Chapter 107
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 107
Lucian blinked at Eisen’s smile.
He hadn't even said anything yet, so how could the man already know?
“Sir Eisen, I think you might be misunderstanding something...”
“If you were to announce that the method used by the mage who attacked me was similar to the one used to assassinate the Grand Duke, you could pull Jordi down relatively easily. You feel guilty because you knew that but chose not to say anything, don’t you?”
“....”
Lucian, having been hit right where it hurt, could find no words to respond.
Eisen stared at Lucian for a moment before speaking with a bitter expression.
“Of course, there is no physical evidence to present. However, the world is often swayed more by a person’s reputation than by evidence. If I were the one to say it, my word would be more than enough to replace any proof.”
This wasn't just some passing joke; it was a matter concerning the death of a Grand Duke and the depravity of his son.
If a loyal old knight—and a Sword Saint who had defined an era, no less—were to expose the family’s shame, evidence be damned; the whole world would believe him without a shadow of a doubt.
“Above all, Jordi’s rebellion is a fatal blow to His Majesty the Emperor as well. With my testimony, he would do whatever it takes to change the master of Valdek, regardless of the sacrifice. Is that not so?”
“...So you knew everything.”
“Yes. I also know why Your Grace does not wish for things to go that way.”
With Eisen’s testimony and the cooperation of the Imperial Family, taking Jordi down would be easy.
Even those currently loyal to Jordi likely knew nothing of their master’s patricide. Simply revealing that fact would cause everyone, except for his closest confidants, to turn their backs on him.
If Imperial support were added to the mix, Tristan would be able to reclaim the position of Family Head in no time.
‘But while that’s a good outcome for Tristan, it’s not a good outcome for me.’
Jordi, who had seized the position through patricide and rebellion, had no legitimacy. In other words, he was someone Lucian could attack and overthrow at any time.
However, if Tristan were to pull Jordi down and become the Family Head, the situation would change. He would solidify his position with the recognition of the Imperial Family and a righteous cause at his back.
‘If Tristan adds the achievement of crushing a traitor and restoring the family to his name, I won’t be able to touch him anymore.’
No matter what justification he used, the moment Lucian attacked Tristan, he would be branded a greedy, ambitious usurper. Not only would he lose public favor, but even if he won, no one would recognize him as the rightful Family Head.
Naturally, if he aimed for Valdek, it was better for Jordi to hold the seat than Tristan.
‘Yes, that’s true. But still...’
All of this was strictly Lucian’s own circumstances. It was a matter of ambition, not right or wrong.
And yet, was he really going to ask Eisen—who had missed his enemy due to his own mistake—to suppress his desire for revenge for the sake of Lucian's ambition?
No matter how he thought about it, that didn't feel right.
“Sir Eisen.”
“Do as you see fit.”
“Pardon?”
“Crush Jordi and become the master of Valdek. Do not yield to the First Young Master just to be considerate of me. I do not care if my revenge is delayed.”
“...!”
Eisen stared at Lucian and spoke calmly.
“It was Your Grace who informed me of my mistake, and it was Your Grace who gave me the chance to rectify it. Even the successor the late Grand Duke had in mind was you, so how could I ruin such a great cause just to satisfy my own greed?”
He was telling Lucian not to worry about him and to walk the path he had chosen. As long as his mistake was eventually corrected, it didn't matter if he didn't live to see it.
Lucian firmly grasped both of Eisen’s hands.
“I will promise you one thing. You will never regret this decision.”
Eisen smiled quietly, as if he already knew that without being told.
The next day, Lucian gathered Eisen and his retainers in his office.
“We’re putting the matter of Jordi aside for a moment. I’m curious about who’s backing him, but since we can’t do anything about it even if we find out right now, there’s no point in digging further.”
It was currently impossible to attack even the depraved Jordi. Even if they investigated thoroughly and identified his backer, it would just be adding another name to their list of enemies. It was better to spend that energy where it was actually needed.
“Besides, even if we don’t investigate, his backer will show themselves soon enough. Though I have a rough idea of who it is.”
“What? Did you find a clue?”
“Clue? No. The outline is visible just by putting together the information we already have.”
Lucian pointed around the room as he spoke.
“Since they targeted my father on the battlefield, it’s certain they were among those participating in the suppression of the rebellion. A mage wouldn't have the authority to make a decision on such a major event alone. Their master had to be in a position to give orders on the spot.”
“Could it be one of His Majesty’s confidants...?”
“I doubt it. If it were one of the Emperor’s confidants, I would have known the moment Asagrim was designated as my post.”
If it had been a confidant, Lucian would have known immediately since he was the one receiving the orders. If it had been an unrelated lord, they wouldn't have been told, so he would have remained in the dark.
However, the opponent had obtained that information in the middle of suppressing the rebellion.
“It means they are in a position very close to His Majesty. Close enough to overhear secrets or discussions of state affairs.”
“Where would such a subject even exist?”
“It might not be a subject, but family.”
“Family? You mean the First Prince? For the First Prince to plot such a scheme, he’s a bit too...”
The moment he said that, Hugo felt a chill run down his spine.
Aside from the First Prince, wasn't there one more person just as close to the Emperor? Someone who wasn't a direct confidant and thus stayed away from the center of power, yet was personally close to the Emperor—someone with the potential for Jordi to bet his future on.
