Chapter 128
Chapter 128
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 128
Chapter Title: The Empire's Overseer
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After Marian Renekht's death, the Emperor took no interest whatsoever in state affairs. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say he had lost the will to live.
Was she truly such a woman? Even if so, could one really call an Emperor who merely sat on the throne an Emperor? What would become of the Empire's future?
Many harbored such doubts, but Lucas's attitude was so resolute that no one could sway his heart.
Fortunately, there were no major issues in running the government. The Empress Abigail excelled in such matters.
Of course, that was only on the surface. With the Emperor, who should be the Empire's pillar, living like a wastrel, invisible problems were beginning to sprout in various corners of the Empire.
And the result was a civil war over the throne.
"Hahaha. Everyone's got funeral faces on. Take your seats. We need to continue the meeting."
There was one conspicuously empty seat in the council chamber—the one reserved for the Emperor.
Today, its owner had returned. Lucas took his seat, and behind him stood the old butler Kyle and the Special Forces operatives.
"""""We shall obey Your Majesty's will."""""
Only then could the others sit.
Even so, they still didn't know what expression to wear.
They never dreamed such a moment would come again.
"Are you well, Your Majesty? This Kalrag Dvoulash has completed the mission you assigned."
"Duke Kalrag. Loyal vassal and dear friend. I placed a heavy burden on you. Understand that it was because I trust you."
"I never once considered it heavy. As a noble of the Empire and one who has received the Imperial family's grace, it is a duty I must bear."
For the first time in ages, Kalrag felt his heart tighten with pressure. He had to endure to hide his trembling body.
His connection with Lucas went back to the Crown Prince days. But it was never a comfortable relationship.
It went beyond the hierarchy of Emperor and subject—it was due to the intangible aura emanating from Lucas.
He didn't dislike it. He saw it as the true qualities of an Emperor: one that overwhelmed people and compelled them to follow.
'Some remnant of it still lingers...'
It wasn't as sharp as before. A thick fog clung around him now.
Those who hadn't seen Lucas in his youth wouldn't sense it properly.
'Still, my instincts were right.'
Today, Kalrag was certain.
Among Lucas's children, the one who resembled him most was Damian, who hadn't even inherited the Edbalt name.
"Your Majesty. May I ask one thing?"
One councilor sought permission, glancing briefly at Damian.
'This bastard...!'
He had invoked the Emperor's name. A grave offense.
But by citing his merit in executing Elgana, he could probably smooth it over.
'I need another excuse.'
Elgana was connected to the Seekers anyway. He could claim he learned the information while fighting them at the Magic Tower.
The problem was those who would dig deeper. That's why he used the Emperor's name. Once the Emperor was mentioned, they backed off unless certain.
"Did you truly issue a secret order to Damian regarding Elgana as well?"
"Actually, that is..."
"Indeed. I gave him prior notice last time."
"?"
Contrary to Damian's expectations, Lucas didn't deny it. He admitted it outright.
The councilors' eyes widened once more. Hearing it from Damian was one thing; hearing it directly from the Emperor carried far more weight.
"He's a child I hold in high regard. And he has repaid that trust with great merit."
"Y-Your Majesty, but if you were to give such notice, wouldn't it be to the 1st Prince Michael..."
"Michael is an outstanding boy. But issues like this can't be resolved with overwhelming force alone. That's why I chose Damian."
"Th-That may be..."
"Even so, more than Lord Michael..."
Among those in the Imperial Council, Michael's faction was a minority. The seats were mostly filled with the Empress's people.
To that minority, Michael was an absolute being. An object of faith.
During the civil war, most reformers saw Michael not just as the next Emperor, but as a god.
And now that man was being compared to a mere illegitimate child. Unable to challenge the Emperor, their frustration turned toward Damian.
Their gazes stabbed painfully into the back of Damian's head.
'Fools...'
Pathetic faith.
They believed Michael valued them as much as they valued him, but to that monster, a pledged vassal and a roadside ant were no different.
"Thank you, Damian. You've fulfilled this father's trust well."
"It is my honor to repay Your Majesty's trust."
Even as he bowed, Damian observed Lucas's gaze.
'Why the hell is he lying?'
Was he taking his side? Why now? Did he know something about this incident?
He felt no particular gratitude. Still, it got him past a troublesome situation.
"Father. Your daughter Erewin, though not given a direct order, staked her life to punish the Empire's worst criminal."
"You've worked hard, my daughter. It's good to see siblings serving the Empire together."
Erewin's lips curled upward. She couldn't hide her emotions.
