Chapter: 816
As a result of a brainstorming session between the Emperor and the three ministers, what seemed like an unsolvable problem found its way to a decent resolution.
Trixie’s resignation from the Duke Servette position has been set for next year. This year saw the big event of my first father-in-law retiring and a new duke ascending. With such happenings, if Trixie followed suit after a reign of over 100 years, it’s only natural that the empire would become chaotic in several ways. And our dear brother, now crowned the Dawn Duke, would be quickly overshadowed.
No matter how bummed my brother felt about an unexpected transfer of the duke title, it would be too cruel to seize the spotlight from him. So, the Katoban family will keep the secret for one year while remaining in silence.
“The position of Archmage shall remain with Marcilio. It’s not just about finding a successor; there will be a riot from all the mages across the continent.”
“Yes. I’ll convey this to Trixie as well.”
Of course, the arrangement for stepping down in a year limits it to all titles, including Duke Servette. If the Archmage title is handed over to someone else, it’s obvious that the continent will erupt in flames.
“It’d be good if only the key vassals, like the steward or chamberlain, knew about this among the Katoban family servants. But obviously, don’t let anyone else know.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“What happens here stays here.”
The Minister of the Imperial Household and the Minister of Justice nodded without hesitation at the Emperor’s request for discretion.
Neither of them was one to go spilling thrilling secrets, especially after taking oaths in front of the Emperor, boosting their sense of responsibility. There’s no need to worry about security concerns.
“Minister, who knows about this within the Krasius family?”
“Other than myself and Trixie, no one—”
He confidently spoke, then suddenly stopped, realizing that the discussion about the duke succession didn’t just include me and Trixie.
“Minister?”
When I fell silent, the Emperor urged, as if asking why he suddenly halted. Was he wondering just how far the information had spread?
“Um, my three daughters were present too.”
Maria, Cecilia, and Catrea. While I was keeping an eye on the triplets playing with my dear son Jangsaeng, we were discussing Trixie and the duke title. We weren’t even that far away.
Plus, one of the elf traits is their keen hearing – especially the triplets; they had exceptionally sharp ears. They’d respond quickly even from a distance or catch the faintest whispers. So the ones who knew about the duke succession within our mansion were me, Trixie, the triplets, and maybe Jangsaeng making it a total of six.
“Your daughters.”
The Emperor sighed softly at my response.
“They’re still little children. They probably don’t understand what a duke is or what the transfer of that title means. Besides, Trixie and I will take good care of this for a year, so don’t worry.”
“If the minister says so, then I understand.”
The Emperor nodded, seemingly believing that we would indeed take care of it, although perhaps not completely convinced, but he nodded nonetheless. A verbal agreement is still an agreement.
“Ha.”
“Yes, Your Majesty?”
“What’s with that face?”
The sudden laugh from the Emperor made both ministers quickly open their mouths.
This was a serious discussion on the dukedom, yet the Emperor was laughing! The two ministers must have wondered if the Emperor had finally lost it.
“It’s only been five years since I ascended the throne. In that time, so much has happened that now the title of Marcilio is retiring! It seems like the Great One has high expectations of me, causing this strange procession of events.”
That remark left me, the Minister of the Imperial Household, and the Minister of Justice utterly speechless.
‘Has it really been just five years?’
From the transfer of power to this moment, it had indeed been about five years. Trying to recall the events that unfolded during that time made me quickly give up. Unfortunately, there were just too many dazzling incidents to list.
“Why the long faces? Lighten up! I was just making a joke; feeling this somber only makes me embarrassed.”
“Ha, ha. Right. Surely the Great One must hold you in high regard, Your Majesty.”
“The Minister of the Imperial Household is correct. Under the Great One’s protection, your achievements will remain immortal.”
They couldn’t help but chuckle under the legendary advice of ‘don’t kill the mood; just laugh it off.’
What cruel jest! What wrong have these ministers done to deserve such a dreadful fate?
“Are you not laughing?”
“Thinking about all the glorious deeds you will accomplish, I was so deeply moved that I found myself choked up…”
He reflexively spilled flattery following the Emperor’s cue.
With only a five-year reign, I must have some significant share in the glory, right? I simply couldn’t force myself to laugh.
The victorious husband managed to hold his head high in front of his wife.
“It’s impossible for the title inheritance, but I’ll ensure Maria receives her title directly.”
That might be only half a victory, but a victory nonetheless. In strategic terms, we achieved our goal, so we can call it 80% success.
“They mentioned the provision of appointing a representative.”
“A representative?”
Upon my words, Trixie, who was playing with the triplets, tilted her head in confusion.
“I heard that the Sword Saint Duke also appointed a representative! The heir became of age after seven years of the representative managing the duke duties.”
“Oh.”
With that elaboration, Trixie’s eyes widened in realization.
