Chapter: 854
As the weather slowly warmed up, our kids chose to go outside instead of playing inside the mansion.
The reason was simple: they had to go out to see the little precious pups. We couldn’t just summon Jenny, who had struggled to give birth, into our unfamiliar mansion. Even if it was a hassle, it made sense for us to move instead.
In fact, our kids generally despise hot and cold weather, but the allure of 14 little pups was enough to conquer even that discomfort. It’s quite funny, considering just last summer, they scampered around the cool mansion with glee. It’s truly a wonder.
– Eee-eh, ee-eh…
– Keeyaaang…
– Oooong…
“Dad! The little ones are moving!”
“Oh, right! They’ve grown a lot since then.”
As usual, when we visited Luciano’s mansion today, some of the 14 pups were wobbling around adorably.
Of course, they were just taking tentative little steps, whining along the way; I should call it more of a baby walk than anything else.
But whether they were pitiful or just tiny steps didn’t matter much. The important thing was that these little furballs were becoming independent beings—little creatures who could play with our kids.
‘They’re growing well.’
A satisfied smile crept onto my face. Just last week, those who couldn’t even open their eyes suddenly started peeking out, competing to do so. Since then, what had been wriggling in Jenny’s arms also began to bark and whimper in excitement when they saw the kids.
And now, those little guys were starting to walk? Soon they’d leave Jenny’s side and rush towards the children. It would be a beautiful sight to see the tiny pups swarm the little humans.
Just imagining it made my mouth twitch with joy. Animals grow faster than humans, so with just a little patience, that day would surely come. I figured in about two weeks, they’d be ready.
“Your Grace.”
“Oh, Sir.”
I turned my head towards Luciano’s voice while alternating my gaze between the hesitant little pups taking their careful steps and those still in Jenny’s arms.
“It’s truly an honor for you to visit the humble residence of a knight every day, Your Grace. As the host, I feel regret for not being able to provide you with proper hospitality.”
“Don’t say such things. If a bureaucrat can’t empathize with another, who will? On the contrary, I feel bad for interrupting your well-deserved rest even on holidays.”
This was sincere. If a working bureaucrat greeted me every day, that would be far more bizarre. Moreover, for Luciano, this day off was like golden nectar after difficult weekdays. It’s quite a pity he has to serve his superior on such a day.
What’s even more unfortunate is that my visit today wasn’t intended. If it had been my intention to drop by, I’d have the power to stop it, but what can I do when my kids insist on visiting Luciano’s mansion every day? As a weak dad, I had no choice but to yield.
‘I’m sorry.’
I looked at Luciano with a bittersweet feeling. Luciano, also a father, seemed to understand my feelings and responded with somewhat moist eyes.
A subtle understanding among fathers with young children. A profound and noble bond that trivial social status can’t split.
“…But when those little pups start being called dogs instead of just pups, the kids probably won’t be visiting every day.”
“Truly a regrettable statement. I find joy in Helen’s friends visiting every day, you see.”
Though he said that, Luciano’s expression brightened ever so slightly.
I understand. If Helen wanted to meet her friends, she could just come over to our mansion. In contrast, for Luciano, with a daughter who can meet friends, he couldn’t help but feel helpless when our kids visited every day. There simply wasn’t another way.
‘Just a bit longer.’
So I subtly turned my gaze to Titi.
Titi lay there quietly next to Jenny, contentedly watching the puppies. For now, we could leave the little ones here since they couldn’t move around fully, but I planned to bring them back to our mansion in a few weeks.
If Titi was at our mansion, our kids would have no reason to visit Luciano’s. Once the pups could move about, they could come over just like Helen.
‘Just a little more.’
I wouldn’t need to brave the heat every day, and Luciano wouldn’t have to greet his superior daily—it’s a win-win situation.
I’d hold on until that day inevitably arrives.
A while after returning with the kids to the mansion, an unexpected guest arrived at the door.
A visitor I hadn’t anticipated to come out of the blue. Yet, rather than feeling bewildered, I was delighted by this guest.
“It’s been a long time, Count Carl. How have you been?”
The great Marquis Sorden had personally come down to visit our mansion.
“Of course, Your Grace. Though I’ve had some hectic days now and then, thanks to my family, I’m having enjoyable days overall.”
“Good to hear. Yes, time spent with family turns even the mundane into something joyful.”
Seeing the Marquis chuckle lightly made me realize my mistake.
He had left his territory to fulfill his role as the Vice Commander of the Imperial Army. He would have inevitably become a separated family member, and the only daughter he had back on the territory as Empress wasn’t someone he could meet lightly either.
It was a problem that both the Empress and Marquis were busy, but if a noble could have too much contact with the Empress, the other nobles would cast dubious glances. No matter how prominent the Marquis is, it’s wise to tread carefully.
“Please don’t make that face. It’s me who should be apologizing for bringing it up first.”
“Ah, yes. I’ll keep that in mind.”
“I came to congratulate you but ended up just imposing on you instead.”
At the Marquis’s words, confusion replaced any embarrassment I might have felt.
Congratulate? When have I had something worth congratulating for lately? The nearest thing I could think of was Titi having puppies, but the Marquis couldn’t possibly have come for something like that, could he?
