Reincarnated as the third son of the Duke-Chapter 113 - Foundations of Power

113 Foundations of Power

"You want permission to go to the capital?"

"Yes."

The Grand Duke blinked, caught off guard by the sudden request.

Of all times, why now?

William should be focusing on building his faction, gathering support, and cementing his position within the family.

Yet, at such a crucial moment, he was asking to leave?

"…Very well. Let’s hear your reason first. What business do you have in the capital?"

"I want to assess the atmosphere after the war. And while I’m there, I plan to look for potential talent."

"Talent? Do you already know someone there?"

"No, but I recently heard some intriguing rumors. I want to confirm them in person."

William was careful not to reveal too much.

He couldn’t exactly tell his father that he was searching for the creator of a soon-to-be-discovered elixir.

The Grand Duke studied him in silence for a moment before giving a slow nod.

"I suppose you have your reasons. Very well, go as you wish. But avoid drawing too much attention—keep your identity discreet."

"Of course. I’m not going there to be entertained. I’ll keep a low profile."

"I’ll assign Raymond as your escort. He seems to have taken a liking to you—he volunteers every time I ask for guards."

Raymond.

The knight who had first been assigned to William’s escort, and whom William had grown rather fond of.

Now that he thought about it, Raymond was a talent in his own right.

Perhaps he could recruit him as well.

As if reading his thoughts, the Grand Duke added casually, "I should mention—Black Lions do not serve for life. They are not bound by an oath until death. When they reach a certain age, they can retire. Or, if they accomplish enough, they may transfer to another position. It’s not a well-known process, but it happens."

"…!"

"Raymond will be leaving the Black Lions soon. I don’t know where he plans to go, but someone of his skill deserves proper treatment, don’t you think?"

William’s thoughts sharpened instantly.

Unlike Hugo and Felicia, who were still developing, Raymond was already a fully realized talent.

Whether he could secure someone like that depended entirely on his own ability.

’I can’t afford to treat this lightly. If I have to overturn the entire capital to find what I need, then so be it.’

William bowed deeply, his voice firm.

"You’re right, Father. If I cannot offer him what he deserves, then I have no right to call him an ally."

"Hm. Good. It’s a relief that you understand."

Sigmund smiled in approval.

A true talent, once lost, was not easily regained.

It was far better to push oneself to secure them than to give up due to a lack of means.

The conversation was drawing to a close when William spoke up again.

"Thank you for granting me permission to visit the capital, Father. But… I have one more request."

"What is it?"

"If your schedule allows, that is…"

William hesitated for a moment before making his case.

After hearing him out, the Grand Duke let out a sudden laugh.

He laughed for quite some time before finally nodding in agreement.

When Hans saw William preparing to leave again the moment he returned home, he nearly dropped the tray he was holding.

"Young Master, are you going somewhere again?"

"Yes. This time, to the capital."

"The capital? But… why all of a sudden?"

"I have business there. Look after the estate while I’m gone."

William’s casual request made Hans’ expression darken slightly.

Once, as William’s personal servant, he had always accompanied him wherever he went.

But now, as more people gathered under William’s command, his duties had shifted.

Hans had less and less time by his master’s side.

That, in itself, was proof that William’s status was rising.

But for Hans, it was an unsettling change.

’They say distance weakens bonds…’

His mind drifted to Hugo and Felicia.

Hans had served William for far longer than either of them, yet they had already surpassed him in status.

At least Hugo was still a commoner, but if he truly became a knight, their positions would be reversed.

’Am I just going to be left behind? Forgotten, little by little?’

The thought sent a shiver down his spine.

As Hans stood there, lost in his own fears, William smirked.

"What’s got you shaking like that?"

"Ah—no, it’s nothing. I was just… lost in thought."

"I don’t know what you’re imagining, but you won’t have time to daydream."

William’s smirk widened slightly as he leaned in.

"I asked Father to arrange some training for you. From tonight onward, you’ll be receiving lessons on how to be a proper steward."

"…!?"

Hans’ eyes went wide in shock.

A noble’s steward was more than just a servant—they were a direct reflection of their master’s status.

For a noble son who had yet to inherit the family or a low-ranking noble without significant influence, hiring a steward was unnecessary.

After all, the visitors they received were rarely of high enough status to require more than ordinary servants.

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But once their position rose and they began to interact with the true power brokers of the realm, things changed.

’The unbridgeable gap between commoners and nobles—it’s in situations like these that the difference becomes painfully clear.’

The higher one’s rank, the stricter the etiquette.

From the proper way to greet a guest, to the correct terms of address, the precise posture when taking leave, and even the subtle art of walking without making a sound—these were things even the most experienced servant could not master without specialized training.

’In the worst-case scenario, an improperly trained servant could offend a guest of higher status, leading to disaster. Whether vassal or servant, those who serve a ruler are extensions of his authority.’

This was where a steward became essential.

Trained extensively in etiquette and possessing a working knowledge of politics, they were typically hired from among lower-ranking noble families.

A competent steward, if trustworthy, could handle even urgent situations on their master’s behalf.