The Smallest Things Are Closest
The contents the four dukes had shared with me were all similar in their underlying process, even if the starting points differed.
Each family’s successor had come forward with a powerful request for support from the Imperial Veterans Pension Fund. It was framed as both a noble obligation and a duty they had sworn to uphold, backed by an even stronger conviction.
There were elements in it that all four families clearly believed were correct, which was why they had all responded positively.
The people sitting there had suddenly sought me out for exactly that reason.
‘…My children. I really didn’t expect this.’
I had already told those men that support for Imperial veterans was already being handled through the welfare system.
And a substantial portion of the taxes flowing into that system came from the wallets of the nobles seated before me.
In other words, they were already providing sufficient assistance.
It was like me paying taxes to support the socially disadvantaged, only for some stranger to suddenly appear and demand, “Let’s help the underprivileged!” while opening his wallet.
There was no particular reason for me to step forward, and if they did, the nobles might come across as “Ah, the welfare system is truly abysmal, so we’ll establish our own pension fund—please understand.”
From the welfare perspective, they might simply be puzzled: “We’re working so hard, why this?” Or, conversely, they might say, “Oh, thank you. We were already struggling on our own.”
“Even if the four dukes and the imperial counts join forces, it would be a great honor for me. However, I hope you will not feel burdened. This is merely a small gesture from me at most…”
“It should not be small. We cannot offer small relief to the citizens of the Empire, let alone to those who fought to protect it and were injured.”
“This man speaks the truth. Karl. If we had not begun, perhaps, but once we start, we must do it properly.”
Hmm. It felt exactly like conversing with Schlipen and Wilhelm.
The power of bloodlines was indeed a powerful thing, and it seemed the truth could not be denied.
“By the way, Karl.”
“Yes, Duke Brunne of the Empire. Please speak.”
“I have some concerns. The various welfare policies pursued by the welfare side are part of national initiatives, so they are implemented thoroughly and monitored with utmost care. However, this pension fund is different, and if mishandled, it could be perverted or exploited.”
“You mean unqualified individuals could exploit it to steal pensions.”
That was a concern I had as well. Parasites were born everywhere.
“I am also aware of your worries, Your Highness.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. But I still believe that if even one veteran can be helped, it is sufficient reason to exist. And with the dukes here providing assistance, that concern would naturally be resolved, would it not?”
They would not simply donate funds, of course. They would surely attach experts to manage them.
Since my share was included, they would at least want to verify how it was being used.
And no matter how arrogant the child might be, they would not want to make enemies of two dukedoms and two imperial counties.
‘Only the imperial family or the duke house could commit such acts, but why would they covet such a pittance.’
I discreetly checked the expressions of the four dukes, and it seemed this was indeed the correct answer.
By offering that their help would reduce these worries, they had cleverly raised the point.
Any person who acknowledged my ‘value’ could not be ignored.
“Indeed, we will need your strength.”
“What are you all worrying about? You have already decided.”
“Huh. Duke Tierdal of the Empire. Did we worry that much?”
“What worry. Duke, I know you decided in five minutes.”
“Hmm. Hmm.”
In both the political world and the social world, respected figures were casually chatting.
Whether the families were close and the four idiots were close, or the four idiots were close and the families had grown nearer.
Either way, it was a rare blessing for me now. A signal had been lit for the formation of the pension fund.
“Ah, and Karl.”
“Yes. Please speak.”
“Regarding the name of the foundation, do you have anything already decided?”
“…Yes?”
The name of the foundation? Uh, uh… I had not even considered it, let alone decided on one?
Did it really need a name? Wasn’t ‘Imperial Veterans Pension Fund’ sufficient?
“I do not have any decided yet.”
“Is that so?”
“Could the dukes have thought of something?”
Seeing that they were asking for the name, it seemed that was the case. So they had asked.
And seeing the dukes smiling, I was certain my guess had been correct.
“Of course. We have thought of something. Karl, you thought of the foundation but not the name?”
