Chapter: 389
I gulped down my saliva, my eyes darting around. I wish the Crown Prince was just joking, but that brat specializes in making life difficult for me rather than lightening the mood. The fact that I hope he’s joking just highlights how serious the situation is. It’s outrageous.
Besides, he wouldn’t joke about naming the godfather of his own daughter in front of the Crown Princess. While I can’t trust the Crown Prince’s character, I do trust the Crown Princess.
No, I don’t even need to look further. The Emperor already stated it was the royal family’s wish. It definitely can’t be a joke.
“Your Majesty, while I’m immensely honored that you value my loyalty so highly, being named as the godfather is far too much of an honor for me.”
I quickly bowed and conveyed my refusal with my whole being. Yes, it’s too much. As a mere Count and a Senior Manager, the honor is too heavy for me to bear.
I haven’t even had the chance to see a child, let alone get married. Am I supposed to be named the godfather before I even see the bride? It’s not that it’s impossible, but it feels way too weird.
“Please, I insist you withdraw those words. Someone as unworthy as me should not be the godfather to the noble Prince.”
This time, I nearly made my forehead kiss the ground. The Emperor’s precious treasure, the symbol of the incoming ruler of the Empire, is 99% confirmed legitimacy.
To be the godfather of such a being, one must be a current Duke or a minister-level civil servant. A fresh-faced noble in their early twenties shouldn’t even dream of having a title like that.
“Truly humble.”
‘You bastard.’
Yet, in response to the calm tone of the Crown Prince, I nearly let a curse slip out. You beast—this isn’t humility; this is self-objectification!
“Lift your head, Executive Manager. The royal family trusts you more than you think.”
The Crown Prince, now closer, patted my shoulder while I was still bowing.
I thought about punching him right in his chin, thinking that might allow me to dodge this godfather business, but I held back, fearing the title of traitor might stick to me.
“Your loyalty to the royal family has allowed the Empire to reign as it does. The 300 years of achievements of the Krasius family is also a pillar of the royal family.”
“I’m too honored—”
“So you see, you and the Krasius family’s journey, all of your foundations… That’s proof that you should be the godfather to the noble Prince.”
I bit my lip at his words. If I even have a slight experience tussling with my boss, I instinctively grasp the difference. In this world, there are orders that can be turned down by being insistently adamant, and there are those that cannot be avoided no matter what.
Unfortunately, right now, it’s the latter. It’s obvious to anyone.
‘Damn it.’
If I refuse after the Crown Prince has gone this far, it would come off as those ‘you must be mistaken about my family and me’ comments, pushing me to a level where I could discredit all the loyalty I’ve shown so far.
Honestly, if it were just my individual problem, I’d wrestle until my last breath, but dragging my family into this means I have no more room to struggle.
“…I fear I may not be able to live up to the royal family’s excessive trust.”
In the end, I declared my surrender. While it wasn’t a direct acceptance, I didn’t mention “Please let me off the hook” again either. The Crown Prince should be aware of the difference.
“Don’t worry. As long as your loyalty remains unchanged, the royal family won’t withdraw their trust first.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Seeing the brightest smile on the Crown Prince’s face that I’d seen in recent times, it seems he understood.
Damn…
*
In that brief moment, seeing the Executive Manager’s weary face brought me close to laughter.
‘Always new every time I see him.’
Every time I look at the Executive Manager, it’s like seeing someone who just came from a different world. How could a high-ranking noble and official be so devoid of greed and avoid power like this?
Of course, people’s natures are indeed diverse, and there are noble individuals who are sometimes seen to be pure and incorruptible, but the Executive Manager is a peculiar case that defies that range.
‘Truly, those who lack greed don’t step into officialdom.’
Wealth, fame, power, or even pride and duty—those motivated by such things seek positions of power, while those lacking greed have a peaceful life.
However, the Executive Manager has made it to the ranks. While it’s true that moving into this position initially might have been due to the influence of the current Earl of Tailglehen, and he seems regretful enough to submit resignation letters frequently, it certainly implies that he had some sort of desire that pushed him into this bureaucratic life, doesn’t it?
But when it comes to the quickest way to fill that desire being power and favor, he recoils in fright as if it’s a hot stove. From a viewing perspective, it’s quite enjoyable.
‘That’s why I can trust him.’
As the Executive Manager said, becoming the godfather of a child of royal blood—a future ruler is indeed a noble and honorable thing. An account or a Senior Manager ought to be under far too much weight to carry.
However, the Executive Manager isn’t an ordinary Count or Senior Manager. He is the heir of an imperial house that the royal family can trust, and he’s certain to become a minister. He’s even an influential figure intertwined with several dukes by blood ties. If such a figure becomes the godfather, the authority of the noble Prince and his future would remain secure.
The Executive Manager can also claim the authority that comes with being the guardian of the noble Prince, but if he were the type to raise a ruckus with that authority, he would have done so long ago. He wouldn’t suddenly turn greedy now.
‘A person born to be a godfather.’
At that moment, I even had that thought. A middle standing figure without ambition who would not misuse the power of being a godfather, with three dukes related by blood who could support the noble Prince in an emergency situation.
