He Palace.
That evening, Rayne arranged a private banquet for Moserio, the governor of Osian Province, who had come to the imperial capital to report on his duties.
Over the past few years, Moserio had served as the duke's chief steward with unwavering loyalty, governing the territory well while rapidly improving its people's livelihoods and economy. The Duke's Guard had also recruited new soldiers in Osian without a hitch, and that was thanks in no small part to Moserio's efforts.
But all of a sudden, the duke's territory had become an imperial province again.
Rayne naturally had no intention of abandoning him after taking advantage of his efforts. He reappointed Moserio as governor, and apart from the change in title, everything remained the same.
However, a provincial governor was ultimately a public official, which was different from a duke's chief steward.
Rayne was still serving as the consul, so there was no problem for now. But Moserio's vision extended far into the future. Sooner or later, Rayne would step down as consul. As the governor of Osian, he would then be neighboring Longpis, the territory of the Grey Eagle Duke, while once having been the duke's vassal...
"You don't need to worry."
Rayne could naturally see Moserio's concern. Osian was one of the key centers from which he controlled the Thane Plateau, so he definitely could not abandon it at will.
Even if his claim to it was now technically improper, he still had to maintain control over Osian.
He reassured him, "The Grey Eagle Duke won't dare do anything to you. At least until my term ends, he won't make a move."
Rayne still had five years left in his term.
Moserio nodded, then could not help asking, "My lord, what about five years from now?"
"Five years from