Chapter 204 I'm the center piece of a political clout?
(POV: Lumiere)
Our eyes scanning the surroundings until we finally spotted Viscount Randolph.
He stood tall and regal, accompanied by a man adorned in a resplendent blue jacket, white pants, and polished black boots—a true aristocratic ensemble.
Drawing closer, I noticed the spark of recognition in the viscount's eyes as he caught sight of me.
With a wave of his hand and a warm smile, he spoke, "Oh, if it isn't Lumiere and my beautiful daughter... please, join us..."
Lucilia stood by me, her animated eyes shimmering with excitement.
She quickly bowed her head in respect, greeting her father with genuine reverence.
"Greetings, father."
Viscount Randolph returned her greeting with a warm smile, his voice filled with paternal affection.
"Lucilia, you look lovely as always, if Lumiere's here then undoubtedly your journey was a smooth one."
"Yes father," Lucilia smiled.
However, the man standing beside Viscount Randolph furrowed his brows and voiced his skepticism.
"Surely, it hasn't even been two days since Lucilia embarked on her journey to the Great Forest. How is it possible for her to have returned so swiftly?"
Viscount Randolph chuckled heartily, radiating confidence in his response.
"Ah, my dear friend, you underestimate the efficiency and prowess of our esteemed acquaintance here," the viscount explained, gesturing towards me. "When he's involved, time seems to bend to his will."
I mean, he wasn't wrong... my [Beginner's Luck] made life impossibly easy for me.
While some will say I haven't earned anything, all that matters, is what I've learned.
Intrigued, the man turned his piercing gaze towards me.
A faint smile played upon his lips as he approached, extending his hand in a gesture of camaraderie.
"I must admit, I'm rather intrigued by you already," he remarked.
It was hard to casually speak to someone I'd just met.
Just as I planned to, he said:
"I'm Duke Dolselo."
"Eh?" I said, weakly.
"Dolselo? The newly selected Duke of Drakoria?"
"Drakoria?"
"I thought Lady Lucilia would've given you the details already."
Grasping his outstretched hand firmly, I reciprocated with a sincere shake.
"The pleasure is all mine, Your Grace," I replied. "Please accept my apologies for the delayed greetings. I was unaware of your distinguished title."
This was absolutely great— I was already meeting with the Duke that made it happen for Viscount Randolph.
Perfect.
Duke Dolselo's laughter resonated with geniality as he waved off any concerns of etiquette.
"Formalities matter little in our presence," he assured me, his charismatic demeanor radiating. "Let's just be friends, Young Lumiere."
A gentle clap of the hands by Viscount Randolph.
"Shall we find a more private setting to catch up?" he offered.
I glanced to the side and noticed a group of skilled workers diligently constructing what appeared to be the beginnings of a grand structure. The sounds of digging and the clinking of materials filled the air.
Agreeing with the proposition, we made our way towards a small yet elegant gazebo nestled amidst the construction site. Lucilia led the way, her steps graceful and accompanied by the soft rustle of her dress. We settled into our seats, and Lucilia soon poured a fragrant tea into her father's cup with practiced precision.
Viscount Randolph expressed his gratitude with a gentle "Thank you, honey," to which Lucilia responded with a warm smile.
She then turned her attention towards Duke Dolselo, courteously pouring him a cup of tea.
Approaching me next, Lucilia poured tea into my cup and leaned in close, her voice a whisper caressing my ear.
"Thank you again for your help with my dress," she said, her eyes twinkling with appreciation.
I smiled, "Hah... my pleasure."
"Alright, good luck, Lumiere."
With our exchange complete, Lucilia gracefully exited the gazebo, leaving the three of us in quiet companionship.
With eyes filled with fatherly pride, Viscount Randolph turned towards me, "It seems my daughter has taken a liking to you already." He added playfully, "I hope you don't steal her away from me," prompting hearty laughter from all three of us.
Smiling, I assured Viscount Randolph, "Such a thought never crossed my mind."
The mood shifted slightly as Duke Dolselo suddenly turned serious.
His stern visage held no trace of jest as he uttered an unexpected assertion, "Of course not, you're the King's bastard child after all."
My eyebrow arched in surprise, and I asked, "Oh? Where did that come from?"
In a calming tone, Viscount Randolph reached out and placed a hand on my trembling shoulders.
"Please, my dear friend, allow us to explain," he implored.
"What?" I asked.
"He didn't mean to offend you with his choice of words. I apologize for any misunderstanding."
I glared at him, my anger simmering beneath the surface.
"Calling me a bastard isn't something that can be misunderstood," I retorted.
Duke Dolselo, seeing the tension between us, stepped forward and interjected, his voice filled with sincerity.
"I apologize as well. I aimed for a more dramatic approach in order to broach a delicate discussion."
His words hung in the air, a hint of gravity coloring his tone.
Confusion clouded my expression as I struggled to comprehend their motives.
"What delicate discussion? What're you both talking about?"
Viscount Randolph leaned forward, his hands clutching his teacup as he spoke in earnest.
"We've been considering making you... a Baronet."
My eyes widened, disbelief flooding my senses.
I closed my eyes briefly, allowing the weight of the proposition to sink in.
The clatter of my fallen teacup broke the silence, the fragrant liquid staining the ground beneath me.
"If this is some cruel jest, designed to mock me, it's certainly not amusing."
Viscount Randolph's eyebrows furrowed in genuine concern.
"I assure you, my dear friend, there's no mockery here. We're serious about this," he stated firmly.
It was clear he was being sincere.
And that in its own, was scary.
Bewildered, I asked, "But... is that even possible? The power to grant titles and lands lies solely with the monarch, not nobles."
Viscount Randolph nodded.
"While it's true that the King holds the ultimate decision, as influential nobles, we can submit a petition on your behalf," he explained. "We'll recommend you for the sixth rank of nobility – a Baronet. Then, we'll emphasize your loyalty, potential benefits to the kingdom, and the many reasons you deserve this title."
Curiosity pulsed through my veins as the words left my lips.
"Why're you both going to such lengths for me?"
My eyes darted between Duke Dolselo and Viscount Randolph.
Dolselo offered a warm smile before speaking.
"In truth, I'm only doing this for Randolph," he admitted, stealing a quick glance in Viscount Randolph's direction.
Randolph's expression softened.
"You see, Lumiere," he began, leaning towards me, "I've known you for some time now, and I believe, more than anyone else, that you deserve to ascend the ranks of nobility."
"This is all so unexpected," I murmured.
"I may not know you well, but if Randolph is willing to stake his reputation on you, then I trust his judgment entirely." (Dolselo)
I offered a calm nod. "Thank you," I said softly.
As I reached for my teacup and took a sip, a thought invaded my mind, causing me to pause. I set down the cup delicately, meeting Randolph's gaze.
"But let's not kid ourselves, surely there has to be a price."
Randolph hesitated for a moment, his eyes searching mine.
"I don't wish to be seen as the sort of person who trades favors," he confessed. "However, while you're helping with the development of my Viscounty, I also have a request. I'd like you to share some of your trade secrets with the CEO of the Efistes company."
My eyebrow arched in surprise, confused.
"The Efistes company? What is that?"
"You mean to say you are unaware of the Efistes company?" he asked me.
"Well, he spends most of his time in the Great Forest," Randolph turned his tea gently. "It's only natural that this happens."
"So, what were you saying about that?" I asked.
Randolph gently smiled. "Worry not, leave it be for another time."
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