Chapter: 343
The Emperor declared that troops would be drawn from three different military divisions to form an expeditionary force, and the nobles, stirred up by public opinion, were bursting with loyalty and spirit, voluntarily donating their private soldiers and funds. So, it’s safe to say this mobilization turned into the Emperor’s one-man show and a complete victory for him. Even if the Imperial Army suffers losses during this Northern expedition, both the Emperor’s military and the nobles’ forces will tumble into a pit, right?
Now, having achieved total victory, the Emperor exited the scene, leaving the nobles—who felt like they’d been hit in the face—muttering “What a life, damn it,” as they headed back to their territories or offices. However, the Emperor didn’t even allow for such trivial complaints.
An incident that blew away memories of being ripped off by the Emperor happened right at the end of the summons.
“Sure, the Inspector General’s contributions are significant, but did anyone expect him to receive a Countship all at once?”
“On top of that, he gets a hereditary title attached to it. Sure, Wiridia is a border territory, but if the Northern expedition goes successfully…”
“Unbelievable. A mere subordinate proving his worth and receiving a noble title.”
The nobility in the conference hall buzzed with excitement instead of leaving, stunned by the Emperor’s sudden announcement of appointing a Military Supervisor and granting a Count title.
If it had been a lower title like Viscount or Baron, they might’ve shrugged it off. Even a singular title with no territory could’ve been understood. But a full-fledged Countship, especially one with an estate? That’s no small fry.
“Crap.”
My lips felt dry. They just bestowed a Count title on someone who was bound to become an Imperial Count in time? This is either a massive screw-up from the Emperor or a hint that I’m about to be used like a dog.
Unfortunately, I seem to fit both scenarios.
“Even the Imperial Counts didn’t see this coming.”
Glancing at the Imperial Counts assembled nearby, I noticed they too were visibly flustered. Had the Emperor not felt the need to consult them regarding the title bestowal, or had it been a spur-of-the-moment idea without time for discussion? Either way, it made no difference now. Once the Emperor bestows a title, there’s no taking it back.
“Congratulations. With all your kids, you now have more titles to pass down.”
“No, it’s just that right now—”
In the midst of this, the Minister tossed out a provocation that almost spurred me into a reaction, but as soon as I saw the awkward grin on the Minister’s face, I calmed myself down. His expression showed he was as confused as I was. Still, he felt the need to crack a joke to escape this bizarre situation.
Then, the Minister leaned in and whispered quickly with a hushed voice.
“Keep it together. If you act casual, they’ll think you’ve had a special word with the Emperor, and they won’t dare approach you.”
“Understood.”
I nodded gratefully at the Minister giving me a push and the other heads of departments as I made my exit.
Right, what the Minister said makes sense. If I casually walk out while everyone’s in a panic, they’ll think it’s some kind of secret setup between the Emperor and the Inspector General. That way, they wouldn’t dare get too close to me.
These nobles are keen enough to figure out that I’m a victim of this mess eventually, but at least I can avoid being hounded by high-ranking officials for now. That’s plenty good enough.
“I’m losing my mind here.”
The moment I stepped outside the conference room, I hurried away. I needed to hide, whether in the Information Department or back at the mansion.
Damn it, I never thought I’d end up with a Count title like this.
Once back in my mansion, I shifted into ‘No Visitors’ mode. Honestly, being able to lock the door makes it feel safer than dealing with any other officials or nobles milling about in the offices.
Of course, I let Marcilio know through the communication system that I was hiding at the mansion, and as soon as I sent the location, he teleported over.
“Baby, what’s going on? You’re a Military Supervisor now, why?!”
Seeing Marcilio’s expression filled with a mix of panic and sorrow tugged at my heartstrings. He was focused not on the Count title but on the fact that I had to participate in the war. Knowing someone cared about me like this made my life feel worthwhile…
“Did you know about this?”
“No, I had no clue. I swear.”
I shook my head firmly at Marcilio, whose gaze was sharpening with concern.
I intended to participate in the war, but I was also looking for some valid justification to do so. I never even imagined the Emperor would throw me into the mix like this, giving me the title of Military Supervisor along with a Count status to boot. Who would’ve guessed?
“Looks like this is just the Emperor’s decision.”
With that mumble, Marcilio bit his lip lightly, lost in thought.
Even he couldn’t stop this. The Emperor had acknowledged the threat to the Empire, manipulated public sentiment, and had declared war at the behest of all the high-ranking officials. To request my withdrawal now would be near impossible.
“Don’t worry. It’s not like we’re up against the Rebellions. Dorgon’s no weakling, but he’s not unbeatable.”
