Chapter 184 - Arrangement (2/2)
“I am not finished yet.” Gawain shook his hand and said, “If I am to become the Kant territory’s feudal lord in this situation, you people might know what is happening, but the other noble clans outside the territory will not think the same way. The Kant territory is just a small piece of land, and I do not wish for it to become a stain on my reputation. This is both a private and official matter. Viscount Kant is a noble that is directly conferred by the royal clan. The circulation, reclamation, and re-distribution of the land can only be decided by the King. I might be Francis II’s senior, but I don’t plan to use this point to violate the rule that me and Charlie had set down.”
“…You are indeed fair and upright.”
“Of course, I understand your difficulties. So I will declare with my title of Duke Cecil that I will protect this land before the Kant territory obtains a new feudal lord. Once this land has a new feudal lord, my protection shall also end.”
Patrick blinked his eyes and seemed to have understood Gawain’s long-term considerations. He lowered his head respectfully and said, “Your arrangements are indeed meticulous.”
Gawain nodded and took this moment to give his instructions. “I hope you can put out a notice telling those dismissed castle servants and serfs that directly belong to the feudal lord that if they are having a difficult time trying to make a living, the Cecil Clan is willing to receive them at any time. They will be treated fairly as free residents in the new Cecil territory.”
“Yes, they will definitely be thankful for your benevolence.”
“Moreover, Viscount Kant has given me all his wealth as a present to me. But I feel that all of you need it even more. Therefore, apart from the farmlands that are closer to the south that will be part of the Cecil territory, I shall leave all the wealth in the castle to all of you. Now that the butler is no longer around, you and the Chief Knight will need to utilize this wealth appropriately. Ensure that they are spent on things that should be spent on, understand?”
This time, Patrick’s expression was truly surprised as he was startled for a few seconds before he nodded hurriedly. “Yes… yes. I am very moved by your generosity! I swear on the name of my family that every copper left behind by Viscount Kant will be used properly!”
“Very good. I believe that you people who have cautiously and conscientiously taken care of the Kant Clan’s business will continue to maintain the order of this land.” Gawain nodded and said, “In addition, considering that there is a large wilderness separating our two lands, I will assign someone to travel between the two territories and to assist you in managing this place. The Kant territory and the Cecil territory will have a much closer relationship than before.”
Patrick lowered his head sincerely and said, “That will be for the best.”
“There are some relatively practical matters. First, it will be the distribution of charcoal for winter. I heard that Viscount Kant and the Viscountess would distribute charcoal to the poor during winter so that they could warm themselves through the winter. There were times when rations were distributed too, although that might be the outcome of the dream realm’s illusion. However, the benefits that the residents obtained were real, and I don’t wish for this tradition to vanish along with the passing of the feudal lord. Go and put up a notice to tell the residents that the distribution of charcoal and rations will still go on this year. With the protection of the Cecil Clan, this winter will still be warm. Your people are doing the actual work every year, so it shouldn’t be a problem, right?”
Patrick nodded repeatedly and said, “Yes, it definitely isn’t a problem. In fact, half a month ago, we had already started making preparations for this. The charcoal are all stacked up in the castle’s warehouse and waiting to be distributed…”
After making arrangements for a few more matters, Gawain watched as Patrick went back into the crowd. That stout man started to convey Gawain’s message to the supervisors while Gawain nodded and smiled. He then picked up the cup of cooled tea and slowly drank it.
A young female servant walked over while panicking and seemingly wanted to remedy the neglect of her job, but Gawain shook his hand and asked that frightened young lady to look for a place to rest. “It is fine. Cooled tea is rather nice. That’s right, if you cannot find a job, remember to come to the Cecil Clan. We provide food and residence, and also distribute land.”
“You never forget to constantly recruit people.” Amber stuffed half a piece of pastry into her mouth and looked at Gawain with a little dissatisfaction and said, “However, you are always readily giving the best benefits to people…”
Gawain merely laughed and spoke softly, “You will understand, but don’t ask so much now.”
Amber curled her mouth and said, “Unnecessary information.”
Gawain didn’t explain too much to Amber; instead, he called out to Sir Philip who was resting by the side. “From now on, you will be responsible for the communication between the Kant territory and Cecil territory. You will also represent me to supervise the situation on this land.”
“Yes, Your Excellency.” Sir Philip nodded but was still rather worried. “I have never done anything like this…”
“There is no need to overthink it. I will tell you what you need to do. Apart from what needs to be done, you are responsible for reporting to me on the Kant territory’s situation. You don’t have to stay here for a long period of time either. You simply have to make one or two trips here every month. Knight, this place has encountered a great catastrophe and will need a lot of help.”
Philip felt his motivation instantly surging as he said, “Yes, Your Excellency, I will not fail your trust!”
Gawain let out a breath and looked at the luxurious castle hall in front of him before he suddenly missed the Cecil territory’s fields and construction sites.
When the aftermath’s arrangements were done and after having people assigned to the tasks, it was time for him to leave.