Chapter 320 - 236: Royal Court Meeting, Part 2

"This? This book is called the Legend of Alexander. It’s the story of Alexander the Great, about how he conquered the wondrous lands of the East, where jewels grow on vines and crops can talk."

"A legend indeed."

"I like this book. I just bought it from a bookseller for a whole nine shillings."

"What about Don Quixote?"

"I hate that book now. I just want to read something pleasant.

Of course, I know Don Quixote is funny, but that just makes the story all the more tragic.

You should repent for writing it.

If you were still a Priest, you’d better not make any mistakes, or I’ll find a way to have you hanged—unless you help me fix the ending." Emma tore her eyes from the book and glanced at Eric.

"That sounds rather harsh." Eric shrugged.

"So be thankful you’re a Count now. You’re so lucky. Look at you, the Earl of Gloucester, a miracle forged in four months. Even a Minstrel couldn’t make up a story like this.

It’s like you’re living in a knightly romance, while everyone else is living in a story like Don Quixote.

Let me guess what you’ll do next... Hmm, you’ll probably go to the Holy Land.

Go on a pilgrimage! Find your blonde Persian girl! Rescue her from the hands of her evil uncle, and though you mock her faith, you’ll rip off her headdress and kiss her, and finally force her to convert in bed.

Then you’ll lose her in an accident, and she’ll be rescued by her Heretic kinsmen, but it turns out she had your child. Finally, the Heretic child will face off against his devout father—the child kills the father, or the father kills the child—and someone will have a grand realization in the end.

If you want the Priests to buy your story, you’d better have the protagonist enter a Monastery at the end."

"It’s a waste of your talent that you don’t write knightly romances," Eric said, speechless.

"I have to leave some way for those dull-witted fools to make a living," Emma shrugged.

"Alright, maybe this book will suit you." Eric pulled a small book from his coat and handed it to Emma.

"Why are you carrying a book around?" Emma took the book, opened the cover, and saw the title: Knight Tyron.

"Consider it an apology for the tragedy of Don Quixote. Knight Tyron, the perfect Knight who could only be defeated by Don Quixote himself."

"Alright, get that Greek air off of you." Emma waved her hand at Eric, as if shooing away a bad smell.

"In any case, I hope you enjoy the book." Eric watched Emma, who had already started reading, shrugged, and walked out of the temporary residence.

After confirming Eric had left, Emma closed the book.

"This damned book is heavy."

Emma fanned herself with Knight Tyron, suddenly feeling a little hot despite the December weather.

....

By evening, the Royal Court meeting officially began.

According to the tradition established by Conqueror William, the Royal Court summoned only secular Nobility of the rank of Baron and above, as well as High Level Clergy of the rank of Bishop and above, to participate.

However, Robert had heeded Eric’s earlier counsel. He also wanted to show that his reign would be completely different from his father’s, and that under his rule, each Level would receive its due respect and freedom.

Therefore, he also invited representatives from the cities in Normandy and England that he had granted privileges to this year, with each city selecting two representatives.

Villages in the King’s Territory were also invited, with one representative from each village.

Although this Royal Court meeting had no matters to discuss with the villagers and citizens.

But this small, seemingly insignificant gesture of respect was enough to win him unexpected influence and Reputation.

When the time came for the representatives to be seated, many of the Third Level representatives had not arrived at all, and many seats were empty.

For some of the more distant cities, the cost of traveling to Gloucester was too high, and they didn’t feel they could influence anything anyway. Other northern cities couldn’t find a French-speaking representative, or had encountered French translators demanding exorbitant fees, so they simply didn’t bother to come.

The same was true for the village representatives, though more of them showed up than the city-dwellers. Most of those who came were from villages near Gloucester. These villages even sent more representatives than the allotted number, because they had heard that the Royal Court meeting provided two days of free meals.

「In the council hall.」

King Robert sat on a high seat at the north end of the hall, dressed in a magnificent Royal Robe and wearing the Crown. To the right of the throne sat the secular Nobility—the Counts and Barons—arranged in rows according to their territory and title, with the Counts in the front.

The High Level Clergy, such as Bishops and Abbots, sat to the King’s left.

Finally, near the door, sat the liaisons selected by the Third Level representatives. They were responsible for relaying messages to the other Third Level representatives in another room and for presenting suggestions and questions to the King on behalf of the villagers and citizens.

Archbishop Anselm of Canterbury and Earl Odo of Kent sat in the seats closest to the King, one on his left and one on his right, representing the Church and the Royal Family, respectively.

A long table was situated between the three seating sections, where three Scribes sat with quills and parchment, ready to take notes at any moment.

Confirming that all members were seated, Robert rose from his high seat and announced in a clear voice, "My beloved and loyal vassals, We are gathered here today to discuss the great affairs of Our kingdom. At present, foreign enemies surround us, and internal affairs must be put in order. We require your wisdom and loyalty to devise policies together and ensure the security and prosperity of Our kingdom."