Chapter 53

Among border lords, it was the most important of all.

The ruler of a key territory, difficult to control from the center.

‘Frontier marquis, and not just any other title?’

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

Because of the importance of his jurisdiction, the taxes he paid to the imperial family were reduced, and the restrictions on maintaining permanent troops were virtually nonexistent.

‘And why me?’

Although formally still ranked as a count, the real military power he could possess made it no exaggeration to say it surpassed even that of a marquis.

Precisely because of that power and how difficult it was to interfere in his position, it was a title the imperial family never granted to a lineage they didn’t fully trust.

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

Even if he had saved the son he cherished most, wasn’t it too much?

“My apologies, Your Majesty.”

“You look like you don’t understand why I’m making this proposal.”

Even combining Lucian’s potential and the trust placed in the ducal house of Valdeck, it still seemed an insufficient reason to offer him the title of frontier marquis.

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

The emperor let out a light chuckle at his reaction.

At the emperor’s words, tinged with a slightly playful tone, Lucian flinched and immediately bowed his head.

“No need to be so tense. crystal It’s not that I don’t have ulterior motives, but it’s not a trap either. attic As I said before, I’m one of those who believes that between ruler and vassal, nothing is ever truly obvious.”

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

In other words, if either fails to fulfill their duty, they have no right to complain even if they’re abandoned.

It meant that even the bare minimum conditions for a ruler-vassal relationship weren’t being met.

“Unconditional loyalty exists, but most of the time only in fairy tales. admire If the ruler doesn’t reward his vassal’s achievements, he loses their loyalty; and if the vassal doesn’t handle his ruler’s affairs, he loses their trust.”

The emperor stopped smiling and spoke with a serious expression.

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

“Absolutely.”

Lucian nodded without realizing it.

“The same goes for intrigues. acquire When a ruler entrusts something to his vassal, he must do so officially and provide a reward corresponding to the result. afford Forcing someone into a corner is a betrayal of trust between sovereign and subject. portal Don’t you agree?”

Among all the schemes typical of chaotic times, the most despicable was pretending to be generous.

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Pretending to grant land only to throw someone into the frontline, or awarding a treasure intended to provoke hatred from another house. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com

‘Using that against a rival ruler is a perfect strategy—double the gain. august The problem is, not a few did the same even to their own vassals or allies.’

Many rulers disguised their ill will with noble words to glorify themselves while pushing others into difficult situations.

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

Whatever the motive, the result was always the same—chaos worsened.

Reasons ranged from a calculated plan to eliminate someone to the petty desire to remove a nuisance without taking losses.

At that point, Lucian began to understand what the emperor meant.

Betrayals and rebellions grew at a pace unlike anything seen in the past.

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.

“Actually, two things.”

“Then, by granting me the post of frontier marquis, there’s something you expect from me.”

“If it’s not too bold, may I ask what they are?”

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

At the word “north,” Lucian’s eyes widened.

Not for nothing—his maternal family was the ducal house of Grimaldi.

“Lately, the north hasn’t been doing well.”

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

Lucian knew the uncomfortable truth hidden behind those words, but chose not to mention it.

Bringing it up wouldn’t benefit either the empire or the north.

The emperor nodded, as if confirming he understood, and continued.

“The north has always been a region where imperial authority barely reaches. antique It’s far, harsh, and has a strong martial tradition. amateur Even so, until now, it maintained a decent relationship with the imperial family. album The empire hardly interfered, and the north integrated without much trouble.”

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

“The north is trying to break free of imperial control?”

“But recently, the situation has changed. agent As forces threatening the empire rise in various places, the north has also been swept up in that influence.”

Seeing Lucian silently nodding, the emperor continued. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

“Not exactly. accent More precisely, taking advantage of the empire’s attention being elsewhere, they’re waging territorial wars among themselves. acquire Devouring each other to expand their power.”

Whoever won absorbed the loser and became more powerful.

That’s why, when the empire was in full strength, it never allowed such conflicts.

Territorial wars between lords were what the imperial family despised most.

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

“Don’t tell me… you want me, not the imperial family, to control the north.”

“The problem is, the imperial family doesn’t currently have the bandwidth to personally intervene and stop these northern wars. adopt If we intervene poorly, it could backfire, so it’s even harder to step in.”

