Chapter 370: Assignments

Inside the Governor’s Office, the atmosphere was growing even more lively.

Everyone’s face was glowing with joy. Those who had received noble titles exchanged happy glances, while those still waiting were filled with hope.

Simon’s eyes swept over the crowd.

To him, titles were just names. But to these officers, many of whom were born as commoners, they meant the world. Titles represented honor, and silver and farmland represented wealth.

By granting them such generous rewards, Simon ensured that these commanders would live comfortably and would be harder to bribe or turn against him.

And for Simon, the cost was minimal. The six cities had plenty of land and not enough people. Giving out farmland actually helped boost agriculture.

After finishing the military rewards, Simon turned to Baldwin.

"Sir Baldwin, you’ve been with me the longest. You’re like my own assistant. You’ve handled all the logistics and government work personally. Today, I’m giving you the title of Regional Earl."

"My Lord... This..." Baldwin was shocked.

He had never included himself in their discussions of reward plans. He didn’t expect Simon to have kept him in mind.

Honestly, he had admired the others receiving titles, but for the sake of fairness, he had never let himself be jealous.

Now, suddenly being honored this way stirred deep emotions in him.

"You don’t need to refuse. I owe you this. And your contributions to Brambleford are no less than any general’s." Simon said.

Hearing this, Benjamin and the other generals nodded in agreement. They respected Baldwin deeply. He was honest and hardworking. It was only right that he finally received something to improve his own life.

"Thank you, my Lord," Baldwin said, voice choked with emotion.

He thought back on his journey in Brambleford, and tears almost came to his eyes. He truly believed a bright future awaited them all.

Simon gave Baldwin a firm pat on the shoulder, then looked toward Aiden.

"Aiden, you’re getting the title of County Earl. I hope you don’t find it too low?"

"My Lord, even Officer Lancelot is a County Earl. I’m deeply grateful just to be included." Aiden replied with a smile.

He knew he was still new and inexperienced. A higher rank might have stirred resentment.

Everyone accepted that Benjamin and Baldwin were Prince Simon’s right-hand men; there was no jealousy there.

Simon nodded, then handed out more rewards to officials like Bjorn.

Finally, he turned to Percival and two merchants.

Yes, even merchants were on the rewards list. His goal was to attract wealthy businessmen from across the Eldorian Empire to settle in Brambleford and move their industries there.

Simon already had his own industrial system, but the empire still relied heavily on traditional industries, textiles, dyeing, papermaking, cooking oil, and more.

There was no need to start these from scratch. All he had to do was lure existing businesses to relocate.

Upgrading their technology would come later.

"Percival, you are granted the title of County Earl," Simon said with a cheerful smile.

Percival had looked very anxious the whole time. Merchants had always been looked down upon. Deep down, he feared he wouldn’t receive anything.

But as soon as Simon announced his title, Percival’s whole body relaxed. He stood up, lips trembling, nearly in tears.

"Thank you, my Lord. I’ll never forget your kindness."

Simon laughed heartily. He had promised to treat Percival equally when giving him control of the merchant guild. This was just fulfilling that promise.

Then, he looked at the two most unusual attendees at the meeting: Gary and Jason.

He had thought carefully before inviting them.

Both were merchants from other regions who had recently registered as Brambleford citizens. They had contributed a lot of silver to the northern campaign.

Especially Gary; according to Gius’s investigation, he was the son of Jack Walker.

By awarding these two titles, Simon knew he would inspire other merchants to follow their lead.

"Gary Walker, County Baron. Jason Holmes, County Baron." He announced.

The two of them had felt awkward the whole meeting. Surrounded by officials and generals of Prince Simon, they had felt like nobodies.

Still, they had a little hope in their hearts. After all, who didn’t dream of noble status?

"Thank you, Your Highness." They both said, standing up and bowing. "We will do our best to serve Brambleford and make greater contributions."

Simon nodded. "You two were chosen because I see you as examples among merchants. In the future, Brambleford’s business world will rely heavily on you."

The two nodded eagerly, their faces flushed with excitement.

Simon glanced at the reward register once more. With the title ceremony complete, he told the students and merchants they could leave.

Next came the discussion of government affairs.

"Now that the rewards are done, let’s talk about the granted lands. Minister Carl has arrived in Brambleford, and I’ll be heading to Eldora soon. While I’m gone, you all need to keep an eye on the land arrangements."

Baldwin nodded. "My Lord, the wedding is the main event in Eldora. If you can produce an heir soon, the six cities will be even more secure."

Simon rolled his eyes. Baldwin always thought like a government official. Talking about children before the wedding was just like court ministers pushing the emperor to have a son.

If he suddenly died one day, these people wouldn’t be left without a leader.

Annoying as it was, Simon understood. This was just how things worked in a feudal empire. These people were literally betting their lives on following him.

Still, he wasn’t buying into Baldwin’s words. Instead, he said. "Sir Baldwin, while I’m in Eldora, take care of the refugee situation in Cardiff City. Work with the army on recruitment. Some of these refugees are young and don’t want to farm; joining the army may be their best path."

"Yes, My Lord," Baldwin said, nodding.

Simon continued. "Also, by the time I return, the potatoes should be ready for harvest. Make sure the slave plantations are properly managed."

Baldwin nodded again.

Then Simon turned to Benjamin.

"General Benjamin, you need to take the lead on building the West Ham army. We now control West Ham, so we must increase our number of troops. Our current forces are stretched too thin. Expansion must begin now."

"Understood," Benjamin replied.

"And one more thing," Simon added. "Firearms have now been officially added to our forces. From today forward, focus on building a proper firearm army."