Chapter: 107
I felt like I was going crazy from the Crown Prince’s relentless dealings, but one thing became clear from our recent conversation.
‘That bastard knew.’
The Crown Prince’s reaction to my report wasn’t one of shock from the sudden event. It was more like the pure enjoyment you get from watching a victim squirm after being caught on a hidden camera.
The imperial family was already aware that I was bringing the club members to the territory. To be precise, it wasn’t just a casual awareness; it was clearly something the royal family had a hand in.
‘No wonder it felt strange.’
Up until now, Mother had never reached out or sent a letter. But now, in a situation where I was with the club members, she sends a letter asking me to bring them? Why this timing?
Of course, seeing how the head butler defended Mother, it might mean her heart is changing. Maybe she was worried about her eldest son, who was on the straight-and-narrow path to becoming a lifelong bachelor.
But even so, her invitation would have only included me and Erich. The true master of the territory was the Patriarch. Inviting royals without his consent was impossible, even if she was his wife.
That meant the invitation extended to the club members was more aligned with the Patriarch’s will than Mother’s. And the only person with enough influence to sway him was—
‘The Emperor.’
No one else but the Emperor. No matter the Crown Prince’s position, he couldn’t directly meddle with the Dukes, who answered to the Emperor. If the Crown Prince had initiated this, he would have mocked me to my face before I even received the letter.
As my initial suspicions about Mother’s letter were confirmed, I decided to let it go. If the Crown Prince had been shocked, it would mean my guess was wrong, and I could have canceled my trip. But since the Emperor’s involvement was a sure thing, I’d better keep my mouth shut.
I wasn’t directly ordered, and my situation was merely one of being caught up in the Emperor’s scheme. There was no need to dig deeper.
‘Damn it.’
I rubbed the back of my neck with a sigh. A person who has been rolling in politics for decades holds values that ordinary people can’t comprehend. And the Emperor? He had that paranoia piled on top of his experience.
Questioning the Emperor’s motives would only tire me out. I could end up digging myself a hole!
But really, what’s going on? I don’t want to know, but my curiosity is piqued.
*
We arrived at the territory I hadn’t particularly missed. It’s close to the capital, and with the teleportation magic circle already in place, we got here in no time. Plus, since I was only planning to stay a few days, I packed lightly.
I didn’t want to come with the idiots, but since Mother personally sent a letter, ignoring it would make us look like a chaotic family. On top of that, this whole affair had the Emperor’s fingerprints smeared all over it, so what could I do? I had to comply.
“You’re here.”
“It’s good to see you, Patriarch.”
Once we arrived at the castle located at the center of the territory, the Patriarch, who had been waiting for us, greeted us. Given the dignitaries accompanying me, it only made sense for him to come out personally.
I bowed to the Patriarch and noticed that not only Mother but also the head butler and the head maid were present. All the key figures of the territory were here, huh?
“I am Wilhelm Krasius of the Tailglehen territory, Count of Tailglehen. It’s an honor to have such esteemed guests.”
“How could I miss the chance to see one of the pillars of the Empire? I’ve always wanted to meet the renowned Count. We’re grateful to the lady for her invitation.”
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the Patriarch turned to greet the club members, bowing first to Ainter. Honestly, a prince from our own country takes priority over a foreign prince, even if the latter holds no real power.
“Carl.”
“It’s been a while, Mother.”
When I shifted my gaze back, Mother began to speak. In stark contrast to the Patriarch, who was dressed in somber black, she was a woman with light brown hair and striking blue eyes, looking so young her age was hard to guess—just another noble trick!
In response to my greeting, Mother nodded and stepped a little closer, her gaze locking onto mine in silence.
“I’m glad you seem healthy.”
Mother seemed like she wanted to say something but ultimately settled for a casual greeting. If there was something important, she’d probably mention it later.
She glanced around nervously until she spotted Erich and gestured for him to come over. Oh right, that guy should greet his parents now that we’re back, but he’s just standing there like a deer caught in headlights. I get it’s awkward, but c’mon!
“Erich, how have you been?”
‘No.’
I nearly shut my eyes at the sight of Mother, who was awkwardly trying to strike up a conversation. What’s with a mother feeling awkward around her own son? A teenage boy can at least use the excuse of being in his awkward phase!
“Ah, yes.”
Even Erich fell into the trap of awkwardness and provided a curt reply, causing chaos in conversation.
Just like that, our talk was cut off abruptly, their faces frozen as they struggled to think of what to say next. Mother, already stiff, seemed even more flustered.
“It seems we’ve kept our guest standing for too long. You might have a lot to talk about, but let’s step inside first.”