“I’ve heard from His Majesty. You’ve stepped down from your minister position, haven’t you? Although you’re set to return once your vacation is over, Count Carl, given your hard work, it’s certainly something to celebrate.”
‘Ah.’
I realized. The Emperor must have disclosed my temporary resignation privately, but the Marquis, being the Emperor’s father-in-law and right-hand man, could easily be in the know about this hidden resignation.
…
‘Has it been quite a while since then?’
However, this temporary resignation felt rather outdated. It wasn’t something that had happened recently, and to be congratulated for it now seemed a bit odd.
“Thank you, Your Grace. Being congratulated by you makes my short bureaucratic life feel worthwhile.”
Of course, I expressed my gratitude first rather than my doubts. Regardless of the context, having someone of the Marquis’ caliber come down to share a kind word is something to treasure.
“Don’t go around saying such things. If your bureaucratic life was a waste, who would have the honor of claiming theirs was worthwhile?”
The Marquis chuckled lightly, paused for a moment in silence, and continued quietly.
“Honestly, I’ve been busy these days, so it’s only now that I hear news about you, Count. It’s a little awkward to congratulate you now, but I thought it better to come than to do nothing.”
“Your sentiments are more than enough to be appreciated.”
I bowed my head deeply at this unfortunate reason.
I had been caught up in work, only to hear the news late. What could be a more heart-wrenching reason than this? Given such circumstances, I’d be understanding even if I were informed of the resignation when I returned.
“No, it makes no sense that you only learned about this much later between friends like us. I was neglectful due to the heavy workload.”
“Your Grace, you’re the solid Vice Commander of a nation of a million Imperial troops. There are countless people who rely on you, so how could you say such a thing?”
“Solid? At this point, perhaps fatigued might be a more suitable expression.”
I quietly sealed my lips at his laughter tinged with truth.
Something felt off. The Marquis was different than usual. I couldn’t quite predict what it was, but it felt like the calm before the storm—something big seemed about to happen.
“Count Carl.”
“Yes, Your Grace. Speak away.”
“I’m thinking it might be time for me to step back, just like the Ironblood Duke.”
“Uh?”
A loud voice escaped me as I swiftly covered my mouth with my hand.
Though it was only me and the Marquis in the reception room, there might be someone passing by outside who could hear me. If word got out that ‘Count Tileglehen raised his voice while talking to the Marquis,’ there’d be no ending to my troubles.
No, aside from that, I had never once pondered the Marquis’ retirement. To say he’s not young would be accurate, but he’s still more than capable!
“Oh, don’t worry. I’m not looking to step down from the title of Duke. It’s just about leaving the Vice Commander position.”
“Your Grace, that’s shocking enough.”
The Marquis, who had skillfully led the vast Imperial army under the Emperor’s orders and won two wars against the North, would be hard to replace. No one would want to take on that role either.
Moreover, the Marquis was the Emperor’s father-in-law and the granddaughter’s grandfather too. It would seem he only had to relish in power, right…?
‘Power.’
I felt compelled to close my eyes in sorrow, understanding the Marquis’ heart.
His two victories, his banner of honor as the one who gifted the North to the Livnoman Imperial Family, his position as one of five Dukes and the Emperor’s father-in-law—a combination of such grand titles may not induce honor but the pressure of retirement.
It wasn’t too odd to think the previous Emperor kept an eye on the Marquis, who was, indirectly, his relative. Though the current Emperor shows no signs of wanting to constrain the Marquis, it might only be weighing heavily on him.
I too had an array of titles like the Marquis. Perhaps even more dazzling than his.
‘But I’m still young.’
But I’m younger than the Emperor. To others’ eyes, I may clearly be below him.
In contrast, the Marquis was not only older than the Emperor but also his father-in-law. He likely appeared to have authority over the Emperor instead of simply being subordinate.
“Indeed, speaking with you, Count Carl, makes me feel at ease. It saves me from lengthy explanations.”
“Too kind, Your Grace.”
I replied with a bittersweet smile at the Marquis’ words.
A man who dedicated his life to the Empire, who worked tirelessly to lead even the most challenging battles to victory. Such a loyal presence wanted to use his last moment for the Empire. He was willing to step down from his glorious position for the Emperor’s and Empire’s stability.
Should I rush to stop him as a friend or support his painful decision? Should I discourage a man who had been like a second father to me, or should I encourage the decision he had probably pondered over for a long time?
‘This is maddening.’
Meanwhile, in the perspective of Count Carl Krasius, a friend to the Marquis, whose position is the Minister of the Information Department, it felt like a matter that should be vehemently supported.
If thinking about the Emperor’s authority, the Marquis’ retirement would indeed be a beautiful act. Especially since it wouldn’t come from pressure but rather from the Marquis’ own decision.
“Anyway, now that I’m considering retirement, I’m starting to notice things I hadn’t before. That’s why I wanted to spend some quality time with you, Count. Was I disappointing, rather than purely congratulatory?”
“Never would I feel that way. Meeting with you is always a welcome occurrence.”
Hearing this, the Marquis broke into another smile.
A calm and somewhat bitter-looking smile.
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