Chapter: 350
A marquis, equivalent to the second highest rank of nobility after the duke. It might feel a bit awkward since the duke is right above him, but being a marquis is still no small potatoes. After all, he can oversee not just barons and viscounts, but even counts below him, making him quite the substantial noble.
Plus, there have only been five first-ranked dukes in the 300-year history of the Empire, making that the actual ceiling for the rank advancement of imperial nobility. In other words, it’s a coveted position that everyone dreams of attaining.
And when everyone dreams of something, that just means the competition for it is fierce.
“Not as guaranteed as a duke’s position, though.”
The five first-ranked ministers who made decisive contributions to establishing the Empire. Only the five families linked to those five ministers can occupy the duke’s seat, no matter how incompetent they might be. Conversely, no matter how capable a marquis might be, he can never ascend to a duke status. It’s the imperial family’s way of honoring the heroes who established the realm.
But marquises? They don’t have that luxury. If they’re inefficient, they’re swiftly ousted, and if they’re competent, they can rise up. In nicer terms, it’s a merit-based selection, but honestly, it’s a dog-eat-dog world. For instance, there were times when four marquis households changed hands in just one year.
“Recently, one got kicked out too.”
I glanced at the white seal in my hand. Just a few years ago, this seal was owned by someone.
However, that owner had crossed a line set by the Emperor, leading to the seal’s confiscation and reducing the number of marquises from 13 to 12.
“When the Great Emperor established his rule, he honored those gathered under the name of Kefellofen and endowed them with fitting titles. The marquisate was bestowed upon those leading great forces among them.”
“Thanks to the Great Emperor’s virtues enveloping the world.”
Though I instinctively replied to the Emperor’s remarks—truth be told, in the outset, the Empire was a ragtag coalition.
Which means, during that time, a marquis was closer to being an ally or a warlord than a direct subordinate of the Emperor. And now, they’re just loyal subjects hoping for the Emperor’s favor.
“As the chief of the Information Department said, the virtues of the Great Emperor were sufficient to cover the world. His kindness was as deep as the ocean, thus he respected the authority of the marquises and kept their number to thirteen.”
That was a nice way of saying that having too many marquises would be a headache, so they capped it at thirteen. And over the past 300 years, this number became a kind of unwritten tradition, a strict limit for imperial marquises.
“However, it’s truly regretful that I, your humble Emperor, have not upheld that beautiful intention.”
“Your Majesty, your gathering of the marquis’s seals was for the sake of fulfilling your mandate and the Empire. The Great Emperor would surely have watched with joy at your noble decision.”
But that marquis position had been vacant for two years. Not a temporary vacancy, but a full two-year gap.
It’s likely that capable and influential counts had been eyeing that marquisate, yet understandable restraint held them back since the vacancy was leftover from the Eshilon fiasco. Coveting a position that the Emperor personally dismantled would feel a bit rebellious. After all, aiming for something above could lead to a fall below.
“With a loyal servant like the chief of the Information Department, I, indeed, am a blessed Emperor. However, allowing the thirteenth position established by the Great Emperor to remain empty is surely a reflection of my unworthiness.”
Anyway, the Emperor mentioning the marquis seal in this context is clear enough. He means to fill that vacant thirteenth position after leaving it open for two whole years.
For me to become that thirteenth marquis? I could hardly handle being a count; what if I were to become a marquis? Especially as the heir of a count?! No matter how much pressure the nobility is under due to the Emperor’s authority, I would definitely be in for a world of trouble.
And thankfully, this thirteenth seat already has a potential occupant.
“Perhaps the thirteenth seat once held by Eshilon will be filled by someone from the North.”
That remark from the minister during the summons came back to me.
Indeed, this marquis position isn’t meant for imperial nobility, but rather for someone from the North. More specifically, it’s destined for the most capable and loyal chief of the nomads.
“The vast North will inevitably embrace the Empire. Thus, the nomads must become Empire citizens, and the imperial family must prepare to embrace them as well.”
The Emperor, having spoken, lapsed into silence before continuing.
“Chief of the Information Department.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“You shall act in my stead to embrace the North.”
With that decree, I bowed deeply.
The marquis seal felt heavy in my hand. If he had given me this seal, the Emperor must have completed his calculations. Now I would need to reach out to the chief he’s got in mind to pass on this seal—
“I will leave the choice of the seal’s owner to your discretion. Hand it to someone you deem worthy.”
Huh?
What?
‘My discretion?’
You want me to choose the Empire’s marquis? Not the Emperor deciding it for himself?
“Y-Your Majesty. Forgive me, but my judgment hardly reaches your great feet; I can’t possibly take on such a command.”
I quickly knelt and placed the seal on the ground. Whether this was genuine or just a test of loyalty, I needed to tread carefully.
