Chapter: 374
While those with even a little rank in the expeditionary forces were busy with post-war arrangements, I managed to step away from all that hustle. It was partly due to consideration for my serious injuries and also because interfering with the post-war matters as an inspector could be seen as overstepping my bounds. After all, the Emperor hadn’t really dispatched inspectors for this kind of work in the first place.
The one thing I needed to do was finalize the distribution of titles. I had already promised titles to the influential figures, but I also needed to award titles to the tribal leaders who distinguished themselves in the last battle. ‘Since this was the biggest battle that ended the war, they should be compensated accordingly.’ Setting such a precedent would make things easier in the future.
After drafting the final list of title appointees—
‘Is this a bit too much?’
One marquis and twelve counts. A whopping 13 major noble positions were being created.
From the area of the North alone, it wouldn’t be surprising to have 30 major nobles, but power comes not from land area but from population, right? Considering the barren North, having 13 major nobles does feel quite excessive.
‘Still, this is the best option.’
After a moment’s contemplation, I decided to stamp the document without alterations. Purely thinking about the influence and contributions of the tribes, this was the right choice. If I were to remove one from the list, I’d have to remove them all; vice versa for adding someone. The contributions of the counts were too close to call.
Ah, except for Count Kaita, who’s basically the ultimate boots-on-the-ground guy. If there had been two vacant marquis positions, he would easily have snagged one.
‘…A collective of 13 major nobles.’
As I prepared the final document, a sudden thought struck me. Despite being all former nobles who surrendered, newly minted nobles, and nomadic nobles, these 13 would essentially function as a single faction. They’re not clueless, so it’s only natural.
And even if the strengths of the new faction aren’t that great, a faction with 13 major nobles debuting in politics is not to be underestimated. One of them is even a marquis.
‘Things are going to get noisy for a while.’
Furthermore, if the mainland nobles—specifically those with major holdings in the North—ally themselves with the Northern power, the political and social elite will be upended. The mainland nobles will become spokespersons for the North, exerting influence while the Northern folks can finally voice their opinions in mainland gatherings; cohesive factional ties are about to form.
Of course, that’s none of my concern. That’ll be something the crown prince, who’s about to ascend, will worry about.
‘Ascend.’
Just thinking about the crown prince wearing court regalia put me in a good mood.
When the Emperor declares his abdication, there’d be a few days of head-banging to ask for the handover, but considering the outcome would mean the prince’s pain, I’d say it’s worth it.
Time flew by quickly. As the sole slacker at the command post, eating, sleeping, and goofing around, each day seemed to pass swiftly.
During my idle time, I took Penelia out to catch some fresh air, helped Mukgwangdae with training for the first time in ages, and occasionally shared meals with my father when he had the free time. While I’d love to contact my sweetheart back at the academy, I held off because there hadn’t been an official declaration of an end to the war yet. Contacting family during wartime for personal reasons felt inappropriate.
It wasn’t until I was living this teary-eyed life, like someone belonging to a separated family, that the call for the triumphant return of the army came.
“In three days, we’ll be heading back.”
The Grand Marshal wasted no time in addressing the assembled leadership and title appointees. We were finally going home, a splendid premise indeed.
“The entire army will pass through the Hablem Duchy on the way to the capital. His Majesty is preparing for a grand ceremony, so do keep that in mind.”
Upon hearing that, the faces of the high command gathered in the tent brightened. If we were looking for a quick return, we could have just passed through Hablem Duchy straight to our respective domains or garrisons, but if the Emperor was personally preparing a grand ceremony, that changes things.
“We’re deeply humbled. We merely did what any loyal servant should.”
“Indeed! Thanks to our benevolent Emperor, we have the honor of attending the ceremony.”
Laughter blended with conversation in the tent. For the nobles, a ceremony like this was a once-in-a-lifetime event. It would present them with significant honor and rewards, making it a delightful occurrence.
Considering the last great purging war didn’t include a proper ceremony due to various circumstances, some may have worried this one would also pass by without a hitch. Yet those concerns vanished in an instant, making it quite laughable.
‘Too significant to skip.’
Sure, the scale and damage of the previous war were greater, but the symbolism of this one overwhelms it. Winning against the nomads, who ‘had to be’ defeated, wasn’t the only thing; this time, they nominated the Emperor as their Khan and surrendered the North. It’s an opportunity to widely display the majesty of the Emperor and the Empire.
