The Border Prince's Domain is a chaotic region; it has been conquered by the Empire and the Brittania people before but was quickly abandoned. Emperor William I, also known as the Grand Duke of Avey Territory, and the famous "Conqueror" Sigismund both once conquered the Border Prince's Domain and established provinces. However, due to long-term assaults by Green Skins and transportation difficulties (with a grain loss rate from the Empire exceeding 70%), the Empire twice chose to give it up, leaving only a few unwilling to depart, both citizens and soldiers.
Later, when Brittania was established, proud knights had also conquered this land. After completing part of the mission to expel the Green Skins, some knights chose to return to Brittania, while the remaining few refused to return and rooted themselves in the Border Prince's Domain, building castles and becoming nobles here. Now, the Border Prince's Domain is a mixed chaotic area inhabited by Imperial people, Brittania people, and Lady Kislev. It has a notorious reputation for being a lawless haven for various bandits, mercenaries, murderers, pirates, and other fugitives. New "Border Princes" emerge here almost daily, as old ones face defeat and death.
"What, just five hundred soldiers? Just five hundred people โ there were a total of 526 inside the castle when I left Ruford Duchy." Fidmund chuckled, while the Holy Grail Knight wryly addressed his father: "Mr. Antonelli is still working on establishing 'international diplomatic relations' with Brittania and the Empire!"
"Alright then." Duke Bodric shook his head repeatedly. The Border Prince's Domain might have dozens of "Border Prince Duchies," most of which boast exaggeratedly incredible titles and a decent-looking court. These Border Princes are keen on "international diplomacy" and arrogantly impose their demands on other Border Princes. Yet, when facing real nations like the Empire or Brittania, these Border Princes generally act like tail-wagging supplicants, for to them, even a Baron from the Empire or Brittania possesses far superior strength.
Being able to serve as dogs for the Empire or Brittania is the greatest honor!
"Then I went north, first participating in the wars against Green Skins at Black Fire Pass, then enjoying a feast of Half-Elf delights at Mut, where I helped them resolve a Bloodthirsty Celestial Ghost, and participated in the siege of an Undead Mage in Stier Territory. Finally, in Talabeck, I killed a Chaos Giant... Oh, father, I heard things are looking good for Boldro lately? I've seen many fleets of High Elves."
"Currently, our Boldro has established trade relations with both the High Elf Kingdom of Lothern and the Safuri Kingdom. From last year to this year, we've earned substantial profits." Duke Bodric hesitated for a moment before deciding to speak frankly: "It's thanks to Count Laine Macado, who struck a deal with Lord Tygris. I don't know if you've heard his name."
"Certainly, I've heard of him โ in the Southern Realm, the Empire, and even within the Border Prince's Domain. I've heard of Laine's great name." Fidmund nodded with a bit of pride: "To become the Divine Chosen Champion of the Lady, one must have such prowess."
"Now Richard is preparing to abdicate. Those eligible to compete for the throne in the entire kingdom are none other than Duke of Connet, Lorne-Rio Cornwall; Duke Hubeard of Kakasong; Duke Bohemond of Bastogne; and Duke of Winford, Francois, among others. But I believe Laine still has the chance, which depends on whether he can obtain the Duke title. My son, Fidmund, do you wish to compete for the throne? If you want, I'll pass the Duke title to you tomorrow." Bodric frowned, somewhat relieved: "Once you're well-acquainted with the Duke's affairs, I can confidently leave Boldro to you and embark on my own Holy Grail Expedition."
"Manannan above, not a single Boldro duke has ever become the Brittania king. Being the Lady's followers and guarding Boldro is already our glory; after all, in the eyes of other dukes, we are not considered orthodox." Fidmund shook his head repeatedly. "I can never become the king, father, the kingdom's nobles would never accept it."
"Then it concerns where we find ourselves, Fidmund... But there's no rush; we'll wait until the situation clarifies, as for the Duke title..." Bodric truly wishes to rid himself of these worldly matters: "Here's the plan, I'll entrust the entire Sea God Knight Order and the defense of Boldro to you, while I'll handle trade and other miscellaneous affairs within the territory. Once you're fully adapted to the Duke's duties, I'll hand over all of Boldro to you."
Fidmund had no objections, and so the matter was settled.
"Ismail!" With everything decided, Duke Bodric, full of pride, commanded loudly: "Quick, announce my invitations throughout the kingdom! I want everyone to know that my son, Fidmund, has completed the Holy Grail Expedition and returned with boundless glory! I want all the Counts and nobles above Count in Brittania to attend the banquet at Boldro!"
"Yes, my Duke, please give a name to this banquet."
