Chapter 500: Cartney's Contempt!

"My lords, be silent!"

The murmurs in the hall never ceased.

King Henryk's expression seemed unchanged, yet a chill had already flickered in his eyes.

At this moment, the Grand Steward of the Palace stepped forward and scolded the nobles.

With this rebuke, the nobles finally came to their senses.

The one making the decision right now is the Griffin King.

Moreover, whether the Lieshi family is qualified to receive the title of Count has nothing to do with them; it will not affect their interests in the slightest.

Thus, all the nobles sensibly closed their mouths.

"Duke Lieshi, please bring your family's offspring forward! To formally accept the King's investiture!"

"Very well, Grand Steward!"

Duke Lieshi wasted no time, immediately beckoning from behind; soon, a youth of twenty-eight or twenty-nine appeared at the front.

"Your Majesty, this is Cartney Lieshi, the fifth among my grandsons! Upon learning of Your Majesty's grace, I immediately summoned him to the Royal Capital!"

"Because among all my grandsons, he is the most steady; I believe that after heading to the Southern Region, he will stabilize the kingdom's southern border and relieve Your Majesty of burdens!"

After the youth stepped forward, Duke Lieshi immediately introduced him to the Griffin King.

The youth was also very perceptive; as soon as Duke Lieshi finished speaking, he bowed deeply and said, "Cartney greets the respected Griffin VII, the great King Henryk!"

The King nodded in satisfaction. "Since Duke Lieshi has chosen his candidate, let the investiture ceremony for this Count begin immediately!"

Afterwards, the Grand Steward of the Palace began reading the investiture oath, simultaneously asking Cartney if he was willing to pledge loyalty to the Griffin King.

Once Cartney gave an affirmative answer, the investiture ceremony was considered complete.

Then, the Griffin King rose again, just as he had for Gervas, personally fastening the Count's badge onto Cartney, while bestowing a sword and a banner.

"I thank Your Majesty for this grace!"

Although born into a ducal family, obtaining the title of Count was clearly a stroke of heaven-sent fortune for Cartney; his mouth never closed.

After respectfully thanking the King, he withdrew back into the crowd.

From then on, the main business of the evening was entirely concluded; next came the ball and the feast.

With the Grand Steward's announcement, the ball officially began.

Immediately, the two became the focus of the crowd; most nobles converged upon them.

One was naturally the chief merit-maker of the year; the other was Cartney of the Lieshi family.

Although Cartney had no merit whatsoever and was not particularly famous in the past, he possessed the background of a ducal family, plus he had obtained the title of Count; that was enough to make many flock to him.

As soon as the ball started, a large number of nobles surrounded Cartney.

Of course, the vast majority surrounding Cartney were noble lords.

On Gervas's side, however, the vast majority were noble young ladies.

Of course, a few bold noble ladies also approached Gervas.

The reason the crowds around the two were so distinct was simple.

Although Cartney had the background of the Lieshi Ducal Family, he was too old; one need not think much to know he had a wife, and perhaps even several children.

Therefore, those who went to his side were noble lords, seeking to curry favor and chat for the sake of interests.

On Gervas's side, he was a newly promoted young Count; such conditions naturally made the noble young ladies' hearts flutter.

Additionally, Gervas's handsomeness directly crushed Cartney's.

Thus, the noble young ladies flocked to Gervas.

Of course, regarding these noble young ladies, although Gervas responded with courtesy, if the young ladies hinted at further 'deep understanding,' Gervas would feign ignorance and simply not respond.

Just like that, the banquet ended very late, making Gervas feel more exhausted than being on the battlefield.

Leaving aside other things, just look at the dense red lipstick marks on his neck as he walked out of the banquet hall; one could tell how terrifying it was.

These fragrant kisses were the 'gifts' left by the noble young ladies as they reluctantly bid farewell at the end of the event.

If not for Duke Hernand providing cover, Gervas felt he might not have been able to leave.

"Count Gervas, do you find me a nuisance, disturbing your good deeds? Should I leave first?" Duke Hernand looked at Gervas with a mocking expression.

"Duke Hernand, stop teasing me! I just came to find you of my own accord!"

Duke Hernand was greatly satisfied. "Very good; young people with such self-control are truly rare nowadays!"

"When my birthday celebration comes, I will have someone send an invitation; at that time, Gervas, you must remember to make time and come."

"My lord Duke, to receive your personal invitation, I certainly will not miss it!"

Duke Lieshi patted Gervas's shoulder in satisfaction. "The carriage has arrived; get on the carriage!"

Immediately, Gervas followed Duke Hernand onto the carriage.

However, just as he was about to enter the carriage, Gervas suddenly felt someone watching him.

He turned his head and happened to meet that gaze.

It was no one else but Cartney of the Lieshi family.

Seeing Gervas's gaze, Cartney revealed a look of disdain on his face and even let out a cold snort.

Gervas paused, then simply did not care, immediately diving into the carriage.

As for Cartney, it was best not to provoke him.

If he provoked him, Gervas would not be polite.

And now, there was no need for him to gain experience; with this time, it would be more valuable to cultivate battle qi for another half hour.

"Cartney, what are you looking at?"

"Grandfather, nothing; I just saw that damn little noble you mentioned!"

Duke Lieshi nodded. "Do not underestimate that boy; he has some ability, and is likely superior to the offspring of most great nobles!"

"Otherwise, he would not have become the foremost hero of this Northern Region campaign!"

"Moreover, the subordinates he trained are no ordinary folk!"

"Yes, Grandfather, I understand!" Facing his grandfather's warning, Cartney responded outwardly with utmost respect.

Yet inwardly, he did not take it too seriously.

Since when could a mere minor noble compare to the offspring of their great families?

Let alone he, Cartney, who was among the outstanding ones even within the offspring of great families.

【67】 Let alone he, Cartney, who was among the outstanding ones even within the offspring of great families.

Duke Lieshi did not know what his grandson was thinking; assuming he had taken the words to heart, he immediately changed the subject.

"Cartney, do not return home just yet. Go first to the Second Prince's manor. The Second Prince just sent someone to find me, saying that to congratulate you on becoming a count and lord, he has specially prepared some gifts for you! They will help you better develop your territory!"

"Yes, Grandfather!"

Afterwards, Cartney took his leave of his grandfather and hurried to the manor where the Second Prince resided.

The Second Prince did not live within the royal palace, for this was the rule.

Even if a prince has not been enfeoffed after coming of age, he must leave the royal palace to reside elsewhere.

This applied to all princes except the First Prince, the heir, without exception.

Of course, although the Second Prince did not live within the royal palace, that manor was separated from the palace by only a single wall.

Soon, Cartney arrived at the Second Prince's manor.