Chapter 148: Before Royal Authority

The Royal Chancellery was considerably more intimidating than Raymond had expected.

Its enormous stone building stood within the administrative quarter of Solaria’s Royal Capital, surrounded by carefully maintained gardens, imposing statues, and uniformed royal guards.

Noblemen and government officials moved through its entrance carrying documents, while servants hurried between the various chambers.

Raymond stepped down from his carriage and adjusted the sleeves of his formal coat.

"Well, Cassian, this certainly looks like the sort of place where people enjoy making simple matters unnecessarily complicated," he remarked, studying the building.

Cassian Rourke, standing beside the carriage, maintained a respectful expression.

"The Royal Chancellery handles affairs concerning the entire Kingdom, Your Excellency. Its procedures are understandably thorough."

Raymond sighed. "I was afraid you’d say that."

A royal attendant approached and bowed. "Count Raymond von Althoff, His Excellency Lord Chancellor Matthias Renwald has been informed of your arrival. Please accompany me to the designated chamber."

Raymond nodded and followed the attendant inside.

The interior was equally impressive. Polished marble floors reflected the light from enormous windows, while portraits of former monarchs decorated the walls. Clerks carrying stacks of parchment moved between offices, and guards stood beside several heavily reinforced doors.

Eventually, Raymond entered a spacious chamber containing a long table surrounded by high-backed chairs.

Several officials were already seated.

At the center sat Matthias Renwald, the Kingdom’s Lord Chancellor, a distinguished man with silver-streaked hair and an expression that suggested little escaped his attention.

Beside him were representatives responsible for territorial administration, royal taxation, military affairs, and legal registration.

Sir Aldren Valcrest, the royal envoy who had previously visited Althoff, was also present.

"Count Raymond von Althoff," Matthias greeted him, rising slightly from his seat. "Welcome to the Royal Chancellery."

Raymond bowed respectfully. "Lord Chancellor, I appreciate the opportunity to appear before the Crown’s representatives."

Matthias gestured toward an empty chair.

"Please be seated. Today’s proceedings concern the formal confirmation of your County’s administrative standing, territorial registration, and obligations to the Kingdom."

Raymond took his seat while an attendant arranged the documents he had brought from Althoff.

He had prepared carefully for this meeting.

Before departing, Alaric had assembled detailed administrative records covering population registration, taxation, public expenditure, commercial activity, and departmental organization.

Kael Ormond had also supplied surveyed maps identifying established settlements, cultivated areas, roads, natural landmarks, and regions where further investigation remained necessary.

None of those records mentioned the Infinite Clan Treasury System.

They were ordinary documents describing the actual development of Althoff.

Matthias opened the proceedings.

"Count Althoff, the Crown has received reports describing substantial improvements throughout your territory," he began. "Agricultural production has expanded, commercial activity has increased, and several public institutions have been established. However, the speed of these developments has attracted considerable attention."

Raymond maintained a composed expression.

"I understand, Lord Chancellor. Althoff began from a difficult position, and we have devoted considerable resources toward correcting years of neglect."

A royal financial examiner adjusted his spectacles.

"Your records indicate significant investment in infrastructure, agricultural expansion, and public facilities," he observed. "How has House Althoff financed such extensive development?"

Raymond opened the relevant ledger.

"Through several sources," he explained. "Agricultural production has improved substantially, while commercial revenue has increased as merchants establish regular operations within our territory. We also receive income from leases, workshops, and our developing Beast processing industry."

The examiner studied the figures carefully.

"And these revenues are sufficient to support your expenditure?"

"They contribute significantly," Raymond answered. "We’ve also relied upon existing family resources and carefully managed reserves. The Administration maintains separate accounts for revenue, expenditure, and approved development projects."

He passed forward the financial records prepared by Alaric.

The examiner examined several entries before nodding. "Your accounting arrangements appear considerably more organized than those described in earlier reports concerning House Althoff."

Raymond smiled faintly. "That would be thanks to our Chief Administrator, Alaric Dorne, and the officials working beneath him. They’ve been exceptionally diligent."

Sir Aldren spoke next.

"I can personally confirm that Althoff’s administrative structure has undergone considerable improvement," the envoy stated. "During my visit, I observed functioning Departments responsible for agriculture, construction, trade, public health, and population registration."

Matthias acknowledged the testimony before turning toward another official. "Let us proceed to the territorial records."

A senior registrar unfolded a large map across the table.

"Count Althoff, your survey documents identify several established settlements, agricultural districts, managed forests, quarry operations, and developing transportation routes," he explained. "However, some outer areas remain incompletely surveyed."

