Chapter 413
Lately, I’ve spent more days at the mansion in the Capital than back at my territory. Since the time spent shuttling between the territory and the council is too precious, it’s an unavoidable choice.
Well, it’s truly a natural and necessary decision. With all the officials busy preparing for the Imperial coronation banquet, I can’t afford to slack off as the Imperial Count. After all, my duty is to act for the Imperial family more than any other subject.
Additionally, I’ve confirmed my resignation from the position of Imperial Count, and once Erich graduates, I’ll completely step back from my council duties. This means this banquet is the last coronation celebration I will prepare while still in office. The significance of that cannot be overstated.
“Retiring in my forties.”
I paused for a moment, setting down my pen and gazing out the window. When I first became a member of the Imperial Council, I thought I’d serve for life, but here I am, unexpectedly handed the gift of retirement at forty.
If I said I wasn’t perplexed by such an early retirement, it would be a lie. Yet, considering it’s the will of His Majesty for the sake of the Imperial family and the Empire, I followed willingly.
“It’s a problem if father and son both hold high positions.”
I stepped down for my son’s future.
Carl has proven his skills and is swiftly rising through the ranks. Though he did it the dangerous way by serving on the frontlines, it ultimately ended positively.
Yet here I am, as his father, still acting as the Imperial Count and council member? There might be concerns or envy about a father and son both holding high positions. It’s only right for me to step back to open a path for Carl.
“…I didn’t expect it to open this much though.”
A slight smile crept onto my face. I couldn’t help but chuckle at the memory of my recent conversation with Carl.
– I’ve finally reached out after sharing friendly vibes with the new neighbors.
Suddenly, the communication device lit up, revealing Carl’s face.
His somewhat weary expression greeted with standard pleasantries, but soon he continued, almost exasperated.
– Since they’re newly elevated nobles, they might find the surroundings unfamiliar. As their neighbor, I decided to personally guide them.
He presented it as simply being a neighborly guide, but we both knew it meant forming factions.
It’s remarkable. I willingly followed the Emperor’s will to carve a path for my child’s future, but I never expected such a rapid charge in less than a year. Or maybe I’ve been holding back what was going to happen all along.
In truth, while Carl might find the unexpected faction formation bothersome, as a father, I couldn’t be prouder.
“You were once enemies, but now you could become closer than anyone. If they recognize your character and approach you, treat them with loyalty and friendship.”
– …Yes, Father. I’ll keep that in mind.
And so, I got a response from him that he probably didn’t want to give. I feel a bit guilty for putting that burden on him, but if it’s unavoidable, it’s best to think as positively as possible.
If he treats them with loyalty and friendship, they could become his strongest allies and shields. Or perhaps even swords.
Although Carl currently wears a bitter expression, he’ll eventually recognize their utility and make good use of them.
‘Someday, I guess.’
Suddenly, that thought crossed my mind. If Carl truly wields the faction in his hands, the title of Count of Wyridia could become a Marquis.
‘A Marquis from the Krasius family.’
I chuckled at that. Coming from the Imperial Count family of Krasius, who would’ve thought a Marquis would emerge? If I heard this talk a few years ago, I would’ve dismissed it as nonsense.
‘I should tell my wife as well.’
I reached for the communication device on one side of my desk. Given that Carl only just contacted me, I doubt he’s reached out to my wife. He’s probably busy fortifying his friendship with the Northern Grand Lords right now.
So, I should convey this wonderful news to her. My wife, as a noblewoman in our household, understands the power of factions well.
I’m sure she’ll be absolutely thrilled. What worries her is not Carl gaining connections but rather getting hurt in the war.
*
Time passed, and the day of the Emperor’s coronation banquet finally arrived.
“Damn it.”
My head spun. Now, I have to enter the banquet hall, confidently leading the twelve grand lords. In front of all the gathered nobles from across the Empire, I have to show with my entire demeanor, “These are my subordinates. Isn’t it fabulous?”
– My kids are indeed impressive.
“Please, be quiet.”
In the middle of all this, my head ached even more from the words of the certain deity bragging about his own children, the nomads.
Seriously, the priest has no genuine faith, so how are they his children? Isn’t that a bit too generous?
– I’m just trying to think of you as my priest. It makes me feel calmer that way.
“What the—”
“Your Excellency.”
As I tried to retort against the eternal blue sky’s statement, the voice of the royal knight captain hurriedly caught my attention.
“The inspection is complete; you may enter now.”
“Yes, understood.”
I nodded to the captain, who was smiling slightly, opening the way for me.
If I had come alone, I would have likely breezed through with a brief inspection, but given that I had a party of twelve, it took a bit longer. Of course, that was still faster than the number of people involved.
“Ah, but, Your Excellency.”
