Chapter 53
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 53
‘A Margrave, of all things.’
The master of the most vital territory among the borderlands, where central interference rarely reached.
Thanks to the strategic importance of their domain, they paid fewer taxes to the Imperial Family and faced almost no restrictions on their standing army—they were absolute power players.
Though the rank was technically that of a Count, it was no exaggeration to say that the actual military force a Margrave could wield surpassed that of a Marquis.
Because of that power and their position far from central oversight, the title was never granted to anyone unless the Imperial Family trusted the house implicitly.
‘But why me?’
Even if he had saved the Emperor’s cherished son, this was far too excessive.
Even factoring in Lucian’s potential and the trust placed in the Grand Ducal House of Valdek, it was still a woefully insufficient reason to offer the title of Margrave.
“You look like you don’t understand why I’m making such an offer.”
“I apologize, Your Majesty.”
Startled by the Emperor’s playful tone, Lucian quickly bowed his head.
The Emperor let out a small chuckle at Lucian’s flustered reaction.
“Do not be so stiff. I won’t deny I have an ulterior motive, but it isn’t a conspiracy. As I said before, I am a man who believes nothing is a given between a monarch and his subjects.”
The laughter faded, and the Emperor spoke with a serious expression.
“Unconditional loyalty isn’t non-existent in reality, but it’s mostly the stuff of fairy tales. If a monarch cannot reward a subject’s achievements, they lose that subject’s loyalty; if a subject cannot resolve the monarch’s troubles, they lose that monarch’s trust.”
Therefore, if either the monarch or the subject failed to fulfill their duties, they had no right to complain if they were abandoned by the other. It meant they hadn't even met the minimum requirements for a lord-vassal relationship.
“Schemes are the same. When a monarch asks a subject to do something, they must assign the mission officially and provide rewards based on the results. Forcing someone into a situation where they have no choice but to act is a betrayal of the trust between lord and vassal. Don’t you agree?”
“Your words are indeed correct.”
Lucian nodded in spite of himself.
Among all the schemes used in times of chaos, the most vicious was the "poisoned favor."
Pretending to grant land while actually sticking the recipient on the front lines, or giving a treasure as a reward that would incite the grudge of a specific family. Many monarchs would wrap their malice in the guise of goodwill to elevate themselves while plunging the recipient into a predicament.
‘It’s a strategy that hits two birds with one stone when used against a rival lord. The problem is that quite a few people used these tactics on their own retainers or allies.’
The reasons varied—from a calculated "discarding the hound after the hunt" to the thievish mindset of wanting to dump a nuisance without taking a loss.
But whatever the reason, the result of such actions only made the chaotic era even more of a mess. Betrayals and insubordination increased to an incomparable degree.
By now, Lucian had a rough idea of what the Emperor wanted to say.
“You have something you wish for me to do in exchange for the title of Margrave.”
“Two things, in fact.”
“If it is not an imposition, may I ask what they are?”
“The North has been unsettled lately.”
Lucian’s eyes widened at the mention of the North.
Wasn't Lucian’s maternal family the House of Grimaldi, which hailed from the North?
The Emperor nodded as if confirming Lucian’s thought and continued.
“The North has always been a place where the Imperial Family’s control struggled to reach. It is far away, barren, and possesses a strong martial spirit. Still, we have gotten along well enough until now. The Imperial Family rarely interfered, and the North was content to be incorporated as part of the Empire.”
Lucian knew the uncomfortable truth hidden behind the Emperor’s words, but he chose not to speak it. It was a truth that would benefit neither the Imperial Family nor the North if voiced.
The Emperor continued as he watched Lucian nod silently.
“However, circumstances have changed recently. As forces threatening the Empire run rampant in the surrounding areas, the North is being influenced as well.”
“Is the North trying to break free from Imperial rule?”
“Not exactly. To be precise, while the Imperial Family’s eyes are turned elsewhere, they are waging territorial wars against each other. They are trying to swallow one another up to expand their power.”
Territorial wars between lords were the act the Imperial Family hated most. No matter the outcome, the winner would consume the loser and grow larger.
Therefore, when the Imperial Family was functioning properly, they never permitted territorial wars. Why would they allow the birth of a Great Lord who might eventually threaten the throne?
