Chapter: 853
Since the Emperor’s contact, I had been in deep thought.
One comforting point was that the Emperor’s request wasn’t exactly a command. If the situation had been one where he directly said, “I want to see Titi and the puppies,” I would have had to get moving with tears in my eyes. However, the Emperor’s request was just him guessing what the situation might want.
So even if I chose to ignore the request, there wouldn’t be any problems. The Emperor himself acknowledged it as a difficult request, so if I decline, he’d just be a bit disappointed, not hurt.
That being said, the situation revolves around an elderly man who has toiled for the Empire for about 30 years and is finally enjoying a leisurely retirement. And now, this old man happens to have animals he’s raising for fun, and one of them just had puppies? It’s hard not to be curious about it.
‘Morally, I should let him see them.’
It feels unfair to treat a man who dedicated 30 years like he can’t even see a dog. So, a little accommodation from the new Emperor and the current Imperial Count would suffice. Just a little consideration like this should please the situation too.
Honestly, the most straightforward solution would be for the situation to directly visit Luciano’s mansion. Then Titi would happily greet the situation, who could not only see the puppies but also hold them.
However, if I went this route, Luciano would definitely be a goner—probably dead on the spot.
‘In the end, I have to resolve this through the communication device.’
Sighing as I fiddled with the communication device, I decided to inform the Emperor that I’d think it over before standing dumbfounded for several hours while observing Titi.
Titi, with his tail wagging, was blissfully enjoying the kids’ gentle touches. When the kids poked the little fluffballs, Titi seemed to bark softly, as if asking whether his little ones were cute.
From a distance, it was more a comedy than a comedy show. Thanks to my firm belief that our kids would never harm their little siblings, a beautiful scene unfolded.
‘The issue is that I can’t just barge in.’
Unfortunately, if I got too close, the comedy would turn into a tragedy. Jolly Titi would start growling again, not showing off his puppies, but instead hiding them possessively.
While a smart and kind Titi might forgive if I apologized, it’s definitely not the right time to ask while he’s playing with the kids. Imagine the kids feeling awkward if their dad knelt before Titi. It would destroy the atmosphere.
Even if I apologized, there’s no guarantee he’d forgive me immediately. The grudge of nearly becoming separated from his newborns isn’t something to resolve in an instant.
‘It cannot be helped.’
So I faced one option: find a way to approach Titi smoothly while fulfilling the situation’s gentle wish.
‘Use someone else.’
Rather than putting myself—the one considered the number one threat to Titi—into the mix, I’d send someone else.
It felt a bit like shirking responsibility, but what can I do? It’s better to delegate than to try and fail myself.
And thus, the miracle of a subordinate flipping the script on their superior unfolded.
“Grandpa! Baba! Look, these are Titi’s puppies!”
Even if I’m a Count, I’m a lowly noble throwing my responsibilities onto the Crown Princess—the next Emperor! If the Emperor caught wind of this, he’d likely chuckle. But this was my best bet—something that could satisfy both the situation and Titi.
“I’m so cute! I can’t even open my eyes! The vet says they need ten more days to see!”
And, luckily, the Crown Princess willingly participated in this outrageous reversal of roles.
Fortunately, the relationship between her and the situation is somewhat decent. To the Crown Princess, this situation is more like a gentle grandpa rather than a hardened ruler, and vice versa, she symbolizes the strength of Livnoman and Kefellofen. Moreover, the situation no longer rules over the Empire or the royal family, so I doubt he’d view her as the next heiress, rather like an ordinary granddaughter.
Thanks to this, the Crown Princess continued relaying in an energetic voice, like a cheerful granddaughter entertaining her grandpa.
“Uh? Where’s Baba? I don’t know! I didn’t see him yesterday! Maybe he’s busy!”
‘Oh no.’
I couldn’t help but sigh at the Crown Princess’s innocent response.
The distance was too far for the situation to hear my voice, but I could still clearly make out what the Crown Princess was saying. It seemed she was wondering about where the absent Count had gone.
It was a reasonable question, but it was a bit of a bind. The situation would now remember me as the Count who was absent from duty.
“But it’s fine! Helen and Pedi and all the little ones are here! Baba must be playing with friends! …Huh? Baba has no friends…?”
‘What?’
I flinched at the Crown Princess’s words, startled.
What the heck? Why is she saying Baba doesn’t have friends?
“Does Dad and Grandpa not have any friends…?”
That’s when I found myself walking towards the Crown Princess.
Titi, realizing my sudden intrusion, panicked and stood in front of the puppies, but I didn’t have the mental space to consider Titi’s feelings.
“Uh, Your Highness!”
“Oh, Baba!”
“Please let me! I’ll escort the situation, your majesty!”
“Uh-huh! Here!”
I wondered if it was appropriate to use the term ‘escort’ over the communication device, but now was not the time to nitpick.
