Chapter 35: Planning

Returning to the palace, Victor was caught up on all that had happened during his time at sea. 

Thankfully there were no conflicts during Victor's absence, there were also no threats or insults directed at the Luxenberg Dukedom. Veronica was able to competently lead the Dukedom and help develop the territory alongside Victor's administrators.

Villages could continue developing and receiving the assistance they needed thanks to Veronica's diligent organising. General Rapp was able to fully teach the latest tactics he had learned during his time as a General in the French army.

Everything was tracking along nicely and with the Pirate King and his fleet fully dealt with trade would be able to flourish once more, boosting the territory's economy. Grand Admiral Nelson would rest and replenish his fleet before returning to the sea to continue patrolling the sea near Hannover.

After catching up on all that had happened since he was away Victor began to plan the next steps for his Dukedom, more importantly, how he would deal with Duke Harold Cruyff. Victor was determined to go to war with the Cruyff Dukedom, especially after the multiple assassination attempts ordered by Harold Cruyff.

At the moment Victor's army consisted of 19,000 infantrymen, 4,000 cavalrymen and 80 pieces of artillery. This was slightly under the average of a Dukedom's military force. Victor still had 20,000 Store Points and 2 optional quests that could help boost his forces. 

'I wish I had more quests to do, I do not want to kill Katrina and Josephine just yet.' Victor thought. His best bet was to get more optional quests that could offer something decent as a reward. 

To his dismay, the system had not blessed him with new quests in the week following his return. 

Regardless of the system, Victor consulted General Rapp about how to grow his army. Forced conscription was an option, but it was not a beneficial option. Posting recruitment notices would be a simple way to get soldiers, but the success rate of producing high amounts of soldiers was not guaranteed.

Mercenary soldiers were a decent option, but they were unreliable and would not join the army full-time. There was also the risk they turn their cloaks and fight for Duke Cruyff if offered better payment.

Victor used the system's store to buy 4 100-Man Infantry Unit Summons with his 20,000 Store Points. He selected 2 units of Russian Jaegers and 2 units of French Chasseurs. The Jaegers would reinforce a special unit of skirmishers which would be perfect for guerilla tactics and long-range attacks. 

Realising his army would not grow instantly, Victor tried to find other ways to help grow his territory's military. With enough funds saved away, Victor began to look to purchase pieces of artillery. If there was anything he could do currently he would look for cannons and people who could use them within the territory.

With nothing left to do but wait, Victor began to continue ruling the territory normally for the next 4 months. With the passing months, Victor saw to the continued prosperity of his domain. Alongside his sister, the siblings were able to grow the prestige of the Luxenberg name. Victor's deeds such as dealing with The Pirate King and surviving an assassination attempt began spreading throughout and beyond the region. 

As each month went by, the anniversary of Victor's ascendance grew nearer. The likes of Veronica, Florence and Sebastian were determined to host a party to celebrate Victor becoming Duke. So while Victor was running the territory, they began to plan a party to be held on the date that he became a Duke.

Working with Victor they began to draft a guest list and draft a plan of what the event would like. The planning group also consulted General Rapp as they would need a lot of guards due to the number of guests they planned to invite.

With only a week left until 1-year anniversary of his ascendance, preparations for a party and celebration were almost complete. Surpluses of food were being imported so that the people of Hannover could feast and celebrate the young Duke. The entire Cassel family was invited alongside many of Victor's acquaintances he had made during his debut in High Society. Spitefully Victor even sent an invitation to the Cruyff family hoping to enrage Harold.

Days quickly passed in the Port city of Hannover, which began to swarm with all types of people. Merchants, performers, nobles, escorts, and many other people gathered for the celebrations.

Business was booming for local vendors in Hannover as the sudden influx of people meant more customers. Inns across the city had been fully booked and the road was crowded with people, carriages and horses. Hannover had not been this busy in a long time, due to the almost poverty state that it was in during the last few decades, but with Victor's ascension, a new wave of prosperity had followed.

Under Veronica and Sebastian's guidance the Luxenberg Palace was decorated with sculptures and paintings to hide the dullness of the palace. Although the pieces of art were not expensive or extensively lavish, they were decent enough to reflect the Prestige of the Luxenberg family, even though they emptied the spare funds into both pieces of art. 

The Luxenberg Palace had tripled the security due to such a big event, soldiers were posted everywhere. With so many important people visiting the palace that day, it was imperative that nothing went wrong.

The stage was set for Victor's celebration, prominent guests began to enter the palace and fill the large ballroom. Vibrant-coloured dresses and sparkling jewellery were adorned by all the women present. So many young ladies were eying up the possibility of courting the young and handsome Duke Luxenberg. 

Servants were navigating the crowd of people offering drinks and appetizers while the guests mingled with each other. A couple hundred people were in attendance for Victor's 1-year anniversary

With all the guests present Sebastian made his way to the main doors. Receiving word that Veronica and Victor were ready to be announced Sebastian prepared to speak. With the clearing of his throat and a few deep breaths, Sebastian addressed the guest in a domineering and clear voice.

"Introducing, Victor Luxenberg, Duke of the Luxenberg Dukedom and his sister Veronica Luxenberg!"