“Yes, a representative. I’ve heard about that before. But I always thought key vassals like the steward were just temporarily managing the territory; I didn’t realize a separate representative was appointed.”
Seeing Trixi caught off guard, the capability of the Minister of Justice shone through. Even Trixie, a descendant of the Sword Saint, wasn’t aware of such precedent, yet a minister with no ties to the Katoban family knew it.
That was established nearly 300 years ago! How on earth did he learn about it?
“This year, since my brother became the duke of Wulken, let’s look to next year.”
“Next year…”
As I mentioned the specific timing, Trixie gently closed her eyes.
“Thanks. And I’m sorry. Because of my stubbornness, you’re carrying such a burden…”
She then grabbed my hand and slightly bowed her head.
“I should be the one apologizing. I reasoned with the Emperor because I thought it was necessary.”
I softly pressed my lips to Trixie’s forehead.
Though the initial idea came from Trixie, I agreed because I found it reasonable. Blaming her would be petty and ugly.
“Besides, it’s not like you’ll truly become the duke; you’ll just be the representative. It’s just temporarily polishing a gift to our daughter; how could it be something to feel guilty about?”
It’s not like it’s forever; it’ll only last until Maria grows up.
Of course, I don’t plan to just pass it down when she turns 17. Our dear Maria will have to go through the academy first.
But I also don’t want to hand it over immediately after graduation; she should be able to experience some things first. Perhaps I’ll think of passing it down around when she turns 30.
…
‘Isn’t that a bit too long?’
Twenty to thirty years is quite a stretch, but not momentary.
*
I was left alone in my office, staring vacantly at the Great One’s portrait.
“The humble descendant has upheld the foundations.”
I unconsciously muttered while gazing at the portrait.
The House of Nuren’s title of Duke of Hablem, the House of Valenti’s Duke of Wulken, the House of Osiden’s Boyar, the House of Salon’s Cheness Duke, and the House of Katoban’s Duke Servette.
Aside from these five titles, no new dukedom claims or foreign noble families claiming duke titles have been prevented. I’ve avoided becoming an unworthy descendant unable to look at the Great One in the eye.
‘A representative, huh.’
Though this meant I had to dig up precedents that were rarely brought up, at least I didn’t create an entirely new one. It’s reasonable to draw on somewhat outdated precedents rather than jeopardize the dukedom.
‘If it were out of greed, I would’ve had my head cut off.’
A smirk escaped my lips as I stood up.
Had the minister’s vision been clouded with greed for the dukedom, I would have surely bound him up and dealt with him. What the imperial family and the empire need are loyalists, not traitors.
‘I’d even feel resentful if he had stubbornly insisted.’
Had he pressed for the dukedom after my firm rejection, I would have also taken a strong stance. For every decision he made for his daughter, if it undermined the foundations of the empire, a ruler can’t just sit back and let it happen.
But the minister neither showed greed nor obstinacy. He chose to shoulder the burden for the sake of his daughter, while I sought to maintain the structure for the Crown Princess without complaint.
So what can be done? First, I have to find a way for both of them to win. If the future Duchess Maria ends up overshadowed by the shadow of Marcilio, it’s a headache for the sitting emperor.
‘Maybe it turned out well after all.’
Once again, I opened the floor and brought out the leftover vodka.
Right, looking at it that way, it’s turned out well. Marcilio has reigned as duke for over 100 years. Thanks to that, he stood not just before other dukes but above them, finding a place somewhere between the Emperor and the dukes.
So now, this Marcilio is voluntarily stepping back. Of course, he’ll still hold onto the position of Archmage, but at least he’s stepping down from being the duke among dukes and will live on as a respected elder.
‘In exchange for officially recognizing the second-in-command, we’re sending the original second-down a floor below.’
It’s a strange situation indeed. The original second-in-command Marcilio is stepping down, while the de facto second-in-command, the minister, will rise into the duke position, even if just as a representative.
Honestly, having one genuine second-in-command is better than two. That’s the way I see it.
“The representative can wield at least minimal authority.”
That suddenly reminded me of something the Minister of Justice had said.
Minimal authority. Even if it’s just a bit, it means he’ll be treated as a duke.
‘I’d better think of a good name for a title in this year.’
Dukes naturally need to have titles bestowed upon them, that’s both a right and a duty. If the minister gets to wield at least some duchy authority, he ought to have a name too.
However, since he’s not an official duke, I won’t formally grant him a name either. I’ll just casually drop hints about his dukedom title in private. First to family, then to my father-in-law, then gradually to the ministers and council members. Just a little at a time.
‘Can’t stop people from calling him whatever they want.’
Even if the Emperor doesn’t make an official proclamation, if all the people regard it as such, that’s simply how it’ll be.
I wonder what expression the future Carl Servette Krasius of Tailglehen will have in a year? I truly cannot wait to see.
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