“The problem is that the Imperial Family currently lacks the leeway to intervene in every single territorial war in the North. If we handle it poorly, they might rebel against the throne instead, making it even harder to touch.”
“Are you suggesting that I, rather than the Imperial Family, should take charge of controlling the North?”
“Precisely.”
The Emperor grinned and met Lucian’s eyes.
“I heard your maternal family was the House of Grimaldi. At one time, they were Northern royalty, a family with a history even longer than the Imperial Family’s, were they not?”
“Though it is a house that vanished along with my maternal grandfather, the last head of the family.”
“But as his grandson, you have the right to revive the house. No one in the North would be able to deny your authority or that of the House of Grimaldi.”
Lucian could see the Emperor’s intent.
If Lucian, the son of Grand Duke Sigmund, controlled the North, the Imperial Family could certainly breathe a sigh of relief. He was much closer to the Imperial Family than a Northern native, and if the Emperor helped him revive his house, his dependence on the throne would increase accordingly.
However, even considering that, the title of Margrave was still excessive. There had to be a more important reason.
“I understand your intent, Your Majesty. Then, what is the other reason?”
“....”
Unlike before, the Emperor did not answer Lucian’s question immediately. He hesitated for a long time.
As Lucian waited in silence, the Emperor finally spoke, his voice heavy.
“After you become a Margrave... could you officially declare your support for my son, Claude?”
‘As I thought.’
A bitter smile tugged at Lucian's lips.
Stabilizing the North was just a bonus; the real reason was to create a loyal faction for the Prince. Seeing Lucian’s performance in this war, the Emperor clearly wanted to attach him to his son’s side.
“I admit Claude isn’t the most reliable. But please understand that humans are creatures that grow.”
“Of course, I am well aware. An old Northern proverb says that even the smallest grass snake can become a great dragon if given enough time.”
“A fine proverb. It is exactly as you say.”
The Emperor smiled, seemingly satisfied with Lucian’s words.
In truth, that proverb meant that if you leave an enemy alone while they are weak, you will deeply regret it later—but there was no need to tell him that.
“However, Your Majesty, I am deeply honored, but I have no choice but to decline that offer.”
“Decline? Which part?”
The Emperor’s eyes widened at Lucian’s refusal. It wasn't that he was offended by the rejection itself; rather, he seemed unable to believe that someone would kick away the position of Margrave.
His composure breaking for the first time, the Emperor spoke urgently.
“Do you truly understand what I am saying? What I offered was the title of Margrave.”
“Of course, I know how great the authority of a Margrave is. However, I have not yet given up on my position as my father’s successor. How could I run away from the competition out of fear when I have yet to show the full extent of my abilities?”
Lucian persuaded the Emperor with words that were half-lie and half-truth.
In reality, he had no competitive urge to show off his skills, but the succession rights to the Grand Ducal House of Valdek were more important to him than anything else. As long as he didn't give up those rights, he could use them as a versatile justification for all sorts of situations in this chaotic era.
It was too wasteful to give up that "justification generator" just because he coveted the title of Margrave.
“And no matter how much authority the House of Grimaldi carries, the entire North will not simply accept me. It would require a certain level of military force, which I do not possess.”
“Could I not provide you with support?”
“As Your Majesty said, the North is a region with a strong martial spirit. While I wouldn't need to rule solely through my own strength, if I openly show myself depending on Your Majesty’s support, no one will respect me.”
“Mmm.”
The Emperor was left speechless by Lucian’s rebuttal. Considering the temperament of the North, it was a logical point.
“Lastly, if the First Prince does not look upon me with favor, it will be of no use even if I am the first to swear loyalty. It may be impious to say, but I wish to be used by someone who truly wants me.”
“Hahaha.”
Struck by the blunt truth, the Emperor gave a bitter laugh and let out a long sigh.
“Yes, quite right. What use is it to hand someone a masterwork sword if they only leave it in the storehouse? My apologies. It seems I spoke out of turn.”
Regardless of his desire to empower his son, the Emperor seemed well aware of Claude’s shortcomings.
Even so, he couldn't seem to abandon that sliver of hope, looking at Lucian with a face full of earnestness.
“But even the smallest grass snake can become a great dragon if given time. Is that not so?”
“It is as you say.”
“This has been a truly fruitful conversation. I should like to speak with you again someday. Do not rebuke me if I act familiar with you later.”
