Pirate Kingship-Chapter 656 - 459: Duke of Demons, Future Sister-in-Law (6400)

SPLASH... SPLASH...

The heavy rain had been pouring nonstop for three days over Kingston, causing the water level of the Temm River to surge and flooding many of the low-lying areas in this ancient city.

The tragedy on Melrose Street hadn't dampened the Royalist nobles' enthusiasm. However, the specific procedures for Byron's investiture ceremony at Ganquan Palace had to be repeatedly changed out of necessity.

The celebrations and parades originally scheduled for the Royal Palace Square and nearby streets were all scaled back. Only the most important investiture ceremony in the Royal Palace Hall and the subsequent noble banquet remained.

Many Royalists felt sorry for Byron, their "staunch ally." 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

Such an event, one that might occur only once in a lifetime or even in a family's entire history, was unfortunately disrupted by such ghastly weather and an unexpected downpour.

Byron, however, didn't mind. It's merely the title of Count of Torrentfort, which doesn't even come with land. If I didn't think refusing it outright would seem too abnormal, I would have been too lazy to even bother accepting it.

In Byron's own words:

It's not for any other reason. It's mainly because I'm afraid that the 'Sacred Golden Emperor,' the 'Lord of the Celestial Kingdom,' the Divinity: [Authority, Prophecy, and the Mad Hunt Deity], the '[Night Demon Prince],' the 'Lancaster Crown Prince,' and so on might misunderstand. An Earl? How dare such a rank presume to stand shoulder to shoulder with these bigwigs?

He felt that as long as he encountered good weather when he was formally crowned with his [King's Title], that would be enough. Even if the weather wasn't good, it would just be a matter of a Divine King's decree; the Golden Law wasn't like the Royal Iron Law—a neutered version capable of governing people but not Heaven or Earth.

Byron walked into the banquet hall of Ganquan Palace, arm in arm with Catherine.

Byron wore the crisp uniform of a Naval General. He had been promoted from commodore to rear admiral by the Navy Department just the day before.

The girl's radiant blonde hair was tied up high, adorned with a mithril circlet. She wore an elegant silver gown named "Summer Moonlight," which enhanced her already perfect figure, making her appear as if a Muse had descended from the heavens.

Complementing the tall and handsome Byron, she shone brightly, and together they immediately captured the attention of all the guests.

"Good day, congratulations, Lord Earl."

"Miss Catherine, the '[Mithril Dragon],' you've returned? If you have time, do grace Frederick Manor with your presence. Our Spices Guild wishes to establish a strategic partnership with you; the terms we've prepared will surely exceed your expectations."

"Miss Catherine, my Snow Cotton Manor also has a proposal. The artisan workshop under my banner is researching a groundbreaking whale oil airship. We are in urgent need of a long-term supply of standardized products from the Standard Whale Oil Company, and I am willing to pay a premium."

Even though her identity as the owner of Financial Street had not been revealed, Catherine was already almost synonymous with the "Queen of Wealth" and was obviously very popular in her homeland.

Human nature is such that no matter what one disagrees with, one will never turn one's back on personal gain.

In addition to business partners, many old Land Nobles, who didn't place much emphasis on commerce, were also very satisfied with their pairing, nodding in secret approval:

"It would be the best arrangement if they could come together."

While an adult unmarried man and woman appearing together at social functions might not always signify an impending engagement, it undoubtedly sent a signal.

—The great interest groups, torn apart by the civil war, were finally beginning to mend under the new order!

Given the frequent intermarriages among the upper-class nobility, one could always find a relative by going back a few connections. This made the nouveau riche appear incompatible with their circles.

If Byron Tudor, the "Great Loyalist of York" of humble origins, could marry the last Countess of Grenville, then everyone would become relatives. Their offspring could then seamlessly integrate into the Hightins nobility circle.

Furthermore, if Catherine, with her background as an adopted daughter of Lancaster, married the "Great Loyalist of York," it would signify the total disintegration of the Lancaster Remnant.

Grenville, which maintained good relations with many nobles, would also return to the core of power within the York Dynasty.

Simultaneously, the vast colonial interests represented by Earl Tudor and Countess Grenville would smoothly integrate into the kingdom's internal economy. This would benefit many influential noble families at all levels.

The complete destruction of the Iron Anchor Bay First Fleet last year had left almost every York Party family in mourning. However, since Byron's rise, everything in the Kingdom of Hightins seemed to be heading in a positive direction.

It wasn't just the Royalist Party that was enthusiastic about them; many members of the less central Earl's Party were also very warm towards them.

After all, just as no company would refuse a sales champion, and even departments rife with nepotism need a few capable workhorses, no nation or collective would reject a hero who could grow the pie for everyone.

Compared to Byron, who was more accustomed to giving direct orders, or Violet, who would unleash "Blood and Fire Sing As One" at the slightest provocation, Catherine was much more adept at navigating social intricacies.

No matter who approached her, she could accurately recall their title, fief, primary industry, and even the most obscure family ties.

With just a few words, the sense of alienation from being away from the domestic noble circles for a year completely dissipated.

Like a queen of social engagements, she remained, as always, one of the leading figures of Ganquan Palace, shining exceptionally bright.

Just then, an unexpected VIP approached Byron.

"Earl, congratulations. Welcome to the ranks of the many nobles of the Kingdom of Hightins."