Chapter 437
During this New Year’s Ball, hiding away in a corner like a cringing spirit was simply not an option. Back when the Executive Manager Carl Krasius was around, that was totally feasible, but as the faction leader Count Tannian, that would be a shameful act!
The Great Lords of the North were now gathered under me, seeking connections with the mainland nobles, a presence within the central political arena, and a foothold in society. And here I was, the faction leader, dawdling around? It was as clear as day that the Northern faction would explode in radiant glory!
And thankfully, I had quite a few nobles to introduce to my faction members.
“It’s been ages since there was a vacancy for a Marquis. Now order is finally restored!”
“I’m just an unworthy man who received an excessive honor from Your Majesty. Please, do provide me with a lot of guidance.”
“Haha, don’t worry! I’m not the type to be cold to a friend of my son-in-law.”
Right there, Baron Barandi was cordially chatting with my fifth father-in-law, Hiones, a noble I could easily introduce. It’s not unusual for faction members to become friends with the faction leader’s in-laws, after all.
Surprisingly, my fifth father-in-law seemed keen on befriending the newly minted Marquis too. I didn’t have all the details, but it looked like there was some subtle faction rivalry even among the Marquises. In fact, it’d be more strange if such high-ranking nobles were just laughing together without any friction!
‘This should be enough for now.’
In any case, I stood a step back, observing the in-laws mingling with the faction members.
The Iron-Blooded Duke, the Eastern faction leader and currently the only border manager, Hiones, a top contender for the ranking amongst the Empire’s Marquises, Count Flanbel, a key figure in the Gold Duke faction, and Baron Nairad, who had been dazzlingly under the spotlight since becoming my father-in-law.
Yeah, for now, this is enough. Building connections should be done gradually; if I try to expand suddenly, I might get confused about who’s who! It’s far better to be blissfully unaware.
“What are you doing by yourself?”
“Oh, Father-in-law.”
While I was blankly gazing at the social scene, the first father-in-law approached and spoke up.
“Leaving your subordinates behind and resting alone? You’ve already learned how to make others do your work.”
“I wouldn’t want to undermine your dignity, Father-in-law, by interfering unnecessarily.”
“Your tongue is still as smooth as ever.”
With a subtle flattery, my father-in-law let out a soft chuckle, but thankfully, he didn’t seem offended.
Now that I was to become family (hopefully), he had seemed to soften quite a bit. I mean, how could anyone not soften when contrasting the scoundrel who dumped his precious youngest daughter with the thief who took her away? Both might be despised, but the latter would surely have some mixed feelings.
“In any case, you surely have it tough. This year’s New Year’s Ball is going to end with you just playing matchmaker.”
I could only awkwardly smile at his remarks. The matchmaking he mentioned was not only about introducing faction members to one another but also about Ainter and Shati.
After the New Year’s speech ended, Ainter immediately approached the Northern faction, casually greeting the faction members. Perhaps he got a heads-up from the Emperor, as he had a notably lengthy chat with Shati.
Of course, relatively speaking, it was just a longer greeting, and the expressions on both parties were utterly mundane, but—if there were any keen nobles around, they must have already caught on that these two were set to become a politically aligned couple.
‘It’s impossible not to know.’
In truth, it wasn’t about being sharp or dull to catch on. Among the Northern faction, the only one bringing a daughter along was Baron Barandi, and the recently appointed royal cousin was chatting up Barandi’s daughter. If any noble had even an ounce of intelligence, they would grasp the situation in an instant.
That’s why my father-in-law shared his comfort, not really a comfort. If a faction member had become a candidate for a political marriage with royalty, the faction leader would have most likely been the brokering agent.
“I’ve done my part. Now, I’ll just leave the rest to the heavens.”
“Is that so? I’m glad to hear that.”
Nodding pensively, my father-in-law continued bluntly.
“Now, you should focus on your own marriage. No loitering around elsewhere.”
“…Of course. Naturally, that’s what I should do.”
His straightforwardness caught me off guard for a moment, but I quickly regained my composure.
I had often expressed to my father-in-law that I’d marry when Marghetta graduates. Given that, it would be no small wonder for him to feel anxious watching his future son-in-law drag his feet on committing to a wedding when I should be all about making plans with his daughter!
‘How far have the preparations progressed?’
With that not-quite-a-reprimand lingering in my mind, I quietly ruminated. The truth is, I’m not the one handling the wedding arrangements. Until not too long ago, I was still in the academy—what on earth was I supposed to prepare?
Instead, it was my mother who was laboring away to get everything ready.
– It’s only natural for the hostess to handle welcoming the first daughter-in-law to the family. Don’t worry, just leave it to me.
This recollection of my mother’s confident dismissal of my concerns was hazy. Of course, the notion that a hostess should be in charge of family affairs is completely reasonable.
The only variable on the horizon comes from the Valenti family’s involvement, as Marghetta’s mother too had entrusted the wedding plans to the Krasius family. She mentioned an obligation to bear half the costs once everything was sorted—but honestly, she might keep all of it in her pocket. It doesn’t seem likely that a Duke would go Dutch when marrying off his daughter!
‘Surely they’re nearly finished.’
After a moment of thought, I quickly reached that conclusion. My mother, who had managed family matters in place of my father, while they serve in the Imperial Council, must be cruising through the wedding preparations all set.
Moreover, when I went to the territory recently, she didn’t look troubled at all. If there were any hitches, I’m sure she would’ve darkened her brows or spoken to me about it ages ago.
