Chapter 532
The New Year has dawned.
Of course, just because it’s a new year doesn’t mean anything dramatically changed overnight; yesterday was still last year. If I had to find a change, I’d say Pedi’s babbling has become a bit clearer, and Trixie’s belly has definitely gotten rounder.
‘Wow, that’s big.’
Like I was entranced, I started rubbing Trixie’s belly. She’s carrying triplets, so it feels like she’s growing three times faster than Mar.
“If you’re having a tough time, just say so. No matter how important the New Year’s Ball is, it can’t be more important than a pregnant woman.”
That’s why, before heading to the Imperial Palace for the New Year’s Ball, I reminded Trixie several times that if she was uncomfortable, she should just let me know.
The New Year’s Ball is an event to bolster the Emperor’s authority, so it’s impossible for noble titles to be absent. But if someone is pregnant, that’s a different story. Even the emperors sensitive about their authority have shown mercy if a noble or their family was expecting.
It’s only natural. If someone mishandles a pregnant woman in the name of authority and something goes wrong, how would they handle the backlash? It would just demolish their reputation.
“Don’t worry; I’ll think about our kids first.”
Anyway, after my repeated reassurances, Trixie chuckled and started rubbing her belly.
“I’m not in a position to just sit quietly and watch.”
“That’s true.”
Her comeback was quite persuasive.
For sure, Trixie wouldn’t want to be stuck at the New Year’s Ball feeling pressured by the Emperor and other nobles. Honestly, if she wanted to, she could slip away saying, “I have urgent matters at the Magic Tower.” Who would complain? The Emperor would probably thank her for giving him a reason to let her go.
“Master, Baron Hardiner has arrived.”
Just after getting Trixie’s confirmation, the butler came to announce Erich’s visit.
‘Perfect timing.’
I was satisfied that he arrived at just the right moment.
No, more accurately, I was just happy that Erich was here.
‘Time for that brat to roll with the punches.’
Naturally, I’m not the only one who inherited a title from my father. Just like I became Count Tailglehen, Erich has become Baron Hardiner, meaning he now has the obligation to attend the New Year’s Ball.
And since Erich is starting his role as a substitute for a member of the Imperial Council this year, he’ll not only attend the New Year’s Ball but also have to meet with other council members. The youngest member of the council shouldn’t be Zenobia anymore; it should be Erich. If the youngest new member doesn’t greet the older folks first, it could spell trouble for his future.
For reference, even my father was, relatively speaking, on the younger side among the imperial council members. The council is kind of like a retirement home overflowing with elderly leaders Erich has to serve.
‘Good luck, you little brat.’
Seeing Erich trudging over with a gloomy expression, I couldn’t help but smile.
Truly, this was poetic justice. All the bitterness from that counter-attack back then vanished as I watched him pay the price. It would be too harsh to hold a grudge against someone suffering due consequences.
‘…Hang in there.’
Eventually, my satisfaction morphed into a hint of sympathy.
Honestly, I’m stuck rolling around in the Administration like a dog, but if you asked me whether I’d want to switch places with him in the Imperial Council, I’d adamantly refuse. Life in the Imperial Council isn’t a walk in the park.
Unlike the hierarchical structure of the Administration—Minister, Executive Manager, Senior Manager, and Second Manager—all members of the Imperial Council are treated equally. Sure, there’s a chairman position, but that’s a rotating job and basically like being a group project leader. The unspoken hierarchy among the members revolves around age and experience.
But really, me, with little age and a brief history as a Count, trying to enter the Imperial Council? Unlike the Administration where I get treated like a Minister, in the Council, I’d be just the little kid. No way I’d do it.
“Come on in. You must’ve had a tough time getting here, right?”
Maybe that’s why I gently patted Erich’s shoulder as he approached.
The version of Erich who had previously stabbed my brother in the back in the ’79 season is gone. What’s here instead is the ’80 season Erich, who entered hell in place of my brother.
“I just teleported over, so what’s tough about it?”
See? Even now, he’s pretending like nothing’s wrong because he’s worried it might be burdening me.
There’s no way the world has two such excellent brothers like this.
And there’s definitely not a world with two such annoying little brats.
“The establishment of the Prosecutor’s Office was the last order from His Majesty. It was meant to fortify the stability of the Empire and the integrity of its officials. How could I, as the one who inherits his legacy, forsake that beautiful intention? Therefore, I will elevate the previously existing Information Department under the Ministry of Finance to a Prosecutor’s Office, and I now officially appoint Count Carl Krasius of Tailglehen as the Minister of the Prosecutor’s Office.”
With a bland expression, the Emperor declared the official establishment of the Prosecutor’s Office after his New Year’s address. I had heard this from him many times before, so I wasn’t upset.
“The newly born Prosecutor’s Office must become a pillar supporting the Empire, positioned right after the Ministry of Justice in rank.”
I could accept this. Putting the Prosecutor’s Office just below the 6th rank of the Ministry of Justice meant it would be 7th in rank.
It’s a high rank for a new department, but it’s still below my mental bottom line of 5th. Though I’m a bit disappointed that it’s higher than expected, it’s not something to get furious about.
