Chapter: 340
The conference room had already gathered over a hundred people. Given that there were only thirty representatives regularly stationed in the Imperial Parliament, it’s no surprise that government officials nearby rushed in the moment trouble arose.
But despite the bunch of nobles known for dodging responsibility at the hint of chaos and those eager to strut their stuff in front of others, the conference room was astonishingly quiet.
Of course, that was to be expected. This situation was far too monumental to be compared with any typical uproar. If someone opened their mouth and got tangled in the chaos, they’d be the offering on the altar, and if they led the public sentiment only for the Emperor to overturn it, they’d never be able to raise their heads in politics again.
Thus, everyone present chose silence. Each of them was deserving of the title of heavyweight, yet none dared to claim leadership or responsibility at this event; they were merely waiting for the Emperor’s arrival.
“Time to step back. Be careful.”
Even as the Executive Manager and the Duke entered simultaneously, the conference room remained utterly silent. The Duke quickly examined the room and whispered to me, wishing that I wouldn’t get hurt in this minefield.
“Don’t worry. I’ll keep my mouth shut.”
I tossed back a joking response and turned away. I needed to head to where the Ministry of Finance folks were gathering, and the Duke had to go to where the Vice Captain was.
“Sorry for being late.”
“No problem. There are still plenty of people who haven’t arrived.”
After apologizing to the Minister and other managers, the Minister shook his head. It made sense, given I was already in the capital and could arrive immediately, while those from the provinces were likely in a mad rush teleporting here. The Magic Tower wizards must be losing it too with all the teleportation they had to do.
“Udesir Dorgon is claiming to be the Khan. That’s the last intel we got as the Special Services retreated.”
“Is it that bastard again?”
After greeting the other managers and settling beside the Minister, he informed me in a low voice.
Hearing that, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for the unit that first received that intel. They were probably in utter chaos, scrambling with an emergency evacuation order, and now they had a Khan popping up in the middle of it all. That was a heavy load for one unit to bear!
Fortunately, it seemed they got back to the capital safely and managed to report it properly.
“For now, just listen and don’t speak. Neither you nor I are in a position to get involved in wartime without the Emperor’s orders.”
“I understand. Don’t worry.”
The Minister was right, and I nodded. No matter how much I had participated in the last monster-hunt war, my position was still in the Ministry of Finance. It would be out of place for a Finance Ministry member to speak first while the Military and Special Services were holding the front line; it was best to assume there would be no speaking rights unless the Emperor personally asked.
As I joined the silence in the conference room, those summoned began to appear. Dukes hurrying up from their territories, commanders and legion leaders from all over the Empire, high-born nobles flaunting their titles, and judges dealing with the courts were all present.
The sight of several hundred nobles gathering was one seldom seen unless it was for a New Year’s celebration. Unlike the New Year’s festivities where all ranks gather, this summons strictly featured high-ranking officials. It would not be an exaggeration to say that this conference room was the heart and mind of the Empire at this moment.
“Those nobles who follow the decree, kneel!”
Once everyone had gathered and no one else entered, the Minister of the Imperial Household opened his mouth from the dais above.
As a signal for the Emperor’s appearance, the nobles all knelt down, and not long after, footsteps echoed through the room.
“Lift your heads.”
At the Emperor’s command, the nobles raised their heads, but their expressions were far from pleasant. The Emperor, who never fails to show off his titles and roles, must have sensed the urgency of the situation to skip that formality.
Immediately, I saw the Emperor seated on the throne prepared on the dais, flanked by the Crown Prince and Ainter.
‘Oh, so he got dragged in too.’
Seeing the stiff Ainter evoked my sympathy. Just hours ago, he’d been going about his daily life at the Academy, and now he’s caught up in this mess. It’s good he’s regained some power, but the burden of duty seems excessively heavy.
Still, it’s probably better than the days when he was cast aside as royalty. Hang in there.
“Listen, everyone. Your loyalty to the Imperial family and the Empire has undoubtedly served to protect the decree, but the recent unrest has threatened it, despite your efforts.”
That statement sent a chill through the already quiet conference room. We’ve all been aware that the recent disturbances—the major monster-hunt war and the succession crisis—were giant issues that shook the fates of the Empire, but having the Emperor directly declare, “We almost went down the drain back then,” was another level entirely.
“Indeed, blessed by Enen, we have upheld the decree, and thanks to the legacies passed down through generations and your loyalty, the Empire has dealt with those who threaten it. However, disturbances in the North have arisen once again.”
The Emperor’s insinuation that the decree could once again be under threat was clear. He demonstrated his determination not to take this situation lightly.
At the same time, he showed he would not let the parties responsible for these crises off the hook.
‘How far will this go?’
I bit my lip slightly. The crisis the Emperor was referring to wasn’t a natural disaster. It pointed to the offspring of the Khan who had survived the major monster-hunt war, now uniting the nomadic tribes once more. It was a calamity that could only lead to someone being held accountable.
