Chapter 524: Chapter 524 - 320: Investiture Ceremony (Part 2)

Louis smiled without speaking, engaging in light conversation with him, maintaining a hint of youthful politeness, as if he hadn't seen through anything.But the more he acted this way, the colder Camille felt inside.He understood that he was sitting here safely only because the other party had no intention to act for the time being.At the end of the banquet, Louis casually brought up the main matter of the rewards: "The ceremony starts tomorrow. Let's keep it simple."Camille hurriedly nodded, his smile stiff: "Perfect, perfect."His tone eager like a beast longing to end its shift early.Camille was startled for a moment before suddenly turning around, his face flushing red as he awkwardly gathered up the box.When he first entered the banquet hall, he had on an aloof expression, as if the mountains of the Northern Territory were under his feet.But in just a couple of hours, his back slightly hunched, steps trembling, as if he were walking on ice, afraid the next step would plunge him into the abyss.Louis watched Camille's hurried figure as he left with the meal box, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly.He certainly wouldn't expose Camille as a spy right now.Doing so would only corner the opposite party, making him desperate, which would be of no benefit.There's no rush, after all, he already held all the evidence provided by Antony, ironclad proof.At this moment, Camille was merely meat on the cutting board, ready for him to manipulate.The real task was not to destroy him, but to use him.In the Northern Territory's reconstruction efforts, to become a supporter of his policies.The more Camille feared death, the more obedient he would be. The more he wanted to live, the harder he would work.Louis took a slight sip of wine, his smile deepening.At Fierce Tide Square in Red Tide City, atop the high platform.The ceremony platform was not extravagant, only two flags hanging.In the eyes of this old-fashioned steward, what should a ceremony of bestowment look like?Colorful ribbons hanging, horns blaring, poetry and songs resonating, and drums shaking the streets.Only then would it match the glory of a noble.But now, on the high platform, only two flags flapped in the wind, with the townspeople standing crowded on the square.Louis only said calmly, "Just a formality will suffice."This was simply a waste of Louis's grand occasion.This young lord had, within just four years, turned from a nearly abandoned Baron of Expansion by his family to carve out a territory.Now recognized by the Regent King and the Dragon Throne meeting, promoted to Count.If this were in the Imperial Capital, what a grand ceremony that would be?Poets would praise his achievements in history, and the nobility would flock to present gifts.Below the square, a sea of people.Upon hearing the news of his ennoblement, the townspeople of Red Tide City flooded in, crowding Fierce Tide Square.Fortunately, Red Tide Knights lined both sides of the avenue, barely maintaining order.Children were perched on their fathers' shoulders, craning their necks to catch a glimpse of the "Lord."Elderly women leaned on canes, their eyes moist: "He really became a Count."And just as the drums resounded and the ceremony was about to begin, a low murmur of surprise rose from the crowd.The pregnant Emily, supported by Sif, slowly ascended the high platform.The sunlight cast upon her profile, further highlighting the gentle aura bestowed by nurturing a new life, making it appear more solemn.Sif held her arm, her expression carrying a faint chill, scanning the entire scene as if a guardian.Though she did not favor such lively events, her eyes sparkled with an inextinguishable pride for Louis.Emily walked to Louis's side, gently placing her hand on her abdomen.She lifted her chin, gazing at the dense sea of people below the stage, a proud smile playing on her lips.That smile seemed to silently declare: This is my husband, the Count who guards the Northern Territory.Sif stood on the other side, hands clasped in front of her, her posture respectful.The two wives stood on either side, and the silhouette of Louis on the podium instantly gained an unshakable majesty.The scene ignited the emotions of the citizens below the square.Some were moved to tears, others loudly shouted "Lord!", and some clasped their hands as if in prayer.Yet, if one listened closely, those calls were actually interspersed with more genuine joy."The lady is about to give birth!""The Red Tide will have an heir!""Our future now has a backbone!"For these people who had experienced war, famine, and displacement, titles were matters of the distant Imperial Capital.What truly reassured them was the gentle smile of the expectant mother and the new life about to be born.The arrival of the child meant that the Red Tide would continue, signifying a "true future" for this arduously cultivated land.Thus, their applause and cheers, rather than being a grand tribute to a title, were more like blessings for the future child of Red Tide.Emily evidently heard the crowd's cries.She first paused in surprise, then smiled with pressed lips, slowly raising her hand, nodding slightly to the citizens below the square.Her gesture was not exaggerated, yet it carried a natural affinity.".Thank you."