Chapter 144: Leaving Althoff

The royal summons arrived at an inconvenient time, although Raymond suspected there would never be a convenient moment to leave Althoff.

Construction continued across several districts, the Elementary Academy had only recently opened, agricultural production was expanding, and the military was preparing for another stage of development.

Every Department had responsibilities requiring attention, and the County’s growing population meant new problems emerged almost daily.

Nevertheless, an official summons from the Royal Chancellery was not something a newly elevated Count could ignore.

Early the following morning, Raymond gathered his senior administrators inside the Administrative Hall.

"Before anyone starts worrying, I’m not abandoning Althoff," Raymond announced, looking around the conference table. "I’m simply going to the Royal Capital to settle the obligations that come with my new title. The County should still be standing when I return."

Mara folded her arms and regarded him skeptically. "Your Excellency, the city will probably survive your absence. My greater concern is how many additional construction projects you’ll bring back from the capital."

Several officials laughed, including Alaric, who appeared considerably less amused when Raymond smiled instead of denying the accusation.

"Let’s concentrate on the arrangements," Alaric suggested, opening his administrative ledger. "We need clear instructions concerning departmental authority, expenditure approvals, and matters requiring your personal attention."

Raymond nodded and placed a prepared document upon the table.

"During my absence, Alaric will oversee routine County administration," he announced. "Department heads will continue exercising their established responsibilities, but any matters requiring coordination between Departments should pass through him."

Alaric examined the document carefully. "And decisions involving exceptional expenditure or significant changes to approved policy, Your Excellency?"

"Those should wait unless they’re genuinely urgent," Raymond replied. "You can authorize necessary expenses within our existing budgets, but don’t commit the County to major new projects or agreements without consulting me."

He had no intention of returning to discover that someone had approved an expensive undertaking merely because he was unavailable.

The Chief Administrator accepted the responsibility with a solemn nod.

"I’ll ensure the Administration continues functioning according to your instructions, my Lord," Alaric promised.

Raymond then turned toward Mara, Lucan, and Edric. "The city development program continues as planned. I don’t want construction slowing down simply because I’m traveling."

Mara immediately opened her progress report. "The completed road sections are already operational, and work continues on the remaining priority routes. The warehouse expansion is functioning, while residential construction and public facilities remain on schedule."

Lucan added that the Academy required only minor maintenance adjustments following its opening, with no outstanding structural concerns.

Edric confirmed that drainage inspections would continue before additional road surfaces were completed.

Raymond listened carefully before approving their recommendations.

"Good. Keep coordinating with Corvin so material deliveries don’t become another headache," he instructed. "And Mara, please don’t start a war with the merchants if their wagons block your construction routes."

Mara smiled without the slightest embarrassment. "I’ll do my best, Your Excellency, provided the merchants remember that roads under construction are not convenient shortcuts."

Their discussion then shifted toward agricultural production.

Harlan reported that cultivation continued expanding across the available farmland, although labor availability and irrigation remained important limitations.

"The fields are performing well, my Lord," Harlan explained. "But we still need to balance expansion with the workers and equipment available. Gideon will oversee the current planting arrangements while I coordinate the larger agricultural operations."

Raymond nodded approvingly. "Don’t rush to cultivate every available hectare. I’d rather have productive fields properly maintained than enormous areas we can’t manage."

Harlan agreed, promising to maintain regular reports concerning harvest expectations, storage requirements, and labor needs.

Next came the Academy.

Eleanor Whitcombe arrived carrying the institution’s first operational report, which Raymond accepted with considerable interest.

"How are our new students adjusting?" he asked.

"Better than expected, Your Excellency," Eleanor answered warmly. "Some younger pupils still become anxious when separating from their parents, but the teachers are handling those situations patiently. Attendance has been encouraging, and we’re continuing to review the arrangements for agricultural families."

Raymond smiled. "And the supplies? I don’t want to hear that children are sharing one writing instrument between an entire classroom."

Eleanor reassured him that the initial materials were sufficient, although future enrollment growth would require additional purchases.

Raymond authorized the Administration to maintain the Academy’s approved funding and instructed Eleanor to report any significant shortages directly to Alaric.

By midday, most civilian matters had been settled.

The military arrangements required a separate meeting.

Boris and Jonathan entered Raymond’s study shortly after lunch, accompanied by Cassian Rourke.

Boris approached the desk carrying a deployment schedule.

"Your Excellency, we’ve reviewed the security requirements for your journey," he reported. "The Royal Capital is accessible through established routes, but traveling with an appropriate escort remains advisable."

Raymond nodded. "I agree. However, I don’t want half our military following me while the territory is left undermanned."