The suffocating silence was finally broken by the head butler’s intervention. True to his name, he really was the pillar supporting the county.
I cast a grateful glance at the head butler, and his small, reassuring smile felt more comforting than anything.
“Alright, let’s go inside.”
Mother, not wanting to miss this opportunity, hurriedly agreed to the head butler’s proposal. Her retreating figure somehow looked pitiful… or is it just my imagination?
“Brother.”
“What?”
“Did something happen to Mother?”
“That’s something you should figure out, not me.”
I left home way before you did! You were at the house just a few months ago, right?
Thus, Erich and I stood there blankly watching Mother’s figure fade away until the Patriarch finally made his move towards the mansion.
I don’t know why Mother is acting that way, but I guess we’ll come to understand each other as we stay together. Since we’ll be here in the territory, we’re bound to discuss matters regarding marriage sooner or later!
*
After exchanging greetings with the guests, I headed straight to my office. Although I had initially welcomed the guests as the lord of the territory, the primary host was still my wife, so I could leave it to her.
“Wife, how about inviting everyone?”
“Everyone? Even the imperial prince and the royal princes?”
“Yes, that’s right. Please do that.”
This was, of course, a sudden request for my wife, who intended to call only our two sons. Just thinking about her flustered expression still makes me uneasy, yet I’m thankful she went along with my request.
And thank goodness for that! I’m grateful I can carry out His Majesty’s wishes.
— I intend to send them outside the Capital. Since the Head of the Prosecutor’s Office is their advisor, the Count’s territory should be suitable.
On the day my wife was finishing up a letter for our son, His Majesty personally issued an order through the communication crystal. He wanted the foreign princes and the saint candidate sent outside the Capital, and the chosen location, honorably, was the Count of Tailglehen.
Thus, we were hosting guests in the castle after such a long time. While it had been quite a while since we last had guests, how could a servant refuse the command of their master?
Since it was His Majesty’s desire, all I could do was dutifully obey.
‘No one is here.’
As I started walking, I found myself before the office in no time. After confirming that no one else was around, I activated the communication crystal. The conversation I was about to have was not something for others to overhear.
— Count Tailglehen.
“Your humble servant, Wilhelm Krasius, greets the Sun of the great Empire.”
I knelt down, not daring to raise my head to meet the Emperor’s gaze. Even though it’s just an image appearing on the communicator, how could a mere servant look His Majesty in the eye without permission?
— Lift your head.
As I complied with His Majesty’s command, I saw the one and only legitimate ruler of the Empire. Despite showing signs of age and declining health compared to his past self, he was still undeniably the Empire’s ruler.
His previously golden hair had turned to silver, and wrinkles marked his face, but his purple eyes, a symbol of the Livnoman imperial family, still shone brightly.
— Have they arrived?
A brief question. However, anyone too dull to grasp its significance wouldn’t even deserve to serve the Emperor.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
— Krasius, you always work swiftly.
“I’m humbled.”
I bowed again, feeling the praise was undeserved. Implementing the Emperor’s wishes promptly is a servant’s duty after all, and receiving praise for such actions felt surprisingly gratifying.
— Now, the Ministry of Intelligence will keep an eye on them from now on.
The Emperor’s words indicated that the key figures who had come to the County of Tailglehen would now fall under the watchful gaze of the Intelligence Department. After all, those chosen by the Emperor wouldn’t have any mishaps.
Most likely some had already infiltrated the territory.
It was merely a heads-up regarding the agents’ activities in the territory and a reminder to offer cooperation if needed.
— Soon, we’ll see whether they are guests or thieves.
Though the Emperor’s voice was calm, the underlying implications were dire. He had been keeping a close eye since he learned that vital figures from foreign countries chose to remain in the Empire instead of returning home.
Why did foreign royals enroll in the Empire’s Academy? Why did they choose to stay during school breaks instead of going back? What were they doing here in the Capital? Why did they want to explore the entire Empire under the pretense of tourism?
So many questions!
Ultimately, the Emperor concluded they must be spies. Taking advantage of the chaos from the Great War and the disputes over the succession to the throne to challenge the Empire’s legitimacy.
That’s why these individuals remained, seeking information as spies within the Empire. The reason behind them being of royal blood was to take advantage of the fact that even foreign royals couldn’t be treated carelessly.
While the suspicion of espionage was growing, there was no concrete evidence. Thus, they were to be sent outside the highly monitored territory. Once they believed they were no longer observed, their true nature would surface, allowing for tangible proof to emerge.
— Are you not curious what will unfold?
I simply lowered my head in response to the Emperor’s inquiry.
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