Chapter 77: Reckless(1)
Chapter 77: Reckless(1)
The title of 'Duke' is often depicted as possessing power second only to an Emperor or King, boasting vast territories rivaling the capital, immense wealth, and a formidable military.
Furthermore, Dukes are usually closely related to the royal bloodline. Because of this connection, if a King dies young, a Duke might serve as regent until the heir comes of age, or in some cases, take the throne themselves.
However, in either scenario, the stability of the nation inevitably wavers. The latter case implies underhanded schemes were at play, while the former often sees the Duke committing acts of tyranny while using the young heir as a mere figurehead.
Because of this, in most media, those holding the rank of Duke are portrayed as the King's arch-nemesis. Yet, this is only half-true.
Let’s think about this logically. Would any King with a shred of common sense sit idly by while a Duke amasses a massive private army and enormous wealth?
Even if they somehow managed to build up such power, they would undoubtedly face constant checks and balances from surrounding factions.
The Rekilis Ducal House, founding contributors of the Minerva Empire, was no exception. At the time of the empire's founding, the Rekilis family possessed vast territories, immense funds, and a powerful military.
However, as time passed and pressure from all sides intensified, threatening their very survival, the Rekilis family made a choice: they surrendered all their territory and military power to the Emperor.
At the time, it was a decision that shocked everyone, but as the years went by, it proved to be the right one. The factions that had been keeping the Duke in check were left with nothing to target; they eventually fractured, and the hostility naturally dissipated.
The Imperial Family also benefited greatly from the Duke—once a thorn in their side—relinquishing all power, but they didn't stop there. To further centralize his authority, the Emperor kept the Rekilis family by his side.
If that’s hard to grasp, it’s easiest to think of it as the Duke being appointed as a Prime Minister who assists a President. When the Emperor issues a specific decree, the Rekilis Ducal House takes charge of all 'administrative' aspects to see it through.
In essence, it was a win-win strategy where both parties benefited. The Emperor could strengthen his royal authority, and the Rekilis family could maintain their prestige even without raw military might.
I believe the territories the Rekilis family returned are currently divided in two, ruled by two nobles of Count rank.
"That’s why our mansion is in the capital. We have to visit the Imperial Palace frequently for work."
"I see."
Inside the carriage heading toward the Rekilis mansion.
I was listening to Mari, who sat opposite me, explain the history of the Rekilis family. As someone well-versed in history, I already knew all of this, but I listened quietly.
One does not simply spoil the mood when their girlfriend is proudly explaining her family heritage.
At any rate, as explained above, the Rekilis family has no fief and only owns a grand mansion in the capital.
Since Marquis-rank individuals usually serve as field commanders, most of them are stationed in the border regions. Due to this peculiar structure, the nobles who could be considered the true power players are mostly the Counts.
Of course, that doesn't mean the Rekilis family is powerless. Since they maintain a symbiotic relationship with the Imperial Family, the stronger the Emperor's power becomes, the stronger the Ducal House's influence grows naturally.
Furthermore, the Rekilis Ducal House enjoys an overwhelmingly positive reputation among the citizens of the Empire. If the Rekilis family were ever endangered by political maneuvering, the citizens would likely be the first to step up and defend them.
It’s strange. It wouldn't be surprising if the two of them joined forces to commit acts of tyranny, yet they don't.
Stagnant water is bound to rot, but surprisingly, no such signs were visible yet.
From this, I could roughly guess that both families provided a solid moral education.
The Rekilis family, in particular, places a heavy emphasis on character; as I mentioned before, if a "ruffian" appears in the family, they are exiled without mercy.
And even though the siblings Leort and Lina pressured me, I had to admit they treated me quite gentlemanly(?). If they had been truly depraved, they would have ignored my wishes entirely and forced me to my knees.
Thanks to this, the Minerva Empire has not seen a single rebellion in over five hundred years. This stands in stark contrast to their eternal rival and cultural powerhouse, the Ters Kingdom, where things went beyond mere rebellion and escalated into a full-blown revolution.
Of course, one must consider that if the nobles of the Minerva Empire are "mild," the nobles of the Ters Kingdom before the revolution were beyond "spicy." To reiterate, it wasn't a rebellion that broke out in the Ters Kingdom; it was a revolution.
