Becoming the Wealthiest Tycoon on the Planet

Seeing William's confident demeanor, Lena quickly calmed down. The title had returned to her family, and as long as William didn't resent her for manipulating the old Earl and consider her a cruel mother, she didn't care about anything else.

"It's best if you understand. Let's go; we wouldn't want to be late and appear rude." Lena took her son's arm, and this time, they arrived at the Platinum Palace in under ten minutes.

Before they even got off the carriage, they saw Wilson, standing at the main entrance, dressed impeccably in a formal suit.

As the carriage stopped, William stepped down, shook hands with the smiling Wilson, and then helped Lena down from the carriage.

"Good morning, Lady Devonshire," Wilson greeted Lena with a smile, while she shot William a look before curtseying to Wilson.

William rolled his eyes in response, a moment caught on camera and broadcasted into countless homes, drawing both amusement and criticism. Many mothers watching were charmed by William's casual eye-roll, but some royal loyalists were unhappy that he hadn't shown the proper respect to Wilson, whose rank was technically higher. 

In their view, as an earl, William should have at least nodded in respect. Even more troubling to them, William had extended his hand first, yet Wilson had taken it without any apparent offense, as if it were William who was the Duke of Cambridge and Wilson the Earl of Oxford.

But William didn't care what others thought; if anyone expected him to bow to Wilson, they could dream on. In fact, if he ever became a duke and Philip demanded he kneel, William would likely give up the title altogether.

To William's dismay, however, his eye-roll quickly became a meme online, and many began using it to mock others—a development he would have erased if he could.

Seeing Lena curtsey to him, Wilson quickly took her hand and helped her up, whispering something that made Lena laugh and pat his arm, a gesture that left viewers speculating. Some suspected he might be warning Lena that William would give him trouble later.

"Come on, Mom. Don't let this guy fool you," William said helplessly, watching Wilson grin as if seeking protection from Lena by falsely claiming that William would soon pick on him.

"Alright, alright, William, you can't bully Wilson. He's two years younger than you; you should go easy on him."

William rolled his eyes again, moving past the chatting pair toward the main entrance. Led by the elderly butler he'd met before, he soon arrived at the Hall of Honors.

To William's surprise, the hall was packed, with only a two-meter-wide pathway left in the center for his approach. As he entered, the audience burst into applause. Two knights in full regalia stepped forward, saluting and gesturing for him to follow.

Walking behind the knights, William noticed that many in the crowd were people he had recently rescued at Westminster Abbey. Near the front, he even spotted the French Grand Marshal Keller Bacon, the German Grand Marshal Agnes, and, surprisingly, the Duke of Devon, who was rumored to be in poor health.

He nodded to the three of them and stood before Philip, deliberately ignoring the kneeling cushion with small handrails set at his feet.

William understood the purpose of the cushion and handrails—they were for nobles to kneel on and to steady themselves while maintaining an upright posture as the monarch tapped their shoulders with a sword during the knighting ceremony.

"Alright, even if you don't want to follow tradition, at least lower yourself a bit; I'm not as tall as you, Earl of Devonshire," Philip said with a smile.

William felt confused by the presence of the cushion. Today, he was only inheriting the title of Earl of Oxford, not receiving a new title that required a full knighting ceremony, much less a kneeling cushion. Bowing slightly, he bent forward only about 30 degrees, which drew subtle reactions from the crowd, who wanted to laugh but didn't dare.

While some didn't mind, others were less amused, refraining from voicing objections only due to the formal setting.

Seeing William's bow, Philip hesitated for a moment. He recalled that this young man had not only shielded him during the incident but also earned a fortune of $30 billion at under 20 years old. Philip quickly put aside his reservations, realizing that supporting William would benefit the aristocracy far more than insisting on a kneel.

Inwardly, he reflected that the monarchy's challenges went beyond questions of formality—the real issue was whether it could endure.

With William joining as a wealthy new noble, Philip knew that from today onward, the world would look at English aristocracy in a new light. Having made up his mind, Philip turned, took the ceremonial sword from a tray held by an attendant, and solemnly tapped William on each shoulder.

"William Devonshire, in the name of the king, and with the recommendation of Prime Minister Richard and the entire cabinet, I officially confer upon you the title of Grand Duke of Oxford…"

"What?" William was stunned and looked up in shock at Philip's solemn expression.

Without pausing, Philip continued, "In recognition of your extraordinary contribution to England and the global financial community twelve days ago, from today, you are among England's most trusted and esteemed peers."

Setting down the sword, Philip addressed the crowd in the hall. "Does anyone object?"

When no one spoke, Philip smiled in satisfaction. "Then, William Devonshire, congratulations on becoming the twenty-fourth hereditary Grand Duke of the British Isles."

Philip took the grand ducal cap from a tray held by an archbishop and placed it on William's head.

The reality of holding a genuine grand ducal title took William by surprise. It was only after Philip patted his shoulder that he snapped out of it, bowing in a daze. The sight of the cushion for kneeling reminded him, and he quickly straightened his legs.

Those who could see this discreet action, including Philip, laughed quietly.

"You're very fortunate, my boy," Philip said, patting William on the shoulder again. "If it weren't for the fact that most of the people in this hall owe you their lives, not even the support of foreign leaders would help you gain a grand ducal title. You're also lucky that England's new Prime Minister, Richard, recommended you for the title; otherwise, no amount of consent here could have made you a grand duke. So, young man, could it be that you're God's chosen one?"

William spread his hands with a smile. "That's a question only He could answer."

"Well, that might take a long time to find out," Philip chuckled. "Richard asked me to let you know that he considers things between you two even now."

[Check out my Patreon for +200 additional chapters in all my fanfics! Only $5 per novel or $15 for all!!] [[email protected]/Mutter]

[+50 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]

[+5 Reviews = +1 Extra Chapter]