Not to mention the relatively minor damages seem to have also pleased the Emperor. In the previous conflict, real enemies and top commanders were culled equally, with whole legions being wiped out. This time, the losses were minimal, which is fortunate.
As the commotion gradually calmed down, the Grand Marshal added—
“Moreover, when the title appointees present their titles to His Majesty during the ceremony, His Majesty will accept them and officially appoint the appointees as noble lords.”
Hearing that they would receive their titles in the most glorious setting brightened the faces of the title appointees.
“Congratulations! You will now be recognized as nobles by all.”
“Ha ha, even when I become a count, remember to acknowledge me?”
“Of course. How could I ignore the friendship we’ve built together?”
Having fought side by side during the war and maintaining ties with soon-to-be major nobles wasn’t a bad calculation; thus, not just the appointees but the high command joined in on the warm-hearted compliments.
The ones about to receive titles were nomads? Such details didn’t matter. A nomadic count is still a count, and a nomadic marquis is still a marquis. Unless they’re purposefully downgrading the ranks of nomadic nobility, ethnic differences are trivial.
Looking at it this way, it’s the nobles who had the most open mindset.
*
After documenting the Grand Marshal’s report, I stood up. Sitting around endlessly had taken a toll on my body, so getting up occasionally was good for work efficiency.
A few years ago, I could sit all day without issue but now, sitting is becoming a bit of a struggle, which is frankly a pity.
‘Glad I wrapped up before I fell apart.’
At the same time, I felt relieved. Everything ended while I still held the reins to steer the empire.
The heir was solid, and internal chaos was resolved. Now, I just needed to excise any outside troubles and expand our borders. What else could I wish for? The only remaining mission was appointing the soon-to-be-born crown prince, which would take care of itself as time flows, so essentially, everything was wrapping up.
‘…Crown prince.’
What a beautiful word. Unlike me, the collateral branch offshoot, and in contrast to the illegitimate prince, this child would possess the divine right granted from the heavens. Born of the legitimate line between the crown prince and crown princess, he would carry an authority that would be akin to living legitimacy.
An empire that stood at the brink of annihilation without ever filling its 300 years of history. A decade of fighting against insufficient legitimacy just to revive it.
But in the end, even if I couldn’t grant legitimacy to the prince, I could bequeath a great empire. And everything could be handed down to the crown prince.
‘A boon from the Great Emperor.’
Letting out a small sigh, I held a document in hand— the report from the Chief Inspector concerning the title appointees.
‘Truly a boon.’
The list of appointees comprised one marquis and twelve counts. As soon as I glanced at the list, I reaffirmed that my thoughts were correct.
The Chief Inspector, as I had hoped, awarded the titles in the interest of the nation rather than for personal gain. He meticulously selected appointees with efficiency in mind. Given the reports I had received and the numerous cross-checks I had made, I could trust it.
He was entirely responsible for the marquis’ seal, yet he could’ve easily passed it onto a tribe that benefitted him, but there was no hint of any illicit dealings with specific tribes. He had a strong impression of being someone who just did his job and walked away.
‘If only he had been born a bit earlier.’
If a servant like the Chief Inspector had existed in the early stages of my reign, things would have been much easier. The Minister of the Imperial Household is capable enough, but the chaos back then was far too overwhelming for just one person to handle.
…No, let’s not spoiled my words. There have been plenty of fallen monarchs without sufficient aides like a Minister of the Imperial Household. Just think of the late Emperor—
“Ugh.”
As soon as I thought of the late Emperor, a headache struck instinctively. I wouldn’t even want to think of the emperors before him.
I gently shook my head, shaking off the nightmare. Now is the time to think of a future, glorious and radiant, rather than reminiscing about a dreadful past. For instance, the award I’d bestow upon the loyal servants returning with great merits.
The rewards I would hand out to the Grand Marshal and other nobles were clear. It’s customary to reward military officers who have achieved merits in war.
‘The Chief Inspector desires a reward, too.’
However, the Chief Inspector participated not as a military officer but as an inspector. While he killed the enemy’s leader, earning his military due credits, handing him a reward meant for a military officer would invalidate my own rationale. I wouldn’t deny him, but they shouldn’t be equal in scale.
‘There’s just the right thing.’
After pondering for a moment, I drafted a new document. Now that the nomads of the North had integrated into the Empire, it was the right timing.
And above all, the Chief Inspector would cherish this reward more than any wealth or honor.
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