Chapter 38
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 38
Grand Duke Sigmund’s eyes narrowed at the sudden interference.
“My lady, I said I would take volunteers. I don’t recall asking for recommendations. What is the meaning of this?”
“It’s not a recommendation. I’m simply saying that through the process of elimination, the third son is the only choice. Think about it.”
Despite the Grand Duke’s reprimand, Lady Veronica didn’t even bat an eye. Instead, she rose gracefully from her seat and scanned the room with her fan.
“This rebellion is not of a scale where we can just send the children to ‘gain experience.’ They need to have stood on a battlefield at least once. On that note, the second and fourth are disqualified.”
“Hmm.”
The Grand Duke furrowed his brow as if to retort, but soon nodded. It was true that suppressing this rebellion was unsuitable for mere experience-building. It wasn't a minor skirmish, and safety couldn't be guaranteed. While they wouldn't normally be on the front lines, one could never be too sure. To prepare for sudden emergencies, a minimum level of experience was required.
“But by that logic, the eldest would also be a candidate.”
“Tristan has been in Bornholm for quite a long time on your orders. It’s been too short a period for him to be dispatched to the outskirts again. Besides, he has already accumulated far more merits than the others.”
“Having many merits is hardly a sufficient reason.”
“No, it is the most important reason. Do you really want to link the child who is leading the succession race to the First Prince, whom His Majesty the Emperor is pushing for?”
“Even if the eldest becomes close with His Highness the First Prince, it won't help him in the succession race at all.”
“But what if the Emperor makes a strange assumption? Wouldn't that lead to a rather massive headache?”
The Grand Duke’s eyebrows twitched at the mention of the very issue he had been worried about. Was she suggesting that the Emperor might peg Tristan as the next head of the family?
“I am the head of the House of Valdek. I am the one who decides the next successor. His Majesty the Emperor is the master of the Empire, but have you forgotten that I am the master of this house?”
“Everyone here knows that better than anyone. The problem is the Emperor’s will. While it is improper for a monarch to intervene in a retainer’s family affairs, His Majesty has been making somewhat excessive demands lately, hasn't he?”
“....”
The Grand Duke fell silent, having no rebuttal. The very reason they were holding this family meeting was because of the Emperor’s excessive demand. Considering the Emperor’s recent behavior, there was no guarantee he wouldn't do it again.
‘His Majesty wants to pair the First Prince with my son to prepare for the future. He might view the others as mere insurance, but if I send Tristan, who is leading the succession race...’
It would be one thing if it ended with the misunderstanding that the next head of House of Valdek supported the First Prince. In the worst-case scenario, there was a possibility the Emperor might provide external help to ensure Tristan took the seat. If the Grand Duke persuaded him strongly, the Emperor might understand and back off, but a strain on the lord-vassal relationship would be unavoidable.
“Doesn't it all make sense? Please, send the third son.”
“I... I also think the third son is the right person for the job....”
While he was deliberating, the other two wives joined Veronica. Grand Duke Sigmund’s face contorted. It made sense logically, but anyone could see their goal was to trip Lucian up. It was one thing for the competing brothers to do this, but for the wives to step in...
“Now see here, ladies!”
Just as the enraged Grand Duke was about to shout at the three wives—
“Those are truly valid points. Who else but me would be the right person for the job at this moment? Please send me, Father!”
“...!?”
Everyone’s eyes widened as they looked at Lucian, who had suddenly stepped forward.
Grand Duke Sigmund was the first to regain his senses. He shouted at Lucian with a look of utter disbelief.
“Lucian, do you realize what you are saying right now?”
“Of course I do. Am I not to lead the army in your stead and assist His Highness the First Prince in suppressing the rebellion?”
“No, that’s true, but...!”
He had much to say, but the words got stuck in his throat. How could he tell his son that volunteering for the very task he had brought up would bring no benefit? Especially when he was in a position where he had to send one of his children anyway.
Lucian smiled at the speechless Grand Duke.
“Please do not worry too much. I understand the situation. Rest assured, I will not go out of my way to build a friendship with the First Prince.”