After all, why permit territorial wars that could produce a powerful lord capable of threatening the empire itself?

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

“I’ve heard your maternal family was the ducal house Grimaldi. antenna At one time, they were practically kings of the north, and a lineage with an even longer history than the imperial family, weren’t they?”

“Exactly.”

The emperor smiled and held Lucian’s gaze.

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

Lucian began to understand the emperor’s intentions.

“But you, as his grandson, have the right to restore it. adopt No northerner would be able to deny your authority or that of House Grimaldi.”

“At present, they are an extinct house, which vanished along with my maternal grandfather, the last family head.”

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

Even so, despite all that, the title of frontier marquis still seemed excessive.

If Duke Sigmund’s son, Lucian, took control of the north, the imperial family could breathe easier.

He would be far closer to the empire than any northern lord, and if he received decisive support to restore his house, his dependence would grow even greater.

There had to be another, more important reason.

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

At Lucian’s question, the emperor didn’t answer with the same ease as before and hesitated for a long while.

“I understand Your Majesty’s intentions. accent Then, what is the other reason?”

“…”

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

“Once you become a frontier marquis… would you publicly declare your support for my son… for Claude?”

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Lucian waited in silence, until the emperor finally spoke in a grave voice.

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

The stabilization of the north was just a bonus; the true reason was to create a personal guard faction.

A bitter smile appeared on its own.

***

‘As expected.’

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

“Of course I know. admire There’s an old northern proverb that says even the smallest grass snake, given time, can become a giant dragon.”

After seeing Lucian’s performance in this war, it seemed the emperor wanted him at his son’s side.

“I admit that Claude is not entirely dependable. beacon But understand that people are beings who grow.”

“It’s a good proverb. legend Exactly right, as you say.”

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

“However, Your Majesty, though I am deeply honored, I have no choice but to refuse that proposal.”

In truth, that proverb meant that if you leave an enemy alone when they’re still weak, you might regret it later—but there was no need to clarify that.

The emperor smiled with satisfaction at Lucian’s words.

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

For the first time, the emperor lost his composure and spoke urgently.

At Lucian’s refusal, the emperor widened his eyes.

Rather than being offended, he seemed unable to believe someone would turn down the title of frontier marquis.

“What?”

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“Of course I know how immense the authority of a frontier marquis is. alert But I have not yet renounced my right as heir to my father. palette I haven’t even shown all of my capabilities yet—how could I run away just because the competition feels heavy?”

“Do you truly understand what I’ve proposed? Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com. anchor What I offer you is nothing less than the frontier marquisate.”

Lucian tried to persuade the emperor with words that were half lie and half truth.

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

As tempting as the title of frontier marquis was, giving up that “justification machine” was too costly.

In reality, he had no desire to prove himself—but the right of succession to House Valdeck was more important to him than anything else.

As long as he didn’t give up that right, he could use it as a universal excuse applicable to any situation during chaotic times.

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

“Wouldn’t it be enough if I provided you with support?”

“Moreover, no matter how much authority the name of House Grimaldi may carry, the entire north will not accept me so easily. sphere A certain degree of military strength will be necessary, and I don’t have it.”

“As Your Majesty said, the north is a region with a very strong martial spirit. afford While it’s not necessary to rule by one’s own strength alone, if I openly show that I depend on imperial support, no one will recognize me.”

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

Considering the nature of the north, that made sense.

At that rebuttal, the emperor fell silent.

“Hmm.”

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

“Finally, if the crown prince doesn’t see me favorably, then even if I swear loyalty first, it will be meaningless. aspect It might be disrespectful to say so, but I wish to serve someone who truly desires me.”

“Hehe.”

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Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

Beyond his desire to strengthen his son, the emperor also seemed to understand Claude’s shortcomings well.

“Yes, that’s right. artist There’s no point in giving a precious sword to someone who only stores it away. album I’m sorry. acquire I believe I said something thoughtless.”

At that spot-on comment, the emperor let out a bitter laugh and then sighed deeply.

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

Even so, unable to let go of a sliver of hope, he looked at Lucian with a face full of yearning.

“As Your Majesty says.”

“But even the smallest grass snake, given time, can become a giant dragon. agent Isn’t that right?”

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

The only thing he could do for an imperial family already leaning into decline was to hide its bleak future.

“This has been a truly worthwhile conversation. beacon I hope we can talk again someday. antenna If I approach you again in the future, don’t hold it against me.”