The Emperor laughed, making a joke to be as bright as possible.
Lucian bowed his head, returning the smile at the Emperor’s deliberate attempt to shake off his anxiety. Since the Imperial Family was already on the decline, the only thing Lucian could do for him was to hide the bleak future.
After confirming that the Allied Forces had moved far enough from the border to be in a safe zone, the Emperor summoned the lords once more.
“Since we seem to be safe now, I intend to return to the Imperial Palace with my sons first. By rights, you all should visit the capital for a merit assessment before disbanding, but I don't believe that will be necessary.”
The other lords nodded at the Emperor’s words.
The battle had been too short, and most of them bore nothing but responsibility for the defeat. The only one who had actually achieved anything was Lucian, who rescued the First Prince, but even that was difficult to publicize openly.
If the details became too well-known, Claude’s foolishness would be exposed along with them, damaging the Imperial Family’s prestige. They couldn't hide what had already happened, but there was no need to gather everyone just to air their dirty laundry. Disbanding here was for the best.
“I can only offer my apologies to you, who performed so well. A reward should be given, but since things have turned out this way... I will surely compensate you separately later.”
“Your words alone are more than enough.”
Lucian replied to the Emperor’s apology with sincerity.
The fact that the Emperor recognized Lucian’s merit and personally promoted it to those around him meant that his goal for coming here was as good as achieved.
Still, the Emperor only turned to leave after promising several more times to reward him.
After gathering the First Prince, the Second Prince, the Imperial soldiers, and the Red Wing Knights, the Emperor shouted:
“The Owner of the Blue Path calls to you, come! By the Covenant, I call to you, come! The Blood of the Dragon calls to you, come!”
“...?”
The lords looked at each other with bewildered expressions at the bizarre sight. What on earth was he doing?
Fwaaaaah!
“Gasp!?”
“A circle in the air...!”
The lords watched in horror as a massive circle connected this place to another location. Lucian was also greatly surprised by this Archmagic he was seeing for the first time, but the First and Second Princes seemed even more shocked than he was.
‘Even the Princes didn't know about this?’
“Hurry! The path will not stay open for long!”
While Lucian was wondering, the Emperor shouted at the dazed soldiers.
Led by the knights, the Imperial soldiers scrambled through the open circle. Fortunately, the opened space was quite wide, so the transit time for the soldiers was short.
As the last soldier threw himself into the circle, the laboriously vibrating ring suddenly shrank.
Splat!
Even after the space closed with a sound like a water balloon bursting, the lords couldn't regain their senses for a while. Some of them even went to the spot where the circle had been and felt the empty air with their hands.
Marquis Bernhardt muttered to himself as he stared at the spot where the Emperor had vanished.
“I wondered how His Majesty arrived so quickly... so he had such a method.”
“Mmm.”
Groans escaped the lips of the Noble Faction, led by the Marquis. The fact that the Imperial Family had been hiding such power seemed to be quite a shock.
While everyone remained silent, Lucian stepped forward and addressed the lords.
“Then, as His Majesty said, let us disperse. I shall return to Kelheim. I wish you all a safe journey home.”
With a short blessing, Lucian led the Valdek soldiers away from the Allied Forces.
The atmosphere was grim for everyone else due to the breaking of the Grand Accord and the defeat, but Lucian was the exception. In fact, Lucian was the only true winner of this war.
‘Good. I gained much more than I expected.’
Through this war, Lucian had demonstrated the foresight to predict the breaking of the Grand Accord, suppressed the Marquis—his family’s political rival—with authority, and saved the life of the First Prince.
Even if only half of this story spread, there wouldn't be a person on the continent who didn't know Lucian’s name. On top of that, he had established a personal connection with the Emperor, so it couldn't be better.
‘The best part is that I took all the benefits while only showing a confrontational stance toward the First Prince. I wonder what kind of expressions my brothers and the other wives will have.’
Lucian had never been lumped together with Claude during this war. If anything, he had only earned the Prince's ire by pointing out his foolishness. He gained fame by saving the First Prince, but he had eliminated any grounds for people to misunderstand that he supported him.
What would his brothers—who had refused to come because they didn't want to be associated with the First Prince—say when they heard this news?
Lucian suppressed the corners of his mouth from curling up as he headed toward Kelheim.