Jonathan smiled faintly. "That won’t be necessary, my Lord. We recommend a small, disciplined escort capable of responding to unexpected threats without attracting excessive attention."

Cassian stepped forward and offered a respectful bow.

"With your permission, Your Excellency, I can personally command the escort," he proposed. "A limited detachment of Household Knights should provide sufficient protection throughout the journey."

Raymond considered the suggestion.

Cassian was a Seven-Star Gold Knight, making him one of the most powerful warriors serving House Althoff. His presence would provide considerable security, although Raymond also understood the importance of retaining powerful defenders within the County.

"What about our remaining forces?" Raymond asked, looking toward Jonathan.

"I’ll remain in Althoff and continue overseeing the Household Knights," Jonathan answered. "Bram and Silas will also remain available for territorial defense. Captain-General Boris will maintain command of the conventional army."

Boris nodded in agreement. "Our patrols, training schedules, and defensive responsibilities will continue without interruption, Your Excellency."

Raymond approved the arrangement.

Cassian would accompany him with a carefully selected group of Household Knights, while Jonathan and Boris remained responsible for Althoff’s security.

Before dismissing them, Raymond raised another matter.

"I also want you two to continue developing the training proposals we discussed earlier," he instructed Boris and Jonathan. "We aren’t ready to begin the next stage yet, but I expect a proper framework when I return."

Boris straightened immediately. "I’ve already begun reviewing suitable personnel, my Lord. We should have preliminary recommendations prepared."

Jonathan added that he was examining training requirements and the facilities necessary for more advanced instruction.

Raymond nodded with satisfaction.

The fifty Mana Awakening Elixirs remained safely stored inside his System Treasury. He had no intention of revealing their existence until the military possessed an appropriate structure for using them.

That evening, Raymond returned to the manor and discovered that Marianne had already begun supervising his travel preparations.

Several trunks stood near his chambers, while servants carefully arranged clothing, correspondence, and personal necessities.

Raymond stared at the growing collection with amusement.

"Marianne, I’m traveling to the Royal Capital, not moving there permanently," he remarked.

The Head Maid barely glanced up from her work. "Young Master, you’re attending official proceedings as a Count. You cannot arrive wearing whatever happens to be clean that morning."

Raymond sighed dramatically. "I was hoping my title would finally grant me freedom from lectures about clothing."

Marianne smiled. "Unfortunately, my Lord, becoming a Count has only made those lectures more necessary."

Lily stood nearby holding a smaller travel bag, looking unusually disappointed.

"Young Master, are you certain you don’t need me to accompany you?" she asked. "I could help with your schedule and prepare your belongings."

Raymond shook his head gently.

"You’ve only just started attending the Academy, Lily," he reminded her. "I don’t want you missing your lessons because I have to visit the capital."

Lily lowered her gaze toward the bag. "But I’ve always helped you with your daily arrangements, Young Master."

"And you’ll continue helping when I return," Raymond assured her. "For now, your responsibility is to attend your classes, listen to your teachers, and make Marianne proud."

Marianne nodded approvingly, while Lily reluctantly accepted his decision.

"I’ll study properly, Young Master," she promised. "And I’ll show you everything I’ve learned when you come back."

Raymond smiled. "I’m looking forward to it."

The following morning, Althoff’s streets were already bustling when Raymond emerged from the manor.

A carriage bearing the crest of House Althoff waited near the entrance, accompanied by mounted Household Knights wearing polished armor and carrying the family’s colors.

Cassian stood beside the carriage, inspecting the final preparations.

"Everything is ready, Your Excellency," he reported. "The escort has been assembled, our supplies are secured, and the route has been reviewed."

Raymond nodded before turning toward the officials gathered to see him depart.

Alaric stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

"Travel safely, my Lord," the Chief Administrator said. "We’ll ensure that Althoff continues progressing during your absence."

Raymond smiled and offered him a reassuring nod.

"I’m counting on you, Alaric. Keep the Departments working together, and don’t let Mara frighten every merchant who enters the city."

Mara, standing nearby, raised an eyebrow. "I’ll make no promises, Your Excellency."

Raymond laughed before climbing into the carriage.

As the wheels began turning, he looked through the window toward the city he had spent months rebuilding.

Construction continued along distant streets, merchants moved between warehouses, and ordinary residents carried on with their daily lives.

Althoff was no longer a struggling territory dependent upon his constant supervision.

It was becoming a functioning County.

And now, for the first time since his extraordinary journey began, Raymond was leaving its borders to confront the wider political world of Solaria.

Cassian raised his hand, signaling the escort to advance.

With the banners of House Althoff fluttering above the mounted Knights, Count Raymond von Althoff departed for the Royal Capital.