“Moreover, the Minister has excellently led the Information Department since his days as an Executive Manager, laying the groundwork for the smooth establishment of the Prosecutor’s Office. This contribution is by no means trivial.”
But then, the Emperor started saying things I couldn’t quite understand.
What does he mean his contribution isn’t trivial? I didn’t manage the Information Department or handle preparations for the Prosecutor’s Office; that was the Senior Manager’s doing!
“Considering that merit, I hereby appoint Minister Carl Krasius of Tailglehen as a member of the Risiragui Knight Order. His estate as a knight will be in Jern, part of the Granor County, and it shall remain his as long as he fulfills the duties of the knight.”
With that statement, not only I but the other nobles also lost their words. I thought today would just be the establishment declaration for the Prosecutor’s Office, but then a title I never expected got thrown in.
‘Risiragui Knight Order?’
Cold sweat trickled down my back. Risiragui is the name of the former Dragon Lord, spouse to Emperor Amanca. The dragon born from them is treated as a distinguished elder of the Livnoman Imperial Family, so the respect shown to the mother, the former Dragon Lord, is considerable.
Thanks to that, the Risiragui Knight Order is akin to a Hall of Fame on par with the Count of Livnoman. The difference is that one can receive honor from living members, not the deceased, and a condition for joining is to be noble.
‘…Weren’t there only four members?’
And right now, the Risiragui Knight Order has only four members.
Trixi, who reigned as Duke for over a hundred years and reached the pinnacle of magic.
My first father-in-law, who crushed the challenges from the Eastern kingdoms, solidifying the Empire’s divine mission.
The former Vanguard Duke, who expanded the Empire’s territory through two campaigns in the northern regions.
And lastly, the former Minister of the Imperial Household, a leading figure responsible for rebuilding the crumbling Empire as its right hand.
‘And now, I’m supposed to be included…?’
For a moment, my vision went blank.
What the hell is that brat thinking, throwing this bomb at me?
*
Upon being appointed a member of the Risiragui Knight Order, the Minister’s expression twisted sharply.
I understand. Even I think this is a radical and extreme way to handle things. I thought I’d leisurely think about giving him the Risiragui name about 20 years down the line, but it’s been rushed to the present moment.
‘It couldn’t be helped.’
Though it seems like I consider everything associated with the Minister as unavoidable, it’s true.
To send the Minister to the Leon Kingdom, he needs a position superior to the commander of Armein. Holding the honorary title of the continent’s greatest sword may earn respect and reverence from martial artists, but it won’t legally suppress them.
Additionally, the Minister must possess an authority that would make even the Empire’s nobility bow their heads. That way, if he pockets a little something on his business trip right after the wedding, no one would start rumors.
An irrefutable authority, a name directly bestowed by the Emperor. That’s the only way I could help the Minister.
“Your Majesty, it’s the Prosecutor’s Office Minister.”
…Of course, the best option would be for the Minister not to be sent abroad, but that’s not feasible right now.
I let out a small sigh at the report coming from outside. From the Emperor’s rational point of view, this is the logical decision. But rationality doesn’t always overpower emotion.
“Indeed. Speak.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Now it’s my turn to work hard to soothe the Minister’s feelings.
*
The death of the Second Prince had turned the Emperor into the number one son of a b*tch in the Livnoman Imperial Family. He glared at the Emperor.
“Your Majesty, I humbly beg you to repeat that once more.”
His voice quivered slightly, as he struggled to control his anger.
When he suddenly got offered a position in the Risiragui Knight Order, I wondered what was going on, and it turned out it was something quite serious.
“I believe it’s time for the Minister to join the expeditionary forces to the Leon Kingdom this year.”
And the Emperor, perhaps embarrassed by broaching such a subject, subtly avoided eye contact as he continued.
Knowing he felt embarrassed only makes me angrier. He dares to send someone who should be enjoying his honeymoon not just on a domestic trip but an overseas mission?
‘Should I hit him in the gut just once?’
Seriously contemplating it. Maybe I should have had a drink beforehand, so if it comes to that, I can plead diminished responsibility in court.
But if I misjudge my strength, it won’t just be diminished responsibility; it’ll be regicide. No amount of industrial alcohol would save me from that.
“Minister, I understand your sentiments completely.”
‘Don’t give me that nonsense.’
You dare say you understand when you issue such orders?
“It’s already sad to be separated from a newborn child for work; crossing the border is no simple matter. By the time the Minister goes, it’ll likely be right after your third wedding ceremony. You likely won’t want to go at all.”
I gazed solemnly at the Emperor as he rambled about his own woes. If he were to finish up with, “But what can we do? Orders are orders,” I was prepared to punch him right there—
“However, I’ve made every effort to ensure your honeymoon and parenting are secured, Minister. As Emperor, I must ensure my vassal’s rights are respected. It’s just that the circumstances haven’t cooperated.”
After saying that, the Emperor continued before I could even react.
“…I didn’t get a break when the Crown Princess was born or when I married the Empress.”
His expression was surprisingly bleak as he said something that would startle anyone listening.
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