Chapter 432
As soon as morning arrived, I moved to the mansion in the capital. Honestly, I would have liked to stay in the territory until the New Year’s celebration, but with the Academy on break, I couldn’t afford to relax.
If I just lazed around at home, it was clear the Emperor would come and drag me back. I mean, if he’s working while I’m goofing off, I wouldn’t blame him for kidnapping me and piling on all kinds of work. Can’t let that kind of insolence slide.
Of course, my parents were a bit sad to see me leave after just one day, but they knew we’d meet again at the New Year’s celebration, so they reluctantly let me go. If they had insisted I stay a few more days, it might have swayed my heart.
“Welcome back, Master.”
The butler greeted me at the front gate with a nod. I had specifically told them there was no need for all the staff to come out, so I was glad the butler had followed my instructions.
“It’s been a while, Butler. How have you been?”
“Thanks to your growing magnificence, I’ve been enjoying life.”
I chuckled at the mix of flattery and jest. It’s true; when your master’s power rises, those under them also get a boost in confidence. It’s no wonder that a noble’s dog often gets treated better than an average commoner.
In that regard, the butler has probably risen to a level equal to that of many nobles. It’s a little embarrassing to think that he’s basically polishing my image, but who would dare disrespect a butler serving a Count and a current minister?
Most likely, anyone dealing with the butler had forgotten his commoner status. If they treated him like a commoner and he reported back to me, they’d have a small chance of being “investigated.”
‘Class status…’
I looked at the butler, pondering in silence. He was the one who had served longer as my personal assistant than as just Cal the heir or the civil servant, and he had excellently managed the mansion during my frequent absences.
Despite that, he didn’t use my influence for personal gain and instead just got his job done. A truly loyal servant.
‘Such talent shouldn’t just be stuck managing a mansion.’
While managing a mansion isn’t exactly a walk in the park, considering the butler’s capabilities and character, he could handle much larger responsibilities. After all, he’s had a fair bit of experience dealing with various nobles by now, so giving him more responsibility wouldn’t cause a stir.
“Butler, have you ever thought about becoming a noble? I could grant you the title of Baron and have you serve as the steward in Wiriya.”
At my words, the butler’s eyes widened. He didn’t seem to expect the mention of a title, clearly startled, but he composed himself and smiled again soon after.
“I’ve already received a grace from you that I could never repay in my lifetime. Any further grace would be inadequate even if I lived centuries.”
I felt a bit awkward at his overly flattering response. It was embarrassing every time he talked about gratitude when, in reality, our relationship was more of a mutual business deal. I pay him, and he offers me his skills. Nothing to call a favor, just pure capitalism.
“I mentioned it because I think you’d do well managing the territory. I’m being serious, so think it over.”
I offered my suggestion again. He might dismiss it as a joke or just out of politeness.
“I appreciate your words, but I wish to keep managing this mansion as my final duty.”
His firm response made me give up. If he insists on that, pressing him further would be awkward.
“Oh, I haven’t greeted the prospective ladies yet. I must be getting old; look at me forgetting such things.”
He quickly changed the topic as if he sensed my hesitation, and I couldn’t help but chuckle again.
Yeah, it’d be hard to find someone who could manage the mansion and the staff as well as the butler does. I could look for someone else for the steward position.
“Is it okay if I call you ‘Madam’ now? I heard you’re getting married soon.”
“Feel free to call me whatever suits you.”
“Then I shall address you as Madam.”
With that, the butler flashed a broad smile and approached the ladies, and it was clear he treated them with the respect due to the lady of the house, which made them smile back graciously.
Perfect. Even after multiple observations, he’s definitely the right person for the steward position.
…
‘Isn’t there a chance of slipping a title in there?’
The Emperor and the situation seem to slip titles in without a hitch.
I pondered. Should I just grant him a title while he’s asleep?
Caught in a brief struggle between logic and desire, I was able to suppress it and make it to work without incident. It wouldn’t end well if I forced such a move and triggered a dark evolution in the butler—after all, I would be the one stuck with complications.
Plus, I know better than anyone how angry someone can get when overburdened with excessive responsibilities. I’m practically a case study on that.
“There’s a saying that people keep getting promoted until they become incompetent. Even if that butler could handle the role of steward of a barony, it’s wise for him to stop where he is.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. History proves it.”
But still feeling a twinge of disappointment, I shared my gripes with the Senior Manager, who calmly supported the butler’s decision.
Having nobody on my side felt a bit lonely, but he wasn’t wrong. If I forced the butler into such a role and he ended up overwhelmed, we’d all just be sad—me, the butler, and the territory. No need to send him to an unnecessary position.