“That is… I believed ‘Imperial Veterans Pension Fund’ would be enough.”
“It is not bad. But having a proper name is better. Especially, depending on what the name is, it can make people view it more positively.”
Hmm. Seeing them speak like that, it seemed they had a truly good name in mind.
“The pension fund will be named the Karl Adelheit Foundation.”
…Yes?
“Karl’s name must be included. Not just anyone, but a Medal of Honor recipient.”
“It is insufficient to be the representative of those who step forward for the veterans. After all, he is someone who fought on the battlefield with them.”
“How does that sound, Karl? With this, it might even receive nationwide support.”
“Ah, yes… That would be right.”
I laughed. I had to laugh. Not just anyone, but people who were helping me and my comrades.
My naming sense was truly terrible, but still, with etiquette, I smiled while—
“Actually, this name was created by our four dukes. Karl. How is it? Is it good?”
“… .”
Ah. The four idiots had done it. Ah. Hmm.
I would kill them.
*
“… .”
Lavrenti held a single sheet of paper and was lost in thought.
- Academy Admission Application -
Academy. The Imperial Academy. The finest educational institution. The Empire’s ivory tower. The place of learning.
Others had been desperately wanting to attend, but Lavrenti herself had never considered it.
The reason she was still in conflict was the meeting that had occurred not long ago.
“Secret technique… is the academy.”
The woman named Selena had said that the secret to getting close to her master was the academy.
By living the same life in the same place, it had naturally become that, she added.
Hearing that far, Lavrenti for the first time seriously considered the academy.
And that thought had not left her mind even after meeting her family later. Even while seeing her family living more comfortably thanks to the money she had been pouring in.
‘Academy. Academy…’
Lavrenti first thought of her family. In the past, it had been very tight, but now it was much better.
She had continued pouring money, her parents had worked without rest, and above all, the result of her siblings each doing their best to help the household.
But she could not be complacent. Her parents could not be responsible forever.
In that sense, going to the academy was naturally a source of worry and burden for Lavrenti.
‘At least if the financial worries could be reduced a bit.’
Thinking that on a certain day.
“Eh?”
While passing the gate, she heard some news.
< A grand support for the future of veterans who participated in the war… >
< For details, the young master of the Naplio Dukedom, Deonic Ifreet… >
A support project started with the purpose of helping the future of veterans who had participated in the war.
The content was that it was operated with the family’s funds and donations received from various places.
Seeing that, Lavrenti was mesmerized and headed to the consultation place for that support project.
“Welcome. Are you a veteran?”
“Yes. That is right. My affiliation is―”
The discharge certificate she always carried after discharge, and the Silver Star Medal she had just in case.
Seeing that, the consultant let out a short exclamation “Huh!” and opened his mouth in a polite tone.
“What brings you here?”
“Ah, yes. I… I want to learn a bit. I am thinking of entering the academy, but unfortunately, money is holding me back…”
“I see. Please wait a moment? Especially since you came from a more courageous person, the young master wants to see you.”
“Eh?”
After a while. A young man appeared with hurried steps from the back.
“Corporal Lavrenti?”
“Yes. I am Lavrenti.”
“Nice to meet you. I am Deonic Ifreet. I was also an officer during the Luzens War.”
“Ah…! I, I see!”
Deonic smiled brightly and explained the background of how he started this work.
There was the Empire’s greatest war hero who had saved his life. He wanted to repay the favor, but the person instead introduced himself saying he was grateful.
There, he thought. The real way to repay him is not to that person, but to help all the Empire’s veterans who fought with him, right?
“Corporal Lavrenti seems to have a strong will for studies.”
“Yes? Ah… Is that so?”
“You must be worried about the academy entrance fees and living expenses in the meantime. There is a scholarship system at the academy.”
“I do not have much depth in learning.”
“Hmm. Then, we will try to help in the direction that can help you as much as possible.”
So, do not worry, move forward for your future and dreams.
Upon hearing Deonic’s words, Lavrenti thought of Karl and answered vigorously, “Thank you!”