Gospel of Blood

Chapter 392: Enfeoffment Ceremony

Melodious music began to play, solemn yet lighthearted.

The royal band, dressed in blue and white uniforms, stood straight on one side, playing their instruments under the conductor’s direction.

Today was the day Charlotte was formally enfeoffed as a direct vassal by the King, and the day the Castell family re-signed their Royal Covenant.

Nobles gathered early in the palace to witness the ceremony, densely packed, filling the entire grand hall.

Ordinarily, the enfeoffment ceremony for a count would not cause such a commotion.

However, perhaps due to recent events that made Charlotte famous among the nobles, or maybe the royal family and the church wanted to divert attention from their own internal purges, what should have been a simple count’s enfeoffment attracted a large number of curious nobles.

Many were intrigued by Charlotte, the legendary living saintess.

Especially since she had recently caused the royal family to lose a prince and then refused a position from the church, which even led to an internal purge within the church to avoid divine wrath.

Despite having offended the two major powers of the Crescent, both the royal family and the church maintained a friendly attitude toward this young countess.

Particularly those nobles who had no power to attend the central parliament, the direct members of various noble families came to witness the ceremony.

The music flowed continuously, growing more majestic.

Under everyone’s gaze, Charlotte, accompanied by royal knights, slowly entered the palace hall lined with a genuine silk red carpet.

She attended in formal attire, wearing a white lace noble dress adorned with golden patterns and the Castell family crest, looking both magnificent and dignified.

Her movements were graceful, her posture upright, and the fitted dress subtly highlighted her youthful figure, showcasing alluring curves.

Her youthful freshness, vibrant energy, and the noble elegance she exuded made it hard for anyone to take their eyes off her.

The magical crystal lights in the hall sparkled, casting a dreamy glow that made Charlotte shine even brighter.

The moment she entered, the entire hall fell silent, with women showing amazement and men gazing intently.

“Is she Charlotte de Castell? The last heir of the Castell family?”

“No wonder it’s said the family is blessed by the Goddess of Beauty, with such outstanding looks. When she matures, she will surely be someone who can sway the kingdom’s politics with just a smile…”

“Matures? No… in fact, she has already come of age.”

“What? She’s already an adult? She looks much younger…”

“Of course, her coming-of-age ceremony two years ago caused quite a stir in Borde.”

“Is that the one where she lit up the divine statue?”

“Yes, it’s said that even the divine statue in Lutecia glowed at that time.”

“Is that the power of a saintess?”

“She’s also very capable. When she inherited the title, the former Duke of Borde tried to force a marriage and seize the northern lands, and the northern nobles didn’t obey her. Yet, she not only resolved Borde’s pressure cleverly but also unified the northern forces in less than half a year, even defeating an army of one hundred thousand from the two duchies of Violet and Borde!”

“Gasp… one hundred thousand troops? By the divine, that’s incredible! Compared to her, the young generation of central nobles are all useless!”

“Indeed, her extraordinary power is also very strong. I’ve heard she awakened her bloodline power just two years ago and already has strength close to the Silver Moon tier.”

“Damn! She’s only awakened for two years? Judging by her aura, I thought she had her powers since childhood! Could it be… another Legendary figure like our king is emerging in Crescent?”

“Being the chosen Saintess of the Lord, if her bloodline and talents weren’t exceptional, how could she have received divine favor?”

“That might not be the case. It could be because of the divine lord’s favor that she gained such strong talent…”

“Hmph, I’ve heard some families are trying to secure a marriage with Castell. But even ignoring her vow of celibacy, a young woman who can defeat two duchies is not someone easy to control.”

“They just covet Castell’s beauty, wealth, and lands.”

“…”

The nobles murmured among themselves, curiously watching the girl in the hall.

Their gazes were filled with surprise, gossip, admiration, and respect.

Louis V was not a weak monarch, and the Crescent Diocese was not a mere decoration. Being acknowledged by both said a lot.

Even though Charlotte’s appearance was much younger than her actual age, the nobles in the hall didn’t dare underestimate this young noblewoman, nor forget that beneath her angelic, innocent appearance lay a strong and formidable spirit.

“Charlotte de Castell, do you willingly forgo the promise of donating lands, uphold the rules of Crescent nobility, maintain the honor and legacy of nobility, and become a true noble?”

On the throne, wearing a splendid royal robe and a golden crown, Louis V looked at the beautiful girl under the spotlight and asked solemnly.

Charlotte pinched the corner of her skirt, gracefully and dignifiedly, softly answering.

“I do.”

Louis V paused, then continued.

“Do you willingly abide by the Royal Covenant, uphold its principles, remember your rights and obligations, and support the rule of the Valva family?”

Charlotte bowed again and answered in a clear, pleasant voice.

“I do.”

Louis V nodded slightly and asked again.

“Do you willingly adhere to the Holy Code, take up the scepter of honor, and become my family’s direct vassal and honorary knight?”

Charlotte continued to bow, her melodious voice echoing in the hall.

“I do.”

Louis V’s expression gradually softened.

He looked at Charlotte with satisfaction, a hint of a smile at the corner of his eyes, softening his usual stern demeanor, making him appear more approachable.

“Then… congratulations. From today onwards, you are an official direct vassal of my Valva family.”

He said warmly.

After finishing, Louis V signaled to the royal knight standing beside him, who immediately stepped forward and presented a long tray covered in golden silk.

In the tray lay an ornate Honorary Knight’s sword.

