Chapter 171
Chapter 171
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 171
Chapter Title: Helen's Dilemma
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The Silvesta Marquis Family was renowned as the noble house with the greatest power in the Empire.
They weren't nobles who wielded direct influence in the central court, but they regularly visited the capital and held private audiences with the Emperor himself, commanding immense authority.
Even among non-central nobles, the Silvesta Marquis was the only one granted solitary audiences with the Emperor.
A marquis house with power surpassing most ducal families.
Fertile farmlands capable of growing grapes for the finest wines.
Mines producing high-value iron and gold.
And key territories bordering the massive river that crossed the Empire.
The Silvesta domain possessed every element necessary to wield unparalleled strength in the Empire.
Given the vastness of their territory, the family head, Luton Silvesta, made quarterly week-long inspections, personally touring the lands to check for any issues.
And every time, he always brought one of his children along.
He would take either his eldest son, Yohan Silvesta, or his second son, Leon Silvesta.
Yohan, the legitimate heir with rightful succession.
Leon, who handled practical affairs in the domain and knew its conditions better than anyone.
Rumors circulated among the vassals that one of these two would become the next marquis.
His third son and captain of the Empire's 2nd Knight Order, Veron, had never once been brought along.
The reason was simple.
"I want to become an imperial knight!"
Because of Veron's strong determination.
He truly possessed overwhelming talent, enough to become the captain of the 2nd Knight Order, and the marquis saw no need to hinder his path to the center.
"Do as you wish. But remember, you must become the best."
For similar reasons, his eldest daughter, Helen Silvesta, had never accompanied him either.
She too harbored ambitions to succeed as a central noble.
No, she was in a situation where she absolutely had to succeed as one.
'I can never become the family heir.'
Helen had long since abandoned any desire to inherit the house since coming of age.
By imperial custom, women could not inherit unless in unavoidable circumstances—it was common sense.
With no path to succession, all Helen could do was cultivate the strength to survive on her own without the family head's aid.
That's why she strove her utmost at the Imperial Academy to shine as a spirit mage.
-The Silvesta must always be the best.
Her actions, bound by those words, stemmed from an obsession born of the need to succeed.
In that context, what the Silvesta Marquis had said.
"After graduation, don't stay in the capital—return to the domain. You need to prepare to inherit the family head position."
Among his children, the one with the most outstanding qualities should succeed him—he was naming her as a candidate for heir.
She couldn't describe how joyful she had been.
She had flailed desperately to become a central noble, thinking succession impossible, and that very effort had earned the marquis's recognition.
"I must give you a chance too, Helen. If even you, called the Empire's greatest talent, gets no opportunity, that would be troubling."
With those words, the Silvesta Marquis took her on the domain inspection.
"Come. I need to show you the lands too."
The domain tour, something only those recognized as potential heirs could join.
Helen rode horseback beside the Silvesta Marquis, touring the territory side by side.
"That place is the Perion Plains, the source of our Silvesta family's power. The vineyards stretching as far as the eye can't see bring in immense revenue. This land was won when we subjugated foreigners and barbarians at the Empire's founding. And it's the land we must protect for life."
Grapes clustered in blue and purple.
Beyond them, golden wheat fields shimmering in the light.
The fertile soil, bountiful with just sown seeds, made one feel viscerally how powerful the Silvesta family was.
She spent a month away from the capital, touring the Silvesta domain.
Fertile lands, of course.
People smiling at the marquis.
Soldiers and family knights showing absolute loyalty.
In the domain, the Silvesta Marquis wielded power rivaling the Emperor's.
The past Helen would have felt pride at that sight.
She would have dreamed of becoming the marquis herself, leading this great house.
Even though it was an inspection that should naturally bring joy and delight.
'I miss him.'
A hollow emptiness gnawed at Helen's heart like a hole.
And every time, one man came to mind.
Max.
'If I become the family successor...'
I'll have to leave the capital.
And stay in Silvesta, busily managing the domain just like Father does.
Visiting the capital only occasionally for direct audiences with the Emperor.
Pledging full loyalty to the Empire in exchange for immense wealth.
But Max wouldn't be by her side.
Learning to govern the domain wouldn't be easy.
Moreover.
'Before becoming heir, I won't have time to think of anything else.'
She could never visit the Fantasy Shop.
At that thought, her chest tightened.
