Chapter 53
z8FMl‘Frontier marquis, and not just any other title?’K4eVwl
jUqeAmong border lords, it was the most important of all.tPG5zh
9gpThe ruler of a key territory, difficult to control from the center.dtWSBQ
N2Q0O5gBecause 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.UWugGPF
upKAlthough 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.2isH
2FtPrecisely 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.X9VA
5EVfVOU‘And why me?’lHWOSTq
ULKtNEven if he had saved the son he cherished most, wasn’t it too much?Z1pd
XHV2Even 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.0eT4r0
vITt5vj“You look like you don’t understand why I’m making this proposal.”La5
Z8gf“My apologies, Your Majesty.”QQd
TF7pG7At the emperor’s words, tinged with a slightly playful tone, Lucian flinched and immediately bowed his head.Ukfx
xCBnTThe emperor let out a light chuckle at his reaction.QIjPMVe
q5BtU“No need to be so tense. It’s not that I don’t have ulterior motives, but it’s not a trap either. As I said before, I’m one of those who believes that between ruler and vassal, nothing is ever truly obvious.”eFjv
46JsYThe emperor stopped smiling and spoke with a serious expression.JMp
j7oz2NP“Unconditional loyalty exists, but most of the time only in fairy tales. 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.”glb
rBbBhcIn other words, if either fails to fulfill their duty, they have no right to complain even if they’re abandoned.WL2ogON
3pBMIt meant that even the bare minimum conditions for a ruler-vassal relationship weren’t being met.3DcU5C
YmQOiO“The same goes for intrigues. When a ruler entrusts something to his vassal, he must do so officially and provide a reward corresponding to the result. Forcing someone into a corner is a betrayal of trust between sovereign and subject. Don’t you agree?”p85zM56
3uLrGj“Absolutely.”swm
HLYlVLucian nodded without realizing it.Utz7fN
h967rAmong all the schemes typical of chaotic times, the most despicable was pretending to be generous.iiyrw
z37lPretending to grant land only to throw someone into the frontline, or awarding a treasure intended to provoke hatred from another house.kH2
Pn2iMany rulers disguised their ill will with noble words to glorify themselves while pushing others into difficult situations.JxsGc
dKQ‘Using that against a rival ruler is a perfect strategy—double the gain. The problem is, not a few did the same even to their own vassals or allies.’orG22qP
21eSoReasons ranged from a calculated plan to eliminate someone to the petty desire to remove a nuisance without taking losses.3Pmcu
iOLDStsWhatever the motive, the result was always the same—chaos worsened.VolxsXZ
xpUwpBetrayals and rebellions grew at a pace unlike anything seen in the past.5em3FQ
G903qAt that point, Lucian began to understand what the emperor meant.xCejX
bGG3PDA“Then, by granting me the post of frontier marquis, there’s something you expect from me.”fVXF
QXLO“Actually, two things.”hlkyyBP
8XD5y“If it’s not too bold, may I ask what they are?”7oRZqZA
x5t“Lately, the north hasn’t been doing well.”DYFKwI
YiJVQAt the word “north,” Lucian’s eyes widened.CYpOM
jHRqvBNot for nothing—his maternal family was the ducal house of Grimaldi.MlOI2
N0CdVThe emperor nodded, as if confirming he understood, and continued.Astpq
r6gKV6V“The north has always been a region where imperial authority barely reaches. It’s far, harsh, and has a strong martial tradition. Even so, until now, it maintained a decent relationship with the imperial family. The empire hardly interfered, and the north integrated without much trouble.”U1jt
W5nO4mLucian knew the uncomfortable truth hidden behind those words, but chose not to mention it.6GyJhC
4zABringing it up wouldn’t benefit either the empire or the north.HXM
Lqa5kSeeing Lucian silently nodding, the emperor continued.Imu
syVfl“But recently, the situation has changed. As forces threatening the empire rise in various places, the north has also been swept up in that influence.”OnR
SSlFa“The north is trying to break free of imperial control?”5aTuBGh
8El“Not exactly. More precisely, taking advantage of the empire’s attention being elsewhere, they’re waging territorial wars among themselves. Devouring each other to expand their power.”Ix7wpT
dRbWTTerritorial wars between lords were what the imperial family despised most.NUWJiu
AUoWhoever won absorbed the loser and became more powerful.CWXq
vqTx4SThat’s why, when the empire was in full strength, it never allowed such conflicts.zOIuS0L
5PcAfter all, why permit territorial wars that could produce a powerful lord capable of threatening the empire itself?hKS7
jelWIv“The problem is, the imperial family doesn’t currently have the bandwidth to personally intervene and stop these northern wars. If we intervene poorly, it could backfire, so it’s even harder to step in.”iQhg
Yv3s0X“Don’t tell me… you want me, not the imperial family, to control the north.”cKK9