“Then if he becomes incompetent, can he go back down?”
“…”
The Senior Manager fell silent at my offhand comment.
I felt hurt. Why was he going quiet there? Would it have killed him to say, “Maybe it’s possible”?
I’ve already climbed the ladder to the ministerial level; there aren’t many promotions left for me. If I prove inept, I should take a demotion, not just block promotions.
‘For a minister, a demotion is the worst punishment imaginable.’
Sure, unless I create an even more sinister position above minister—
‘…Above minister.’
Just the mere thought sent a shiver down my spine. An existence above a minister? That’s a wicked idea that shouldn’t exist in this world.
‘Prime Minister?’
At the sudden appearance of such a horrid notion, I instinctively shook my head.
Even if the sky fell, that would never happen. The royal family, ever wary of monopolies among the two-in-one, has made sure that the ministerial ranking stays firmly established. They might accept a leader among ministers, but they would never tolerate someone above the minister.
“Speaking of which, are the preparations for the establishment going well?”
I pushed the thought of the Prime Minister back into the depths of my mind and changed the subject. I didn’t want to start the New Year with negative thoughts!
“Yes, everything is proceeding without considerable issues. It should be wrapped up by next summer if all goes smoothly.”
“Sounds good.”
I nodded lightly at the positive report.
We’re talking about establishing a brand new department here. To be able to kick off such an undertaking this year and wrap it up next year means they’ve dedicated the utmost resources and personnel to make it happen.
“Just don’t overdo it. Even if it’s finished quickly, the official launch will still be around next year’s New Year celebration.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
I patted the Senior Manager on the shoulder as he bowed respectfully. If summer is the target, it’s perfectly okay to take things a bit slowly.
“The establishment of the Inspection Ministry is your last imperial command from His Majesty. As a child of this realm, it is my duty to carry out his wishes splendidly, so keep that in mind, Minister.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The Emperor has already decided to announce the formal launch of the Inspection Ministry during the New Year’s celebration. That crafty one might lack a conscience, but he’s sharp enough—you can be sure he’s talking about the year after next.
If he meant the launch to happen during the upcoming New Year’s celebration, he’d better prepare for a possible backlash. He should recognize that giving ludicrous orders could come back to bite him hard.
“Well then, I’ll take my leave.”
“Ah, right. Well done.”
I nodded at the Senior Manager’s slight bow and sent him off.
I had been holding onto him for far too long when he could have been out enjoying his smoke.
*
The idea of pairing Ainter with the daughter of Baron Barandi suddenly popped into my mind.
Although it came up unexpectedly, the more I surveyed it, the more appealing the idea became. This would serve as a reassuring gesture to the Northern nobles, who were newly integrated into the Empire, and reinforce the authority of Baron Barandi as the sole marquess in the North.
While it’s essential to avoid a brute-force takeover of the Northern nobles by Baron Barandi, being revered for his authority is perfectly acceptable. Should the baron appear weak, treating even a marquis with disdain, what would the far-off Emperor think?
Thus, this is the best option. Marrying the marquis to the royal family would solidify his authority, and in return, the marquis would staunchly support the royal family. It’s a win-win situation.
‘I should give a generous betrothal gift.’
I rummaged through the royal assets, picking out suitable items one by one. First, I’d bestow the title of Marquis of Idrid upon Ainter and prepare a few buildings in the capital and some farmlands for him.
It would also be good to grant him a decent chunk of land in the province. Officially, he’d be an unlanded marquis, but it would be cruel for the brother of the Emperor to be left without a place to call home. Even commoners can manage land if they have money!
‘Rather than gold coins, it’s better to focus on goods.’
Considering that trade with the North isn’t running smoothly, goods would be a more appropriate gift than currency. What’s the use of gold coins if there’s nothing to spend them on?
‘The rest I’ll need to discuss with the Empress.’
As I scrolled through my list, I sighed softly. I figured I should also include jewelry or dresses for my future sister-in-law, but it’s best to leave that to the Empress’s judgment rather than relying on my taste.
Still, it feels rather strange that there would come a day when I’d be gathering betrothal gifts for my younger brother.
‘There aren’t many royal siblings left.’
Typically, when royal siblings get married, the late-empress’s aides handle it. But perhaps the current Emperor has a hint of spite towards his siblings and might deal with it perfunctorily. Considering that, it’s more like a last courtesy extended to the royal family.
However, there are only two ladies by his side, and about those two…
Let’s not think about that. While thinking of my mother evokes warmth, recalling the other one only burns my insides.
‘Damn it.’
Maybe I should have dealt with that woman when I handled the second prince.
If I had only been the Minister of Inspection, I would have managed things nicely!
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