I soon realized that my reaction did not go unnoticed. "Oh, yes, Sir Collin. You have not heard the fortunate news." Count Swifthunt said from his throne. "No. I have not, my lord. Tell me so I can also celebrate." My liege said "It has been confirmed that my son was sired his first son not too long ago. Two days ago, we confirmed Fabien's wife is pregnant with his child. The line of the Swifthunt House is now secure. It will be more so if the babe is also a boy." he said. That was true. "Congratulations. All those years ago, I knew that I had found a wonderful and just house to serve. This truly is the fruit of our combined labors." "And these children are legitimate. No bastards needed." Anthony added. It was clearly a jab. "All children are a precious gift from the gods. Both my sons and daughters are precious to me. Johna is my heir. She will inherit the majority of my riches and property as well as my noble title." I said. That stunned everyone in attendance. "Due to the kings favor, Len and I were raised to the rank of barons. I have it acknowledged that Johna will be a baroness when I die."
Very quietly, Lord Swifthunt looked at me. "I see." he said. Having a female heir was not too common in this kingdom. Granting a female heir a noble title was also really rare. Johna was in the court as the court mage. She was happy to hear the news from me. So much so, she ran up to me and wrapped me in a big hug. I hugged her back. "I would have thought that you would have tried to grant all your children titles." Anthony pointed out. I smirked and pulled back from my hug. "Aside from Len, all of my sons are now baronets." I reported to everyone. That was when the jealous looks came. "Why are you worthy of such an honor!? You parade around the fact that you were once a master thief. A king should never grant a person like you nobility." one of the courtiers snapped at me. That did not make me upset. He had no power or sway over me. The king granted this boon to my family. This hater was a nobody. "I am very worthy of praise and rewards. His Majesty may be the lord of steam, but I am the one who introduced it to him. His reign has been extended by years from my advice." I stated.
When I looked at the count, I smiled warmly. "When my liege took up the noble goal of achieving the dream of our king's father, it was I who stood at the ready with all my support. Enetes and the other centaurs do not share the same religion, but there is no doubt his shamanic visions and healing was the bulwark against catastrophic failure. I brought the Brownflank Tribe along with us. I am a humble man, so I don't feel the need to constantly boast my accomplishments. That does not mean they are not obvious to those with even the slightest bit of intelligence." I ended my speech with this. Count Swifthunt gave me his signature wry smile. "I've never considered you to be a humble man. You are much to shameless for that. It is true that you have served me and my family well over the years." he said. That was the end of discussion. I did not have to do anything more. This was his court. If he said it, it was true. Court was dismissed soon after. I was then able to collect the man we rescued and return to my family. They were all so happy and surprised at the news. Grissell was a noble lady now. Great.