bQ5hI“Exactly.”0GkxMHV
vG5H7kThe emperor smiled and held Lucian’s gaze.tuIir
pHgP5JG“I’ve heard your maternal family was the ducal house Grimaldi. 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?”SNF
kq5r“At present, they are an extinct house, which vanished along with my maternal grandfather, the last family head.”5zF
BWYpRnD“But you, as his grandson, have the right to restore it. No northerner would be able to deny your authority or that of House Grimaldi.”90d
VMlXnoLucian began to understand the emperor’s intentions.MNjH
KOpKHWIf Duke Sigmund’s son, Lucian, took control of the north, the imperial family could breathe easier.qejHO
TYxRHe 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.f8K
LOYOlEven so, despite all that, the title of frontier marquis still seemed excessive.LrZ
XNYNhuThere had to be another, more important reason.e90CK
Ikuq1u“I understand Your Majesty’s intentions. Then, what is the other reason?”mI8
RyDHj8“…”35oRe
YtN4wvAt Lucian’s question, the emperor didn’t answer with the same ease as before and hesitated for a long while.nRdbl
Hm0Lucian waited in silence, until the emperor finally spoke in a grave voice.zDOuRd
IUo“Once you become a frontier marquis… would you publicly declare your support for my son… for Claude?”xL86Rp
7kj***0yM9p
P2ofovG‘As expected.’GGwV2d
SovA bitter smile appeared on its own.5sdi
vPYThe stabilization of the north was just a bonus; the true reason was to create a personal guard faction.b4PKU
iEMe9After seeing Lucian’s performance in this war, it seemed the emperor wanted him at his son’s side.NA5BXu
14tsmU3“I admit that Claude is not entirely dependable. But understand that people are beings who grow.”YiRlMX
XrUBmP“Of course I know. There’s an old northern proverb that says even the smallest grass snake, given time, can become a giant dragon.”3oQC0AL
znPo“It’s a good proverb. Exactly right, as you say.”5EBAVL
tC4The emperor smiled with satisfaction at Lucian’s words.zHsiE4G
7BMlPhWIn 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.yYKOid0
0Hwglkw“However, Your Majesty, though I am deeply honored, I have no choice but to refuse that proposal.”ip42tx4
8KN7iz“What?”lxE
rMIkAt Lucian’s refusal, the emperor widened his eyes.o7KMPjl
U6msRather than being offended, he seemed unable to believe someone would turn down the title of frontier marquis.QHi
LBKd5lFor the first time, the emperor lost his composure and spoke urgently.tv6OwZ
rgmH0c“Do you truly understand what I’ve proposed? What I offer you is nothing less than the frontier marquisate.”ozfQEW8
OhAc1“Of course I know how immense the authority of a frontier marquis is. But I have not yet renounced my right as heir to my father. I haven’t even shown all of my capabilities yet—how could I run away just because the competition feels heavy?”bmee3
BFdBHLucian tried to persuade the emperor with words that were half lie and half truth.QmsNegL
nlOCWIn reality, he had no desire to prove himself—but the right of succession to House Valdeck was more important to him than anything else.SrXe
uabQjZAs long as he didn’t give up that right, he could use it as a universal excuse applicable to any situation during chaotic times.qXxQL3U
bYRoSAs tempting as the title of frontier marquis was, giving up that “justification machine” was too costly.ApAk82
tvmRi3“Moreover, no matter how much authority the name of House Grimaldi may carry, the entire north will not accept me so easily. A certain degree of military strength will be necessary, and I don’t have it.”MOE
VlXRw“Wouldn’t it be enough if I provided you with support?”mgGy
6RtOk“As Your Majesty said, the north is a region with a very strong martial spirit. 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.”zV9zKXg
lplD“Hmm.”4WQz
pE3vk15At that rebuttal, the emperor fell silent.EXZG
rvOhlmConsidering the nature of the north, that made sense.CQY
nQX“Finally, if the crown prince doesn’t see me favorably, then even if I swear loyalty first, it will be meaningless. It might be disrespectful to say so, but I wish to serve someone who truly desires me.”BjzN
iKBkC“Hehe.”FHiiJOH
LF6JUIhAt that spot-on comment, the emperor let out a bitter laugh and then sighed deeply.ie3
SzI“Yes, that’s right. There’s no point in giving a precious sword to someone who only stores it away. I’m sorry. I believe I said something thoughtless.”3Ix
ZqQxeBeyond his desire to strengthen his son, the emperor also seemed to understand Claude’s shortcomings well.sQusup
0kmEven so, unable to let go of a sliver of hope, he looked at Lucian with a face full of yearning.MBPy
m9e“But even the smallest grass snake, given time, can become a giant dragon. Isn’t that right?”R6c5
GAjIqV“As Your Majesty says.”lZZ
rKK8“This has been a truly worthwhile conversation. I hope we can talk again someday. If I approach you again in the future, don’t hold it against me.”TtB
x2bi03FThe emperor smiled, joking in the liveliest way possible.RuQeI
