My Disfigured Duke Husband Helps Me Plot My Revenge
Chapter 189: Life Changed

Chapter 189: Life Changed

There were official procedures for everything when it came to receiving a noble title.

It wasn’t as simple as Desmond announcing it as such, and it is so. The duke had to receive special permission to appoint a baron on behalf of the king. For months, he sent message after message singing Gerard’s praises until Stephano deemed him worthy enough.

After Gerard accepted the responsibilities, they would have to enter the Durands in a registry in Coeurvalle that would give them special permissions and name an heir for the land so it would never be without a leader.

With the title, the Durands would finally have the ability to formally recruit a military force that would be at Gerard’s will rather than the duke’s. Even though he would have to consider the well-being of greater Montclair in his decisions, he wouldn’t have to always wait for Desmond’s response–which was especially hard to come by due to the very nature of secluded Montville.

He would also finally have true representation for his township’s affairs in the Royal Court. As a reeve, he could only go so far as to send Desmond updates regarding the needs of his people. With the Baron title, he could present issues to the capital directly at open forums.

However, it wasn’t entirely without sacrifice from the one on the receiving end of such titles.

The main point of resistance was that Gerard had lived a free life up to that point. Gaining a title from the king meant that the king only acknowledged you because you promised to lay yourself down as a tool for him.

While King Stephano III hadn’t shown a vicious nature to anyone other than his late father, people were still oftentimes suspicious. His one great feat was bringing soldiers home from the front lines of the Northern War. He had favorability, but he was still building his trust.

Gerard pulled himself together and sat up straighter, seeming more dignified even though he was unbelievably shocked and excited.

Past dukes and past kings did not see his family’s sacrifices through history or their efforts that went into the mines. All they saw was the result which was beautiful jewels that even the highest esteemed noblewoman and man sought. His family was well-off but they were certainly struggling with his lack of being able to make decisions. He could only govern so much without stepping on the toes of those higher than him.

"I accept the title and all that it comes with," Gerard said to Desmond and Leonor.

His voice held a certain warmth. His expression did as well.

Each time Leonor witnessed him react to something, it seemed there was a whisper of his wife just around the corner. She couldn’t imagine such a doting man losing the one he doted on.

It caused her to wonder if he had always been so emotional or if this was something that was established once he suffered a true loss. Whatever the reason may be, Leonor appreciated his earnest nature. The way he didn’t hold back his emotions would be refreshing in the Court of Coeurvalle. Many still had a lot to hide since Stephano was insistent on getting rid of those who tarnished history.

"We’re honored for you to become a true representative for Montclair and show the king what Montville has to offer," Desmond said.

"His grace’s trust in you is not unfounded," Leonor expressed. "Despite monster attacks looming, this township has prospered under your guidance. Now I hope that you can feel more comfortable exercising your power and protecting what is yours."

Desmond had handed Leonor a scroll with orders from the king and she gave it to Gerard. On it, it stated that he had certain power beginning at that moment, but he wouldn’t be formally announced until he could go into Coeurvalle and get his family on the registry at the palace.

Before then, it would likely be wise to establish a proper military so that there would be protection even when he was away.

"An event such as this requires celebration," Gerard expressed, interested in breaking open the barrel full of sweet cider the ducal couple brought the previous day.

The corner of Desmond’s mouth upturned in a smirk. Those in the colder regions always seemed to drink more the colder it became outside.

"I suppose we ought to first discuss the wall being erected around Montville," Desmond said. "My ultimate goal is to winterize the construction site and resume construction the second the weather gets warm enough. We also have to decide if the current estate of Durand is a place worthy of a baron."

There was a glint in Gerard’s eyes.

"I can host nobles away from my home," he said, his voice not lacking emotion but showing resistance. "To do away with the home my wife raises our boys in is something I’m much unwilling to do."

Desmond relented by brushing one of his gloved hands through the air, dismissing the topic altogether. He had tried to convince Gerard and his family to move somewhere larger and more open just outside of Montville but overlooking the township. They always declined, wanting to stay in the home practically tucked against the mines and leaving no room for expansion or improvement.

It was the largest house in the township already, but even the most unsuspecting nobles tended to exercise their power quickly.

Luckily for Desmond, Gerard wasn’t shallow. If he lost his wife in a place that was a mausoleum to her memories, he wouldn’t be pulled from it so easily as well.

From that point forward, their conversations became less secretive, and they were able to open the doors to the sitting room. Once a title was offered, if the receiver decided to decline, it wouldn’t ever be offered again and it would disappear completely.

There were few in history who declined considering the insult it could be seen as to the king.

Luckily for all of them, they could move forward without issue.

However, Leonor certainly wanted to open the cider as much as Gerard. The night before was too serious and she had the desire to redeem their last night in such a beautiful place at the heart of the mountains.