Chapter: 811
The inspection involving the Narzen Count’s family and 13 other noble families triggered quite an unprecedented reshuffling within the judicial sector.
‘This is practically a New Year’s gift!’
Originally, the promotion list and position transfers would be released around late November to early December. Therefore, those who face denial in promotions or fail to change jobs often drown their sorrows in alcohol at year-end parties. But this year, in the judicial sector, it wasn’t a toast of bitterness but one of celebration!
The families under scrutiny were notably prestigious ones. The number of significant positions held by their members was impressive, and now all those spots were vacant? And they needed to be filled urgently, not through normal retirements?
Rumor has it that the Minister of Justice’s office and residence are buzzing like a festival. The previously dim chance for promotions was now resting in the Minister’s hands.
‘I’ve never seen an inspection garner this much attention before.’
He chuckled, looking over the final inspection report.
When the inspectors rise, blood starts to flow. During inspections, every little thing I do receives attention. Calculating just how badly things could go, worried about not getting burned myself.
Yet this inspection felt different. Honestly, judicial corruption isn’t a tale that concerns average nobles. It takes a certain expertise to dabble in cash flow. I’d rather get bilked by those high-and-mighty judicial families than share in the profits.
Perhaps because of that, common nobles are just snickering and watching the spectacle unfold. They totally saw those punks getting wrecked coming.
‘Even those snobby judicial nobles were more caught up in greed than fear.’
At least for the panicking judicial sector, there was an unexpected opportunity for promotions, which made them rejoice instead.
Still, I felt a tad bitter. I was genuinely serious about the inspection… Drawing my sword with the intention of harming my youngest aunt and cousins…
“Nobody would’ve noticed if I left the Narzen family out of it.”
A sullen murmur echoed around my office.
I found those greedy judicial folks quite unlikeable. It’s frustrating that they can’t even appreciate my troubles.
Nevertheless, I’m relieved that the year-end wrapped up decently, and my youngest aunt and cousins were released unharmed…
The New Year’s Ball unfolded in a calm atmosphere, just like any other year. It was thanks to my, the Minister of Justice’s, and the Emperor’s swift actions during the inspection.
“Sister! Sister!”
“Do you want to go over there?”
“Uh-huh!”
“Good!”
In return, I got to see the Crown Princess happily strolling around the New Year’s Ball, cradling the Crown Prince.
It filled me with pride. If the inspection were still ongoing, the atmosphere of the New Year’s Ball might have been quite heavy. In that case, the Crown Princess and Prince wouldn’t have been able to frolic about so cheerfully. The adults’ efforts safeguarded the children’s laughter.
“Princess!”
“Daddy!”
“Your Highness, it’s dangerous to run!”
The Crown Princess spotted me and came bounding over. As I carefully embraced her, she and the Crown Prince broke out laughing.
Oh, look at that! The Crown Prince has grown quite a bit in just a year. Seems he can’t quite walk yet, but he’s definitely crawling and can say some simple words.
“Oh, you’ve grown so much in just a few days!”
“Really!?”
“Yes, you feel a bit heavier than before.”
I can definitely feel a noticeable weight difference compared to when I last held him. Considering he’s nestled in the Crown Princess’s arms, that’s no lightweight! Kids really do grow by leaps and bounds at that age.
“Should I lower you now, Your Highness?”
“No! I want you to keep holding me! Take me to the nice place with Carolus!”
“Alright then.”
At the little Crown Princess’s casual request, a smile crept onto my face.
The ladies had scattered to greet their families or fellow noblewomen. Since I had no business left standing around, it seemed an excellent chance to be a temporary guide for the Crown Princess and Prince.
Plus, carrying the Crown Princess and Prince meant no other nobles dared to approach. Sure, mingling with royalty is considered an honor, but when that royalty is a little squirt, extra caution is a must—no one wants to end up on a kid’s bad side!
“Your Highness, there’s Grandpa over there!”
After a while, we spotted the back of the Grand Duke. Seems like he was hiding away in a corner, as if he found the noble attention bothersome.
“Grandpa! I want to see you!”
“Hey!”
Hearing the children’s enthusiastic calls, the Grand Duke turned around.
And upon spotting the Crown Princess and Prince, he beamed a smile that could lighten any room. A grandfather’s love for his grandchildren is something that even a duke can’t outshine.
‘…Hmm?’
While making my way towards the Grand Duke, I jolted. Hidden behind a pillar was my father-in-law, the first one.
“Oh, the Minister’s also here.”
‘What the?!’
Then I noticed the Gold Duke, blocked from my view by my father-in-law.
It was a miraculous sight to see three out of five dukes huddled in the corner. My heart started racing—this couldn’t be good.
‘…Should I run away?’
Should I drop the Crown Princess and make a break for it?
Nah, if I used the Crown Princess as a sacrificial lamb, I’d be looking at a hefty punishment due to the infamy that comes with such an act. And once they noticed, running would be impossible at this point.
“You might as well stay and listen while you’re here.”
“Uh, sure.”
With a resigned nod, I followed my father-in-law’s call.
*
The old era has passed, and a new one is dawning.
