Alfred could form his own army and appoint his own officials, essentially becoming a major noble!
"I announce, Lady Veronica Bernadotte is awarded one thousand gold crowns and granted a large villa plot in the Lost District and a commercial shop of her choice in the Commercial District!"
Veronica shrugged, pretending to be indifferent, but she had already eyed several prime locations, planning to choose the most lucrative one. She also considered if she could coax more rewards out of Ryan.
"Lady Teresa Bernadotte is awarded one thousand gold crowns and granted a large villa plot in the Lost District and a commercial shop of her choice in the Commercial District!"
Teresa seemed quite pleased, nodding her acknowledgment. She had already set her sights on an old library on the corner of Landuin Street, intending to convert it into a holiday villa.
"Standard-bearer and Grail Knight Armand is appointed Lord of Mousilon Castle, awarded one thousand gold crowns, and ennobled as Baron of Merovingian, tasked with guarding Merovingian Castle!"
Grail Knight Armand smiled wryly. He preferred his role as the standard-bearer but couldn't refuse Ryan's strategic appointment, ensuring he remained within reach.
"Baron Devon Hex is promoted to Grand Baron Devon, awarded one thousand gold crowns, and tasked with guarding Devon Town!"
The scarred-faced Hex nodded. Having recently been promoted to baron, he accepted the grand baron title as a step closer to becoming a count.
"Kingdom Knight Olivier is ennobled as Baron Richard, awarded one thousand gold crowns, and tasked with guarding Richard Castle in the north!"
Olivier loudly accepted. Introduced to Ryan's service by Marienburg's Grand Duke Schultz, this knight finally earned his noble title after years of service.
"Kingdom Knight Lopez is ennobled as Baron Waz, awarded one thousand gold crowns, and tasked with guarding Mousilon's coastline!"
Lopez tried to remain calm, but his legs trembled with excitement. As a knight from Nordland, the thought of becoming a baron made him rub his hands in joy. "At your command!"
"Kingdom Knight Juan-Carlos Sunseeker is ennobled as Baron Biocali, awarded one thousand gold crowns, and tasked with guarding Biocali Castle."
Juan, the most composed among them, as a duke's son, was pleased but not overly impressed by the baron title.
"Kingdom Knight Lucien is ennobled as Baron of Spire Palace, awarded one thousand gold crowns, and tasked with guarding Spire Palace."
Lucien, a top graduate from Winford Academy, had risen through the ranks with his excellent command abilities and unique tactics, earning Ryan's favor and now a baron title.
Lucien instinctively looked at Duke François, who smiled and gave him an encouraging nod, filling Lucien with indescribable joy.
"Tax Officer Gaspard is promoted to Chief Tax Officer!"
"Steward Carlsenberg is promoted to Grand Steward of Mousilon!"
All knights and nobles who participated in the reclamation of Mousilon received adequate rewards!
Additionally, Ryan promoted fifty ranger knights who had distinguished themselves in the war to kingdom knights, effectively enfeoffing thirty villages in one go. The new Duke of Mousilon's generosity was astonishing.
Now, he had five new barons under his command! Adding the previously ennobled Baron Devon, Ryan now had six barons.
And this was just the beginning. With vast undeveloped lands in Mousilon awaiting cultivation and development, Ryan's initial setup included barons, with future potential for counts and even marquises!
Yet, Ryan wasn't satisfied with just these arrangements. He made an announcement that left everyone present speechless with shock!
"I announce that starting today, Mousilon will officially establish a new army!"
"This new army will be a fully professional force, enjoying higher pay, better food, and superior welfare benefits, as well as independent, high-standard military camps!"
"Recruits will be drawn from serf soldiers and freemen soldiers who have followed me in battle for many years, with the basic criteria being at least five years of service and participation in three major battles."
"The new army will be organized into three regiments: an infantry regiment, a musket regiment, and a pistol cavalry regiment! Each regiment
will consist of 300-400 men! The sergeants commanding these regiments will be knighted and granted the title of Sir!"
"Bertrand!" Ryan called out to Sir Bertrand, who was sitting near the door.
"Yes!" Bertrand jumped up, "I'm here, my Duke!"
"This new army will be under your command!" Ryan stated calmly. "The necessary supplies and funds will be allocated soon!"
"Uh…" Bertrand was stunned for a moment before responding quickly. "Then, my Duke, please name this army…"
"Hmm, let's call it… the Old Guard!"
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