“Long live the situation! Head of the Krasius family! Member of the Risiragui Knights! Count of Tileglehen and Wieridia, and licensed administrator of countless territories, I, Carl Krasius of Tileglehen, humbly greet your majesty!”
– It’s been a while, Count.
With my hastened greeting, the situation’s voice came through the communication device calmly.
– The Crown Princess stated that you’ve stepped away from your post, but you were indeed at her side. Thanks to you, the Crown Princess can wander without worry, even outside the palace. I am always grateful to you, Count.
“It is truly an honor, your majesty.”
– And thanks to your careful stewardship, that little dog can now see her puppies. I am satisfied knowing I entrusted them to you.
“That is also too much praise for me…”
I bowed repeatedly, responding to the situation’s words, while secretly feeling relieved.
It seems the situation does not care too much about the Crown Princess asking, “Does Baba have no friends?” While in reality, neither he nor the Emperor have anyone who could be called a friend, being confronted with such a fact in front of a granddaughter is surely not pleasant.
– Woof…
Anyway, as I stumbled with the communication device, Titi, previously tense, relaxed and lightly tugged at my pants.
I almost shed a tear, feeling like he was encouraging me.
‘Thank you…’
To think even the inept master planning to sneak off is cared for. Where did such a gentle and kind pup come from?
Meeting Titi at the situation’s residence was one of the few lucky moments in my life. Second only to finding my current family.
*
The conversation I started with the Crown Princess concluded with the Count.
It was an unexpected dialogue, but it didn’t matter. I just needed to express my polite greetings and gratitude as the Crown Princess’s grandfather towards the Count. I was no longer a sovereign dealing with the Count.
‘Baby.’
After placing the communication device on the table, I absentmindedly stroked my beard.
With my ties to the royal family, I decided to raise five puppies sent by the previous Lord. Among them, one caught the Count’s interest, and I entrusted it to him. That one has now grown up and sought a mate, resulting in 14 puppies born.
It’s a bit complex and nuanced. I still vividly remember the promise I made: when I eventually meet Seleden again, I would live peacefully as a commoner with my wife, resolving to learn about farming and animal husbandry.
Yet the promise made so many years ago has morphed into something tangible, with the pups I began raising maturing into strong adults—one of whom now has her own pups. My solitary promise has transformed into a matter of years ago.
‘Who would’ve thought I’d last this long.’
Watching the chickens pecking at feed, the ducks waddling by, and the otters frolicking around in the yard, I mused.
In reality, I should have met my end long ago. During my 30-year reign as Emperor, I burned through everything and should have faded away, holding on to a soul that should have disappeared.
It’s merely my stubbornness not to collapse right here. I can’t watch the Empire I’ve revived crumble again. I had to endure through everything until the moment I stepped down to the Crown Princess—nay, the Crown Prince’s arrival.
Since that point, all tension was released. I thought I would bid my last farewell to Seleden and head to greet a new dawn. Yet, this is how it turned out instead.
‘Maybe it’s just because I’ve relaxed.’
Having discarded all burdens, perhaps the body that was screaming for help is slowly recovering. It could be that with nothing left to worry about, my mind has cleared.
This may seem like a position that kills people, but the current Emperor and the future one will be alright. They don’t need to bear the tears of blood like I did… no, they won’t even need to hide such tears. With a mighty Empire and loyal subjects, as well as the bended knee of feudal lords across the continent.
“Does Dad and Grandpa not have any friends…?”
Suddenly, the Crown Princess’s words resurfaced in my mind.
Friends, huh? Do I even have anyone I could call a friend?
‘Well, I guess I do have one.’
It’s not quite a friend, but more like a brotherly relationship. With just a bit of an age gap, it wouldn’t be wrong to call him a friend.
Yeah, it’s been a while since I’ve seen a friend. He’s been living leisurely since stepping down from the position of Minister in the Imperial Household. I should invite him over for a drink.
And since I’m calling Baron Antrach, I might as well call Mayor Ausen too. Those two have been my precious supporters since my ascension to Emperor.
‘Should I be grateful to the Count?’
Thanks to the Count looking after the dog I sent, named Titi, it had her puppies. Because of that, I had this conversation with the Crown Princess and the word “friend” resurfaced in my mind.
That in turn led to a drinking session with Baron Antrach and Mayor Ausen, so I suppose I should be thankful for that. Who knows when our next meeting would have happened if it weren’t for this?
*
“Our Titi is adorable, just like him.”
– Woof!
“And honestly, I think Jenny looks like her too.”
– Woof woof!
Hearing my words, Titi perked up happily, panting. As I patted Titi, I glanced at the little fluffballs.
I succeeded. I finally reconciled with Titi. It seems the sight of his master bowing repeatedly to the situation tugged at Titi’s sympathy.
Thank you, situation. For the time being, I’ll bow towards the palace three times daily.
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