“Could it be...?”
“Shh.”
Lucian put his index finger to his lips.
“Let’s not jump to conclusions. It’ll be revealed soon enough anyway. Got it?”
The retainers nodded in silence. If the person who just came to mind was the true mastermind, it wasn't a topic to be discussed lightly.
Having settled the discussion about Jordi, Lucian moved on to the main point.
“What’s urgent right now isn't revenge, but organizing Asagrim. This land has immense potential, but...”
“The problem is the lack of commoners to realize that potential,” Raymond muttered, looking troubled as he picked up Lucian’s point. “Without commoners, we can’t collect taxes or form an army. We’re barely getting by right now with the supplies and funds provided by the Imperial Family, but that will only last six months at most.”
“You’re right. If I can’t fill Asagrim with people within six months, I’ll go bankrupt. Money will keep flowing out, but there will be no one to pay taxes.”
“We’ll have to bring them in from the outside.”
“If there’s anyone willing to give them up, that is.”
Lucian and Raymond looked at each other and shared a bitter smile.
To a lord, commoners were labor, soldiers, and a source of tax revenue. To announce that one was taking a large number of them? Even blood allies of several generations would turn into enemies in an instant.
“If no one will give them up, we’ll just have to take them. From someone we don’t need to feel sorry for robbing.”
“I happen to have a suitable target in mind, but I haven't heard a word from him. It’s been more than enough time for him to escape prison and reach his territory.”
Lucian thought of Norbeck Calix, who had escaped not long ago. A man driven mad by the death of his son wouldn't come kneeling before Lucian now. It was about time for him to come charging in for a mutual suicide, yet there was no news.
“It can’t be helped. Let’s start by deciding your official titles. I wanted to wait until the territory was in better shape before appointing you, but it looks like that will take a bit more time.”
At those words, the retainers all looked at Lucian with flushed faces. This was where their official status—recognized outside the family, not just a personal oath of loyalty—would be decided.
Lucian announced the positions he had planned out one by one.
“First, Hans, you are the Chief Steward. I wanted to make you the Head Steward, but it would be ridiculous to have a Head Steward when we don't even have a single butler yet.”
“What?! But I saw plenty of people yesterday who were much more capable than me...”
“Then you can just ask them to teach you.”
“Is it okay for a Chief Steward to learn from the servants?!”
“In my territory, it is. Of course, if they act impudently while teaching you, you have my permission to execute them on the spot.”
“Haha, execution is a bit much...”
Hans tried to laugh it off as a joke, but he flinched at Lucian’s serious gaze.
“...Are you serious?”
“Of course I am. Since it might be unpleasant for you to do it yourself, I’ll even assign a soldier to act as your executioner.”
The servants sent by the Imperial Family certainly showed perfect workmanship. In terms of experience, they were incomparable to Hans.
But Lucian didn't choose his retainers based on how well they could serve.
“Hans, keep this in mind. You are my confidant. You are a retainer I trust and keep by my side. To insult you by nitpicking your abilities is the same as disrespecting me.”
“....”
“Your dignity is my dignity. If anyone insults you, do not hesitate. Even if you cut their head off right there, I will forgive you. Show them their place.”
Hans felt his eyes grow hot as he nodded. The absolute trust of the man he served as lord was heavy, yet incredibly warm.
“Ian, I appoint you as the Court Alchemist. You might not be able to make anything right now, but I’ll provide you with a proper workshop soon.”
“A workshop!”
Ian shouted, practically jumping for joy. It wasn't just a workspace in a secret hideout, but a workshop provided by a Duke. If he could make potions with perfect equipment, how much could he increase their purity? Just imagining it made Ian’s heart pound.
“As for Sir Eisen...”
“I’m fine. What work would this old body do? I intend to spend the rest of my life only teaching Felicia.”
“Then please at least take the position of Military Advisor. It’s mostly an honorary post, so it won't bring any tedious work your way.”
At Lucian’s earnest request, Eisen accepted with a wry smile. Honestly, he would have been fine retiring like this, but it wasn't right to keep refusing the kindness offered by his benefactor.
“I’d like to appoint Raymond as the Commander of the Royal Guard. Since the Royal Guard doesn't exist yet, it’s just a title for now.”
“It is a position more than I deserve. A fully armed Royal Guard... it will truly be a sight to behold.”
Raymond thought of the thousand pieces of equipment sleeping beneath the throne. The Royal Guard to be formed in the future would surely be armed with those very items. Just the thought of leading them brought a smile to his face.
“I’d like to give Felicia a commander position as well, but I can’t exactly create another titular knight order. For the time being, please serve as my personal escort.”
“That is exactly what I wished for.”
Felicia nodded with a calm expression. As long as she could remain as Lucian’s escort, other titles didn't seem to matter to her.
“And Hugo.”
“Yes, yes!”
A tense Hugo answered loudly. The easygoing, cheeky attitude he usually showed was nowhere to be found. Seeing Hugo’s stiff expression, Lucian gave a wide grin.
“The time has come to keep my promise.”
“...!”
“By my rightful authority as the Margrave of Asagrim, I appoint Hugo as a knight. Your family name shall be Meyer; from this moment on, you are a noble and the head of House Meyer.”
The moment Lucian finished speaking, the strength left Hugo’s legs, and he collapsed into his seat.