Chapter 149: The Crown’s Recognition

The chamber remained silent as Lord Chancellor Matthias Renwald unfolded the royal document bearing the seal of the Kingdom of Solaria.

Raymond sat upright, his expression composed despite the anticipation building within him. Across the table, the senior registrar arranged the territorial maps and administrative records that had occupied much of the proceedings.

"Count Raymond von Althoff," Matthias began, his measured voice carrying throughout the chamber, "following examination of your submitted records, the Crown has determined that House Althoff has satisfied the initial requirements associated with its elevation."

Raymond felt his shoulders relax slightly.

"The Crown therefore confirms the formal registration of House Althoff as a County within the Kingdom of Solaria," Matthias continued. "Your title, administrative standing, recognized territorial holdings, and corresponding obligations shall be entered into the Royal Register."

Raymond rose and bowed respectfully.

"I am grateful for the Crown’s recognition, Lord Chancellor. House Althoff will continue fulfilling its responsibilities to the Kingdom."

Matthias acknowledged his response before gesturing toward the registrar.

"Master Registrar, please explain the territorial provisions."

The elderly official unfolded a second document and adjusted his spectacles.

"Your Excellency, the registered holdings include the established settlements, developed agricultural districts, and other properties supported by the records submitted by your Administration. The boundaries have been documented using existing legal descriptions and the verified surveys prepared by your officials."

He indicated several marked sections of Kael Ormond’s maps.

"However, certain outer regions remain subject to additional surveying and verification. Their inclusion within your broader development plans does not automatically establish legal ownership or administrative jurisdiction."

Raymond nodded. "I understand. Our surveyors will continue documenting those areas, and any additional claims will be submitted through the appropriate procedures."

The registrar appeared satisfied. "That approach should help prevent unnecessary disputes with neighboring territories, Your Excellency."

Raymond studied the map carefully.

He knew the territory recognized by the Infinite Clan Treasury System extended considerably beyond the holdings currently supported by complete legal documentation.

Nevertheless, he had never expected the Crown to accept an enormous territorial claim simply because he possessed a private understanding of its boundaries.

For now, securing recognition of Althoff’s established holdings was already an important achievement.

Matthias continued the proceedings by reviewing the County’s obligations.

House Althoff would remain responsible for maintaining accurate population and taxation records, fulfilling lawful royal levies, preserving public order, and providing military support when required under the Kingdom’s established provisions.

Its administration would also be expected to cooperate with royal officials conducting authorized inspections.

Raymond listened attentively.

None of these responsibilities surprised him. Sir Aldren Valcrest had already explained most of them during his earlier visit to Althoff.

Still, hearing them formally confirmed gave the obligations considerably greater weight.

"Are these terms acceptable, Count Althoff?" Matthias asked after the registrar finished.

"They are, Lord Chancellor," Raymond replied. "My Administration has already established the Departments necessary to maintain the required records and fulfill our obligations."

"Excellent," Matthias answered. "Then the final registration documents may be executed."

An attendant placed the official register before Raymond.

He examined the relevant entries before signing his name.

Raymond von Althoff.

The registrar countersigned the document, followed by the authorized royal officials.

Finally, Matthias pressed the Chancellery’s seal into the prepared wax.

With that simple action, House Althoff’s standing as a County was formally recorded.

Raymond stared at the completed document for a moment.

Months earlier, the territory had struggled to feed its people. Its administration had been disorganized, its economy nearly exhausted, and its former lord’s reputation an embarrassment.

Now the same territory possessed a recognized Count, functioning public institutions, expanding industries, and an official place within Solaria’s political hierarchy.

The transformation felt almost unbelievable.

"Congratulations, Count Althoff," Sir Aldren remarked as the officials began gathering their documents. "Your Administration has accomplished a remarkable amount in a relatively short period."

Raymond smiled appreciatively. "Thank you, Sir Aldren. Your guidance concerning the Crown’s requirements was extremely helpful."

Aldren inclined his head. "I merely explained the obligations, Your Excellency. Your people performed the work necessary to satisfy them."

Raymond found himself agreeing wholeheartedly.

Without Alaric, Mara, Talia, Ormond, and the countless workers who had contributed to Althoff’s development, none of this would have been possible.

As the proceedings concluded, Matthias requested that Raymond remain briefly.

"Count Althoff, one final observation," the Lord Chancellor said, closing the register. "Your County’s progress has attracted considerable attention, including concerns from neighboring lords. Recognition by the Crown protects your lawful standing, but it does not exempt you from regional political responsibilities."

Raymond nodded seriously. "I understand, Lord Chancellor. I intend to maintain peaceful relations with neighboring houses while continuing Althoff’s development."

Matthias regarded him thoughtfully. "Then I encourage you to cultivate relationships based upon mutual interests. A prosperous County can become a valuable contributor to the Kingdom, provided its ambitions remain consistent with the law."

