The next morning, the royal palace, on behalf of Lucy and the entire Kingdom, announced the news to the world.
Lucy had decided to end the husband selection competition.
“After careful consideration and selection, Princess Lucy has personally decided to marry Viscount Buztout.”
“Effective immediately, Viscount Buztout will become Princess Lucy’s fiancé, and an engagement banquet will be held in three days, inviting dignitaries from various countries to attend.”
“In recognition of Viscount Buztout’s outstanding performance, His Majesty will also bestow upon him a higher title on the day of the engagement banquet.”
When this news spread throughout the royal capital, it caused a sensation no less than the series of incidents caused by the Lucica family.
“As expected…”
Some insightful people had already guessed this outcome and sighed inwardly.
“No! This is impossible!”
Most of the noble sons couldn’t believe this news.
“It’s actually settled just like that?”
“Isn’t this… too fast?”
“Your Highness…”
Even the ordinary citizens of the capital couldn’t immediately digest this shocking news, feeling dazed and unreal.
Therefore, on this day, the heart island was once again packed with people, a large crowd gathering in front of the palace, creating a huge commotion.
People wanted to confirm the authenticity of this news.
Many still clung to a glimmer of hope, thinking it was just a rumor.
Therefore, they needed a statement from the Kingdom, a statement from the royal family, before they would accept this.
But the one who appeared before everyone wasn’t a high-ranking official of the Kingdom, nor King Ancil, but Lucy, who usually only appeared during the midday public appearance ceremony. ɽaΝΟBÈs̩
Yes.
Lucy herself appeared in person.
And Lucy personally confirmed this matter.
“Viscount Buztout is a very outstanding person.”
“And even I admire outstanding heroes.”
“Therefore, I hope everyone can support and acknowledge us. That would be the greatest blessing for us.”
Lucy said these words, then, ignoring the stunned crowd, turned and returned to the palace.
What would happen next was predictable.
Those who accepted their fate did so.
Those who were unwilling would continue to make a fuss.
The citizens had various reactions, some agreeing, some objecting, some calm, some agitated.
Under such circumstances, the news of Shien’s promotion to Earl seemed insignificant, and no one even asked about it.
Normally, this would also be a hot topic.
As mentioned before, although there was only one rank difference between Earl and Viscount, their statuses were completely different.
Barons and Viscounts were at the bottom of the noble hierarchy, insignificant nobles, bestowed upon adventurers and commoners who made meritorious contributions.
But Earls were different.
Marquises and Earls were in the upper echelon of the nobility, true high-ranking nobles.
Becoming an Earl meant that the entire family had made sufficient contributions to the Kingdom, gained their recognition, and truly entered the upper class.
Only at this level could one become the lord of a faction, start forming alliances, and establish a noble circle, a power base.
Only at this level could one enter the Kingdom’s decision-making level, aiming for the center of power and becoming an existence capable of influencing the Kingdom’s future.
At least, Barons and Viscounts couldn’t freely enter and exit the palace, nor could they attend major events. For example, during Shien’s first audience, only the Royal Knights and nobles of Earl rank and above could appear in the royal hall.
Therefore, in noble circles, the difference between an Earl and a Viscount was like heaven and earth, even greater than the difference between a Duke and an Earl.
This was a dividing line.
Crossing this line meant rising to prominence, bringing honor to one’s ancestors, and making one’s family name go down in history in the Kingdom, ensuring its continuation as a prominent family.
Therefore, ordinary Barons and Viscounts had to spend decades, even centuries, accumulating fame, wealth, connections, and achievements, continuously contributing to the Kingdom, before finally being promoted to higher ranks.
Shien, however, went from a mere adventurer to a high-ranking noble like an Earl in just a few months. This was unprecedented in the Kingdom’s history.
Such a thing would undoubtedly cause a huge sensation.
But now, because of Shien and Lucy’s engagement, this matter was overshadowed, showing Lucy’s status in the hearts of the Kingdom’s people and the impact of this incident.
In short, the royal capital was once again in an uproar.
…
Unlike the bustling and noisy royal capital, the atmosphere in the Buztout mansion was different.