However, my mother’s smooth wedding plans threw up a red flag.
“Your Majesty. I apologize, but please forgive the incompetence that makes it impossible for me to truly listen to Your Majesty’s greatness.”
On the last day of the New Year’s Ball, while having a meal with the Emperor at his summons, I heard something strange.
Naturally, I instinctively denied it. It must have been something I misheard, or perhaps His Majesty was joking? I held on to that flimsy hope and managed to choke out a reply.
“Oops, I should’ve at least said this after dinner. I’ve made your Excellency uncomfortable for no reason.”
As I glanced at the Emperor, who was slightly smiling at me, I caught a glimpse of my hand gripping the knife, shaking slightly.
No, let’s keep calm. Throwing that would be the point of no return.
“I hear you will be getting married soon as well, wouldn’t it be appropriate to do so at the St. Paronas Cathedral? Since it’s a grand occasion for both the Krasius and Valenti families, a venue of that caliber would suit the honor.”
However, the subsequent words felt like a confirmation bullet striking home. Suit the honor, you say?
‘No, it doesn’t fit!’
Not even close, for crying out loud!
I was left speechless, unable to muster a reaction to the mention of such a venue. Saint Paronas Cathedral was the cathedral of the Ausen Archdiocese, the pinnacle of all cathedrals within the Empire, boasting tremendous history and authority. Even the Emperor had been abdicated there!
Of course, the St. Paronas Cathedral was indeed a place of abdication, but that was far from the only event held there throughout history.
Among those events was the granting of dukedoms to the five founding fathers who significantly contributed to the Empire’s establishment by Great Emperor Amanca.
‘Is this guy nuts?’
Holding a wedding ceremony right where dukes and the Emperor were born? For a vassal, receiving such honor is terrifying to an unacceptable degree.
“From now on, flaunt your power and show your ambition,”
Suddenly, I recalled the words of the Crown Prince.
Could it be that the Crown Prince had known in advance about such insanity? Was it a warning to prepare my mind for the Emperor’s folly?
‘If only he could’ve been more detailed.’
For the first time, I felt a tinge of resentment toward the Crown Prince. If he had forewarned me, I could’ve actually prepared!
*
After the New Year’s Ball ended, Carl returned to the mansion and embraced me before collapsing onto the bed.
Though it was a warm hug, it also felt awkward. Carl’s expression was surprisingly intricate, devoid of the smile or kisses that typically followed our embraces.
Clearly, something was the matter. Ever since dining with the Emperor, he seemed strangely drained, indicative of some incident that had transpired.
‘What could it be?’
Despite my worries, I could not pinpoint the issue. Surely, the Emperor wouldn’t have dished out some bad news to Carl, and if he did, it certainly wouldn’t have been during the meal.
‘…Could it be?’
Suddenly, thoughts of the forthcoming envoy heading to the Armein Kingdom popped into my head. What if the Emperor had so much trust in Carl that he was including him in the envoy? If Carl were destined to head abroad soon?
As that idea took root, the grip on Carl grew tighter.
‘No way.’
That mustn’t happen! After finally being able to marry Carl, him leaving as the groom? A diplomatic mission with no guarantee of return before spring? Not a chance!
Overwhelmed by rising sorrow, I bit down on my lip. I desperately hoped it wasn’t true, yet once I harbor a suspicion, everything seems to tilt that way.
“Hey, Carl.”
“Hmm?”
Braving myself, I opened up, hoping for Carl to alleviate my fears. I just prayed that he wasn’t planning to leave before our wedding.
“Is something going on, maybe?”
But I couldn’t shake off my nerves entirely, mulling over my words instead.
“…Well, um…”
Whatever embarrassment he felt expressed morphed into an exhaled sigh, but I couldn’t care less right then. It hardly matters if he feels shy—after all, my wedding, which I had waited years for, was on the verge of being delayed!
“It’s about our wedding.”
When Carl mentioned the word “wedding,” my heart started racing.
Could it be, no, it couldn’t be? It’s merely a misunderstanding.
‘Please, no.’
In a flash, my vision blurred. Completely unbeknownst to me, tears began to well up—
“I think we’ll have to hold it at St. Paronas Cathedral.”
“…What?”
“The Emperor suggested we have our ceremony there. If we do, it will spark all kinds of talk; I worry it might put pressure on Marghetta.”
Once I heard that, I blinked in confusion.
So, the wedding wasn’t being postponed but rather, it was a matter of changing the venue?
“Ma…Marghetta?”
My overwhelming feelings of resentment took hold as I lightly pinched Carl’s back.
‘Anyplace would be just fine…’
I didn’t care where! As long as I could marry Carl, I’d joyfully do it anywhere—even in a humble commoner’s household if it came to that!
Moreover, St. Paronas Cathedral was where the Grand Emperor had personally crowned the first Empress after the founding of the Empire. It was the very peak of venues symbolizing eternal and noble love!
‘He must’ve been thinking politically, and not romantically.’
I figured Carl was likely unaware of the romantic significance and only thought of the ceremony and the births of Dukes. With his character, that much was clear.
“Isn’t it a burden? If it’s really too much, we could just ask the Emperor—”
“It has to be there. I don’t want any other place.”
“…Alright.”
I promptly cut him off, forcing a firm response.
Until now, it hadn’t mattered where we held the ceremony, but given the situation, it felt wrong to have it anywhere but the Cathedral.
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