"I'm very pleased that everyone could once again attend this year's Autumn Campaign Reward Banquet!"
"Although some unforeseen incidents occurred during this year's Autumn Campaign, not a single noble from our Tulip Territory met with mishap. That is truly something to be thankful for!"
"More importantly, this year a warrior emerged from among the vassals of our Tulip Territory. His achievements were dazzling and outstanding, and his name has now resounded throughout the Onyx Principality!"
"All right! No more needless words—let us begin tonight's reward banquet!"
As Bernard spoke, Nalant could only put his idle chatter on hold. Like the other nobles, he turned to look toward the raised platform.
"This year, we did not gain many spoils of war. However, His Majesty the King also saw everyone's losses, and so he increased the rewards granted to our six count families. Our Tulip Family received a total reward of one thousand gold coins!"
"In previous years, you could only receive four hundred of those thousand gold coins. Of course, you had other spoils back then, so it was not too little. But this year, you did not obtain any other spoils, so I, Bernard, have decided to distribute all one thousand gold coins among you!"
"On top of that, each of your families may receive ten serfs!"
Whoosh!
"Lord Count is far too generous!"
"Exactly! I thought this year's Autumn Campaign would bleed us dry. Ten of the serfs I levied died, and three guardsmen died as well!"
"Now Lord Count is giving us a thousand gold coins to divide among ourselves. Doesn't that completely make up for our losses, with some profit left over besides?"
"Thank you for your generosity, Lord Count!"
"Thank you for your generosity, Lord Count!"
At once, the lesser nobles in the hall cried out