Heroes of Might and Magic: Grand Consul

Chapter 399 The Conferment Ceremony
Gwen and Raven arrived at Kuraki together, bringing dozens of cartloads of congratulatory gifts, followed by dozens of noble representatives of all ranks who came to offer their congratulations.

The wealthy and influential nobles in the capital would generally send envoys with generous gifts to offer their congratulations.

Even the Speaker and nobles from the heartland sent their congratulatory gifts according to proper etiquette, without breaking off relations because of previous conflicts.

The councilors are very good at playing the political balancing act; they separate struggle from cooperation. As Kuraki rises to prominence and becomes the strongest force in the kingdom, there are plenty of people trying to curry favor with him.

However, trying to curry favor now is probably difficult, as the returns are far lower than previous investments.

People like Raven, Murak, and Duke Peter, who lent a helping hand to Kuraki in his time of need, were clearly given preferential treatment.

Because of their military duties, Murak and Prince Peter did not come in person, but instead sent their trusted confidants.

"Speedy Sir Murak presents Kuraki with 20 logs, 20 stones, and a stone mine!"

"Duke Peter, upon establishing the principality of He Cangmu, presented five divine cannons and ten robes for the priesthood of light."

"Marshal Raven presents me with a Kingdom Compendium and a Level 2 treasure!"

"Please take a seat!"

Everyone's gifts were very generous, but only in this way could they be befit the Duke's status.

If marquises are the backbone of a kingdom, then dukes with real power are essentially regional governors, even those who are subject to orders but not summons, and can independently establish their own duchies.

Moreover, Kuraki's power, which relies on war to establish itself and has single-handedly repelled 10 Arcane Empire troops, is so formidable that even the Kingdom's Parliament has to bow down to him. It's simply abnormal to the extreme.

"Amirka from the Valley Stag family sends his congratulations, along with a windmill and 10 crystals!"

"Marquis West of Qinghe in the heartland sends a congratulatory gift: 15 portions of gemstones and 10 portions of sulfur!"

……

The main hall for receiving gifts was piled high with treasures, leaving almost no room to move. This was after all the resources had been stored away in the main storage area, leaving only gold coins, precious items, and a few special objects.

Almost all the nobles in the kingdom, those of earl and above, sent people to offer their congratulations, and they all brought gifts, some more and some less.

After all, this wasn't just about bestowing a duke title; it was also the grand ceremony of Su Mu marrying Maggie. The two combined certainly made it a cause for celebration.

In the midst of this ongoing war, Kuraki naturally remained vigilant. Ivan led a large force to guard the hilly border, using Black Cliff to monitor the enemy's movements.

Since the Battle of Silver Peak City, the fortress has been unsure of Kuraki's strength. Even when Kuraki is holding a grand banquet and the defenses seem weak, they dare not make any rash moves.

Su Mu had already been labeled as treacherous, cunning, and unscrupulous; who knew if he might be using his wedding as a pretext for a counterattack? Meanwhile, the Qiuling troops became tense, constantly monitoring the situation of the Cangmu troops.

So the two sides looked at each other, but no confrontation occurred.

The city of Kuraki was filled with joy as the lord announced a three-day grand banquet, with all expenses to be borne by the lord's manor. The free citizens sang and danced, praising the lord's virtues and glorious achievements.

Many of the original inhabitants of Kuraki Castle, looking at the prosperous city before them, had a momentary feeling of being in another world.

Who could have imagined that a small border town would one day become the capital of a principality with a population of over a million, and that it would continue to siphon off more people?

In a time of war, safety was the town's most valuable advantage. Whether it was invading foreign armies, the special magic of the stars and moon, or even chaotic thieves and ferocious beasts, Kuraki kept them all at bay.

As word spread, trust naturally grew, and the population increased.

Cities provide security, and as the population grows, trade flourishes, various industries develop, and timber production naturally prospers.

