Chapter 246 - 19: Enfeoffment Ceremony (3)
Chapter 246: Chapter 19: Enfeoffment Ceremony (3)
Just as the two were preparing to continue their discussion, a majestic piece of music suddenly filled the air.
The majestic, powerful sound emanated from the center of the altar.
The piece had been specially commissioned by a former Knight King from a musician of the Imperial Royal Family.
The enfeoffment ceremony was about to begin.
The Frank Kingdom’s enfeoffment ceremony was different from what Robson had imagined. He had expected the King, as the kingdom’s supreme leader, to give a speech, but it turned out Louis III was merely an observer for the entire event.
Everyone came forward one by one to choose their fief before Louis III, hand over their family insignia to an official at the side for registration, and then depart.
’It made sense, though. Considering the rate of turnover among the Frank Kingdom’s nobility, the crown couldn’t possibly put on too grand of a spectacle.’
Robson and the two Counts were the first to choose their fiefs.
Though it was called "choosing a fief," the selections had been decided long in advance. Their choosing first was merely a formality, mainly to make it convenient for their followers to make their own selections afterward.
"Robson, it’s your turn."
Hearing Valentino’s reminder, Robson nodded and walked forward.
’He had to admit, while the ceremony itself was simple, the altar was truly magnificent. White jade bricks, and more than ninety steps.’
’Looking at the long flight of stairs, Robson was inexplicably reminded of the subway station steps from his past life. They were about the same length.’
"Lord Viscount."
Two fully-armored Personal Guard Knights halted Robson.
Robson nodded, unfastened his Long Sword, and handed it to the two Personal Guard Knights.
"Pardon us, Viscount. Please."
After searching him, the Personal Guard Knights stepped aside to clear the way.
This was a long-standing custom in the Human World. Assassinations had been so rampant during the First Empire Era that subsequent Kings dared not lower their guard in this respect.
At the top of the stairs stood a group of people, nearly all of whom were prominent, high-ranking officials of the kingdom. With a single glance, Robson recognized four Marquises and five Counts.
Their positions were clearly arranged by rank, with the most conspicuous figure being Louis III, who stood in the center.
To Robson’s surprise, however, the ceremony was not being presided over by Louis III alone, but also by Prince Noah, who stood at his side.
Louis III held a silver longsword, while Prince Noah held the aristocratic garlands and certificates.
Robson had heard of this sword. It was forged by a master craftsman of the Third Empire and bestowed upon the Knight King by the Third Emperor himself. It symbolized the Third Empire’s recognition of the Frank Kingdom’s legitimacy.
"Child, it is time for you to choose your fief," Louis III said, looking at Robson.
Robson nodded. His fief had already been chosen: Affleck City in Clichy County, north of Ehrlich Province.
’Now that a new lord was taking over, the old name naturally had to be changed.’
’It would now be called Elanshiri City. In the Ancient Human Tongue, the name meant "light." It had been one of the great northern cities of the Second Empire, located roughly in the northern part of the present-day Fieseld Duchy. Of course, the place was now nothing but ruins.’
’Robson’s full name would now be Robson Elanshire Odogin.’
’This was the naming convention for many noble families, and the best testament to a family’s history and heritage.’
’The most extreme example was the royal family of the current Algeria Kingdom, who had dozens of such suffixes in their name.’
"As you command." From a tray held by an attendant, Robson picked up a small banner showing a phoenix on a blue field—the one representing his territory.
He planted the small flag on Elanshiri City.
Then, guided by an attendant, Robson went before Louis III and knelt on one knee. Prince Noah stepped forward, holding a Silver aristocratic garland. Another attendant placed three thick, stacked books before Robson.
The three books were the Frank Kingdom’s Code of Nobility, the Covenant of the Lord of Dawn, and the Third Empire’s Code for Nobles.
"We meet again, Viscount Robson." Prince Noah smiled as he placed the Silver garland on Robson’s head. In the aristocratic world, this symbolized the recognition of the Crown.
’The garlands for Counts were made of Gold, Viscounts of Silver, and Barons of bronze. A Marquis’s garland was also bronze, though of a different quality.’
"I should be calling you Viscount Elanshiri now. Congratulations."
"Thank you, Your Highness," Robson replied.
Then, an old man in the robes of a Priest stepped out from behind Louis III. Robson recognized him—it was the kingdom’s Archbishop, who had been with the King when he was welcomed earlier.
"The Lord of Dawn is above."
"The Lord of Dawn is above..."