Just as I was about to exchange a light nod with the captain, he spoke up again.
“Whose name should I put at the top of the list?”
‘Ah.’
Only then did I realize the issue at hand.
I casually glanced at the visitor list the royal guard was holding. Nobles and officials who passed the inspection would have their names written down on a list managed by the royal knights, and it’s customary to list the highest rank or faction leader first when entering as a group.
While there are customary hierarchies, there’s no need to worry. Usually, the faction leader’s rank is higher than the others.
‘But not in our case.’
Regrettably, the Northern faction has a higher-ranked person and a faction leader. The existence of a faction without a basis makes me feel uncomfortable.
“Please write down Marquis Barandi’s name at the top. He’s the only marquis among us, so it’s only proper.”
After a moment of deliberation, I chose the former option. Everyone knows I’m the faction leader, so it’s best to let Barandi establish his marquis authority in this situation—
“No. Please write down Count Wyridia instead.”
“Understood.”
Barandi quickly wrote down the list per the marquis’s instruction.
Seeing my name written above the title of a marquis almost brought tears to my eyes.
*
The faction centered around His Grace Gold Duke has one commonality.
“I can now freely transport supplies to the north via sea. It’s so convenient!”
“Right? It’s been a struggle moving things overland until now.”
The faction members often discuss money when two of them gather. Since they all run commercial enterprises, it’s only natural.
Of course, they don’t mind it. Only those who enjoy talking about money and markets can follow His Grace Gold Duke.
“By the way, have you all heard? Something strange happened up north.”
“Up north? Oh, you mean that incident.”
The members began discussing the rumors of stability returning to the north and the safety of the royal direct ledger adjacent to the sea, which has led to increased marine commerce. The ones who had been gouging docking fees are now finding themselves with empty fingers, happily discussing those stories while subtly shifting their gazes toward me.
I merely smiled in response to their gaze. The bizarre events they were mentioning were related to my future son-in-law.
“It would indeed be challenging to deal without going through my son-in-law.”
Typically, nomads trading with the southern territories would deal with the Northern regions. However, recently, they have started concentrating their dealings in Wyridia, with other marketplaces losing vigor.
Fortunately, it’s not overly concerning just yet. Trading with the nomads was under the northern jurisdiction, while we traded with the southern, western, or eastern nations through maritime routes. Even if the nomads monopolize trade with Wyridia, it won’t hit us hard for the time being.
However, in the long run, it could be catastrophic. That vast northern expanse is about to be developed, and the nomads will hoard the Empire’s resources. A huge, untapped market is about to open.
And to approach that market, one needs the permission—or at least the acquiescence—of the future son-in-law who has become friendly with the nomads.
“The Minister seems to have formed quite a rapport with the Northern Grand Lords while serving.”
The gazes that had been focused on me began to scatter at the remark of His Grace Gold Duke.
“From what I’ve heard, the Minister personally persuaded the Northern Grand Lords to surrender. So, it’s only natural for them to feel gratitude towards him.”
“Is that so? That’s quite remarkable, but given how distant it is, news travels slowly.”
With that statement, the topic discussing the unusual events of the north faded naturally.
His Grace Gold Duke’s words implied an acknowledgment of “Count Wyridia’s influence over the north.” There was no longer anything for us to discuss.
“Oh? He speaks of himself, and he arrives right away.”
As such, His Grace Gold Duke expressed his stance to the faction members and then turned his gaze toward the entrance, revealing a smile.
I too turned my head, following His Grace’s gaze, and was taken aback.
‘…It’s not just a casual acquaintanceship, is it?’
More than a dozen men and women came pouring in. At the forefront was my future son-in-law.
Yes, he’s at the lead. Even Marquis Barandi, who I saw fleetingly during the ceremony, walked behind my son-in-law. No matter how new a noble he may be, it’s remarkable to see a marquis yielding his way to a count.
Before I knew it, not just me but all the nobles’ gazes were directed at my son-in-law. He held immense personal authority and now coupled with the power of a faction.
Not just any faction either. The Imperial Army, unable to fully recover their cavalry, would be yearning for the nomadic forces my son-in-law controls, while merchants would be eyeing the vast territories and market population. With just one swing, he holds the potential to shake the political landscape.
‘He’ll become a marquis soon.’
I had that thought as I watched my son-in-law walk as if showing off, with the might of the entire North behind him and the power of the Chief Minister.
This level of prominence could propel him to marquis status, outpacing most existing marquis families. If he isn’t a marquis, then the minimum qualifications for being one have climbed too high.
‘My son-in-law is going to be a marquis.’
It’s a strange realization, but Irina is definitely my daughter.
Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to explain how her husband managed to snatch such a prestigious position before reaching his pinnacle.
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