Heroes of Might and Magic: Grand Consul

Chapter 400 The Big Wedding
Kuraki first held a grand ceremony to bestow titles, and after Sumu became a duke, he immediately announced the conferment of titles upon him within the duchy.

"Forrest is the Marquis of Hardstone, in charge of the finances and construction of the warehouse."

“Oling is the Marquis of the Divine Feather Spirit, whose fief is Konates, and who commands the Duchy’s archers.”

"Ivan is the Marquis of Furious Bear, who inherited Bear Fortress and the surrounding towns, and commands the Duchy's strongest swordsmen."

"Maggie is the Marquis of the Azure Eagle, who inherited the jurisdiction of Longlet Castle and its surrounding area, and is in charge of the Kuraki Inner Court and the Magic Guild."

In fact, it's obvious to everyone that once Maggie marries Sumu, she will become the new Duchess, with power and status far exceeding that of a Marquis.

However, according to inheritance law, as Garfield's last heir, she legally possessed full control over Longleat Castle. This meant that all of this became part of her dowry and would be the property of her descendants.

Moreover, with the re-division of Sumu, Garfield's affiliation fell to Kuraki, and even the capital city had no right to order Maggie around.

"Wayne is appointed Baron Shadow, Minister of Intelligence of Kuraki, and in charge of the Thieves' Guild and the Scouting Force."

“Sederos is the Baron of the White Tower, whose fief is Silvertop City, and he is in charge of all matters in this city.”

"Good is the Grand Knight Commander of the Duchy, the lord of the cavalry regiment, and the commander of the cavalry force."

Compared to Ouling and the others, people like Wayne and Cedros were either newcomers or worked in the shadows, so they received smaller titles.

They may not officially grant land, but they will compensate others elsewhere.

Besides these most illustrious heroes, many others who contributed to Kuraki were also rewarded.

Some of the talents discovered earlier are also gradually emerging.

Characters like Leo Garcia, the Griffin Trainer; Guido Perez, the Shieldbearer Commander; and Hammondal, the Forger, are all being groomed to become heroes.

They not only provide resources, but also allow for a certain degree of freedom to develop their own ideas.

Besides those in the combat ranks, those with outstanding talent in domestic affairs will also be promoted to the position of member of parliament.

Making the best use of people's talents is Su Mu's philosophy.

As for the concern that they might not be able to control this group of arrogant and unruly soldiers, that would be rather ridiculous.

Not to mention that Su Mu has such a powerful army under his command, even if he stood there alone, he could regain all command. That's what prestige is all about.

……

While Su Mu was rewarding those who had contributed to the Congressional Hall, Miss Maggie was getting ready in her boudoir.

More than a dozen maids and noblewomen were busy working, each doing their own job, determined to make Maggie the most beautiful bride.

To be honest, she was quite flustered in this situation. As a noble lady, she had received relevant training since childhood, and was well-mannered and poised. However, after going through life and death with Su Mu on the battlefield, she had changed too much.

It's probably impossible for her to pretend to be a naive and innocent bright girl again.

Fortunately, Valentine arrived at this moment and comforted the slightly agitated Marquis.

"What's wrong? You've been fantasizing about princess and prince stories all the time, and now that your dream has come true, are you getting scared?"

"What nonsense are you talking about? Who wants to hear such falsehoods?"

"What nonsense! I've warmed the lord's house several times, and you've always stayed next door. The house isn't very soundproof, but that young lady sleeps like a log. Sometimes I really admire your patience."

Valentine stroked his hair and teased Maggie.

Upon hearing this, Maggie's face immediately turned red, and she could only defend herself in a low voice, which was barely audible.

Valentine stepped forward, his hand deftly slipping inside the thick robe, and gave it a slight tug.
"Look at this genuine product. It's no wonder that only a noble family could cultivate such a wonderful thing. Which man wouldn't be captivated by you? If you ask me, with the Lord's abilities, how could he not know what you're thinking? He deliberately pinned me against the wall, wasn't he just trying to play some exquisite lullaby for you?"

Maggie was truly at her wit's end this time, burying her head in her dress: "Stop talking. Your foul language is no different from that of a street prostitute."