SmYSA8WSensing that it was a deliberate gesture to dispel unease, Lucian returned the smile and bowed his head.mou
R6NoThe only thing he could do for an imperial family already leaning into decline was to hide its bleak future.smEf
MSg8Bkb***AtV
EEOMkAfter 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.pKi5
s91fnb“It seems we’re safe now, so I will return to the imperial palace first along with my sons. Normally, you would visit the capital to receive rewards for merit and then disband, but I don’t believe that’s necessary this time.”Jo6WLC
r8xAt the emperor’s words, the other lords nodded.12a
N1N2The battle had been too brief, and most carried only the burden of defeat.s30EK
zP0Mzp1The 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.297i
JeFtVIf too many details were revealed, Claude’s foolishness would also come to light, damaging the imperial reputation.l4lbF
JCv0It couldn’t be hidden entirely, but there was no need to gather just to expose embarrassment, so disbanding here was best.n6Thh
bNLy1z9“I regret not being able to properly reward you despite your merit. A reward should be given, but under the circumstances, I will compensate you separately in the future, without fail.”O9KPiw
IkgmP“Just hearing those words is more than enough.”ivFQ
IDILucian responded sincerely to the emperor’s apology.aBfuRt
ksvThe fact that the emperor acknowledged his merits and personally made them known was already enough to consider the goal of this campaign fulfilled.JVXjn
eBQ4jzEven so, the emperor did not leave until promising several more times that he would reward him.EaTzYs
KGw9Then he gathered the crown prince, the second prince, the imperial soldiers, and the Red Wing Knights, and shouted.g2lX
tnW4“The master of the Blue Path calls you, come. In accordance with the oath, he calls you, come. The blood of the dragon calls you, come.”IxDNVS
xHQme“…?”mbxU
ekOsThe lords looked at each other with uncomfortable expressions at that strange scene. What on earth was he doing now?xual9
SMtTWhoosh!2vr
iqXzg“Ungh!”yLkBOp
6MO0gFY“A circle… in the air…!”QPClz
mGRThe lords watched in horror as a massive circle appeared, connecting this place to somewhere else.IM8L
nfKbhEven 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.g37b
51xGolp‘Even the princes didn’t know?’FtpQch
NxR“Hurry! The path won’t stay open for long!”RhrRhof
wjwFCgWhile Lucian was still stunned, the emperor shouted at the stunned soldiers.eYblRE
WtqLed by the knight order, the imperial soldiers rushed to cross to the other side of the circle.0wXno1D
rsRMFortunately, the open space was large enough, so the transfer didn’t take long.XCkBlPf
fAZWhen the last soldier dove into the circle, it shrank in an instant.Kjvop5
7oCMkQWith a sound like a bursting water balloon, the space closed—and yet the lords took quite a while to react.KxSVw5
L5uISome even approached the spot where the circle had opened and felt the air with their own hands.pfC9W
IsdMOztMarquis Bernhardt muttered to himself while staring at the spot where the emperor had departed.21eG6m
pyiHyI“No wonder His Majesty arrived so quickly. So he had a method like that.”63h
PIh0lW“Hmph.”vnpN
cTiCGqA grunt escaped from the lips of the noble faction, led by the marquis.uMfj
9Y4fIt seemed the fact that the imperial family had kept such power hidden had shaken them deeply.EAs
q0cJ3aWhile all remained silent, Lucian stepped forward and spoke to the lords.Y47
Yjy“Then, as His Majesty instructed, let us disperse here. I will return to Kelheim. I wish you all a safe journey back.”KtPsmZH
aR8BzdKWith a brief farewell, Lucian led the troops of House Valdeck and separated from the allied army.cf3egQB
JTfQcCDue to the breach of the Great Agreement and the defeat, the general mood was poor—but Lucian was the exception.apPKmA
fR1nIn fact, it could be said that the only true victor of this war was him.URnpX
W30Tr‘Excellent. I’ve gained far more than I expected.’ZVlx2
eYwRlR0In 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.YL72il
wWkEven if only half of this story spread, there would be no one on the continent who didn’t know Lucian’s name.6yTra
dKxOn top of that, he had forged a personal bond with the emperor—an unbeatable reward.D5LI5
Wms3qN‘Best of all, I showed a confrontational stance toward the crown prince, yet still took all the benefits. I wonder what expressions my brothers and their wives will make.’AaiQGW2
yjqw68In this war, Lucian was never seen as part of Claude’s faction.l71a8L
Q6UYkOn the contrary, he opposed him by pointing out his foolishness and earned his dislike.1XB
fJ0r9vHe saved the crown prince and gained fame, but left no room for it to be misunderstood as loyalty.GI45
ZWFWhat would those brothers who didn’t want to get involved with the crown prince say when they heard this?81Tal4
iRtYMLucian held back the corners of his lips that kept rising and made his way toward Kelheim.LYK4iP8
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