Chapter: 393
The Empire is divided into three social classes: royalty, nobility, and commoners. Anything below commoners feels more like a measurement of wealth than a true social rank, so let’s skip that.
Among the nobility, there’s a pretty significant gap between titled nobles and common nobles. No matter how high-ranking a noble’s offspring might be, they still have to show respect and reverence to anyone who holds a title. Of course, we all know that a duke’s child is more powerful than a mere baron’s, but in terms of status, titles hold the real edge.
Essentially, titles symbolize wealth, honor, and power in noble society. For those without them, titles are like treasures they yearn for.
‘Title succession…?’
But I belong to that rare breed that doesn’t desire such things.
‘Me?’
With trembling eyes, I double-checked my dad’s message. Unfortunately, it definitely reads “title succession ceremony.”
I can’t wrap my head around it. If my father were in his 70s, I could maybe understand, but he’s still in his 40s! He’s at the peak of his game, a perfect blend of vigor and experience. Besides, the Emperor would never allow a title succession for someone as young as him!
Thus, I hurriedly contacted my father. This is something that defies my understanding and knowledge. I need to hear it straight from the horse’s mouth.
‘Please.’
In my desperation, I prayed. Just a little while ago, I received a count title, and now I’m being told about being appointed as a minister. If the imperial count gets added to that, my mental burden will skyrocket!
– Cal?
Thanks to the spam of prayers I sent today, my dad responded swiftly. I was worried he might have missed it due to his assembly duties, so this was a relief.
“Sorry for reaching out so suddenly. I hope I’m not interrupting—”
– No, it’s fine. I was just taking a break.
The expression on my dad’s face was a complicated stew of emotions. There was the awkwardness from the sudden call and the warmth of a father who was happy to hear from his son—neither fully here nor there.
I started sweating. It’s strange enough for my dad, who showed no signs of passing on a title, to casually announce a succession. And the fact that the Emperor allowed my father to retire in his 40s? It’s baffling. There’s no way my dad would wear such a perplexed face without good reason.
– You seem like you have a lot to ask.
My dad must have sensed my confusion.
“…Yeah, I’m a bit flustered.”
– I understand. I’d feel the same if I were in your shoes.
I appreciated his honest answer, even as I felt a knot in my stomach. A person who can empathize with issues can cause trouble themselves—
– Yesterday, His Majesty suggested my retirement.
Huh?
– I’m not the only one; Count Gibelt and Count Bardon are also set to retire after handing over their duties.
Upon hearing that, I immediately caught on.
‘Crap.’
This is a pruning operation.
Last year, the previous Count Horfelt, who had been robust to a fault, suddenly retired. If he’d been suffering from health issues that prevented him from working, that would’ve been one thing, but he had fought in this war like a true soldier.
Therefore, Count Horfelt’s retirement raised eyebrows and envy. Regardless, he ended his chapter in a leisurely retired life.
But now with my dad and the other two ministers confirmed to retire, the real reason for Count Horfelt’s exit became clear.
‘Cleaning house.’
The Emperor, who has rolled through the political arena for decades, managed the imperial counts like a pro. If the imperial authority were to decline, the counts would find themselves in hot water alongside the royals, which ensured they cooperated diligently.
Having supported the Emperor and helped manage the nation, these counts provided a solid support base, but considering the crown prince set to take over, their presence also became a potential liability. It’s not uncommon for the accomplishments of previous generations to hinder the next.
So this is the outcome. The Emperor decided to eliminate the potential threats posed by the counts who supported him.
But instead of bloodshed, it’s a peaceful, honorable way to do it.
‘So this has been brewing since last year.’
I couldn’t help but let out a hollow laugh. My dad, the retired Count Horfelt, and Count Bardon are all high-ranking imperial counts. They’re all in their 40s with respectable positions.
Now all three of them are stepping down within two years. The elder counts will naturally fade away once the crown prince takes the throne, and the younger ones can be managed under the crown prince’s talents. Targeting those three in their prime happens to be pretty clever.
Including Count Gibelt in this mix might be a courtesy extended to not upset any older counts.
‘…I can’t stop this.’
As soon as that thought hit, I felt a sense of resignation. This isn’t something I, like the inspection minister position, can halt with my abilities. The Emperor’s making a move to retire former loyalists for the sake of succession, and to interfere with that could raise a red flag about my motives.
In fact, it’s not merely the Emperor; I could end up being the one at the receiving end of angry retirees. Who am I to obstruct someone’s retirement? Especially since Count Gibelt would probably snap at me with, “Do you have a family?” if I tried! The guy could very well drop dead from overwork.
