Claude

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Claude (克勞德)
Alias(es)	Lord Claude; Quartermaster Claude
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Henry Burley's household and territories; West Lyme Fortress
Occupation/Role	Steward; Quartermaster; Minister of Political Affairs
Status	Active 289
First Appearance	Chapter 6

Background / History

Claude was one of two capable, experienced, and loyal personnel Henry requested from his biological mother after excelling at the Royal Knight Academy. Claude and Tommy willingly transferred to Henry, whose prospects as an independent noble were already apparent. Claude had watched Henry grow up in the Baron Chas family. 6 155

He arrived at West Lyme with Tommy and Knight Captain Philip to help rebuild the territory. In the early period, he served as a steward and trusted attendant, handling express correspondence, reporting construction progress, gathering and distributing battlefield spoils, and equipping Henry's soldiers with captured arms. 6 8 12 28

As Henry's campaigns and territory expanded, Claude became increasingly involved in administration. He served as Quartermaster during campaigns, planning daily marches, camps, transport, supplies, and battlefield logistics. 155 207

Claude later transitioned into political affairs alongside Tommy. His addition to West Lyme's administration reduced Tommy's workload, and he advocated a clearer official hierarchy, defined departmental powers, and supervision mechanisms to prevent abuses by officials. 172 173

By Henry's return as Count, Claude was formally identified as Minister of Political Affairs. He managed West Lyme Fortress and Simila Fort's daily affairs, worked directly with farmers, negotiated trade contracts, and helped govern newly conquered Akkarat City. 239 279 283

Personality

Claude is diligent, practical, and deeply loyal to Henry. He is willing to speak frankly when he believes Henry is neglecting the territory, warning him about corruption, tax evasion, merchant organizations, and competing local power structures. His intervention prompts Henry to commit to personally developing laws, taxes, and systems for the fief. 155

He is also fair-minded toward Henry's subordinates, praising Bain and Leon for their independent victory and battlefield performance. 179

Although initially opposed to some of Henry's harsher methods, Claude gradually accepts violent measures as tools for maintaining order and redistributing entrenched power after conquest. 242 250

Claude's confidence in Henry can become extreme: when intelligence suggests the Emperor may act against Henry, he insists that Henry has already proven himself against Earl John and dismisses the Emperor's army in comparison. 264 289

Abilities & Skills

Administration and Governance

Claude manages civilian and official affairs across Henry's territories.

• Helped establish a more structured administrative system, including clearer official ranks, duties, and oversight. 172
• Worked with Tommy in political administration, taking responsibility for West Lyme Fortress and Simila Fort while Tommy focused on new development beyond the border. 173 239
• Personally consulted farmers on crop conditions and planting problems, then allocated resources to support harvests. 239
• Received temporary authority from Henry to direct the Inspection Department during a joint law-enforcement operation. 242

Logistics and Resource Management

Claude handles supplies, equipment, contracts, and campaign support.

• Sorted war spoils selectively to avoid drawing attention, prioritizing valuable equipment over common arms and armor. 28
• Reported detailed arms and armor totals after battle, including more than a thousand weapons and enough armor to equip a regular battalion. 82
• Prepared daily marching plans and camping arrangements as Quartermaster. 155
• Oversaw the valuation of captured spoils through detailed ledgers and joint inspections with Countess Latifa's team. 200
• Negotiated and presented agricultural, handicraft-export, and mineral-resource trade contracts to Henry. 279

Diplomacy, Propaganda, and Intelligence

Claude acts as Henry's representative in sensitive political and public matters.

• Delivered Henry's letters, including messages to the King, the First Prince, and Henry's former family in Ficaon. 12 65 152 154
• Investigated political developments and border conditions through personal contacts, recorders, markets, merchants, and local soldiers. 209 210 243
• Publicly addressed Akkarat City's citizens after its conquest, promising reduced taxes, rebuilding loans, and improved living conditions under Henry; his speeches gradually won public support. 283
• Handles nobles' requests professionally and fairly, attracting nobles seeking access to Count Henry. 278

Service Record

Role	Chapter	Notes
Steward	6	Arrived in West Lyme with Tommy and Philip as one of Henry's trusted personnel. 6
Courier and logistical aide	12, 28	Delivered Henry's correspondence and managed the distribution and re-equipment of captured war spoils. 12 28
Quartermaster	155	Prepared marching and camp arrangements during Henry's campaigns. 155
Political administrator	173	Began transitioning from quartermaster work into political affairs alongside Tommy. 173
Minister of Political Affairs	239	Managed existing territories, including West Lyme Fortress and Simila Fort. 239

Relationships

• Henry Burley — Claude's master and the person he has served since leaving the Baron Chas household. He is one of Henry's closest advisers, logistics officers, and political representatives. 6 155 239
• Tommy — Old friend and administrative partner. The two jointly manage Henry's territory, with Claude overseeing established areas and Tommy directing new construction and expansion. 155 173 239
• Bain — Claude praises Bain's military growth and later works with him in army preparations and trade assessments. 179 199
• Leon — Claude recognizes Leon's reliable battlefield performance and praises him alongside Bain. 179
• Countess Latifa Villarreal — Claude serves as Henry's representative in valuation and trade negotiations with Latifa's team. 200

Notable Quotes

“Master, you cannot stay away for so long anymore.” 155

“Citizens, let us cheer for the arrival of Lord Henry! Let us welcome a better future together!” 283