Chapter 249: The Heir

Henwell’s suggestion leaves everyone stunned.

Of course!

How could they forget about Doyle?

Pimir immediately stands up to object: “He’s just an illegitimate son—he has no right to inherit!”

Henwell shakes his head: “Not true! Back when Evans was still a viscount, he acknowledged Doyle’s status and granted him the Gilbert surname. That means Doyle has inheritance rights too. The lord of Keynes in Cloud Tree City can vouch for this!”

”Come to think of it, I was there myself. I still vividly remember the moving scene when the late Count Evans recognized him—I even got teary and applauded!”

Pimir waves his hand: “That doesn’t change his birth! How can he possibly be the family heir?”

Henwell smiles: “Why not? Let’s focus on whether he’s a direct descendant of the late Count Evans—that’s been verified. He’s officially recognized as Evans’s grandson, given the surname.”

”Also, Doyle is the Gilbert family’s trade commissioner, handling all external trade affairs. From what I know, in just three years, he doubled the family’s income. Everyone here knows that better than I do!”

”I can’t yet say if Doyle is truly talented, but at least in managing affairs, he’s stronger than the other two candidates. You all know Doyle suffered hardship outside the family and only returned at age twenty.”

”Though he lacked formal education, he worked hard. In less than ten years, how much has he learned? Who here can recognize what he looked like just a few years ago? His qualities and abilities seem more fitting for a noble than some people here!”

Pimir can’t help but sneer: “No matter how hard he tries, his birth can’t be changed. The Gilbert family’s heir isn’t someone like him. It’s not just me who objects, no one here will agree!”

After finishing his speech, Pimir looks around, hoping for support. But to his horror, everyone seems to be seriously considering Henwell’s proposal.

Members of the Gilbert family start thinking Doyle might actually be a decent candidate.

At twenty-eight, Doyle fills the age gap left by the count’s second son’s child.

After all, the reason they chose a kid was because children are easier to control and influence.

Switching to Doyle wouldn’t be much different!

Compared to Doklak, Doyle has even less foundation within the family.

He’s unfamiliar with internal affairs and will have to rely heavily on family members like them.

That means more opportunities for themselves to gain benefits and secure better positions as the family rises.

The royal faction’s noble council representatives are also weighing Doyle’s candidacy.

If he takes the lead, it could actually serve the royal faction’s plans well.

They know full well that Doyle was found by Keynes, lord of Cloud Tree City.

Doyle has always shown great respect for Keynes.

After being recognized by the family, Doyle still feels like an outsider, uncomfortable under the gaze of family members.

So he often visits Cloud Tree City, going to Keynes’s manor.

Keynes has taken good care of Doyle, teaching him martial arts and knowledge—almost like a second father.

What does the royal faction want from this succession battle?

Simply put, to exert greater influence over the Gilbert family.

Supporting Pimir fits that goal, but now there’s a ready-made candidate who doesn’t require relationship-building.

Doyle’s closeness to Keynes is basically the same as being close to the royal faction.

As for why Henwell pushed Doyle forward, people have their guesses.

It’s most likely to protect Peace Haven’s trade routes here.

After Henwell’s suggestion, the stunned look in Doyle’s eyes tells everyone this isn’t an act.

It proves Henwell didn’t discuss this with Doyle beforehand.

Seeing everyone silent, Pimir grows even more anxious.

But what Henwell pulls out next sends Pimir into full panic.

Henwell takes out two badges and gently places them on the table.

One is the Duke Marcus’s badge, the other belongs to Marquis Descartes.

The Gilbert family is, after all, part of the noble alliance.

Political marriages and intertwined interests force the Gilberts to maintain close ties with noble alliance.

Henwell, as the prospective son-in-law of Duke Marcus, essentially represents the will of the Eastern Grand Duke.

Moreover, Henwell has saved Marquis Descartes’s life more than once.

Descartes, in turn, grants Henwell his badge, authorizing him to handle this matter fully.

The noble alliance was troubled by the Gilbert family succession issue.

When Henwell said he could take care of it, the two dukes were surprised.

After hearing his plan, they entrusted the matter to Henwell.

Now both sides see Doyle as a solid compromise candidate.

For the royal faction, Doyle is their handpicked man.

For the Gilbert family, Doyle is effectively a puppet.

With Henwell speaking on behalf of two major noble alliance powers, further debate is pointless.

Better to settle on this candidate and avoid chaos.

Henwell doesn’t prolong the meeting; he stands and leaves, letting both sides finalize the details.

Passing by the bewildered Doyle, Henwell pats his shoulder: “Next, do a good job.”

The next day, the Gilbert family and noble council announce Doyle as the new Count Gilbert.

Two days later, the Gilbert family holds a grand succession ceremony.

Henwell only makes a brief appearance, skipping the banquet, then returns to rest.

That night, Henwell finds the drunken, cursing Pimir.

He tosses a burlap sack over Pimir’s head and starts kicking him on the spot.

The next morning, Henwell sets off with his men toward Peace Haven.

Before leaving Gilbert territory, Doyle catches up on horseback.

Only Doyle is allowed into Henwell’s spacious carriage.

Inside, Doyle tries to kneel on one knee.

Henwell raises a hand to stop him: “You’re the count now. No need to do it.”

Doyle says, “Without your guidance, I’m just a clueless noble heir. Without your help, I wouldn’t have this chance to become a count in the kingdom.”

Henwell shakes his head: “I’m just giving you advice and an opportunity. You still have to work hard and prove yourself.”

Doyle: “Rest assured, I will be loyal to you!”

Henwell shakes his head again: “No need. You only need to be loyal to your own interests and your family’s interests. Do that, and you won’t be my enemy. Because I will always offer you and your family more than any rival ever could.”