The Regressed Mercenary’s Machinations

Winning the war meant that a merit distribution ceremony and a victory banquet were natural outcomes.

Ghislain first discussed the rewards for those who had voluntarily participated in the war with Alex.

“It would be best to first integrate the marquisate into the royal domain and then distribute the wealth gained from it.”

The marquisate was isolated from the territories of the neutral lords. The surrounding lands all belonged to lords who had followed Marquis Falkenheim.

Even if they were granted land, they wouldn’t be able to manage it properly.

Instead, Ghislain planned to compensate them with substantial wealth and tax reductions.

Alex simply nodded at Ghislain’s proposal.

In truth, he had never governed a country before, so he had no idea how to handle such matters. He was more amazed at how Ghislain proceeded so quickly without hesitation.

“You are truly impressive. How do you even manage all of this so well?”

Though he was merely a mercenary on the surface, it was as if he had previously held a high government position somewhere.

Ghislain smirked.

“I’m good at taking, but I’m also good at giving.”

“……Th-That’s quite something.”@@novelbin@@

Alex found it slightly unsettling.

As someone who was naturally timid, hearing that Ghislain was good at taking sent shivers down his spine.

He was already anxious about losing his throne.

Sensing Alex’s nervousness, Ghislain reassured him.

“We will be leaving soon, Your Majesty. So you don’t have to worry about us too much.”

“A-Ah, no. There’s no need to leave so hastily. Where are you even going? If necessary, I can grant you a territory and a noble title. A man of your caliber should simply take what he wants.”

Hearing Ghislain confirm that he would be leaving, Alex felt both relieved and terrified.

Even though Marquis Falkenheim had been captured, Alex had no real faction supporting him.

Lords across the kingdom would now scramble to expand their power, vying for the vacant position left behind by Falkenheim.

The neutral lords were no different.

Most of them hadn’t joined the suppression army out of loyalty to the king—they had done so simply because they hated Marquis Falkenheim.