The war in the North was over, and peace was restored in Castells.
Of course, it will take time to completely settle everything. Regardless of rewards or punishments, it cannot be done in a short while.
However, this is not something Charlotte needs to worry about personally. She hands all these tasks to the newly formed Earl's cabinet.
The new cabinet still refers to the old system of Castres, and Charlotte has only made some slight improvements at most. The three most important positions: Minister of War, General Manager of Foreign Affairs, and General Manager of Finance are respectively held by Viscount Romain-Four and Lieutenant General. Viscount En-Castell and Sebas served.
This is not an earth-shaking change from before, that is, the position of the Leglis family was replaced by Sebastian, or to be more precise, taken back by the Earl's Palace.
It is worth mentioning that Nice was also given the title of Magical Advisor by Charlotte and was thrown into the cabinet.
If a cat entered the cabinet, it would be a scandal to spread the word, but... the nobles of the North did not object in the end.
the reason is simple.
First, regardless of whether the nobles wanted it or not, Charlotte's authority had been established in the territory with the two wars. She had already obtained the surrender of the vassals and became a real lord.
Second, no one in the territory really regarded Nice as a black cat.
After all, how can there be a pet cat in this world who can design magic blueprints, make magic props, and has more theoretical knowledge than the most prestigious magician in the North?
Some Northland mages are already speculating that the black cat in the Earl's Mansion should be the alchemical incarnation of a well-known mage.
In addition, some outstanding nobles or heirs from some secondary families and emerging families were selected to enter the Earl's Mansion and hold various positions.
From maids and attendants to housekeepers and stewards, there are various positions.
This is also the main way for the noble lords of Miria to maintain relations among their vassals.
After the rebellion was put down, only two of the three viscount families were left, but there were also some knight families who had made great contributions and took advantage of the situation. They were destined to gain territory under Charlotte's promise and become the upstarts of the Northland.
Maybe Charlotte can't remember them all, but the cabinet will remember them, and with the help of the Earl's Palace position and the subsequent marriages of various families, they will be naturally included in the aristocratic management system of the North.
On the whole, although some noble families have risen with their military exploits, after the two wars, the overall power of the nobles in the North has shrunk significantly, while the strength of the lords has greatly strengthened.
Not to mention anything else, the area of the direct territory alone has almost doubled for Charlotte. Although many of them are obtained from the Leglis family's enclaves, it has also truly strengthened her control over the territory. control.
Especially for the Castel Silver Mine, control has basically returned to the Earl's Palace, and it will no longer be able to be ignored by the nobles like before she came to the territory.
After everything was over, Yurst did not continue to stay in Castel, but returned to Falling Star Kingdom as soon as possible.
Although he was very curious about where the ancestor was, the Ness clan still had important matters that he needed to worry about. After Duke Yorock's repeated urging, he had no choice but to rush back.
This actually made Ness feel relieved. He finally didn't have to face his old man who knew his true identity.
Nice did not disappoint Charlotte. A few days later, he recorded the spells and inscriptions of Nicholas' magic array and presented them with both hands.
Charlotte's magical attainments are not very high, and she relies almost entirely on the Blood Sacred Scripture.
But even so, she could see that the magic array technology provided by Nice was much higher than that of the Principality of Bold or even the Crescent Kingdom.
"Hey, that's of course. What the Crescent Kingdom has obtained is only what Master Cat and I studied hundreds of years ago. How many years have passed? Although our strength has declined, our theoretical knowledge has been improving. The version I gave you has been improved countless times by me."
In the study room, Nice pinched his waist humanely and looked very proud.
Charlotte sat leisurely behind her desk.
Today, she changed into an aristocratic silk dress suitable for traveling. It was made of black and painted with complex golden patterns and embroidery symbolizing the Castel family emblem, making her look more noble and mature than usual.
I saw her sipping the sweet milk, browsing the drawings in her hand, and said with a smile:
"It's not bad. Then the technical aspect of building our territory's own extraordinary army... should be no problem if I leave it to you, right?"
Nice seems to be quite comfortable with the word "we".
