Chapter 421
Since my father has given me the green light, I should be inheriting the title of Count of Tailglehen within this month at the latest. My father isn’t the type to make promises lightly; he’s the kind of guy who prefers to keep his mouth shut if he’s not sure, rather than just blabbing away.
‘So, Carl Krasius of Tailglehen, huh?’
Thinking about my newly extended name, I pulled out the business card from my pocket. It’s only been a little while since I made this card, and now I have to make a new one? Budget, budget, budget…
It’s a bit annoying, but there’s no way around it. Nobles with various titles can only attach one title to their name. If they hung all their titles on their name, it would take about 10 minutes just to say it!
And that one title must be the main title of the family, so I’ll have to scratch out Wueridia and write Tailglehen.
‘Just got used to it…’
It’s a weird feeling. I just got accustomed to the name Wueridia after staying there not too long ago, and now I have to change it again? It’s not like I’m going from a three-letter name to a full-on family moniker!
‘…This should be the last time.’
The one comforting thought is that this will probably be the final name change I’ll have to deal with. Once I inherit the Count of Tailglehen title, there shouldn’t be any more titles to inherit, nor will I have to change my name again. The only potential variable is if the Wueridia title gets bumped up to that of a marquis— in which case, I’d just make Tailglehen my primary title.
Honestly, the foundation of the Krasius family is the Imperial Count title, right? Unlike regular Count titles that can fluctuate, the Imperial Count title will remain intact until the Empire crumbles.
‘How convenient.’
Stability that doesn’t change over time. It’s the true essence of a civil servant’s life.
*
The next day during club time, as soon as the members gathered, I brought up the matter of my title inheritance. I mentioned that there might be a brief absence due to the title issue this month, just as a heads-up.
Of course, my father knows I’m rolling around at the academy, so he’ll try to time it for the weekend; but who knows? I’m ready to make a move even on a weekday if necessary.
“Really? You said there’s no rush so soon!”
Erich tilted his head in surprise at my words. He’s also from the Krasius family, so he knows the title inheritance is a done deal, but he also understands that it could be pushed back a bit.
So, hearing me suddenly say, “I’ll inherit this month!” must have caught him off guard.
“I feel like if I don’t do it now, I won’t have the time. No matter how late, it has to be done by early next year, and I’ll be getting married then.”
“That’s true.”
Bringing up the wedding as my cheat code made Erich quickly comprehend the situation. A wedding is a pretty big deal, after all.
Looking at him, I couldn’t help but glance over at Mar, who was flashing a big grin. Just mentioning marriage must have sparked thoughts of mini Carl or mini Mar dancing in his head.
Suddenly, I was curious. If the black-haired Krasius genes collided with the red-haired Valenti genes, which would win? We’d need at least three to make it a fair comparison!
“Well, I don’t know when yet, but make sure you be good. Whether on a weekday or not, stick with the members.”
“What? You’re going too!”
“Huh?”
Erich was deadpan until I threw that comment out there about him being part of the deal, and then he froze in his tracks.
Seeing his reaction made me feel a bit guilty, but if I’m heading to the territory to inherit the title, he’d better tag along. You can’t have family drama if the younger brother doesn’t show up at the older brother’s big moment, right?
That’s one reason, but there’s a more decisive reason I had in mind.
“When Dad retires, you’re next in line for a title too.”
Erich is also a protagonist in this title inheritance saga. My father’s titles aren’t just limited to the Count of Tailglehen; he has several Baron titles as well, one of which Erich is expected to inherit.
It’s only natural. If some titles get passed down while others are to be kept, that’s not a complete retirement. The Imperial Count title may be dazzling, but other Baron titles are still waiting for new owners.
“Oh, you’re becoming a noble too? Congrats!”
At last, noticing his future like a lightbulb turned on, Rutis chimed in with a congratulatory remark directed at Erich.
Sounds a bit like a provocation, but it’s definitely a congratulation. Rutis might roast people straightforwardly, but he’s not the type to backhand anyone.
“Having a teen noble… The pillars supporting the Empire are definitely getting younger, huh?”
Even Ainter joined in to praise Erich for stepping into the ranks of the nobility.
Congrats! What other baron gets to rise to their title amid congratulations from nobility and royalty? Sure, a baron is at the bottom of the ranks among the nobility, but their honor is something even Count-level folks would envy.
Of course, I’m not jealous. A brother envying his younger brother’s honor is just a shame, am I right?
“If you have a title among the baronies that you want, just say so. It’s for you, so you should be able to choose something.”
“…Can I just skip it?”
After a long silence, Erich finally opened his mouth, and I couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Pick before handing over a Count title!”
For a moment, I thought I heard him mutter something unsavory, but I brushed it off.
*
Things I’d forgotten. Considering how often I refer to the Krasius family as the Imperial Count family and my father as the Count of Tailglehen, I’d almost completely lost sight of the fact.