So where would that responsibility end? Would it fall on the Vice Captain for not eliminating Dorgon in the last major monster-hunt war? On the Special Services for failing to locate Dorgon in the past three years? Or on the Margrave of Sorden for being unable to keep the northern disturbances in check?
‘I can’t stop this.’
The Emperor, already wielding significant power, now had the justification to match.
He showcased a performance of summoning all high-ranking officials, confirming that the Empire was indeed in crisis. If the Emperor were to pinpoint responsibility now, even the Vice Captain would have to prepare himself for a fall, and the hierarchy of the Special Services would likely undergo a shake-up.
And thus, no one dared to speak. Normally, there’d be those who would jump to proclaim, “How could you say such things, Your Majesty?!” or vowing to eradicate rebels who cross His Majesty, but in the current situation, speaking would be tantamount to volunteering their own heads as sacrifices.
“Margrave Sorden.”
And the boundaries were set.
“…Yes, Your Majesty.”
The middle-aged man, the Margrave of Sorden, cautiously bowed his head in response to the Emperor’s call.
A flash of sympathy and relief crossed the nobles’ faces as they heard the name called first. The fact that he was the first named meant the Emperor believed he bore the largest responsibility, and if the Margrave was deemed the top culprit, it was unlikely anyone else would get dragged into the mess.
“You, above all, have the duty to serve the Imperial family and bring peace to the citizens below you. Moreover, you are charged with maintaining the borders and ensuring the stability of the Empire, for the Imperial family granted rights suitable to your ancestors for that purpose.”
Looking merely at the numbers, the Margrave had less rank than the Dukes. He was one of only three Margraves in the Empire. The Margrave’s role in dealing with border disturbances had granted him exceptional authority and freedoms, along with the privilege of skipping the New Year’s festivities.
On the flip side, that meant an enormous amount of responsibility. Any incident within the Margrave’s jurisdiction meant he would be held unconditionally accountable.
“However, you have failed to live up to the trust placed in you by the Imperial family.”
At the Emperor’s stern pronouncement, the Margrave of Sorden bowed his head even lower. As the Margrave responsible for the North, it was his duty to control the nomads and ensure peace along the border.
Yet, as the Emperor stated, he had failed spectacularly. The nomads were reuniting, and the borders were once again under threat from a second Khan. Though he’d been granted authority, he hadn’t met the responsibilities tied to it.
“The former Margrave of Sorden also failed to prevent the rise of the usurper, and my disappointment is great.”
Just like the former Margrave of Sorden.
“Do you have anything to say?”
“I have failed to repay Your Majesty’s generous trust and failed my duty to ensure the stability of the Empire and its citizens. What could I possibly have to say? I shall humbly abide by Your Majesty’s judgment.”
Having seemingly accepted the possibility of such a fate the moment the summons was issued, the Margrave spoke in a calm voice.
What a sad turn of events. The previous Margrave of Sorden was executed for failing to prevent the unification of the nomads, and now his son was about to meet a similar fate.
“I hereby strip you of the title of Margrave of Sorden, Barniol Eniruada. Additionally, I reclaim the authority of the Margrave granted to the Eniruada family. From now on, the Margrave’s territory shall be referred to as the Countship of Sorden.”
The Emperor’s decision declared that he could no longer trust their family.
The Margrave—no, Barniol—remained silent.
“However, considering the merits accrued by the Eniruada family and recognizing Barniol Eniruada’s contributions during the last major monster-hunt war, I will impose no further punishments. You may pass down your title to your children.”
At the Emperor’s words, Barniol visibly flinched. What he fully expected to be a death sentence had only resulted in a title revocation. Even though he was stripped of the privileges of a Margrave, his family’s title as Count still permitted them entrance into high society. Allowing him to pass that down meant that the family would remain somewhat afloat, even if unsteadily.
It was a rapid ascent from hell to heaven. Therefore, Barniol’s voice trembled slightly as he replied.
“Even as a sinner with no words left to say, I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty’s immense mercy. While I have disappointed you, may my family ever live up to Your Majesty’s grace and trust.”
“I expect the loyalty of the Eniruada family.”
“Long live His Majesty! Long live His Majesty! May the Emperor live forever!”
With those words, Barniol bowed deeply and exited the conference room. Having been stripped of his title, he no longer fell under the summons requirement.
“Director, speak about the unrest in the northern region.”
As Barniol exited, the Emperor’s voice dropped low.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The Director, who had looked startled by the sudden call, soon regained his composure and responded.
With Barniol taking all the blame and leaving, there was no more sword swinging about. Responsibility had been defined.
“The leader of the Gaar tribe, Gaar Udesir Batara’s son, Udesir Dorgon, is claiming to be Khan.”
Now the real discussion was about to begin.
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