The looks from those around him grew even more bizarre. He wasn't ignorant of the political intentions hidden beneath the surface; he knew everything, yet he was volunteering?
Veronica couldn't help but ask Lucian.
“What are you thinking? Are you plotting something?”
“Plotting? What a strange thing to say. Weren't you the one who recommended me in the first place, my lady? It only happened dozens of seconds ago; have you forgotten already?”
Veronica glared at Lucian’s sarcasm, but she had nothing to say. She couldn't very well take back her suggestion after dumping the problem on him just because his ready acceptance seemed suspicious.
Having silenced Veronica, Lucian added calmly.
“It is exactly as you said. I am the only one suited for this task. The eldest brother might give His Majesty the wrong idea, and the second brother and Joshua have no war experience. In that case, shouldn't I gladly take it on? However....”
“However?”
“I have one request for Father. Please give me full authority over this matter.”
“Full authority? You are going as my proxy anyway. That in itself makes you a plenipotentiary representative; what more authority are you asking for?”
The Grand Duke blinked as if Lucian was talking nonsense. But Lucian didn't back down and looked at the Grand Duke meaningfully.
“Is that truly the case? Won't there be a practical commander under the title of ‘advisor’? Just in case I am immature and ruin things or give the wrong orders.”
“....”
The Grand Duke hesitated for a moment, hit right where it hurt. He had indeed planned to send such a person along. Honestly, he couldn't leave all military decisions to a boy who wasn't even twenty yet. The battlefield was a place where a single major misjudgment could cost one's head. He needed a reliable person in charge who could serve as a safety net and offer advice.
“...He would only step in if things went terribly wrong. As long as you don't make a major blunder, the command will remain with you.”
“Which means my command could be stripped away in an emergency.”
“I repeat, only in an emergency.”
“And the one who judges that emergency would be the advisor.”
“No matter who I attach to you, they will have over a dozen times your experience. Are you saying you cannot trust the judgment of such a person?”
The Grand Duke’s expression turned grim, but Lucian did not back down. At any other time, it might be different, but this was the rebellion of Krepelt. Even if just as a precaution, Lucian had to hold full authority.
“It is not a matter of trust. It is a matter of authority. As long as I am the commander, I must have the right to strip the advisor of their operational rights. The reverse cannot be allowed.”
“Hah.”
A hollow laugh escaped the Grand Duke’s lips. It was an excessive and dangerous demand. How hot-blooded were youths at that age? It was common for them to issue nonsensical orders or carry out reckless charges for the sake of fame. There was no telling what would happen if he truly handed over full authority.
‘I want to shout that it’s out of the question, but the situation is too delicate.’
Lucian was the one who had volunteered without flinching, even while the wives were ganging up to sideline him. If the Grand Duke didn't even grant this condition, it would be no different from him, the father, also viewing Lucian as a sacrificial lamb.
‘I could refuse and send one of the other brothers instead, but whoever it is, they’ll surely dig their heels in and refuse to go...’
There was simply no way out. Exhaling a sigh, the Grand Duke nodded heavily.
“Fine. I will give you full authority.”
“Thank you, Father.”
“However, since you lack experience, I will still attach an advisor to you. Since you have full authority, whether you follow his words or not is up to you, but please do not listen to them lightly.”
“I will keep that in mind.”
Lucian nodded with a smile. The other wives and brothers also looked quite satisfied. Hearing his request just now, they seemed to have mistakenly thought he was going to do something reckless out of an obsession with fame.
‘Well, they aren't entirely wrong.’
It was true he wanted fame, and it was true he was going to do something reckless. The difference was that Lucian would succeed. And as a result, the future of the continent was set to change significantly. It would be a long time before they realized that fact, though.
—The departure will be in two months. You won't be able to return until the rebellion is suppressed, so make sure to get plenty of rest.
“That’s much more generous than I expected.”
Lucian gave a bitter smile, recalling the period the Grand Duke had mentioned. Come to think of it, this was how things were before the Age of Chaos. They would organize legions, establish supply routes, gather troops, and only after issuing a final ultimatum would they finally go to war. Compared to the era when standing armies were always ready to stab someone in the back, it was truly gentlemanly.