Valentine didn't care at all: "Oh my lady, what time is it? You're so reserved. Doesn't the lord have enough beauties around him? That alluring lady in snow-white clothes is just short of bringing a few seductive concubines to his bed."

If I hadn't been watching over you, the lord would probably have been taken away by that wild woman long ago.

However, her identity and lineage aren't great, so she doesn't pose a threat to you for now. But if you don't take her seriously, that's a different story." Sure enough, after introducing Liliana, Maggie was instantly ignited with fighting spirit. This vampire queen, whose charm was almost perfect, could captivate even women, let alone men.

"Hmph! If she continues to seduce the Duke without restraint, I have ways to deal with her!"

Compared to the lowly Valentine, Liliana possesses both strength and beauty, making her indeed more threatening.

For a time, Valentine even approached Maggie, wanting to join forces against Liliana.

However, Maggie quickly added, "The lord needs her, and Kuraki needs her too. If she behaves herself and doesn't go too far, we can tolerate her."

Maggie is one of the few people who knows everything about Liliana. The other party possesses powerful necromancy skills and controls a highly skilled vampire army, which can indeed turn the tide at crucial moments.

Su Mu's attitude has always been to make good use of her, and Maggie naturally won't undermine her. As long as Liliana nominally respects her, that's fine.

As for their passionate affair, Maggie was quite at ease with the vampire queen. No matter how beautiful she was, she was still a different race. Could she possibly bear children for Su Mu? At most, she was just a high-class vessel for the Duke to satisfy his lust, and a natural and safe one at that, very secure.

On the contrary, Maggie glanced at Valentine's belly and then shook her head.

The powerful hero with the power of magic has strong control abilities. If Su Mu really wanted her to have children, she would have done so long ago.

Ultimately, Kuraki still needed a legitimate eldest son with proper blood to stabilize his regime.

This is a tradition that has lasted for tens of thousands of years in the world of heroes. With Su Mu's strength, he can naturally break the tradition, but there is no need for him to do so.

Of course, extraordinary people don't have to follow the rules. Su Mu may not want an heir yet, and that's perfectly fine.

Maggie knew what role she was supposed to play, and she trusted Sumu, the hero who had pulled her out of the abyss from Longletburg.

Thinking of this, Maggie patted Valentine on the shoulder and spoke softly, "I know what you're thinking, sister. I will always remember your help."

Actually, my previous worries were just about the heavy responsibility, but now I feel much more at ease.

On the contrary, there is one thing that is quite worrying: Su Mu is so strong, while his younger sister is weak and inexperienced, so there may be some oversights.

My sister is kind-hearted and always helps others to the end!

Upon hearing this, Valentine's playful attitude vanished instantly. Just as he was about to run away, he found himself surrounded by bizarre and surreal scenes. He found himself uncontrollably passing through walls and arriving at the large bed in the bridal chamber, where he quietly lay down.

As the controller of an advanced dream realm, Maggie could easily deal with an ordinary person.

However, Valentine's status was special, and she had a good relationship with him. Maggie did not want to force him, so she tempted him, saying, "If you stay here with me tonight, it's equivalent to gaining the lord's approval."

As Duchess Kuraki, I am also grateful for your contributions. When you leave through this door tomorrow morning, all the courtiers will acknowledge your status.

You have everything: wealth, power, and prestige.

The choice is yours!

After saying that, Valentine's restraints were completely removed. She lay on the soft bed for a long time, and then, seemingly tired, slowly fell asleep.

Maggie smiled gently. This bed, several meters wide, could easily accommodate several Valentines.

Maggie was fairly accepting of the outcome. The other party had gotten there first, and it was impossible for them to actually kill Valentine; Maggie wasn't that foolish.

With this tall, energetic beauty helping her, her inner palace can be made more stable.

Maggie is different from ordinary women; she sees the world from a hero's perspective. With crises looming and Kuraki barely escaping, unity is still needed.

Compared to the legendary heroes' vast galaxies and the rise and fall of extraordinary empires, what does a woman amount to?

After everything was arranged, Maggie and Sumu attended the daytime celebration together, receiving blessings from the priests and the people, and officially became the Duchess.

After returning to the bridal chamber at night, they presented him with a sleeping beauty.

The candle went out, and the two shadows intertwined, instantly making the dream infinitely beautiful.

(End of this chapter)