He was a Viscount... why the FUCK is he using the title of "Count" now as if it was above the "Viscount"?
A Viscount is exactly above the Count in matters of nobility.
Going from a Viscount to a Count is being demoted.
If he is ruling several counties and viscounties as his vassals, in order for it to be a PROMOTION, he should go from a Viscount to being a Duke!