Raymond bowed once more. "I’ll keep that advice in mind."

When Raymond finally emerged from the Royal Chancellery, Cassian was waiting beside the carriage.

"How did the proceedings conclude, Your Excellency?" the Gold Knight asked immediately.

Raymond raised the sealed registration document with a broad smile. "Successfully, Cassian. House Althoff is officially registered as a County."

Cassian’s expression brightened. "Congratulations, my Lord. The people of Althoff will be delighted."

Raymond chuckled. "Alaric will probably be even happier. He can finally stop worrying about whether our registration documents are missing another signature."

Their remaining days in the Royal Capital proved considerably less stressful.

Raymond met once more with representatives connected to House Marwick, exchanging preliminary commercial proposals and confirming that both territories would continue discussions through their respective Trade and Commerce Departments.

Cecilia Brandt presented several potential arrangements involving agricultural products, processed materials, and manufactured goods.

"Count Althoff, Her Ladyship believes our territories possess complementary commercial interests," Cecilia explained. "We would welcome further discussions once your Administration has examined the proposed arrangements."

Raymond accepted the documents.

"I’ll forward them to Mistress Ysabel Merrow," he replied. "If the terms prove mutually beneficial, I see no reason we shouldn’t establish regular trade."

He also exchanged courteous correspondence with several other noble houses, including Lady Helena Wexford’s family.

Although none of these discussions produced immediate binding agreements, Raymond returned to his residence with valuable contacts and a clearer understanding of the Kingdom’s commercial networks.

That evening, he finally enjoyed a moment of privacy.

After dismissing the attendants, Raymond settled into a comfortable chair and opened the Infinite Clan Treasury System.

A familiar notification appeared.

Ding!

[Infinite Clan Treasury System]

[Major Family Mission: The Rise of a Count’s Domain]

[Royal Recognition Milestone Completed!]

[House Althoff’s County status has been formally registered by the Crown.]

[Recognized territorial holdings and royal obligations have been documented.]

[Milestone Rewards]

- Shop Points ×30,000

- Silver Rank Knight Summoning Ticket ×2

- Mana Awakening Elixir ×50

[Rewards deposited into the Family Treasury.]

Raymond immediately smiled. "Now that’s a proper reward."

The thirty thousand Shop Points would provide additional flexibility for future development, while the two Silver Rank Knight Summoning Tickets offered another opportunity to strengthen Althoff’s military forces.

However, his attention quickly settled upon the fifty Mana Awakening Elixirs.

Combined with the twenty received from the first construction milestone and the thirty awarded following the Academy’s opening, his accumulated supply had now reached one hundred.

One hundred opportunities to awaken Mana sensitivity among ordinary people.

Raymond leaned forward, considering the implications.

A hundred elixirs would not create a hundred fully trained Knights overnight. Their recipients would still require instruction, physical conditioning, discipline, and sufficient time to develop their abilities.

Nevertheless, the potential was extraordinary.

For generations, ordinary soldiers throughout Solaria had relied upon conventional weapons and training, while those capable of cultivating Mana occupied an entirely different level of military strength.

Raymond now possessed a means of beginning to bridge that divide.

And unlike his summoned Knights, these future trainees could emerge directly from Althoff’s existing population.

"One hundred potential trainees," Raymond murmured thoughtfully. "Boris and Jonathan had better be preparing something worthwhile."

He reviewed the two Silver Rank Knight Summoning Tickets before deciding to preserve them until he returned.

Additional experienced Knights could become valuable instructors once the training program began.

However, he preferred discussing the military structure with his commanders before making any appointments.

The following morning, Raymond ordered preparations for the return journey.

His escort assembled outside the residence while servants secured the luggage and official documents.

Cassian personally inspected the carriage containing the royal registration papers.

"Everything is ready, Your Excellency," he reported. "We can depart whenever you wish."

Raymond nodded. "Then let’s go home. I’ve had enough noble politics to last me several weeks."

Cassian smiled. "I suspect the nobles may not share that sentiment, my Lord."

"Then they can send letters," Raymond replied cheerfully. "Alaric loves letters."

Soon afterward, the carriage departed the Royal Capital, accompanied by the Household Knights.

As Solaria’s enormous walls disappeared behind them, Raymond considered everything he had accomplished.

House Althoff’s political standing was secured, its recognized holdings were documented, and several promising commercial relationships had been established.

Yet his attention was already returning to the territory awaiting him.

Before leaving, he had instructed Boris and Jonathan to prepare proposals for developing a structured military training program.

By now, those preparations should be well underway.

Raymond glanced toward the distant road leading back to Zulor.

The next stage of Althoff’s development would not involve roads, markets, or classrooms.

It would involve transforming ordinary soldiers into warriors capable of cultivating Mana.

And with one hundred Mana Awakening Elixirs waiting inside his System Treasury, Raymond finally possessed the resources to begin.