So throughout the inspection with the marquis, she was lost in complicated thoughts.
Moreover.
Over that month of inspection, Helen's unfulfilled desires piled up relentlessly.
In the past, going without masturbation for a month was natural.
But Helen's body, developed by Max, now found a month unbearably long.
'What do I do...?'
If she threw herself into the succession struggle like this, she might never see Max's illusions again.
'Would it be okay to invite Max to our domain?'
But that idea was quickly dismissed.
Not only was she not the only customer at Max's Fantasy Shop, but among those she knew, there were visitors with power enough to crush the Silvesta Marquis Family.
'Yuris, captain of the 1st Knight Order... And probably many more.'
She figured Max, with his enchanting techniques, wouldn't leave other women alone.
Women on her level would visit, and the moment she became Silvesta Marquis and tried to take him, she'd face endless pressure.
"You seem lost in thought."
On the last day of the inspection, the marquis called her aside and asked.
"...Yes."
"I thought you'd like this. You cherished the family more than anyone. You upheld our house motto—always the best—better than anyone."
"I do like it. I really do. Being recognized by you as family head... no, Father... I'm truly happy just to be one of the candidates, even if I'm not heir yet. But..."
The marquis looked at her without speaking.
He waited for her to open up first, and when Helen hesitated without finishing, he let out a faint sigh.
"Other thoughts have taken root."
"...Yes."
"Is the succession struggle burdensome? Do you think you can't beat your brothers?"
Helen shook her head.
She'd never thought that.
Both were exceptional, but though she started later.
Helen was confident she could surpass them anytime.
It wasn't arrogance.
It was self-assurance.
"No. My brothers are great, but I think I'm better."
"Then another reason."
"..."
"Have you developed ambitions for central politics?"
"...Something like that."
She couldn't bring herself to say it was because of a man.
She couldn't say lewd fantasies with Max were making her hesitate.
"Heh, you never know what's in a person's heart, even if you plumb ten fathoms of water..."
The corner of the Silvesta Marquis's mouth lifted.
"Even if I named you heir right now, would you still pursue central politics?"
"Probably... yes."
Becoming family head was what she'd dreamed of her whole life.
Though she'd given up early, she'd always thought if possible, she'd become the head.
Yet here she was, declaring she'd give it up herself.
A decision even she couldn't understand.
It meant Max occupied a huge place in her heart.
She didn't know if it was love or romance.
But one thing was certain.
Max's presence loomed enormously in her life.
"Interesting. I never imagined your thoughts had changed like this."
"...I'm sorry."
"No. I'm just a bit surprised."
The Silvesta Marquis smacked his lips.
"Right. Perhaps it's better for the whole family if you become a central noble and stay in the capital. At least your eldest and second brothers won't wield as much influence there as you."
"..."
The Silvesta Marquis spoke calmly.
"Yes. Then it makes sense to help you gain power in the center."
"Family head, what do you mean?"
"The Silvesta residence and gardens in the capital right now. It'd be best to make them yours."
"Pardon? What..."
"Veron treats the knight order barracks like home anyway, and the other two boys won't use that residence."
"Ah..."
"I'll transfer ownership of that house and all Silvesta properties in the capital to your name. From now on, make the Silvesta name shine in the capital with that residence as your base. I won't stint on support. Remember, as you become a central noble, I'll be behind you."
It wasn't just about transferring titles.
It meant he'd back her fully—materially and otherwise—so that in the capital, "Silvesta" would first bring Helen's name to mind.
Seeing the marquis promise a new path and support after she said she couldn't be heir, she bit her lip.
"Thank you, Father."
"It's the best I can do for a capable child."
He'd always been curt and coldly rational.
A strict father, a stern family head.
But now, she felt a father's warm affection from him.
Thus, the inspection ended.
To complete the procedures making her the full owner of the residence, the Silvesta Marquis returned to the domain.
Helen returned alone to the capital and headed to the residence.
Arriving at the house staffed only by servants and the butler, she hurriedly wrote a letter inviting Max.
A home empty save for her.
As its owner now, she could send the servants out anytime.
She sent the letter to Max via the butler.
"Long time no see, Helen."
"T-Teacher..."
Max's body, after so long, felt even more solid and toned than usual.
Had his muscles always been this firm?
Helen's body, deprived of Max's comfort for a month, began heating up faster than ever.