‘You see as much as you know.’
As I began to grasp the situation, I noticed a trace of satisfaction in my dad’s expression, which otherwise seemed unchanged.
It’s reasonable to be happy. It’s not like my dad was just handing off a title for no reason; he’s getting to retire honorably after all his devoted service on the Emperor’s suggestion. If there’s any lingering concern, it’s probably about his son suddenly inheriting a title—
“The Emperor must be impressed by your dedication. He’s suggesting you take it easy now.”
– It feels like an excessive courtesy.
When I uttered that line, it seemed to soften my father’s demeanor.
True, I might be in deep water, but he should at least find joy in this.
– Oh, and I’ll be maintaining my position until Erich graduates.
“Okay, thanks for that.”
I nodded at my father’s consideration. Normally, if an imperial count is out of commission, their bloodline takes over the position, but Erich is currently an academy student.
Sure, he could drop out and step into the council, but he’s pals with royalty from other countries. If a future sovereign were to be left in despair because a friend simply vanished? Better for my dad to hold the position in the meantime. The Emperor would be more lenient about having a stand-in for the council.
Ultimately, I just hope Erich graduates.
Considering our family, there’s quite a number of undergrads…
*
I momentarily doubted my ears.
“Billy, could you say that again?”
– Soon, an Inspection Ministry will be established, with Cal set to be its minister.
The content of his confirmation remained the same and I just stared blankly at the communication device.
Minister, huh? Cal? That kid, only 22 years old?
“Is that even possible? Forming a new ministry… no, more importantly, Cal becoming a minister…?”
– It’s unprecedented. You’d need to dig through history just to find something comparatively similar.
Billy’s confidence left me dazed again. We aren’t talking about just any odd occurrence; historically, it’s extremely rare.
I slyly turned to Laura. She seemed just as astonished by the unbelievable news.
‘What the hell.’
Just a few days ago, I was floored by the announcement of him being the Crown Prince’s godfather, and now he’s going to be a minister in the Empire.
This is a position that countless bureaucrats eye, something they could work for decades and still never reach.
‘…Is this okay?’
A rising wave of unease curled in my chest.
As a mother, seeing my child recognized and succeed brings joy. But there’s a limit to that joy. Rapid, excessive success will undoubtedly invite envy. Even at a normal pace, there’d be gossip, so you can bet there will be now.
What if those with ugly hearts came after Cal? What if malicious rumors or slanders started circulating?
– Ma’am.
Billy’s voice broke through the darkness spreading in me.
– While I understand your worries, there’s no need for concern. That child is far stronger than you realize.
“Still…”
– If there were to be any issues, they would have arisen when he was appointed as the Inspection head. Whether he’s a minister in his 20s or a department head in his teens, it doesn’t change much.
I managed a weak nod at his comforting words. If Billy says so, it’s likely true. Unlike my limited perspective as a mere housewife, he possesses a deeper understanding of the workings in the Empire’s assembly and bureaucratic circles.
– So, don’t worry about him and just celebrate.
“Alright, Billy. I’ll do that.”
– Thank you for understanding.
I smiled softly at his words. As a mother, I should be celebrating my son’s promotion—
– Oh, and I plan to pass my title to Cal. For the time being, I’ll retain the council position.
Just as I was about to nod along to that, I froze.
Since when did important matters like titles become so casually discussed?
‘Is this really okay?’
My anxiety spiked again. Is Cal truly fine? Was that just a casual remark?
I really hope it wasn’t.
*
News spreads faster than any one person can handle.
“Congratulations, Director!”
Ruytis, coming into the club room, is proof enough. If Ruytis, who isn’t even a civil servant or a native of the Empire, has come to congratulate me, you can imagine how fast the news spread.
“You heard too, huh?”
“Well, news about the Director tends to travel quickly.”
Ruytis laughed heartily, glancing over at Louise.
I caught on; Louise must be the second messenger. Of course, Erzevet would be the first.
“Anyway, congratulations again. I’m witnessing a historical precedent right before my eyes.”
“Thanks…”
After hearing congratulations countless times today, I muttered weakly. The phrase “a historical precedent” made my heart ache for some reason.
After that, an excited Louise decided to whip up a congratulatory cake, and the other club members made a racket with their cheers, but I brushed it off with a smile.
Still, putting 22 candles on one cake? That’s a bit much.
Today isn’t my birthday; it’s actually the day I’d be heading for a coffin!
‘Damn it.’
How many years will it take to escape this ministerial trap?
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.