Chapter 386 386-Reunion of Old Friends
Howard massaged his forehead and said, "Grand Teacher, let's just let this matter go.
Most of them are my friends, after all, and I am a person who values old acquaintances."
Thanks to Howard's forgiveness, Nora and Boshni had their noble statuses restored.
For a time, there was talk within the kingdom of Howard convening a council of kin and friends.
First and foremost, the Oli Kingdom, particularly under Howard's reign, currently does not have a parliamentary system.
Recently, Ness was injured in a hunting accident.
After discussions between Howard and Bosiden, and with Ness's consent, Anna once again took over Ness's ducal title.
Cotler had a moment of realization.
During a walk in an ancient valley, he encountered a light that made him recognize all his past errors, leading to his repentance.
Following this, driven by the desire to return to Howard's fold, Resarite renounced his titles and lands in Phrus, much like Cotler, and returned to Howard's side.
Upon meeting Resarite and Cotler, Howard greeted them with a smile, saying to Cotler, "You've finally come to your senses. I'm happy for you."
Cotler responded, "Your Majesty's benevolence is unparalleled. It's my honor to serve within your system."
Resarite, with a beaming smile, said, "Heh, my son is stubborn, wouldn't listen to reason, but he had his own epiphany a few days ago. That's good. Now I can return to your side to assist you."
Howard granted the Balgen Peninsula to Resarite and Cotler.
Both held two ducal titles in their hands.
Howard appointed Resarite as the Minister of Military Affairs, entrusting him with the army's command.
Resarite assigned Cotler as the captain of the vanguard, boosting the morale of the troops.
...
In a tavern at dusk, Kaido and Resarite were drinking together.
Kaido teased Resarite, "You old fellow, finally made your way back, huh? How was it? Enjoying yourself in Phrus?"
Resarite waved dismissively, "Ah, don't even mention it. It was as bad as it could get."
"It's much more peaceful here with Howard."
Kaido, slightly inebriated, struggling to hold his tankard, said, "Do you remember Boshni? She was sentenced to death by Howard and handed over to Portia to execute."
"We all thought Boshni was gone for good, but just a few days ago, she showed up again, claiming that Portia let her go on that day. Isn't that hilarious?"
Resarite scoffed, "Heh, it seems the surrendering noble I recommended back then has his own ideas now."
Kaido slumped over, his head hitting the wooden table, mumbling, "Howard won't let him get away with it, Portia's done for…"
Anna walked into the tavern and sat down to Resarite's left, ordering a bourbon.
"How have you been? Miss me? It's been a while since we last met, hasn't it?" she asked Resarite.
Resarite admitted openly, "Indeed, we haven't seen each other since our plan failed back in the day. How have you been? Is it uncomfortable living in Katerina's family estate?"
Anna brushed her bangs from her forehead, "It's been quite good. I've been training more in horseback riding in the countryside. Next time I lead troops into battle, I'll stand a better chance of winning."
Resarite clinked glasses with Anna, "I like hearing that."
Boshni walked into the tavern and immediately requested a bottle of twenty-year-old champagne from the Fran Kingdom, catching the attention of Resarite and Anna.
Anna exclaimed in surprise, "Boshni? Is that you?"
Boshni flashed a confident smile, "Yes, it's me, once again a duchess."
Resarite congratulated her, "Then congratulations, Your Grace."
Boshni replied, "Don't congratulate me, I can hardly bear it."
"Rather, I should be congratulating you. This time, I merely regained my ducal status, but look at you, growing stronger. You were a duke with just one ducal domain, but now you've become a grand duke, with two ducal domains."
The server brought out the twenty-year-old champagne from the Fran Kingdom, remarking, "This is a premium item. Had it not been for our King Howard's formidable reputation, the former king would never have sold it to us."
Resarite took the bottle, stood up, and slowly poured a glass for himself, then for Anna and Boshni, saying, "What's so great about me? It's all because Howard holds me in high regard."
The three of them laughed and rejoiced, turning the tavern into a sea of merriment.
The tavern owner said, "To have all the ducal lords gathered in my humble tavern is truly an honor for me as the proprietor."
Resarite waved his hand dismissively.
"No need for alarm, proprietor. Just treat us as you would normally. We chose this place precisely for its quiet atmosphere."
The owner bowed and quietly hung a 'Closed for Business' sign at the tavern's door, wishing not to disturb the noble guests' conversation with any intrusions.
After taking a sip of champagne, Anna let out a satisfied sigh and asked, "Boshni, how did you manage to get Portia to spare you? Portia, being the chief of spies, is known for his ruthlessness and is not one to show mercy easily."
Boshni, slightly embarrassed, responded, "Actually, I didn't say anything that day. I thought my end was near, but Portia, he just let me go. He even told me to flee to the countryside quickly and not to return to the capital."
"I didn't have time to ask why; I just hurriedly escaped to the countryside. I don't know the answer to your question either."
Anna giggled, then affectionately rubbed her cheek against Boshni's, saying, "Well, as long as you're not dead and can still have a drink with me, I'm happy."
Boshni agreed, "Right."
...
That evening, Howard summoned Portia to the palace, with Laurent and Queen Catherine also present.
Howard sat on his throne with a stern face, his expression as dark as the night that half-shrouded him, while the other half flickered uncertainly in the candlelight.
Portia knelt on the long steps, three meters away from Howard.
The queen stood closer to Howard, facing Portia, and asked, "Portia, are you loyal to the royal family?"
Portia replied, "My loyalty to the royal family is unmatched by anyone."
Grand Teacher Laurent then asked, "Then why did you let Boshni go?"
Portia answered, "I feared that Duke Alonso, upon waking, would harbor resentment towards His Majesty. Thus, to safeguard the health of His Majesty's feudal relationships, I preemptively reconciled His Majesty's relationship with Boshni."
"This led to Boshni's return today and Alonso's forgiveness."
Laurent let out a cold laugh and said, "Oh, so you consider yourself a great loyalist now."
Portia responded, "I dare not claim so, but my loyalty to His Majesty cannot be questioned."
Catherine, with a sarcastic tone, said, "Cannot be questioned? Well, as the queen, I happen to question your loyalty. What do you have to say to that?"
Portia, concealing a hint of contempt, replied, "The queen, having married into the royal family alone without bringing any lands of her own, ensuring my respect for you has already been quite challenging. Please, Your Majesty, be discerning."
Catherine felt as if her sore spot had been hit, like a cat whose tail was stepped on.
She pointed at Portia with sharp, agitated vehemence, "You scoundrel! How dare you speak such words?"
"I am the wife of His Majesty, the queen of the kingdom. What right do you have to speak to me in such a manner?"
Portia bowed his head in silence, not surrendering but merely reiterating his unwavering loyalty to Howard.
When Howard waved his hand, signaling everyone to stop speaking, Portia left with composure, leaving behind a fuming Catherine stomping her feet.
Catherine pointed at Howard, "Why didn't you punish him? He insulted me right in front of you."
Howard said, "My queen, I admit his manner of speaking was too blunt, not knowing how to handle matters delicately. I also acknowledge that you should have a share in our mutual wealth."
"But, to be fair, you indeed did not bring any land to our marriage."
Seeing Catherine about to lose her temper again, Howard exited the hall, taking Laurent with him to the music hall to listen to an opera.
Today's opera was written by Moka.
As the melodious sounds of the organ and grand piano filled Howard's ears, he said, "This is truly a delight. I feel much more relaxed now."
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