Chapter 146: The Deadbeat Count

Raymond had expected the Royal Capital to be expensive, crowded, and considerably more impressive than Althoff. What he had not anticipated was how quickly news of his arrival would circulate among the nobility.

By the following morning, three invitations had already reached the residence where he and his escort were staying.

Cassian Rourke stood beside the breakfast table while Raymond examined the envelopes, each bearing the crest of a different noble house.

"Your Excellency, our arrival appears to have attracted considerable attention," Cassian observed. "Two messengers also approached the guards last evening, asking whether you intended to attend any social gatherings."

Raymond opened another invitation and sighed.

"I’ve barely unpacked my clothes, and people already want me attending banquets. Apparently, becoming a Count means surrendering the right to eat breakfast peacefully."

Cassian smiled. "These invitations may provide opportunities to establish useful relationships, my Lord."

"Unfortunately, you’re probably right," Raymond admitted. "Let’s begin with whichever gathering involves the least complicated arrangements."

The most convenient invitation came from Viscount Cedric Montfort, who was hosting an afternoon reception for several visiting nobles.

Raymond accepted, reasoning that a modest gathering would provide an opportunity to observe the capital’s political atmosphere before his official appearance.

That afternoon, his carriage stopped outside an elegant residence surrounded by manicured gardens and decorative fountains.

Inside, servants guided guests through spacious halls decorated with paintings, expensive furniture, and polished marble.

Raymond had barely entered the reception chamber when several conversations faltered.

A middle-aged nobleman holding a wineglass stared at him with unmistakable disbelief.

"Raymond von Althoff?" the man exclaimed, approaching with raised eyebrows. "Good heavens, it really is you!"

Raymond examined the man’s face before recognizing Baron Leopold Hartmann, a noble who had occasionally visited House Althoff during his predecessor’s less respectable years.

"Baron Hartmann," Raymond greeted him pleasantly. "It’s been quite some time. I trust you’ve been well?"

Leopold looked him over, apparently searching for traces of the irresponsible young noble he remembered.

"I’ve been well enough," the Baron replied. "But I must confess, I never expected our next meeting to involve addressing you as Count."

Raymond chuckled.

"Neither did I, several months ago. Life has a habit of surprising people."

Leopold laughed awkwardly before lowering his voice.

"I heard extraordinary stories about your territory," he continued. "New farms, workshops, merchants, and even powerful Knights. Surely the reports have been exaggerated?"

Raymond accepted a glass of fruit juice from a passing servant.

"Reports tend to grow more dramatic with distance," he answered. "Althoff has made considerable progress, but we still have plenty of work ahead."

The Baron’s expression suggested that he found this answer unsatisfactory.

Before Leopold could continue questioning him, another familiar voice interrupted.

"Well, if it isn’t the famous deadbeat of House Althoff!"

Raymond turned toward a broad shouldered young noble approaching with two companions.

He recognized Victor Falkenrath, the second son of a wealthy Baronial family whose members had once enjoyed mocking Raymond’s extravagance.

Victor wore an expensive embroidered coat and carried himself with the confidence of someone accustomed to receiving attention.

"I heard you’d become a Count, Raymond," Victor remarked with an amused grin. "At first, I assumed someone had confused your name with another noble."

Raymond smiled politely.

"An understandable mistake, Victor. Fortunately, the Royal Chancellery seems quite certain about my identity."

One of Victor’s companions suppressed a laugh.

Victor’s grin faltered slightly before returning.

"You must admit it’s remarkable," he continued. "The last time I heard about you, House Althoff was drowning in debt, and you were hardly known for responsible management."

"That’s a fair description of my former reputation," Raymond acknowledged calmly. "Fortunately, circumstances can change when someone begins taking his responsibilities seriously."

Victor appeared disappointed by the lack of embarrassment.

"So you’re claiming you personally transformed that impoverished territory?" he asked.

Raymond shook his head.

"Not personally. Althoff’s progress belongs to its farmers, craftsmen, administrators, soldiers, and everyone else who contributed. My responsibility was making sure they had opportunities to succeed."

The answer attracted approving glances from several nearby guests.

Victor glanced toward his companions before forcing another smile.

"How modest of you, Count Althoff."

Raymond raised his glass slightly.

"I do try."

Rather than continue the exchange, Raymond excused himself and moved toward another group of guests.

Cassian, who had remained a respectful distance away, approached when they reached a quieter section of the chamber.

"Your Excellency, that gentleman appeared determined to provoke you," the Knight observed.

Raymond shrugged.

