Chapter: 813
The latest duke among the five dukes is the Wise Duke. Whether in the past or present, the fact that the Wise Duke is a drunken fool hasn’t changed. However, in that era, the Emperor valued his abilities highly enough to bestow upon him the title “Wise.”
I can only imagine the internal struggle when choosing the name. Was it really right to waste the title of “Wise” on such a person? One would sigh at how a character like him even rose under the pious duke.
At the same time, perhaps there was a hope that he would show a bit of dignity worthy of the title “Wise.” Ultimately, until that moment when the Emperor stepped down, he remained the Wise Duke.
Anyway, if the last duke during the Emperor’s era was the Wise Duke, then the first duke during the current Emperor’s reign has become the Dawn Duke.
“Congratulations, brother.”
As soon as I heard the announcement from the royal family, I reached out to my brother, who had just become the new Duke of Wulken. Thankfully, it seems my hands were quicker than others, as he wasn’t on another call.
“It’s a bit sudden, but I know you will lead the Duke of Wulken excellently. You were already acting like one anyway.”
I showered my brother, who was on the other end of the communication crystal, with compliments.
Officially, he’s the new duke of the Empire, but personally, he’s Mar’s older brother. I’m more than willing to throw out this kind of positive affirmation and support.
– “Thank you, my youngest brother-in-law. I received congratulations from you before I did from Valenti.”
My brother, the Dawn Duke, chuckled softly and rubbed the back of his neck. It seems the weight of the dukedom resting on his shoulders feels quite heavy.
I feel a bit sorry for him, but it’s the most appropriate reaction. A duke is at the pinnacle of the Empire’s nobility. If he has more joy than burden in his heart upon reaching such a position, that would mean he’s likely going to mess up big time. A true noble is someone who thinks of duty before rights.
– “But as you said, it’s indeed a bit shocking. I wish I had at least some preparation time.”
“The father-in-law has really gone too far. He mentioned it at the New Year’s ball, so it hasn’t even been a week—”
– “I heard it yesterday.”
“Huh?”
“Yeah?”
My brother’s words momentarily froze my thoughts.
He heard it yesterday? What does he mean? Did he seriously find out he was becoming a duke just yesterday?
– “After dinner yesterday, he suddenly called me to his room and said from tomorrow onward, I’d be the duke. I couldn’t believe it.”
His expression, mixed with amusement and bitterness, revealed how this revelation took him by surprise. Seeing that smile now seems awkward.
‘Crazy.’
That left me speechless. The father-in-law requested total silence about this event but I never expected him to keep it from his own son, let alone the next duke. Isn’t this secrecy a bit excessive?
‘Woke up as a duke.’
I recalled when I inherited the title of Count Tailglehen.
Even becoming one of the thirty empire counts felt burdensome enough. Even with a heads-up from my father, I was completely caught off guard. Despite the preparation, it was still an overwhelming experience.
Because of that, I can’t even begin to fathom the pressure and confusion my brother feels right now. He must feel at least a hundred times more intense emotions than I did.
– “But at least it’s something I had been preparing for a long time. I always thought it was just a matter of time before I’d inherit the dukedom.”
“Is that so?”
– “Yeah. Although I didn’t think it would happen in just one day.”
My brother’s tearful laughter continued.
Still, as he said, it’s fortunate this was something he’s been preparing for. The father-in-law had already transferred his powers to him and only acted when it was time to represent the duke. In reality, my brother was practically a duke all along. That’s why the shock of suddenly inheriting the title wasn’t as harsh.
…Wasn’t it? It ought to be.
– “But I am a bit worried. Father has ruled under the name of Iron-Blood for decades. Can I really fill his shoes?”
The tone of my brother’s words carried a different kind of bitterness, shutting me up once more.
Replacing a towering figure who had ruled for decades is a daunting challenge for anyone. Offering hollow words of consolation would only harm him more.
– “Regardless, thank you for the congratulations, brother-in-law! I’ll prepare a celebration as soon as possible, so you must come!”
“Of course. I’ll be ready with a gift that you’ll surely love.”
– “Hehe, if you bring Pedi, that’ll be more than enough as a gift.”
Fortunately, my brother’s worries were brief.
No, to be precise, it wasn’t that his worries were brief, but rather he quickly composed himself. It’s a truth he must embrace that he has become the duke.
*
With the transition of the Duke of Wulken, it marks a long-awaited change since the Duke Cheness transitioned to Duke Wise.
“How many times has this happened now?”
Suddenly, I found myself recalling how many dukes had come and gone while I held the title of Duke Marcilio.
Duke Nuren, Duke Valenti, Duke Oshiden, Duke Salon. While the Duke Katoban managed to hold its ground, the other four dukedoms have seen numerous dukes rise and fall.
“Was it so that there’s now a 19th Duke of Wulken?”
Duke Servette is still the 11th. So many dukes have changed while I maintain my position.
It’s bittersweet. It’s inevitable due to the differences in lifespans between humans and elves, but even Iron-Blood Duke stepped down due to old age. He had ascended to the dukedom after me, yet bore the weight of time.
“So, what about me?”
How long has it been since I’ve been Duke? If my presence bears down upon Maria, how burdensome must that be?
They say that the new Duke of Wulken, the Dawn Duke, feels pressure from the legacy of the previous duke. That burden is multiplied for Maria, who will someday become the 12th Duke Servette.
“I should’ve exited sooner.”
Before I knew it, my hands started shaking slightly. The greater the past figure’s presence, the heavier the burden on those who follow. Even if I step down now, they will still have a heavy burden to bear—waiting until Maria grows up will only add to that.
It’s concerning. What am I to do? How can I lessen Maria’s burden even a little?
“How wonderful it would be if someone could help mediate.”
I let out a small sigh. If someone were to inherit my position and fill the gap, then when Maria matures, there would be someone ready to take on the title. If such a person existed, my worries would disappear.
But sadly, there’s no one to take on such a heavy responsibility. It’s rare to find someone capable enough to fill my void, especially since only my children and me remain of the Katoban line.
Wait. Should I also consider my husband Carl as part of Katoban?
‘What on earth am I thinking?’
I shuddered, chuckling slightly. Why am I even considering Carl in this situation?
Of course, he is capable enough to take on my responsibilities, and he’d willingly bear the dukedom for the sake of our children. Especially after Maria grows up, he would gladly pass it over. While there have been instances where sons-in-law inherit titles, it’s not common.
“Wait…?”
Before I knew it, I jolted at the realization.
Why does that sound like a surprisingly good idea?
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