He glanced proudly at Sebas, who was serving tea and pouring milk, and raised his tail higher:
"No problem, leave the technical aspects to us!"
"Speaking of which... I'm a little curious as to why you are so proficient in these extraordinary military formations. Could it be that you also wanted to form your own extraordinary army back then?"
"Ahem...Ms. Charlotte, you were too young back then, so don't mention it, don't mention it..."
Ness scratched his head and said guiltily.
Charlotte raised her eyebrows, but didn't ask any more questions.
Although it is already known that Nice is the legendary mage Nicholas who was famous in the mainland hundreds of years ago, it is obvious that this guy still has many secrets.
For example, he did not tell how he offended many churches or how he turned into a cat.
Charlotte didn't force it.
In this world, who doesn't have some secrets? As long as there is no malice or deception or betrayal, she doesn't mind if her followers have their own little secrets.
Thinking of this, Charlotte put down the drawing and looked at Sebas aside:
"Sebas, what's going on with Violet and Bold?"
Sebastian bowed and replied respectfully:
"Master, the Violet Principality is working very quickly. Their first batch of ransoms has been paid in full, and the relevant nobles have been handed over and released. The second and third batches should also be in place next month."
"Where's Bold?"
"Bold is quite far away. The Mage Tower sent a message a few days ago and their team is already on the way."
Charlotte nodded slightly:
"Well, before we leave, make arrangements for the handover."
"I obey your orders."
"There are also horses from the Grand Duchy of the North..."
"Don't worry about this. I have already made arrangements. The racecourse is ready to receive it at any time. It just depends on when it will be delivered from the north."
"good."
Charlotte went through the next tasks that needed to be arranged in advance one by one.
The central meeting in the royal capital was about to be held. This trip was a one-way trip and she might not be able to come back in a month or two. She had to deal with the follow-up matters in advance.
At this moment, a guard knight knocked on the study door:
"Your Majesty, Priest Lottie from the church is here."
Charlotte's heart moved slightly:
"Lottie? Invite her in."
The door was pushed open, and Priest Lottie in white divine robes quickly entered.
She glanced at Sebas and Nice beside Charlotte, then bowed to the girl and handed over a parchment:
"Lord Charlotte, there is news from the parish."
Charlotte took the parchment and browsed it carefully, raising her eyebrows slightly.
"Master, what is it?"
Sebastian asked curiously.
"It's nothing. It's an internal document from the church. It tells the branch church in Castel to prepare for the reception in advance. The investigation team from Crescent Diocese is coming down."
Charlotte said.
"Investigation team? Are they going to investigate the... um... abnormal movement a few days ago?"
Sebastian said carefully considering his words.
Charlotte nodded slightly:
"Well, the God's Bell is ringing, and it's the God's Bell in the parish. They have to send someone down to take a look."
After hearing what the girl said, several people couldn't help but glance at her with incomprehensible expressions.
This is said as if the ringing of the divine bell has nothing to do with someone...
"Welcome in advance, tsk... It seems that the identity of the priest who comes down this time is not simple. He actually sent out internal documents. Lady Charlotte, can I see who is coming?"
Nice asked curiously.
"Here, let's see."
Charlotte handed it over.
Niss took the parchment and glanced at it briefly, but at just one glance, his eyes widened:
"Meow?! Meow! The Grand Inquisitor of the Diocese?! And a Cardinal?! This... this... is enough
Two legends? ! Damn it! There are only five legends in Crescent Parish, and here are two? ! "
"Are there only five legends in Crescent Parish?"
Charlotte was a little surprised.
"Five is already a lot! Ah no no... This is not the key. The key is that the Grand Inquisitor is here! Lady Charlotte, the Grand Inquisitor of Crescent Parish has a record of 'slaying gods' in the past! "
Nessie yelled.
"Is it the resurgence of the old gods in the Luna Coast City State twenty years ago? It's just an old god that has just been revived. As far as I know, the strength of that god has not even returned to Blazing Sun."
Sebastian said as he recalled the church books he had read in Boulder.
"But that's also killing the gods! Killing the gods and banishing them are two different things!"
Ness said.