“Charlotte de Castell, this is the Honorary Knight’s sword, symbolizing honor and heritage. It is now yours. Remember your vows and become a worthy lord, a true noble.”

Louis V resumed his authoritative demeanor.

He picked up the Honorary Knight’s sword, rose from the throne, and personally handed it to Charlotte.

Seeing this, the assembled nobles were stunned, their eyes widening in surprise.

“Personally! His Majesty personally handed her the Honorary Knight’s sword!”

“By the heavens! Isn’t this an honor reserved for dukes? Does His Majesty intend to make her a duchess?!”

“No, probably not. It must be due to her esteemed status as a Saintess…”

The nobles murmured among themselves, looking at Charlotte with curiosity and envy.

As central nobles of Crescent, they knew well that it was rare for the king to personally hand over the Honorary Knight’s sword during an enfeoffment ceremony. Only powerful dukes and highly favored nobles received such an honor!

Clearly, even without considering the strength of the Northlands, this confirmed that the young Countess of Castell had earned the king’s recognition.

Charlotte took the sword and bowed slightly to Louis V.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Seeing her compliance, Louis V was even more satisfied.

He nodded slightly, then looked around the grand hall and declared in a solemn voice.

“Charlotte de Castell is honest and courageous, loyal and fearless. According to the Holy Code and the Royal Covenant, I, Louis de Valva, the 37th King of the Crescent Kingdom, hereby declare Charlotte de Castell an Honorary Knight. Her inherited territory, Castell County, will formally become a direct fief of the Valva family, enjoying the privileges of a direct vassal of the kingdom. Charlotte de Castell is granted the title of Countess and the honorary position of Counselor to the Crescent Kingdom’s Cabinet!”

Upon hearing Louis V’s formal announcement, the nobles were again taken aback and began to discuss.

“Counselor? Cabinet Counselor? Does His Majesty value Countess Castell so highly that he directly appoints her as a Cabinet Counselor?”

“Is she really just a countess of the Northlands, not His Majesty’s illegitimate daughter?”

The nobles were visibly shocked and astonished.

Charlotte in the hall was also a bit surprised.

In the Crescent Kingdom, the king is the highest ruler, but the kingdom is also governed by the Cabinet.

The Cabinet assists the royal family in ruling the country, wielding great power with nine seats, covering military, diplomacy, finance, religion, vassal management, and more, even deciding the convening of the central parliament. Positions include Military Chief, foreign Minister, financial Chief, and Royal Patriarch, all part of the Cabinet.

Entering the Cabinet means entering the true power center of the Crescent Kingdom.

Though the position of Counselor is honorary and lacks direct power, it allows participation in Cabinet meetings, influencing many political decisions in the kingdom.

It was clear that Louis V was further drawing Charlotte into his fold.

Charlotte had little interest in joining the Crescent Kingdom’s Cabinet, but an honorary title was beneficial.

Nobles value circles, and this title would bring her closer to the kingdom’s power center, providing access to first-hand information and expanding her influence.

This would help her in dealing with other nobles and developing her territory.

Especially since the Counselor title was honorary, which suited Charlotte. She had many matters in her own territory to manage and did not want to divert her attention elsewhere.

Knowing that Louis V was likely trying to curry favor to counter the Church’s influence on her, Charlotte found the elderly king quite endearing.

“Thank you for your favor.”

She curtsied again.

Louis V nodded slightly and warmly said,

“You may rise. Remember today’s covenant and become a true noble.”

Then, he looked at Charlotte with a meaningful gaze and said,

“Lady Castell, the identity of a Saintess is a divine blessing but also a shackle. Favor… is not always a good thing.”

“Since you have declined the Church’s invitation, I believe you have your own views and understandings of life. Stay true to yourself and always remember the significance of your life.”

Remember the significance of life…

Reflecting on Louis V’s hint, Charlotte pondered.

…

The conferral ceremony went smoothly.

Afterward, Charlotte received congratulations and invitations from various noble families, becoming the talk of the noble circle.

Charlotte felt indifferent about the conferral. Due to her transmigrator status and “Demigod” rank, her focus extended beyond the Crescent Kingdom. Although satisfied, she wasn’t particularly excited.

In truth, ever since reading Albrecht’s memories about the upcoming Divinity Descent Day, she felt other matters paled in comparison.

After thanking the nobles and declining many invitations, Charlotte boarded her carriage and returned to her manor with the bestowed items.

Soon after, a royal convoy arrived with additional compensation from Louis V for the Borde-Castell War.

The compensation was a cartload of extraordinary materials, mostly for mage meditation, evidently intended for Charlotte herself, given her public identity as a mage.

Sebastian estimated their value at around 15 million gold tana, showing the royal family’s sincerity and wealth.

Charlotte accepted everything and expressed her gratitude to the royal envoy.

After the envoy left, Charlotte’s expression grew solemn.

“Divine favor is a blessing and a shackle…”

Chewing on Louis V’s words, Charlotte reflected.

She recalled Albrecht’s memories and the mentioned Divinity Descent Day.

She didn’t know if Louis V’s words were related to the upcoming Divinity Descent Day, but it was likely.

Thinking of the Divinity Descent Day, Charlotte’s gaze became serious.

Descent, the descent of divinities.

As the name implies, the Divinity Descent Day marks the day when the earthly incarnations of true Gods descend upon the world.

In other words, it’s the day when the stars align, and the slumbering Gods awaken one by one.