Once you become a high-ranking noble above a Count, you usually have several titles. Among the Imperial Counts, my father stands at the higher echelon, possessing many Baron titles too.
‘And he only has two kids.’
If he had a ton of heirs to inherit these titles, that would make sense. But with just two children, it’s mandatory for a split inheritance. Without the successor, having only one child would mean—well, the Krasius family isn’t so broke they’d neglect one heir.
Therefore, as the sole younger brother of the heir, I’m expected to inherit a title. I can’t just be a deputy council member; I should take on titles as well.
‘Not that it’s a bad deal.’
In truth, when you think about it, it’s not really bad. Titles are treasures that nobles would never trade for anything, and whether one has a title or not separates wealth, honor, and power.
Plus, the Baron titles held by my father all come with their own territories. Inheriting one of those means I could live comfortably forever. It’s the kind of work where the bureaucratic costs can be avoided; a title is a different beast altogether.
But it’s unsettling. I’m already being roped into the deputy council position because I’m his little brother, and if I inherit a title too, who knows what other obligations I’ll have to deal with?
“What? I’m an Imperial Count, working, while my little nephew just chills? Like come on!”
A gloomy future looms. Originally, my plan was to pass on the deputy council job once my brother’s kids grew up peacefully, but becoming a Count means that even when his kid grows up, I’d still feel the pressure.
Cold sweat trickles down my back; an unavoidable despair draws near.
“Well, if nothing’s available, so be it. I’m sure Dad will find something suitable.”
‘Ah.’
That thought brought back the fading clarity of mind.
I can’t just let this destiny of nobility slide! At the very least, I should be able to choose. Not all Baron titles are the same!
‘Which territory is quiet…?’
I racked my brain desperately, trying to remember which of my father’s Baronies is the calmest and most peaceful. It shouldn’t be anything annoying like a mining area or a major trade route, nor a place with a lot of vassals to manage—
…
Yes! I’ve got one good option!
“I think the Barony of Hardiner would be great.”
In my haste to speak up, I noticed my brother giving a slight frown. He must be recalling the location of Hardiner.
But before he could finish jogging his memory, someone else’s reaction came first.
“Ha, Hardiner?”
It was Sarah.
“…Oh, that place.”
After a moment, my brother also nodded as he must’ve remembered the location of Hardiner.
“Hardiner is right next to the Zaigel Barony, isn’t it?”
“Yup, that’s the one.”
The Zaigel Barony is managed by the Trimara family, of which Sarah is a member, under the Count of Tailglehen’s realm.
And the Hardiner Barony is the neighboring territory right next to Zaigel. Within the Tailglehen territory, it’s notably quiet, as it rarely experiences any disturbances.
Perfect! It has no annoyances, and I can also be neighbors with Sarah. It’s the best place for not just me but also for my future kids.
“Not bad, right?”
“As long as you want it.”
With my brother’s approval, I let out a sigh of relief. If I have to inherit a title, Hardiner is definitely better.
“I’ll be living next to Sarah now.”
“O-Oh, I guess so!”
As I smiled and spoke to Sarah, she seemed a bit flustered in her reply.
I understand; I’m startled too, honestly.
*
Looking at Erich, who was chuckling away, and Sarah, who blushed and nodded repeatedly, I quietly shifted my gaze.
‘What a nutjob.’
It’s incredible. Despite being completely oblivious, he’s made a stunning choice.
My father has a lot of Baron titles, and it’d take forever to rack my brain for all of them. Yet among all those, he picked Hardiner? The neighboring territory of Zaigel?
‘Perfect for when they get married!’
Originally, the Zaigel Baron had two children, but one has passed away, so only Sarah remains. Given time, the Zaigel Barony will belong to her.
If Erich, the Baron of Hardiner, marries Sarah, they would be running two adjacent Baronies as a couple. That spells a strong presence within the Tailglehen realm.
‘Not that he aimed for that.’
It’s normal for nobles to strengthen their power through marriage, yet I’m sure he didn’t pick Hardiner with that intention. I’m confident in that.
Which makes him all the more insane. Without intending for any of this, he’s stumbled into making a brilliant selection…
‘…Count Horfelt won’t be able to monopolize everything either.’
As the news reached me about Erich becoming a deputy council member, I recalled Count Horfelt. Like my father, who commutes back and forth between territories, Erich could choose to lead a territorial life too. This means during work hours, he’s tangled up with Count Horfelt, but after hours, he’s close to Sarah.
If that happens, Count Horfelt would be at a disadvantage. He’d likely find it tougher to build a close relationship with Sarah while sharing office time with Erich.
‘What a wild balance.’
I almost let out a chuckle. Count Horfelt, who wields power, and Sarah, who’s in a neighboring position, will both find themselves in a push-and-pull situation. Whenever one tries to leap ahead, the conditions will force the other to play the balancing game.
‘Should I play matchmaker or something?’
If I leave these two to their own devices, it feels like they’ll still be clueless even when they hit 30.
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.