From the moment I handed my son the reins of power, I sensed the truth; lately, it’s been hitting me harder than ever. The days of us old-timers are long gone.
‘Even His Majesty has stepped down.’
His Majesty, who reigned over the empire and the continent for 30 years. If even he has retreated, how could I deny that a new age has begun? How could an outdated symbol like me possibly hold on?
Embarrassingly, I’ve held the title of Duke longer than His Majesty himself and am older too. Honestly, it should’ve been logical for me to retire long ago. I’ve held my position firmly just long enough to see past the turmoil of the throne succession and during my Margrave’s wedding.
Now, I’ve apparently become the oldest Duke in office.
‘It’s finally time for me to step down.’
I’m not just passing the reins; I’m transitioning into full retirement. Handing over my title to my children and officially entering a life of leisure.
If anything, I feel like I’m late to the party. Still, I’ve managed to show my youngest grandchild that their grandfather is a duke, so I’ll take that as a moral victory.
“I think I’ll retire soon.”
So during the New Year’s Ball, I casually mentioned my decision to retire. Naturally, I’d inform His Majesty formally later, but since it’s fellow dukes, I’d first have a word with the Grand Duke. Discussing a duke’s retirement is a duke’s affair.
No need for me to dwell on it with my son. He’s already functioning effectively in his role anyway. My complete retirement won’t change much. I’ll just have to show up to gatherings like the New Year’s Ball from now on.
“Are you really thinking about retiring?”
After my statement, the Grand Duke paused in thought, then calmly replied.
“While it’s truly regrettable, I doubt you’ll listen if I try to dissuade you.”
“I’ve given it serious thought. It feels right for me now to step back.”
“Fair enough. It doesn’t seem like a matter of right or wrong, but if that’s your wish, I will respect it.”
Fortunately, the Grand Duke didn’t try to persuade me otherwise; he easily understood my decision.
I’m thankful for that. If a fellow duke showed reluctance, it would’ve been a hassle. Ignoring that discomfort and pushing my desires would merely show my stubborn old man ways rather than embracing the new age.
While discussing my retirement with the Grand Duke, we were soon joined by the Gold Duke.
“You might as well listen in while you’re here.”
“Uh, sure.”
Just when I thought it couldn’t get better, my youngest son-in-law popped by to help with the Crown Princess and Prince.
This entirely unintentional gathering was quite the combo. Three dukes and my son-in-law, the Emperor’s closest aide. It’s almost too much chatter for discussing an old duke’s retirement!
Upon hearing me repeat my earlier statements back to the Grand Duke and Gold Duke, my son-in-law was taken aback.
“Uh, Father-in-law, retirement? Aren’t you still in your prime?”
I could see him desperately trying to lower his voice, evidently aware of the need to keep this confidential.
Oh please, I was quite pleased. As a minister who carried the Emperor’s mandate and handled inspections, he should be prioritizing logic over personal feelings. Had he made a fuss, I’d have to devote my last moments as a duke to scolding my son-in-law.
“Still in my prime? Knowing my age, are you really saying that? If anything, I’m knocking on a hundred.”
“Come on, that’s a stretch…”
“Please! Even if you exaggerate, you won’t hit even fifty! How can I, an old fossil, still be hogging the stage when His Majesty stepped down? The new era should be led by new folks.”
He glanced at the Grand Duke and Gold Duke, questioningly.
What an insufferable little brat. Is he saying all dukes should retire?
“Minister, I’m not done just yet, so don’t interpret it that way.”
“Same here, Kiel.”
“Uh, my apologies! I didn’t mean to…”
As the two dukes teased, my son-in-law hastily bowed his head.
Thanks to that, I relaxed the fist I had almost clenched. Since he quickly apologized, I could overlook his previous rudeness.
“Anyway, my mind is made up. I’ve held on to my title because there was still much to oversee, but the Empire no longer desperately needs a single duke. If there’s no better time for an opportunity, it’s now.”
The succession problems with the late Emperor and the late second Prince, the ruckus from the northern nomads, and the marriage of my youngest, Mar. All of the things I intended to witness until the very end were wrapped up. If I became greedy after this, not only would I cling to the dukedom until death, but I’d audaciously be dreaming of immortality!
That’s a nightmare I wouldn’t wish to entertain, a chilling, grotesque thought. I’ve devoted my life to the Baron family and the Empire, and I’d like to conclude my journey in a respectable way.
“…I never expected to see a different Duke Wulken.”
“Richard might take offense at that. He’s been my heir for decades already. There’s no one more suitable for the next Duke than him.”
Dishing out reaffirming responses made my son-in-law finally exhale and nod his head, as if he wouldn’t pressure me further.
But honestly, even if he did keep at it, it wouldn’t make any difference. What could he do if I was set on retiring?
From now on, I will live not as the Iron-Blood Duke, but simply as Oliver. I’ll enjoy watching my cute grandson Pedi’s antics while listening to the babbles of my soon-to-be-born grandson.
‘That’s the privilege of being old.’
Playing with the little ones, sharing laughter with them. There’s no greater joy than this.
Thus, the eldest of this new era welcomes a retirement, with the oldest among them stepping aside for the freshest dawn. (Except for Duke Marcilio)
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