If it were just granting a position with no cap like counts, I might have accepted it, but we’re talking about the limited rank of marquis in the Empire with only thirteen places! To leave it up to a mere bureaucrat’s discretion? Has he lost his mind?
“I cannot see the chiefs of the North. No matter how many reports come, it ultimately boils down to mere letters. The one who can see and judge them directly is the chief of the Information Department.”
The Emperor lifted the seal I had set on the ground and placed it back in my hand.
“Do not be afraid. Trust in your judgment. Whoever you choose will be the marquis, and I will consider that choice to be right.”
I felt a wild tremor in my eyes.
Even if I hand it to someone unworthy of the marquis title, the imperial household will support that chief in making him worthy of the title. So, it’s like saying they’ll make sure it all works out in the end.
‘Damn it.’
This just got more burdensome. Not many bureaucrats would remain unfazed receiving such emphatic backing from the highest authority. Trust like that is heavy enough to crush someone.
“… I will certainly repay Your Majesty’s great trust.”
But now that we’ve reached this stage, I can’t back out anymore.
From today on, I am the marquis maker.
Just before leaving the office, I was told to give counts’ titles to a few decent chiefs as well. Is it really okay to be tossing around count titles like mere trinkets?
‘Well, maybe they are trinkets.’
What with it, from the Emperor’s perspective, handing out countships should hardly make a difference. After all, they might as well be stones.
From today on, I shall become the stone maker.
*
After confirming the departure of the chief of the Information Department, I sat down. Maybe it’s my age, but even this brief interaction had been exhausting enough.
Yet, while my body felt tired, my mind was in top shape. It seemed like things would likely progress smoothly.
‘No need to worry about the title distribution.’
When I handed the marquis seal to the chief of the Information Department and mentioned the counts’ titles, the look on his face reflected both shock and pressure. No greed or calculation lingered in his expression.
If someone had the power to grant titles, nobles would swarm like bees to exploit it. They’d be playing a fine line between national interest and personal gain.
‘Truly an imperial fortune.’
But the chief of the Information Department wasn’t like that. He focused solely on the task at hand, disregarding any personal interests.
There aren’t many nobles to whom you can assign any duty, and even fewer who can focus purely on the mission without ulterior motives. That such a rare noble is in their twenties and in close ties with the Crown Prince is a stroke of luck. Just managing the chief of the Information Department sufficiently means there won’t be a shortage of manpower.
Having a trusted aide you can rely on is crucial. I wouldn’t have made it this far without the residence minister by my side.
‘… Truly fortunate.’
As these thoughts of title distribution were pushed aside, I extended my hand toward the paperwork, feeling my head pound.
‘Here we go again.’
I couldn’t help but squint. No matter how much I try, age has a way of catching up. A masterful warrior might preserve a youthful appearance compared to their age, but I’m just a regular guy far removed from martial prowess.
Besides, I haven’t led a particularly tranquil life, so it’s only natural that I’m starting to feel the wear and tear.
‘Just a little bit longer.’
With a slight sigh, I picked up the documents.
Yeah, just a bit longer. I need to eliminate the troubles of the North and appoint the soon-to-be-born imperial grandchild as the Crown Prince. Only then will my mission be accomplished. I can do everything I can to hand over the throne to the Crown Prince.
So, I need to hold on. For the sake of the mandate, for the imperial family.
For the Empire and its citizens.
*
Days passed since I received the Emperor’s surprise gift.
At first, I felt a twinge of complexity every time I caught sight of the seal resting in my pocket, but as time went on, it became more familiar. Honestly, I was worried I might accidentally pull out the marquis seal instead of grabbing the chief of the Information Department’s when the time came.
‘Maybe I should just stamp it like I’m crazy?’
For a moment, that thought flickered across my mind. If I just stamped it, the Emperor might not want it back, right?
Although, I worried that I’d be losing my head in the process.
‘Damn it.’
I rubbed the back of my neck and sighed. Truth be told, I hadn’t really gotten used to it. It’s not like people easily get comfortable with something that’s clearly way beyond their authority. My inner baseline remains that of a count’s seal.
Yet, here I am, being given a marquis seal on top of my count title. It’s like the Emperor’s weighty trust is bringing me to tears.
‘My discretion, you say.’
So I made a resolution. I don’t know who’s going to catch my eye, but if they seem decent enough, I’ll toss them the seal right away. I’ll make them the Empire’s first nomadic noble and a nomadic marquis at that.
Even if they haven’t chosen that title for themselves, they’ll have to bear it with dedication and responsibility.
‘… What about the counts?’
While there’s just one marquis to fill, I’d need to appoint at least six counts.
Oh, this is going to drive me crazy.
My site has received a lot of DMCA notices, lol. From now on, I will update the MTL on https://darkmtl.com/.
The site is fast and lightweight because there are no ads yet. However, the theme is different from Cybor-TL, so take some time to familiarize yourself.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.