I cautiously opened my mouth to comfort Marcilio, whose expression remained grim. Facing a hundred thousand nomads, that monstrous Kagan, and Dorgon—who was practically a fighting machine—was insane. Yet somehow, the Empire ended up victorious in the past.
But right now, we were far from a hundred thousand troops, barely at sixty thousand, Kagan was dead, and only Dorgon remained. Even if the Empire isn’t at its peak, the North should be even weaker now. There’s no serious threat to my safety—
“There’s no wife anywhere that wouldn’t worry if her husband is going to war.”
“I’m sorry…”
I quickly lowered my head at those frail words tinged with reproach. She was right, and I couldn’t argue about that.
That’s right, there’s no such thing as a safe war. The best option is not to participate at all; once you step in, it’s not strange to die at any moment. And here I was telling her not to worry, that must be infuriating.
“I almost thought I’d live with that scar forever because of the Rebellions, and now I thought I could finally heal that wound…”
With her voice almost breaking, my heart grew heavy. I might’ve spoken casually about my excitement over war, but if I switched perspectives, I’d be the one gasping and spitting bubbles with shock too. Even if I knew Marcilio was strong, I’d still worry if he was going to war.
So, there we sat in awkward silence, trapped in a dilemma where I couldn’t refuse the Emperor’s command, yet there was no way to send him off with a smile.
“Is anyone there, Master?”
Broke the silence, the voice of my butler knocked at the door.
“Yes, Butler? What’s up?”
Nervousness settled in me. I had asked to be left alone, yet my butler was here. Something must be seriously wrong.
“Count Tailglehen has come to see you.”
“Oh.”
Right, this is definitely serious.
“The Count says if you’re busy, he can come back later—but—”
“Show him to the reception room. I’ll be there shortly.”
“Understood.”
Once the butler’s footsteps faded away, I let out a small sigh.
As much as I wanted to ignore visitors right now, it’d be awkward to reject a visit from my father, the head of the Household. Plus, while I’m holed up at the mansion, my patriarch might have received some orders from the Emperor. It could be best to see him.
“Beatrix, want to come with me?”
“…No, you should go alone this time.”
Marcilio thought for a moment but then shook his head gently. The patriarch wasn’t visiting as my father-in-law but as a powerful Imperial Count, one of the Emperor’s own hands.
The moment I entered the reception room, I saw my butler setting a teacup in front of the patriarch.
“You’ve arrived.”
And the patriarch greeted me flatly upon noticing me. Could you even call that a greeting?
“Sorry for being late.”
“No worries. I just sat down now.”
With his smooth, neither warm nor cold voice, the patriarch continued speaking as I sat across from him, and my butler promptly bowed and left.
“Congratulations. You’re officially a noble now.”
He brought up my title the moment I sat down.
Honestly, I felt relieved. If he was talking about my title, it meant he had heard something from the Emperor and was here with a message to pass on.
“I’m truly humbled by your kindness.”
“His Majesty gave it because he thought it was justified, so there’s no need to feel it was an undue favor.”
I didn’t expect the patriarch to respond like an ice block and insist it was reasonable.
That was surprising. I thought he’d say something about repaying the grace of the Emperor and not being arrogant while continuing to work hard. Or maybe he considered that treating the Count title as undue favor would imply the Emperor had erred in his judgment. That sounded reasonable.
“But you should refuse it. Just say you were so shocked you couldn’t speak in the conference hall.”
“Uh?”
I was taken aback by the unexpected suggestion. The patriarch opened his mouth, puzzled.
“Did you perhaps develop a craving for the Count title?”
“No, not really.”
There’s no way I’d be craving a title. I was plenty secure with my guaranteed status as an Imperial Count with a capital territory, plus the title of Inspector General attached to it. Even if I got the Count title of Wiridia—with territory and hereditary status—frankly, it wouldn’t matter if I had it or not.
“So, please refuse it. Just say you couldn’t express yourself due to being too shocked in the conference hall. Then His Majesty will surely retract your title as Military Supervisor.”
‘Ah.’
Only then did I finally understand the patriarch’s intention. He too was hesitant about me going off to war.
“Master, while it’s a tremendous honor to receive a title, as a noble of the Empire, it’s a duty for me to serve the throne and the Empire—”
“You’ve already fulfilled your duty and sacrifice adequately. No one could require any more from you.”
I froze in place. Such words weren’t something you’d expect from the Emperor’s loyal lapdog. An Imperial Count, whose virtue lies in infinite loyalty and dedication, declaring that no further loyalty is needed? Especially to the heir of the house that continued the Imperial Count lineage?
“…At least, that’s what I believe.”
With those words, I found myself at a loss for words.
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