"Your Excellency Nice, don't worry so much. We have already made a disguise and notified the Blood Wolf Tribe in advance to keep a low profile for the time being. The overall beliefs in the North are mixed. Even if the church comes to investigate, everything will point to the Blood Demon Cult and those strange people. Weird religion."
"This is a blessing! I really appreciate the sacrifice ceremony of the Blood Demon Order! However, Lady Charlotte, we have to set off quickly, and we must avoid the same route as the review team and avoid you meeting them directly. ! Who knows if they will carry artifacts blessed by the God Lord and be able to detect the breath of the gods!"
After hearing what Nice said, Charlotte nodded slightly.
Strictly speaking, if the church sends an investigation team, the local lords will definitely welcome it.
However, who asked her to be summoned to the Central Committee of the Royal Capital?
The religious power and royal power of the Crescent Kingdom have been competing for many years. As a noble lord, she can reasonably stay away from each other on the grounds of attending the meeting in the royal capital.
Besides, the investigation team was investigating the abnormal movement of the God-Calming Bell, and the abnormal movement was caused by the Blood Demon Order. What does it have to do with her, a devout lord who believed in the Holy Royal Court?
Thinking of this, Charlotte looked at Sebastian:
"Sebas, are you ready for departure?"
"Master, everything is ready. The carriage, supplies, escorts, gifts, etc. are all ready."
"Very good, it's almost time. It's time for us to set off. Inform Shirley, Reina and Eudocia and we'll set off immediately."
After saying that, Charlotte looked at Nice again:
"Nice, you won't be following this trip to the royal capital. Help me take care of my home and do the ransom work after the war. You are most familiar with the internal mechanism of the Holy Royal Court. You can also stay in the territory to deal with the church trial team. Review."
After hearing Charlotte's words, Niss immediately grimaced:
"I...I'll try my best! I haven't had much dealings with the Grand Judge. To be honest...I'm a little scared."
Charlotte smiled:
"Be confident, Nice, you are a big shot in the church."
Nice:…
"Okay, it's almost time. Let's stop here and leave early. Maybe we can leave the Northland tonight."
Charlotte looked at the time on the magic clock and said.
…
After explaining the affairs in the territory, Charlotte left the Earl's Mansion.
The sun was shining brightly today. Charlotte looked at the bright sunshine for the first time in a long time and smiled.
She didn't hold an umbrella.
After merging with the statue, her physique had also undergone some subtle changes. Although she was not immune to the weakening of direct sunlight, she already had considerable resistance.
At least... walking in the sun for a short time is no longer a problem.
Outside the Earl's Mansion, the Castel family's travel convoy has been prepared. It is huge and has a total of twenty vehicles. In addition to the nobles, officials and waiters traveling with them, it also carries a large amount of cargo.
Especially mithril, almost one-third of the twenty carriages were loaded with mithril of different colors and various associated mineral deposits.
During this trip, Charlotte will not only attend the central meeting of the kingdom and meet King Louis V, but also deal with many lords of the kingdom. Some of these goods will be used as gifts to build relationships, while others will be used as transactions. products used.
There are not many opportunities for nobles from all over the country to gather in the royal capital. For Charlotte, this is also an opportunity for her to expand the trading channels for Castel's extraordinary materials.
The convoy was surrounded by an escort of armored knights, a total of one hundred and fifty people, still commanded by Baron Chalon.
Not far away, there were nobles and officials from the direct jurisdiction who came to see him off after hearing the news.
"My Lord Count!"
After seeing Charlotte, the knights, nobles and officials saluted in unison, which was quite impressive.
Charlotte gave a slight greeting to everyone, and then with everyone's attention, with the help of Sebastian, she boarded the last of the three most luxurious main carriages.
Shirley, Rena, and Eudosia, who had changed into Castel's maid uniform, also followed and boarded the carriage. They would accompany them as personal maids.
After everyone sat down, Baron Sharon shouted:
"Set off!"
After speaking, the knights escorted the convoy slowly, leaving Beigang under the awe and curiosity of the citizens of Beigang...
(Volume 2, end)
Update early tonight and start volume three tomorrow.