‘But that ends with this rebellion.’
The rebellion of Krepelt wasn't just a flare signaling the fall of the Empire. It was the signal for the collapse of the existing order itself. The beginning of the Age of Chaos, where dishonor was taken for granted and betrayal became a daily occurrence. Lucian intended to delay the start of that chaos, even if only a little.
‘I still need time.’
The Empire, having reached its limit, could not stop the coming chaos. However, Lucian was not yet prepared to become a monarch with enough power when that chaos arrived. He had to buy as much time as possible and prepare thoroughly.
Just as Lucian finished his thoughts and was about to head to Hugo and Hans—
“I wonder what you’re thinking so hard about. Have you come up with some wicked scheme?”
“Brother?”
Lucian turned his head at the sudden voice from the side. Jordi had approached unnoticed and was glaring at Lucian with sharp eyes.
“You look quite pleased with yourself. Even though you’re heading to the battlefield to get entangled with the First Prince.”
“I wonder. Doesn't turning a crisis into an opportunity depend on the person? Some can only see a crisis as a crisis.”
Lucian returned Jordi’s provocation with his own sharp words. After speaking, Lucian waited for the usual outburst, but Jordi was strangely quiet. After staring at Lucian in silence for a long time, Jordi spoke coldly.
“Do you know the term ‘branch family’?”
“Doesn't it mean leaving the original family to establish a new one? Do I look like a fool to you?”
“No. But you don't seem to know just how shameless an act branching off is.”
Jordi, bringing up the topic out of the blue, looked straight into Lucian’s eyes. As if he absolutely had to know what Lucian was thinking.
“Establishing a new family because one has no succession rights. It sounds good. But those sorts are usually nothing but mediocre. Self-made? Don't make me laugh. Most of them suck the marrow out of the family they originated from.”
“....”
“They rely on their bloodline to claim legitimacy and use their birthright to pick away at the legacy. After stealing what belongs to the rightful heir, they put on the grand title of the progenitor of a new house.”
“My, you certainly have harsh words. Do you know how many heads of branch families there are? And if one isn't the successor, what is there to pick away at? They wouldn't even have the authority to take anything.”
“No! Everything obtained through that blood is theft!”
The quiet Jordi suddenly shouted, clenching his fists tight.
“From birth, they get to know the talents belonging to the house, exchange favors, and eventually steal those connections away! Because they were born with the bloodline, their nobility is recognized, giving them the qualification to be chosen as a lord! They even claim their rights to the ancestors' legacy! If this isn't theft, then what is!?”
Bastards, thieves, shameless people who should be torn apart. Jordi spat out curses at the floor several times. Lucian, listening quietly to Jordi’s tirade, crossed his arms with a nonchalant expression.
“So? If the heads of branch families are bastards, what do you want me to do? Honestly, I don't even know why you’re telling me this.”
“...Getting involved with the First Prince is a major affair for the family. If things go well, fine, but if things get out of hand, you could become the tail that gets cut off for the sake of the house. Getting entangled in the struggle for the imperial throne is too dangerous, even for a Valdek.”
“Well, that’s true.”
“And yet, you didn't worry at all. As if being abandoned by the family meant nothing to you. As if it’s fine to just go somewhere else if you can't become the head.”
Before Lucian could call it a misunderstanding, Jordi grabbed his shoulder firmly. He didn't grip hard enough to hurt, but that made it feel even heavier. Jordi whispered quietly to Lucian.
“Keep this in mind. You are a Valdek. I am a Valdek too. So are the eldest brother and Joshua. We live with Valdek and we die with Valdek. Except for the one person who becomes the head, everyone goes to the bottom.”
“....”
“If you fail, you must fall with us. Remember. Don't even dream of plucking the family’s feathers to make your own wings. I will not forgive such theft. You either have everything, or you lose it all. It’s one or the other.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Jordi shoved Lucian aside and walked past. He disappeared quickly around the corner as if he had nothing more to say. Left alone, Lucian eventually let out a hollow laugh and muttered.
“Man, that guy....”
...He’s damn quick on the uptake, isn't he?