This is a person sent by the Great Emperor for the royal family. If I don’t utilize him properly, wouldn’t it be a disrespect to the Great Emperor?
“How is it, Executive Manager? Isn’t she a lovely child?”
“Yes, Your Highness. She certainly resembles the Crown Prince and Crown Princess.”
Amid all this, the Executive Manager, led by the hand of the Crown Princess, came up to the noble Prince’s bed and spoke in a small voice.
Indeed, it wasn’t just me who found her beautiful. The Executive Manager, not related by blood, undoubtedly saw an angelic child as well.
‘By blood.’
Staring at the back of the Executive Manager, I couldn’t help but chuckle. Though currently, the noble Prince and the Executive Manager are distant relatives, someday they would share a bond like blood. Given the Executive Manager’s gentle character, he would tend to the noble Prince with utmost care, and the noble Prince would likely trust such a godfather in return.
So to outsiders, the relationship between the noble Prince and the Executive Manager would appear extremely strong. They would be inseparable masters and subjects.
All the people in the world would think, “The Executive Manager doesn’t neglect the noble Prince.”
‘There can be no goddaughter who abandons the godfather.’
Of course, vice versa is true as well.
That’s why, even if my wife and I meet with an untimely accident, even if someone with nefarious intent arises, the Executive Manager will forever be a shield protecting the noble Prince. There won’t be anyone trying to rile him up against the Executive Manager.
This is the best gift I can present to my precious daughter as a father.
*
The day after I unexpectedly became the designated godfather to the noble Prince, the Emperor proclaimed that this weekend will be the Crown Prince’s appointment ceremony.
While it seems excessive to appoint a newborn infant as the Crown Prince, considering the Emperor’s imminent abdication, it’s a natural action. When preparations for abdication are already in place, delaying it for years would be a massive headache.
Thus, along with the appointment ceremony for the Crown Prince, the announcement of the noble Prince’s name, baptism, and declaration of godfather are scheduled to occur simultaneously. It’s quite the event!
‘…Godfather.’
I still feel bittersweet about it. I’m a single guy who hasn’t even married yet, but I’m set to become a godfather before finding a bride.
I quietly turned my gaze to the communication device in hand. The text sent by the Crown Prince just moments ago boldly filled my screen.
[ The noble Prince will be named Charlotte. It’s a name personally chosen by His Majesty, the Emperor. You have every qualification to know as the godfather, so I’m informing you. ]
The text was short but substantial. It would be unacceptable for a godfather not to know their goddaughter’s name, so I received it directly.
But wait, I’m not formally a godfather yet. Being designated and being official are two different matters!
‘Damn it.’
With a soft sigh, I lay down on the bed. There’s no going back now, so I might as well just hide in my quarters until the appointment ceremony. If I wander outside, I feel like I’ll just be burning myself with anxiety—
“Oh.”
A sigh escaped involuntarily. As soon as I laid on the bed, the communication device lit up.
At least it’s not a purple light, the symbol of the royal family. If it’s just a trivial message, I’ll hang up right away.
“Executive Manager—”
– Cal, it’s me.
Upon confirming the contact, I quickly sat up. If it’s a message from the Vice Captain, it can’t be avoided.
“Greetings, Your Grace. How have you been?”
– Of course! I’ve been having the best days.
I nodded in response to that heartfelt reply.
The Vice Captain is likely having the best days of his life. The honor of being the commander who conquered the North, and then a granddaughter born to his one and only daughter. A succession of events like that would make even the most heartless person smile.
“My congratulations. It seems that Enen too was moved by your efforts and is showering you with blessings.”
– What’s so great about the hardships I faced? It’s rather that the prayers of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess reached Enen.
As I laughed along with the Vice Captain, I nodded in agreement. They say joy doubles when shared, right?
After chatting for a while, the Vice Captain seemed to realize he had been doing most of the talking and cleared his throat.
– Oh dear, I’ve been doing all the talking.
“Not at all, Your Grace. Your celebrations are no different from my own celebrations.”
– Haha, even the thoughtfulness is appreciated.
The Vice Captain let out a laugh that seemed more awkward than usual, but he quickly composed himself and continued.
– Actually, I reached out to express my gratitude to you, Cal.
“For me?”
At those words, I briefly paused and racked my brain. Was there something I did to receive thanks from the Vice Captain?
– I heard that you are set to become the godfather. Is that true?
‘Ah.’
I understood now. The announcement of the godfather would likely happen during the Crown Prince’s appointment ceremony, but it seems the Vice Captain heard the news in advance, being the grandfather to the noble Prince.
– Hearing that news filled me with happiness. Not only is a dependable guardian appearing for the noble Prince, but it means that you and I are now family.
“…Well, that’s certainly true.”
Hearing someone call me family, especially someone like the Vice Captain, makes it feel all the more impactful.
– As the godfather of my granddaughter, you are like a son to me, after all.
But I didn’t voice that it might be closer to a son-in-law than a son.
I didn’t want to spoil the Vice Captain’s joy with unnecessary words.
‘That Crown Prince.’
You better appreciate the father-in-law you’ve got.
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