The emperor smiled, joking in the liveliest way possible.

Sensing that it was a deliberate gesture to dispel unease, Lucian returned the smile and bowed his head.

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

“It seems we’re safe now, so I will return to the imperial palace first along with my sons. amateur Normally, you would visit the capital to receive rewards for merit and then disband, but I don’t believe that’s necessary this time.”

After confirming that the allied army had moved far enough from the border and reached a safe zone, the emperor gathered the lords again and spoke.

At the emperor’s words, the other lords nodded.

***

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

The only one who had achieved a clear merit was Lucian, who had saved the crown prince—but even that couldn’t be made public without limits.

The battle had been too brief, and most carried only the burden of defeat.

If too many details were revealed, Claude’s foolishness would also come to light, damaging the imperial reputation.

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

Lucian responded sincerely to the emperor’s apology.

It couldn’t be hidden entirely, but there was no need to gather just to expose embarrassment, so disbanding here was best. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.

“I regret not being able to properly reward you despite your merit. alert A reward should be given, but under the circumstances, I will compensate you separately in the future, without fail.”

“Just hearing those words is more than enough.”

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

Even so, the emperor did not leave until promising several more times that he would reward him.

The fact that the emperor acknowledged his merits and personally made them known was already enough to consider the goal of this campaign fulfilled.

Then he gathered the crown prince, the second prince, the imperial soldiers, and the Red Wing Knights, and shouted.

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“…?”

“The master of the Blue Path calls you, come. alpha In accordance with the oath, he calls you, come. amateur The blood of the dragon calls you, come.”

The lords looked at each other with uncomfortable expressions at that strange scene. riddle What on earth was he doing now?

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

“A circle… in the air…!”

Whoosh!

“Ungh!”

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

The lords watched in horror as a massive circle appeared, connecting this place to somewhere else. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.

‘Even the princes didn’t know?’

Even Lucian was greatly surprised to witness such large-scale magic for the first time—but the crown prince and second prince seemed even more shocked.

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Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

Led by the knight order, the imperial soldiers rushed to cross to the other side of the circle.

“Hurry! afford The path won’t stay open for long!”

While Lucian was still stunned, the emperor shouted at the stunned soldiers.

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With a sound like a bursting water balloon, the space closed—and yet the lords took quite a while to react.

Some even approached the spot where the circle had opened and felt the air with their own hands.

When the last soldier dove into the circle, it shrank in an instant.

Fortunately, the open space was large enough, so the transfer didn’t take long.

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

A grunt escaped from the lips of the noble faction, led by the marquis.

“Hmph.”

“No wonder His Majesty arrived so quickly. orbit So he had a method like that.”

Marquis Bernhardt muttered to himself while staring at the spot where the emperor had departed.

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

With a brief farewell, Lucian led the troops of House Valdeck and separated from the allied army.

“Then, as His Majesty instructed, let us disperse here. zenith I will return to Kelheim. canvas I wish you all a safe journey back.”

While all remained silent, Lucian stepped forward and spoke to the lords.

It seemed the fact that the imperial family had kept such power hidden had shaken them deeply.

Translation of A Mercenary’s Rebirth Among Nobles - Chapter 53 by Indra Translations.

In this war, Lucian had demonstrated foresight by predicting the breach of the Great Agreement, crushed the marquis—his political enemy—and saved the crown prince’s life.

In fact, it could be said that the only true victor of this war was him.

Due to the breach of the Great Agreement and the defeat, the general mood was poor—but Lucian was the exception.

‘Excellent. aspect I’ve gained far more than I expected.’

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On top of that, he had forged a personal bond with the emperor—an unbeatable reward.

Even if only half of this story spread, there would be no one on the continent who didn’t know Lucian’s name.

‘Best of all, I showed a confrontational stance toward the crown prince, yet still took all the benefits. amateur I wonder what expressions my brothers and their wives will make.’

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He saved the crown prince and gained fame, but left no room for it to be misunderstood as loyalty.

On the contrary, he opposed him by pointing out his foolishness and earned his dislike.

In this war, Lucian was never seen as part of Claude’s faction.

What would those brothers who didn’t want to get involved with the crown prince say when they heard this?

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Lucian held back the corners of his lips that kept rising and made his way toward Kelheim.