"Let him enjoy his memories. If people want to keep calling me a deadbeat, they’re welcome to waste their time. I’d rather concentrate on things that actually matter."

Cassian nodded approvingly.

Raymond understood that responding angrily would accomplish nothing. His former reputation had been terrible, and expecting everyone to forget it immediately would be unrealistic.

More importantly, he had no intention of revealing Althoff’s true capabilities merely to silence a few skeptical nobles.

The reception continued, and Raymond soon discovered that curiosity about his territory extended far beyond his past behavior.

Several nobles approached him with questions concerning agriculture, trade, and construction.

Lady Helena Wexford, whose family possessed extensive commercial interests, expressed particular curiosity about Althoff’s growing markets.

"Count Althoff, I’ve heard your territory has become an increasingly attractive destination for merchants," she remarked. "Is it true that your Administration has been encouraging outside traders to establish regular commercial relationships?"

Raymond nodded.

"Yes, my Lady. We’re developing our markets and improving the infrastructure necessary to support trade. Reliable merchants are always welcome, provided they’re willing to conduct business under fair arrangements."

Helena smiled with interest.

"Then perhaps our families should exchange commercial representatives."

"I would welcome preliminary discussions," Raymond replied. "Our Mistress of Trade, Ysabel Merrow, handles such matters. She would be pleased to examine any proposal your representatives submit."

Helena appeared satisfied with the response.

Other conversations proved considerably more delicate.

A silver haired Viscount named Roland Brecht approached Raymond while discussing military affairs with several acquaintances.

"Count Althoff, I’ve heard remarkable claims concerning the Knights serving your household," Roland began. "Some reports suggest you possess several warriors of Gold Knight standing. Surely that must be an exaggeration?"

Raymond maintained a pleasant expression.

"House Althoff has been fortunate to recruit capable individuals," he answered. "Their assistance has been invaluable in maintaining security throughout our territory."

Roland studied him carefully.

"Capable individuals, certainly. But recruiting powerful Knights requires substantial resources. I imagine your Treasury must be considerably healthier than it once was."

Raymond smiled.

"Our finances have improved, although developing a County remains expensive. I’m sure every territorial lord here understands that difficulty."

Several nearby nobles nodded sympathetically.

Roland attempted another approach.

"Perhaps you could arrange a friendly demonstration during your stay? I’m certain many of us would enjoy witnessing the abilities of your Knights."

Raymond shook his head apologetically.

"I’m afraid my escort is occupied with its responsibilities, Viscount. Perhaps another opportunity will present itself in the future."

Roland accepted the refusal with a courteous smile, although his disappointment was obvious.

As the afternoon progressed, Raymond became increasingly aware of how differently the nobles viewed him.

Some remembered an irresponsible young man who had squandered his inheritance. Others saw an unexpectedly successful Count whose territory might offer profitable opportunities.

A smaller group appeared primarily concerned about his military strength.

Raymond treated each conversation according to its merits, offering courtesy without making unnecessary promises.

By the time the reception concluded, he had collected several invitations and commercial contacts while revealing remarkably little about Althoff’s internal affairs.

Returning to his residence that evening, Raymond loosened his collar and collapsed into a comfortable chair.

"Good grief, Cassian," he complained. "I’ve attended military briefings that were less exhausting than that reception."

Cassian smiled as he placed the collected correspondence upon the table.

"Nevertheless, Your Excellency, I believe you handled the gathering successfully. Several guests appeared genuinely interested in establishing relations with House Althoff."

Raymond nodded.

"Some were reasonable. Others seemed convinced I was hiding mountains of gold beneath my manor."

A knock interrupted their conversation.

One of the household attendants entered carrying a sealed envelope.

"Your Excellency, a messenger has delivered this correspondence," the attendant announced. "He said his master requests a private meeting at your earliest convenience."

Raymond accepted the envelope and examined its seal.

Cassian’s expression immediately became serious.

"That is the crest of House Renwald, my Lord," he explained. "The family of Lord Chancellor Matthias Renwald."

Raymond straightened in his chair.

The Lord Chancellor was among the Kingdom’s most influential officials, possessing authority that extended far beyond the social gatherings of ordinary nobles.

Raymond broke the seal and read the carefully written invitation.

Matthias Renwald wished to speak with him privately concerning matters related to House Althoff’s recent elevation and its position within the Kingdom.

Raymond lowered the letter thoughtfully.

"Well, Cassian," he remarked, "it appears someone considerably more important than our afternoon acquaintances wants to meet the former deadbeat."

And unlike the curious nobles at the reception, Raymond suspected the Lord Chancellor already knew exactly what questions he intended to ask.