Fortunately, after the revolution, they adopted a governance style similar to a constitutional monarchy, though it isn't without its discords.
"Oh, by the way, Isaac."
"Yeah?"
"Do you have any intention of staying the night at our mansion?"
While I was lost in thought about the history of the Minerva Empire, Mari’s question reached my ears. I snapped out of my reverie and met her eyes.
Her blue eyes, filled with anticipation, were looking straight at me. Seeing the smile on her face, it seemed she really wanted me to stay over.
However, today was strictly a visit. Staying at Mari’s place wasn't in my plans.
"No. I was planning on just visiting today. I’ve already told my family as much."
"Ah... really? That’s a shame."
Mari looked genuinely disappointed. However, seeing her quick resignation, it seemed she had asked knowing I might refuse.
I gave a small, helpless chuckle. Originally, staying overnight at a member of the opposite sex's house was something only permitted for engaged couples.
Even though I was Mari’s boyfriend, we weren't officially engaged, so it was obvious what kind of looks I’d get if I stayed the night. Mari’s parents would likely think I was being rude.
Speaking of engagement...
The average marriageable age in this world is in the early twenties. One might think it would be the mid-to-late teens since it's modeled after the Middle Ages, but because nobles are required to graduate from the Academy, it tends to be later.
Of course, it's not unheard of for engagements to happen before then. Especially for a high-ranking noble like Mari, marriage proposals must have been flying in since her early teens.
Perhaps it was the thought of marriage proposals being made to my girlfriend, but I asked Mari a question out of half-anxiety and half-curiosity.
It was a question that might be considered rude to anyone else, but I could ask because it was Mari.
"Mari. I’m just curious, but were there ever any marriage talks for you in the past?"
"Huh? Why do you ask?"
"Just curious."
"Hmm... there were a lot, actually. I am from a Ducal House, after all. I met a few people back in the day. Lord Leort was one of them."
"...Really?"
I expected as much, but I couldn't help the bitter taste in my mouth. Considering Mari’s background, it was only natural.
Seeing my bitter expression, Mari added an explanation in a slightly hurried voice.
"Of course, I rejected them all. Hardly anyone contacts me now, and with Lord Leort, we just established a social connection and that was it."
"You rejected them all? Why?"
"How should I put it? They were different on the inside than they were on the outside. Many people saw me as a political tool. You might not know this, but I can instinctively sense people's psychology."
Was it like mind reading? Even in my previous life, there were people who were exceptionally good at reading others, and it seemed Mari was one of them.
While I was thinking that, Mari gave a bright smile and spoke to me, adding a touch of aegyo for good measure.
"That’s why I like you. You don't have a fake bone in your body, and you can't even lie well, can you? I love that honest side of you."
"...I can lie just fine, you know?"
"Please, it shows all over your face. Anyway, Isaac..."
"Guests, we have arrived at our destination."
Before Mari could finish her question, the coachman informed us that we had arrived at the mansion.
Mari looked toward the coachman's seat before turning her gaze back to me.
"I'll ask you this later. Let's get out first."
"Okay."
Creeak—
I opened the door first and stepped out, and Mari naturally reached out her hand. I gave her a bright smile, took her hand, and gently led her down.
Once Mari was out, I relaxed my grip to let go, but she suddenly snatched my hand back as if she had no intention of letting go.
"Where do you think you're going? If you're going to escort me, you have to do it until the end, right?"
"Haha."
I couldn't help but laugh at her cute mischief. Letting out a helpless chuckle, I looked toward our destination, the mansion.
"Whoa..."
The moment I saw the majesty radiating from the mansion, an exclamation escaped my lips.
The main gate, stretching high into the sky, was so tall I had to tilt my head all the way back to see the top, and the scenery unfolding behind it was equally impressive.
A path led from the gate to the mansion, flanked by beautiful gardens on both sides. At the end of the path stood a grand mansion that looked as if architects had poured their very souls into its design.
It showcased a grandeur and magnificence that felt as if it were a century ahead of its time. I had thought our family's mansion was quite large, but Mari’s mansion boasted a scale so vast it seemed to defy perspective.
"How is it? Amazing, right? Our family may not have territory, but our mansion is renowned for its beauty. We commissioned a Dwarf master for the design."