Raymond nodded. "That is correct. Our Geological Surveyor, Ormond Woodford, has been conducting systematic surveys, but we haven’t completed the examination of every remote section."

The registrar traced a finger along one of the marked boundaries.

"Your submitted documents distinguish between established holdings and areas requiring further verification. Why have you chosen not to include those outer regions within your immediate registration request?"

Raymond answered without hesitation. "Because I don’t believe the Crown should be asked to recognize territorial claims that haven’t been properly documented. We can demonstrate our administration of the established settlements and developed lands. Additional areas should be examined according to the Kingdom’s legal procedures."

Matthias regarded him with renewed interest.

"A prudent distinction, Count Althoff."

Raymond understood the importance of that answer.

The System recognized a vast territorial area under House Althoff’s development authority, but its private measurements were not equivalent to legal recognition by the Crown.

He had no intention of presenting unexplored land as officially registered property without appropriate evidence.

The registrar continued examining the maps.

"Some neighboring lords have expressed concerns regarding the expansion of your settlements," he remarked. "They suggest that Althoff’s development may eventually create disputes over territorial boundaries."

Raymond remained calm.

"Our Administration has instructed its surveyors to document established boundaries and avoid unauthorized encroachment," he replied. "If disagreements arise, we’re prepared to submit the relevant evidence for royal examination."

The registrar made several notes.

Matthias then directed the proceedings toward military affairs.

A stern officer representing the Crown’s military administration opened another document.

"Count Althoff, reports indicate that your household commands a substantial number of trained Knights, including individuals possessing Gold Knight strength."

Raymond inclined his head. "House Althoff has recruited capable warriors to strengthen territorial security."

"Your military strength appears unusual for a County that recently experienced severe financial difficulties," the officer observed. "Can you explain the circumstances surrounding these appointments?"

Raymond had anticipated the question.

"Althoff’s previous weakness made security a priority," he answered. "We offered suitable positions to qualified individuals willing to serve House Althoff. Their assistance has allowed us to protect settlements, maintain patrols, and support our expanding population."

The officer examined the military registration documents. "Your records distinguish between Household Knights, conventional territorial soldiers, and the Althoff Watch."

"Yes," Raymond confirmed. "Each organization possesses different responsibilities. Captain-General Boris commands our conventional army, Commander Jonathan oversees the Household Knights, and Captain Darric directs the Watch."

"And are you prepared to fulfill the military obligations associated with your new title?"

"Within the requirements established by royal law, certainly," Raymond replied. "House Althoff recognizes its responsibilities to the Kingdom."

The officer nodded, apparently satisfied with the response.

However, the proceedings were not finished.

A representative from the Department of Territorial Administration raised another concern.

"We’ve received petitions suggesting that Althoff’s recruitment activities have encouraged workers and families to leave neighboring territories," he explained. "Several lords believe this movement threatens their economic stability."

Raymond recognized the complaint immediately.

"Althoff offers employment to individuals seeking lawful opportunities," he answered. "We don’t forcibly relocate residents, interfere with neighboring administrations, or prevent workers from fulfilling existing legal obligations."

The official studied him. "Nevertheless, your development has created considerable competition for labor."

Raymond nodded. "That may be true. However, attracting workers through fair wages and available employment is not the same as violating another noble’s rights."

Sir Aldren spoke again. "During my inspection, I observed organized population registration and legitimate employment arrangements. I found no evidence suggesting that House Althoff was forcibly acquiring residents from neighboring territories."

Matthias considered the testimony before addressing Raymond directly. "Count Althoff, your territory’s rapid development has created both opportunities and concerns. The Crown welcomes prosperity, but it must also ensure that regional stability and established law are maintained."

Raymond bowed his head respectfully. "I understand, Lord Chancellor. My intention is to develop Althoff into a prosperous and dependable County within Solaria, not to create unnecessary disputes with neighboring houses."

Matthias studied him for several moments.

Then he closed the final document.

"The Crown has examined your administrative records, territorial surveys, financial statements, and military declarations," he announced. "We have also considered the testimony of Sir Aldren Valcrest and the petitions submitted by neighboring lords."

The chamber fell silent.

Raymond waited patiently.

Matthias exchanged a brief glance with the senior registrar before continuing. "The Royal Chancellery has reached its decision concerning the formal standing of House Althoff."

He lifted a document bearing the royal seal.

"Count Raymond von Althoff, the Crown is prepared to issue its formal determination regarding your County’s registration, recognized territorial holdings, and obligations to the Kingdom."

Raymond straightened in his chair.

After months of rebuilding Althoff, the moment that would determine its official standing within Solaria had finally arrived.