Chapter 410
Thirteen letters that started from the North and made their way to Wyridia. They were terrible correspondence filled with despair rather than fortune, yet how could I ignore letters sent by grand nobles? So, I checked each one personally.
Each of the thirteen letters, aside from pleasantries, flowery language, and formalities, contained the same request—a direct plea for me to become their ‘wolf punch.’
‘It’s hard to refuse, huh?’
I almost let out a laugh. The Northern Grand Lords didn’t just get to the point but poured their humility into the letters. If I were to refuse this request, I could almost see the awkwardness that would ensue.
They even made advance payments, hoping I would make a positive decision. A considerable number of nomads flowed into Wyridia, and the marketplace was buzzing with the exchanges between the thirteen Grand Lords. No matter how voluntary this advance payment was, if I took it and turned my back, I’d be labeled a scammer.
‘What to do?’
I was troubled. Objectively speaking, this wasn’t a bad proposition. In fact, it could even be considered good.
As a Grand Lord of a territory adjacent to the North, establishing friendly relations with the Northern powers and gaining their support? No matter how I looked at it, this situation was nothing but profit. Stability and development for my territory, with influence rapidly rising in the center.
Of course, I’d be responsible if my subordinates caused any trouble, but I’m used to taking the heat when my underlings mess things up. That’s par for the course.
Yeah, it’s beneficial. It is, but…
‘Not really needed.’
While it’s beneficial, it’s not a necessity. I’ve already got enough titles like ‘godfather to the Crown Princess’ and ‘Minister of the Inspection Department.’ What good would it do to gain more influence? Besides, with that pesky superior above me and my subordinates overflowing with personality, I’m honestly not in need of help from anyone.
Territory stability? Unless the Northern Grand Lords go completely insane, there’s no way my territory—or even close to it—will stir any trouble. Those guys are far craftier than your average criminal.
So, I couldn’t help but be torn. Refusing would make for an awkward relationship with my neighbors, while accepting would only increase the unwanted rewards and responsibilities.
“Speaking of which, Minister. I hear there’s quite an interesting occurrence in your territory.”
‘Oh.’
In the midst of everything, the Emperor’s words popped into my mind.
He’s not the kind of guy to just sit back and watch as these Northern nomad Grand Lords mingle with mainland nobility. If a new faction is about to arise in the political sphere, he certainly wouldn’t be indifferent. It’s not that he’s lacking in intelligence; he’s just got some serious character issues.
But for someone who knows full well about the Northern Grand Lords’ moves to casually say there’s an “interesting” occurrence? He didn’t even bother to mention keeping an eye on my connection with the North.
So, the Emperor must actually want me to become the leader of the Northern faction.
…
‘I guess I’ll have to accept.’
I let out a small sigh. If the Emperor has made his will known, it’s easier to comply. Rejecting him would only build up offense points.
Besides, the establishment of a Northern faction is an unstoppable future. Even if I refuse the Northern Grand Lords, they’ll reach out to new mainland nobility and form a faction. Since such a faction would inevitably emerge, they deemed it better to entrust it to the Grand Count (future promotion) and godfather of the Crown Princess rather than leave it to some unknown figure.
“I should hurry and reply since they’ve likely been waiting long.”
“Yes, I’ll prepare it right away.”
As I spoke, the chief local governor who had been on standby quickly bowed and brought paper and pen.
From now on, I’m the Northern Grand Count who manages the North.
The name might sound suspiciously like a knockoff, but it’s what I’ve got.
Thanks to the wizard who delivered me to Wyridia, the reply was sent off quickly. I think I might need to casually mention that Beatrix has a nice wizard in her service.
Not long after the wizard left, the communication device began to shimmer.
– Long time no see, Count.
It was Barandi, the only Marquis of the North.
“Yes, we did meet during the abdication ceremony, but I don’t think we exchanged greetings then. How have you been since?”
– Thanks to the imperial grace, my days have been splendid.
With the customary pleasantries, Barandi chuckled in response.
That aside, I was slightly taken aback. Though he mentioned we should discuss a more constructive future, I didn’t expect him to reach out immediately after receiving my reply.
…Wait, am I supposed to converse with all thirteen in quick succession?
– It’s a relief to see you’re in good health, Count.
“Haha, well, I’m still young enough to be strong. It’d be a problem if I were already weak.”
– Ah, indeed. I misspoke there.
While a surge of anxiety filled me, I decided to focus on the conversation. Since Barandi is ostensibly the head of the Northern Grand Lords, if I can navigate this dialogue well, I’ll have resolved a good chunk of this situation.
Even if that dialogue involves handing over the leadership position.
“I wish I could have shown how healthy I’ve been more often, but it seems the opportunity for neighbors to share exchanges hasn’t been plentiful, unfortunately.”