Mari stood beside me, puffing out her chest with pride. I stared blankly at the mansion beyond the gate before a question occurred to me.
"How many people live here?"
"Probably about a hundred? We have five gardeners alone."
I marveled once again. The size of the garden visible behind the gate was already enormous, but it seemed the interior was even more expansive.
"Then, I hope you have a pleasant time."
"Goodbye~!"
In the meantime, the coachman politely said his farewells and departed, and Mari saw him off with a cheerful voice. I also watched the back of the carriage until it disappeared.
Once the carriage was far enough away, Mari turned her gaze to me and spoke. A refreshing smile was plastered on her face.
"Shall we go in now?"
"Yeah."
Naturally, our hands were affectionately linked. The point was that she was gripping tightly as if she would never let go.
Not to be outdone, I also tightened my grip on her hand as we began to walk. Anyone seeing us would know at a glance that we were a couple.
"Huh?"
As we nearly reached the front gate, I couldn't help but feel puzzled by the two people standing there.
They weren't wearing uniforms but heavy armor, with swords hanging at their waists. Judging by their visible equipment, they weren't just simple guards.
As mentioned before, the Rekilis family had returned all their territory and private soldiers to the Imperial Family. Yet, here were soldiers, fully armed, waiting with solemn expressions at the gate.
"Halt! Identify yourse—!"
The soldiers guarding the entrance spotted us and were about to shout, but the moment one of them saw Mari, his eyes widened in surprise.
"Ci... Huh? Lady Mari?"
"Oh. Uncle Rix. It’s been a while."
It seemed Mari recognized the guard as well. They appeared to be old acquaintances.
The soldier Mari called Rix let out an "Ah" as if he had just realized something.
"Ah. Come to think of it, you said your vacation starts today, didn't you? I received word from the Duke."
"Yes. It looks like the Golden Eagle Knights are on duty this month?"
"That’s right. But the person next to you is..."
The soldier, who had been chatting warmly with Mari, shifted his gaze to me. Just as I was about to speak in my flustered state—
Cling!
"He’s my boyfriend!"
Mari went beyond just holding hands and linked her arm with mine, answering energetically. Regardless of my embarrassment, she was busy beaming while leaning against my shoulder.
Rix was also slightly taken aback by her sudden behavior, but he soon burst into a hearty laugh.
"Hahaha. So he’s your boyfriend? My, my. I was being quite slow, wasn't I?"
"No, it’s fine. It happens."
"Understood. Zeke. You can open the gate now."
"Yes, sir."
When Rix gave the order to the soldier working with him, that soldier walked to the center of the gate. He then pressed something with his finger, as if pressing a button.
Creeeeeeak—
The massive gate began to open slowly. It seemed to be impeccably maintained, as no noise could be heard other than the sound of the gate itself opening.
Finally, the gate was fully open, and Rix gave a deep bow, welcoming us sincerely.
"Welcome to the Rekilis House. I hope you both have a wonderful time."
"Thank you. Keep up the good work, Uncle Rix."
"T-thank you for your hard work."
Unlike Mari, who greeted him warmly, I gave my greeting in a somewhat awkward voice. Rix gave us a satisfied smile as he watched the two of us.
"Ah, youth."
"..."
Rix’s words reached my ears as we passed through the gate. My face flushed with an inexplicable embarrassment, but I didn't let it show.
Creeeeeeak—
Behind us, the fully opened gate closed again, returning to its original state. I looked back at the soldiers on duty at the gate before turning my head forward.
The mansion had boasted an incredible majesty from outside the gate, but once inside, it was on a completely different level. It wasn't just a mansion; it boasted a beauty and intimidation factor that rivaled a palace.
I suppose a Duke is a Duke after all. Its appearance was so breathtaking I couldn't even close my mouth.
"Let's go. I'll show you around the mansion later."
"...Yeah. But who were those people earlier? Didn't you say the Ducal House has no private soldiers?"
"We don't have private soldiers, so the Imperial Family dispatches them. It’s a mechanism to preserve our prestige."
"I see."
I continued toward the mansion with my arm still linked with Mari’s. Since the mansion was at the end of the path, I expected it would take some time to reach.
Step— step—
"..."
"..."
During that time, no words were exchanged between us. With the conversation cut off, a strange atmosphere naturally began to creep in.
