Chapter 323 - 237: Guardian of the Marches (2)

Finally, there was the matter of defending the lands across the Channel. This was far more important than Scotland or Wales, as no Norman wished to see their homeland invaded by another.

Although they were confident and did not fear the Anjou People or the King of France, they still had to consider the practical realities. Fighting across the sea was far less convenient than fighting on land. Each cross-channel campaign was enormously expensive, and they also had to keep a portion of their Knights in England to guard against rebellion.

Thus, during the time of Conqueror William, dealing with wars across the Channel required relying on a number of Mercenaries, hiring some Free Knights and Lance Soldiers from Brittany or Flanders.

This also made it crucial to maintain good relations with the Duke of Brittany and the Count of Flanders. For this reason, Conqueror William abandoned his plans to conquer Brittany.

"As for the defense of the Normandy Duchy, the Mann Duchy, and the newly conquered regions of Wakefield and Beauvais across the Channel, given the constant harassment from the King of France Island and the Count of Anjou, I must entrust the defense of the Duchy’s borders to a nobleman who is not only a capable warrior but also skilled in governance, loyal, and reliable, to ensure the security and stability of these strategic locations.

Therefore, I have made the following decision: I appoint the Earl of Gloucester, Eric De Outville, as the military Commander and Border Governor (Warden of the Marches) for the four regions of Mann, Persh, Wakefield, and Beauvais.

In just a few short months this year, Count Eric has risen to prominence for his outstanding military talent and fearless Courage, making us once again marvel at the legends the Outville family has forged for us Normans.

He has demonstrated extraordinary strategic vision and command ability in numerous battles, repeatedly leading our armies to glorious victories. Furthermore, he has also shown outstanding performance in governing local affairs, skilled at mediating disputes and maintaining local peace and prosperity.

The Earl of Gloucester’s loyalty is beyond question. His unwavering devotion to the Kingdom and his staunch support for me make him the most trustworthy of vassals.

I firmly believe that under his leadership, the borders of the Normandy Duchy and the Mann Duchy will be more secure, and our defenses against foreign enemies will be even more impregnable.

I will order him to command the garrisons, build fortresses, strengthen fortifications, and cooperate with the local Nobility to jointly repel foreign invasions, ensuring the integrity and peace of my territories.

May God bless my subjects in England and Normandy, and grant us victory and glory."

"’Gloucester again...’"

"Does Your Majesty know of the recent rumors?"

"’Gloucester, the new favorite.’"

"I heard he recently married the Marchioness of Tuscan, and the Outville family is in Southern Italy. Is it really appropriate to entrust the border of Normandy to him?"

"I don’t care about some conquerors from Southern Italy; all I know is that Outville had nothing to do with Hastings. I think Count Odo would be more suitable—his bloodline is noble and he’s wise enough. Or Count Evler, he’s a kinsman of the Royal Family."

"Yes, yes, Baron Elvin. If you spent as much time practicing your fighting skills as you do studying how to flatter, I bet you’d be the greatest of Knights.

What are you? The moment London City fell, you came scampering over to fawn like an old dog.

If you ask me, your loyalty isn’t to His Majesty Robert, but to the position of King. Your loyalty is utterly worthless.

How dare you question a Count with such distinguished merits?"

"Gilbert, are you looking for a fight? I shed blood at Hastings and was wounded for Normandy! Why can’t I speak? I’ll say what I want!"

Several Barons stood up from their seats and suddenly started shoving each other, looking like they were about to brawl.

"Gloucester is worthy of this honor."

"What do you people know? I lost two fingers at the Trent River. If it weren’t for Gloucester, I would have lost my head."

"Anyone who hasn’t spent a night crouched outside London City has no right to speak. No one cares about the titles you were allowed to keep because of the King’s pardon, because there is neither honor nor dignity in them."

"Gloucester deserves this post more than anyone."

"..."

"My foolish brother is truly mad. He’s sold half the Kingdom to Odo and the other half to Gloucester." Rufus turned his head, looking at Beaumont.

Beaumont merely shrugged, offering no response.

However, despite the Barons’ differing opinions, it could not affect the outcome. Matters of border defense that did not involve war taxes were the King’s inherent right, so this was an announcement and a notification, not a request for opinions.

"Next, I would like to invite the Earl of Gloucester to speak, so that we may proceed to the third topic: revising the current laws. This will involve the promise I made to all of you in Rouen to correct the many grievances caused by my father. I will address the demarcation of judicial rights between the county courts presided over by the Sheriffs and the manor courts." Robert then extended a hand toward Eric. "Gloucester, your counsel on the Kingdom’s laws that you offered me back in Rouen, especially the part about the courts, still leaves a strong impression on me. Now, present your counsel to the loyal vassals of the Kingdom."

Robert’s action was somewhat unexpected for Eric, but it was not a bad thing, all things considered.

Eric stood up from his seat among the Nobility.

"For too long, the various measures King William implemented after the conquest have undermined the ancient liberties of Normandy. He tried to hold everything in his own hands. He emulated the despotic Monarchs of Greece, attempting to turn the Nobility into servants and free men into slaves. This is something that cannot be tolerated.