At that, Barandi’s smile grew broader. Saying we should discuss a constructive future and then lamenting the lack of neighborly exchanges—it’s evident he’s positively receptive to the Northern Grand Lords’ requests.
– Don’t say that! Aren’t you busy with affairs of the Administration, Count?
“I could step away from administration at any moment, but the fact remains that you, Your Excellency, and I are neighbors.”
In truth, that’s a lie. It might be quicker to hand over the Wyridia Count title to my child than to step down from the administration.
However, Barandi doesn’t know how to utilize the imperial officials yet. Unaware of that cruel truth, he eagerly chuckled at my white lie.
Just don’t act like some government official.
*
About five hours after the Minister headed to Wyridia, I received word from him.
– Long live His Majesty the Emperor. Your humble servant, Carl Krasius, sends greetings to the Sun of the Empire.
I was pleased to receive the message earlier than expected. He seemed to have picked up on what I wanted and quickly moved to action.
“Indeed, Minister. Given that you’ve contacted me already, it seems like everything’s been wrapped up.”
– …Yes, Your Excellency. It has been handled smoothly.
I was certainly satisfied. Originally, as long as the Minister was prepared to embrace the nomadic Grand Lords, it would have been a straightforward matter, but for him to accomplish that so swiftly deserves commendation.
“Good work. Did I not say that there’s nothing wrong in the territory?”
At those words, I could see the Minister’s eyes flicker, but I ignored it.
I hadn’t lied; it’s true that there’s nothing wrong in the territory. Only that the noble Minister had experienced something interesting.
‘Now I needn’t worry about the North.’
I couldn’t help but let a smile creep onto my face. The North is a barren land with a great distance and a harsh environment making it difficult to manage, but if the Minister with a territory in the North becomes their leader, I needn’t be troubled.
The Minister, having participated in two wars and decisively eliminating the enemies’ leaders each time, would naturally be respected and revered by the forceful nomads. As a noble who isn’t a nomad, and as godfather to the Crown Princess and the Grand Count of the Empire, they would follow him.
It seems I’m giving him far too much honor and power, but if someone has to unite with the North, it’s better for him to take charge.
‘There’s also a safety net in place.’
If the Minister runs rampant, my father-in-law’s faction in the North will likely come into conflict with the Minister’s Northern faction. Such a bizarre scenario of millions of nomads rushing to the emperors won’t happen.
Of course, though I can’t imagine a future where the Minister runs wild and clashes with my father-in-law.
– Your Excellency.
Just as I was about to smile at the fortified Northern security, the Minister spoke.
– I’m sorry to trouble you, but I must dare to ask something of you.
“Of me?”
– Yes, Your Excellency.
That is quite unexpected. It’s rare for the Minister to ask me something. He usually keeps his mouth shut, fearing any tasks might be thrown back at him; he tends to choose his words very carefully.
Gradually, curiosity overcame my initial surprise. For him to go so far as to pose a question, it certainly must be something worth noting. Judging by his expression, it doesn’t seem like a pressing issue.
“Speak.”
– Long live Your Excellency, and I thank you for your grace.
After a brief acceptance, the Minister bowed and continued.
– What becomes of the local governors managing Wyridia?
“Given that there are many direct territories, the ordinary local governors will be reassigned elsewhere, but the chief local governor will be in a temporary standby state. There are no vacancies for chief local governors, so it can’t be helped.”
– In that case, Your Excellency. May I appoint the chief local governor as my vassal?
I felt a thrill of interest rising faster as excitement washed over me.
“You wish to make the chief local governor?”
– Yes, Your Excellency. There is no one more knowledgeable about the Wyridia region than the chief local governor. Therefore, I wish to grant him a viscountcy and make him my steward.
‘A viscountcy…’
I could almost feel my cheeks twitch. Just thinking about appointing a mere local governor to a viscountcy for the reason of being a mere expert threatened to burst forth in laughter.
Certainly, there’s no one more knowledgeable about the region than the chief local governor. It’s no wonder his title is ‘Chief’ local governor. However, if he wants to utilize his skills, he could simply be employed. But to grant him a vassal’s title—including a viscountcy as the second-most important figure in the count’s territory?
“The distribution of titles within the territory is the lord’s privilege. If the chief local governor accepts your offer, I shall remove his title, so feel free to proceed as you wish.”
I barely managed to suppress my laughter and turned the answer back at him.
Even if the chief local governor were to be made a viscount, there are still plenty of baron titles left in Wyridia. Once word spreads that the newly-appointed chief local governor has received a viscountcy, all ambitious talents will likely flock to the Minister.
Imagining how the Minister will deal with those aspiring individuals gave me an uncontainable sense of joy.
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