Gwen and Raven had both visited Kuraki, but the city had changed dramatically over time, quite different from their previous visits. "Although I knew Su Mu was exceptionally talented in warfare, I never imagined he would be so extraordinary in building his territory. It's incredible that he could develop a small town into what it is today. Even just a few months ago, Kuraki wasn't this magnificent. If he were allowed to develop it for a few more years, I can hardly imagine what it will become."

"Indeed, Kuraki is located on the Xilin Plain, with no cover in any direction, making it extremely difficult to defend. It started as a forest farm, a small border town with an initial population of only tens of thousands. Its strongest defenders were only spearmen and sharpshooters. Now it has reached this level, which is unheard of."

On the contrary, those fortified cities and extraordinary armies suffered utter defeats, forcing us to consider the deeper reasons behind it.

Gwen glanced at Raven and whispered, "Actually, everyone suspects that Su Mu may have obtained some ancient treasure, otherwise how could he have developed so rapidly? Marshal Raven, do you know anything about this?"

Raven shook his head: "Opportunities abound in the world of heroes, and extraordinary individuals with abilities are as numerous as fish crossing a river. If one could dominate the world simply by relying on a treasure or inheritance, then the Kingdom of Elton would not have declined to this state."

Exceptional figures, the trends of the times, and the practice of magic are all indispensable.

After all, he was the previous marshal of the kingdom, and he had a very clear understanding of things. Su Mu must have had special assistance, but others did too. If it were just based on this opportunity, Su Mu would definitely have strengths that surpassed others, but he wouldn't be able to do what he has now.

It was through repeated battles, constantly tempering our will, withstanding immense pressure, building our city, and taking each step steadily that we achieved what we have today.

"Heroes who can be ennobled on their own merits cannot be judged by common sense."

The two entered the hall and met many nobles from the kingdom. They exchanged pleasantries and pleasantries with each other, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

After Su Mu entered, Gwen also formally stepped onto the stone platform.

"The ordination ceremony has been completed, but the King is unwell. Therefore, the Parliament has issued a decree authorizing me to bestow the title on his behalf."

"Since receiving his title, Su Mu has devoted himself to serving the country. He led the western expedition into the heartland to help the kingdom defend Sunset Fortress, slaying the Rampart Dragon Knights and making great contributions; he went south to suppress the border refugees and quell the swamp riots, ending war with war; he went north to Winterfell to avenge the Knight Commander, reclaim the northern lands, and punish the villains."

Now, with Silvertop City as our base, we have resisted the 10-strong army of the Arcane Empire, slain countless enemies, and brought glory to our nation. Therefore, we shall bestow upon you the title of Duke of the Northern Territory and the Hillin Plain, with the honorific title of Cangmu, and command the eastern regional front.

"The Duke has the authority to decide what to do with the territory of the Duchy."

After Gwen finished speaking, she handed the three items to Su Mu.

The first item is a royal decree made of parchment, stamped with the royal seal, and bearing the name of Phineas VI in the lower right corner.

The second item is Elton's symbol, a white feather. Unlike the previous ones, this white feather is filled with divine magical power. It is the feather of an ancient angel that has been baptized by the Church of Light and is said to be able to sense the location of angels at special times.

Having these two items proves that Duke Sumu's identity is recognized by both secular royal power and divine authority, and is therefore legitimate.

The third item is a magic map, which displays mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas, and all the territories that have been incorporated into the Kuraki Principality are marked with its symbol.

Although nominally the duchy still belongs to the kingdom, its independence has greatly increased. All cities within the duchy only need to pay taxes to the duke. Moreover, control of the land spirits will be returned to Kuraki, and unless the kingdom completely collapses, it will be difficult to restrain Kuraki.

Sumu led Gwen and the nobles out of the inner hall and onto the city wall.

Countless people had gathered outside, chanting Su Muxin's title.

"Duke Kuraki!"

"Duke Kuraki!"

The increasingly loud sound shook the entire city, making it rumble.

Thus, the supreme commander of the Xilin Plain became Duke Kuraki.

(End of this chapter)