Perhaps because of this, Mari went beyond just linking arms and leaned her head on my shoulder. At first, I was too busy looking around to notice.
Squeeze—
But soon, Mari tightened her grip on my arm, forcing me to focus on her again. I hadn't realized it before, but with our arms linked, the soft sensation of her chest was transmitted through her school uniform.
Even though I had experience with dating in my previous life, I had almost no immunity to this kind of thing. To be precise, it would be more accurate to say my immunity had completely worn off.
In any case, this situation was far too stimulating for me. Like Cecile, a woman's chest was far too effective at making a man's heart race.
Furthermore, at some point, our pace had slowed, adding to the strange atmosphere. If it had been night instead of day, this atmosphere would have been even thicker.
Slide—
Not knowing what to say, I first rested my cheek against the top of her head. I’m on the shorter side, but I could manage this much.
"Mmm..."
Mari let out a pleasant sound as I gently leaned my face against her. As if sharing each other's thoughts, the two of us kept our heads together for a while.
"...Isaac."
"Yeah."
"There was something I was going to ask earlier... can I ask it now?"
"Go ahead."
With my blunt permission, Mari lifted her head from my shoulder and looked me straight in the eye. I also straightened my posture and faced her.
Her cheeks, once like white snow, were now flushed like a sunset, and her eyes, clear as the blue sea, were filled with affection. Since we were still arm-in-arm and our faces were close, I could see it even more clearly.
A smile naturally escaped me at Mari’s beautiful yet youthful face, and she asked me in a whispering voice.
"Isaac, did you ever have any marriage talks in the past?"
"Hmm... not that I know of."
It wasn't a lie; there really weren't any.
My father was someone who had risen from commoner to noble, so his social circle was somewhat narrow, and my mother was someone he met during his days as a knight.
Besides, marriage talks are essentially political arrangements. Even if my father had gained fame as the Red Lion in the past, that was during his knightly days; his political power remained unproven.
Moreover, my parents prefer a marriage for love over an arranged one. Even if there had been marriage proposals, my parents might have handled them without me ever knowing.
"...Really? That’s a relief."
Mari looked relieved, having sensed through her "mind reading" that my answer was the truth.
Just as I was feeling puzzled by her reaction, Mari threw a curveball.
"Then I might be the first one you have marriage talks with?"
"...What?"
For a moment, my mind went blank. It was hard to keep my wits about me after such a sudden, direct hit.
Unaware of my inner turmoil, Mari giggled and acted playfully.
It seemed she was just as embarrassed, as her face was turning beet red in real-time.
"Why are you so flustered? It’s not strange for marriage talks to happen at our age, is it?"
"That..."
Is this what the Middle Ages are like? Having memories of my previous life, I couldn't help but be extremely flustered.
Technically, it was like talking about marriage with a high schooler, so it was hard for me to accept easily.
Even though I was dating that very high schooler, marriage felt far too early. It was a sense of disconnect caused by the difference in eras.
"Are you worried my parents might refuse? Don't worry too much. My parents aren't that cold-hearted. As long as my brother, who will inherit the family, marries well, they don't really care about me."
Mari, mistakenly thinking I was unable to speak because I was flustered for a different reason, tried to soothe me.
I pondered how to explain it to her before letting out a long sigh and answering softly.
"...It’s still a bit overwhelming. Why bring that up all of a sudden?"
"I just like you that much, and I thought it might help when you write your book later."
"Book? Xenon Biography?"
"Yeah. Imagination has its limits, right? And they say experiencing something once is much more effective than hearing about it a hundred times. So..."
She then leaned her face close while still linking arms and whispered in my ear.
"I can help you out a little."
"..."
A voice that was just as sultry and clever as Cecile’s, more than enough to make a man's heart throb.
After hearing that voice, I had no choice but to cover my face with one hand. My hand felt hot from the heat rising in my face.
Experiencing the "spicy" version of the usually sweet Mari made me feel like I was about to lose my mind.
...I’m glad Xenon Biography is rated for all ages.
I couldn't even imagine what kind of interrogation I would have faced if I were writing erotica.
"See? It shows all over your face."
"...Be quiet."
"Oh? Is our Isaac angry? Should I give you a kiss to make it better?"
"..."
This girl was getting spicier by the second.