Chapter 423
The title succession ceremony was decided to take place in the Great Hall. The Great Hall is not only the main room of the castle but also boasts considerable grandeur and size, making it a fitting location for the succession ceremony.
Moreover, there was ample space to arrange tables, which means that right after the succession ceremony, they could kick off the celebratory banquet. Banquets are a big deal, after all.
“From now on, I guess I’ll have to call you Baron instead of Young Master.”
“Aw, come on! Just because I’m a baron doesn’t mean I’m changing into someone else.”
As I sipped the champagne handed to me by a maid, I spotted Erich deep in a warm conversation with the wet nurse in the Great Hall.
Before we arrived at the territory, he had been exuding a gloomy aura, but now he seems to have finally accepted his fate with a serene expression. Maybe meeting the wet nurse had lifted his spirits.
“To me, you seem like a different person. It feels like just yesterday you were terrorizing the knights with a twig, and now you’re about to become a titled noble.”
“When on Earth did that happen?”
Erich gave an awkward chuckle as he watched the wet nurse dab at her eyes with a handkerchief, clearly getting emotional.
Honestly, I don’t recall much about those days either; it seems like it was an eternity ago when this little body of mine was just a kid. Pulling out memories that I don’t even have is a bit harsh, don’t you think?
But I get it; the wet nurse has been watching over us for a long time. Digging up those old embarrassing moments might be a bit unfair, but I can’t say it feels all that bad.
“Even becoming Baron Hardiner, I never expected you’d be my neighbor,” she said.
“Ah.”
Upon seeing the wet nurse’s bright smile, I quickly averted my gaze.
She might not have said it outright, but I could sense that she was making a small yet deadly mistake in her understanding. The reason Erich chose Baron Hardiner must be due to his blossoming relationship with Sarah.
Feeling a touch of sympathy, I quietly closed my eyes. Sure, Sarah might be one of the reasons Erich chose Hardiner, but that’s not the direction the wet nurse is thinking.
‘Let’s keep my mouth shut here.’
However, revealing the truth was out of the question. The only acquaintances I had were my brothers and Sarah. And Sarah had been crushing on Erich for ages.
From the wet nurse’s perspective, it must feel like her precious daughter’s long-time crush had finally paid off, and I can’t just drop such brutal news on this joyous day. The poor woman might faint from shock.
Sorry, wet nurse. Please understand my good silence.
‘I’ll do whatever it takes to bridge the gap in this remaining year…’
Just about a year until Erich graduates, so I have that much time to work on connecting the two of them.
Honestly, I was ready to step back at this point, but seeing the wet nurse so cheerful makes it hard to retreat. The time has come for me to repay her kindness for watching over us.
‘I’ll see it through to the end.’
One of us will collapse from the stress—either me or Erich will have to find some escape route.
All the retainers and servants of the Count’s territory gathered in the Great Hall, and we stepped up to the platform alongside our family.
As a result, those who had been chatting or casually sipping began to hush one by one. This was not only out of respect for the unique owner of the Count’s territory but also because it wouldn’t be right to cause a ruckus when the owner was changing.
“It’s been a while since we’ve all gathered here as one,” my father began, glancing over the crowd.
“If we met too often, it’d imply neglecting work, so this is a pleasing occurrence.”
A small wave of laughter spread through the silence. It was both a joke on my father’s part and an acknowledgment of the dedication shown by the retainers and servants to the Count’s territory.
Acknowledging the hard work of subordinates? That’s a massive boost for those in the daily grind.
“Thanks to your dedication, I could reign as the Lord of Tailglehen. Your loyalty has truly been the pillar supporting Krasius, allowing us to serve the imperial family without any worry.”
My father’s praises and words of encouragement kept flowing. He emphasized that the Krasius family could thrive because of the support from those below, and it’s their devotion that shaped its glory. It carries significant weight when it’s the lord and Count himself who acknowledges them.
Some might consider his words mere formalities, but thinking about the nobles who spare these types of words, my father stands out as above average.
“Indeed, because of you all, I have been able to lead the Count’s territory thus far.”
My father momentarily paused before resting his hand on my and Erich’s shoulders.
“Therefore, I believe your dedication will last eternally, and I am ready to step aside.”
With those words, my father produced the official seal from his robe.
“Erich Krasius of the House of Krasius, listen well.”
“Erich Krasius is prepared to receive the lord’s command,” Erich replied, kneeling and bowing his head. It wouldn’t do for someone receiving such an honor to stand stiffly.
“Baron Hardiner is one of the pillars supporting the Count of Tailglehen, but as a member of the Krasius family who has dedicated yourself to the lineage, you have the right to inherit the title of Baron Hardiner.”
With that, my father personally handed the seal to Erich.
“Erich Krasius, will you fulfill your obligations as Baron?”
