Kingdombuilding: All My Inventions Are Novelty

”Your Highness, this...” Benjamin hesitated, unsure of what to say.

Simon chuckled. ”Well, right now, the only position I can offer the old general is the role of commander. After all, the title of Grand Commander already belongs to me.”

”Your Highness, I dare not accept so casually,” Benjamin said respectfully. ”I’m a man who carries the stain of punishment. If I suddenly take on the role of commander in the army, I fear the other officers might not accept it.”

Indeed, Lancelot had earned great merit in battle, yet he remained only a captain. Liam was in the same position. That was why Benjamin hesitated; after all, he’d been absent for five years. Most soldiers wouldn’t even recognise him.

”No need to worry, General,” Simon said. ”If I placed you under Lancelot or Liam, they’d feel more uncomfortable than anyone.”

Hearing this, both Lancelot and Liam laughed aloud.

Lancelot added. ”That’s right! We would be honoured if the general became our commander. With you leading us, we’ll beat the reavers into the ground!”

Liam chimed in. ”No need for modesty, General. The commander’s position has been vacant this whole time. It seems His Highness left it open just for you.”

Simon gave an awkward smile. Truthfully, the position had been kept empty on purpose to keep Lancelot motivated and obedient. But now that Benjamin had arrived, Simon no longer feared discipline problems. Benjamin was well-known for his impartiality; he didn’t care if a soldier was from a noble family or not. If someone broke military law, they would be punished, and Lancelot clearly respected Benjamin. Under his command, Lancelot would likely behave himself, saving Simon a lot of headaches.

”...If that’s the case, I shall accept,” Benjamin said after a moment’s pause.

With this, Benjamin officially became the commander of Brambleford’s forces. Emperor Alaric had sent him here precisely with that in mind, indirectly instructing him to remain in Brambleford. After all, the emperor had once sworn in court never to appoint Benjamin again. Bringing him back to the capital would be an embarrassment.

So sending Benjamin to Brambleford as a form of ’hard labour’ was the perfect cover. How Simon chose to use him was technically not the emperor’s concern.

And if the court ministers ever brought it up, the emperor could just play dumb.

Considering all of that, Simon had no hesitation in giving Benjamin the position of commander. From now on, this old general would be his man.

Although he’d been granted a title, Benjamin still seemed troubled.

”Worried about your family?” Simon asked with a knowing smile.

”You knew?” Benjamin was surprised.

His entire family was still in Eldora, and after years of exile, he had no idea how they were doing. Now that he was rising again in Brambleford, he wanted to bring them here; he couldn’t leave them behind to suffer.

As a feudal prince, Simon had to think about these things. He’d been studying all sorts of knowledge from the System, and he understood that the best way to win someone’s loyalty was to anticipate their needs.

”Of course,” Simon said. ”That’s human nature. Don’t worry, I’ve already sent people to Eldora to bring your family to Brambleford. And I’ve also prepared a residence for you in the city.”

Benjamin was deeply moved. ”Thank you, Your Highness. I swear I will repay your kindness, even if it costs me my life.”

”No need for that.” Simon smiled. ”Just keep these two in line.” He said, glancing at Lancelot and Liam.

Both men turned pale.

”My Lord! I didn’t do anything wrong! You can’t punish me like this!” Lancelot cried.

”Yes! It was just a friendly duel between comrades!” Liam added quickly.

Simon didn’t reply, just smiled knowingly.

Benjamin quickly understood what Simon meant. ”Lancelot, Liam, you know how I run my troops. When His Highness wasn’t involved in military matters, maybe you could get away with things. But under me, that won’t work.”

Lancelot, the troublemaker, immediately grinned sheepishly and said. ”General, we wouldn’t dare.”

Liam was less amused. At first, he’d been happy to see Benjamin arrive, but now that he realised he’d be under Benjamin’s strict command, he felt a chill run down his spine. So much for easy days ahead.

Simon, however, was pleased. He needed someone who could take full control of the military, since he had far too many responsibilities. A strong commander was essential.

Now that the matter of the army was settled, Simon felt at ease. He smiled and said. ”It’s getting late. I’ve had the kitchen prepare a meal. Let’s have lunch here.”

Lancelot and Liam were thrilled. Everyone in Brambleford knew that Prince Simon’s castle had the best food anywhere.

Benjamin, tired from his journey, was also a bit hungry. Seeing the joy on the others’ faces, he became curious and nodded in agreement.

Simon summoned Ysabeau to prepare the food and asked Joan to bring wine.

In the Eldorian, it was customary for royalty and officials to eat at separate tables, but the dishes served to each person were identical in portion and presentation.

Now that Simon was financially stable, his residence had been fully organised by Ysabeau. The staff had grown to over a hundred, with more than ten new handmaidens. The kitchen was now comparable to those of other royalty.

Recently, Ysabeau had even suggested hiring dancers and musicians, saying it was embarrassing for a prince’s estate to have no entertainers.

With a pure heart, Simon hadn’t objected.

After all, ancient life lacked entertainment, and a little dance in the evening could be nice. Ysabeau and Joan had been trained in the castle. They were skilled in music and dance, and could even choreograph routines. The thought of it tempted him.

Well, I’m still a man, he thought. A little beauty and rhythm could certainly brighten up a day at work.

Still, he had standards. He wouldn’t let his estate become a chaotic mess like the great clans of the capital. He also had another motive.

The common folk needed entertainment, too. He understood that idleness leads to trouble. Give people something to enjoy, and they’d stay out of mischief.

His System didn’t just contain science; it included art, music, and literature. He believed that art was a way to enlighten the people.

He wanted to create a different atmosphere in Brambleford, something like a renaissance. And such a movement needed a birthplace. Naturally, it had to start with his own residence.

Of course, he couldn’t deny it: beyond the noble ideals, he just wanted to see Ysabeau and Joan dance.

As he was lost in thought, the banquet was already set.

Lancelot lifted a jar of Brambleford’s Finest and poured generously for Benjamin. ”General, you have to try this white wine from Brambleford! Just three cups and you’ll be on the floor!”