“I swear before Enen and the Great Emperor that I will fulfill my duties until the day I die.”
“Good. As of now, you are Erich Krasius of Baron Hardiner. You shall pledge loyalty to your brother and the imperial family, while also caring for the common folk below.”
My father’s announcement marked the birth of the new titled noble, and the retainers and servants began to applaud.
As the applause grew louder, Erich’s expression began reflecting deep relief.
‘Hang in there.’
I understood his complex feelings and silently sent him encouragement. Erich was no longer just a young master but had become a proper titled noble.
From now on, he’d have to deal with not only family and territory matters but also issues concerning the empire.
So stay strong, Erich. Luckily, it’s unlikely he’ll have to handle too many large territories under the Grand Lord’s command.
“The rightful heir of the House of Krasius, Carl Krasius of Wuridia, listen.”
…And no matter what happens, it seems like he won’t have to put up with more rolling than I did.
“Carl Krasius of Wuridia is prepared to receive the lord’s command.”
With the atmosphere quieted, I knelt before my father.
“The Count of Tailglehen is one of the thirty Imperial Counts safeguarding the imperial family, serving as both sword and shield for His Majesty. As the heir of the Krasius family who has dedicated yourself for the empire, you have the right to inherit the title of Count Tailglehen.”
I bowed my head more deeply, waiting for my father’s next question, after which I would swear allegiance before Enen and the Great Emperor, and that’d be the end—
“Additionally, you have fulfilled your duties as a noble even prior to becoming a Count, and this is known to the celestial Enen and the Great Emperor.”
Suddenly, he threw in a statement that was completely unexpected.
‘What on earth?’
Feeling flustered. It’s as if someone who knows how freaked out public officials get when thrown into an unprecedented situation is doing it on purpose, making me somewhat resentful toward my father.
But I didn’t let it show. By now, my father had laid the Count’s seal in front of me and patted my shoulder.
“As the head of the House of Krasius, I will pass everything to you. Will you accept it?”
“…I will do my best to pass on the glory of the past to future generations.”
At my words, my father nodded with satisfaction. Sneaking a glance, I found my mother clapping gently with a soft smile.
Soon, Erich, the head butler, the maid head, and all the other retainers and servants joined in a resounding applause to celebrate the birth of the new Imperial Count.
…
‘Avoided the record for the youngest count.’
Suddenly thoughts of Count Horfelt crossed my mind.
The succession ceremony wrapped up neatly, and the celebratory banquet flowed in a calm manner as well.
At the banquet, the attendees were mostly the retainers from across the Count’s territory, so despite my somewhat out-of-place demeanor, I recognized many of their faces. It would be weird if the heir, who would soon become the lord, was unfamiliar with his retainers.
Interestingly enough, it seemed the newly titled Erich garnered more attention from the retainers than I did, who’d been expected to become the Count. Perhaps they wished to take a better look at the new lord’s brother, who would be the second or third person in charge of the Count’s domain. Thanks to him being the sacrificial lamb, the banquet ended peacefully.
‘Wouldn’t mind if I got to see the palace instead.’
While glancing up at the imperial palace, I thought to myself. If Erich heard that, he’d have undoubtedly unleashed a torrent of curses, but I meant it. Perhaps seeing the imperial palace would be quite the treat for him too.
However, the new Imperial Count was me, not Erich, so I ended up having to go see the Emperor. It hasn’t been long since leaving the capital, and now I have to face the Emperor again.
“Your Grace, you may enter.”
“Oh, yes. Understood.”
I passed through the main gate after undergoing inspection by the newly appointed commander of the royal knights. At least I was relieved that this new commander was a flexible person and not a strict one, but the thought of meeting the Emperor didn’t bring me much comfort.
It would be preferable if the commander were the strict type and the Emperor was lenient. What does it matter if the gatekeeper is accommodating when the boss inside the palace is daunting… or is it?
‘What the heck is that?’
My steps came to a halt involuntarily, as I spotted a bizarre sight while heading towards the Sun Palace, where the Emperor stayed.
– Cluck, cluck, clucking around!
A small creature making a raucous noise as it dashed around.
“Over there!”
“Make sure it doesn’t get hurt! Herd it toward the square!”
And behind it were knights chasing after its tiny frame.
I was almost driven mad. Seeing a mere animal break through the encirclement of elite royal knights is such a strange sight. I never imagined I would witness something like that during my lifetime. And certainly didn’t expect there to be a chicken in the imperial palace.
Is today some kind of festive day? No, that doesn’t exist in this world, does it?
“Oh, Your Grace!”
Just then, one of the knights chasing after the chicken approached me with a salute.
It was the former head of the royal knights.
‘What the hell is going on?’
Seriously, what’s happening here?
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