How long had it been since Lucas acknowledged her? Had it ever happened? Anyway, Damian was there too.
'Father said we suit each other well! Me and Damian!'
It was the moment Erewin's dream of becoming Empress grew even larger.
"Yes, we must discuss rewards. Let me see..."
Lucas leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.
Whatever the councilors had thought up until now was meaningless. If Lucas decided, there would only be minor adjustments.
"I shall appoint Damian Renekht as the Empire's Overseer."
"A-Are You truly doing so, Your Majesty?"
"Overseer? Forgive my ignorance, but what title is that?"
The older councilors couldn't hide their shock, while the younger ones, unfamiliar with the term, voiced their confusion.
"What's that? A high position?"
"It's a venerable post from the Empire's early days."
"Eek!"
Paruzan bristled like a startled cat and recoiled.
"Such a sensitive girl."
Ariella shook her head. She had come to explain, but the nomadic girl still avoided her.
"Oh, I forgot the Magic Tower Lord Ariella was here. Long time no see, my friend. With you here, it must be tough for your other friend Ezekiel."
"Today I attend not as the Magic Tower's representative, but as the Empire's Archmage. It is an honor to behold Your Majesty's face after so long."
"I ask you, as Tower Lord, to explain the Empire's Overseer to them. It's a title with deep ties to the Magic Tower as well."
"As Your Majesty requests, gladly."
The Overseer.
A position within the Empire that operates independently, free from anyone's control.
Within the scope designated by the Emperor, the Overseer's actions are unbound by Imperial law.
Similar to the Emperor, it exists above—or outside—Imperial law.
"The Magic Tower's authority was also a achievement forged through negotiations with the Empire's Overseer back then."
In the Empire's early days, internal stability was lacking, necessitating an Overseer.
But now, with Imperial rule extending across the land, such a position is obsolete.
"Damian. As the Empire's Overseer, I entrust you with the matter of the Seekers."
This was no mere reward. This time, he was truly issuing Damian a special mandate.
"You have more experience dealing with them than anyone else in the Empire. Rather than making a big fuss, it's fitting for a small elite team to handle it. Granting you the Overseer's title is also to eliminate them."
In short, for any matter related to the Seekers, he could use Imperial resources as needed.
He could even borrow the Special Forces if necessary.
"Your Majesty. Your Empress Abigail has a word. Damian's merits are great indeed, but appointing him Overseer would burden the child unduly. Please reconsider."
"The Empress speaks wisely. I believe other rewards suit Damian better."
Most councilors voiced opposition. Especially Abigail—she absolutely could not accept it.
No one knew how deeply rooted the Seekers were. There could even be connections among her own followers.
No—even with mere suspicion, Damian's involvement was unavoidable. As in this case, he would crush anyone linked to the Seekers thoroughly.
Of course, Damian could wield such power against Michael's faction too. But concentrating too much authority in him must be prevented.
For now, she could still control Damian.
But if his power grew here, even Abigail couldn't guarantee.
'It won't come to that, but...'
The unease from their recent private meeting. Damian wouldn't seek the throne, but he might desire influence from the shadows.
She could not allow that. It was her role, her authority.
To be the greatest Empress in history, then Empress Dowager. Abigail's dream was to stand at the Empire's pinnacle.
"Wouldn't granting Damian a fief be better? He must eventually leave the Imperial family and establish House Renekht someday—this is a fine opportunity."
"Empress. I'm finally voicing an opinion on governance after so long—must you oppose?"
"I merely stated that what is improper is improper."
"Propriety... Yes, the Empire must have no impropriety. Then how about we seek out the improper elements in this very council together?"
"Th-That is..."
A bead of sweat trickled down Abigail's forehead. Her fingertips trembled faintly.
While the Emperor was absent, in seizing the council, she surely hadn't used only proper means.
"No need to waste national strength on such things. I'm merely giving a fitting position to one who earned merit—and imposing another duty besides."
Lucas's gaze returned to Damian. A flicker of strength pierced through his hazy eyes.
'I don't know what he's thinking.'
There was no reason to refuse. The Overseer's authority could be used not only against the Seekers but for his own revenge too.
There would be Seeker puppets in both orthodox and reform factions. If he found traces, he could judge them beyond Imperial law.
"I shall strive to meet Your Majesty's expectations."
"I expect great things, Damian. No—Empire's Overseer."
He hadn't anticipated such a reward. And from Lucas, of all people.
"Then, rewards for the others I leave to the council. Yawwwn~. Moving around after so long makes me sleepy. I'll take my leave."
He appointed Damian as the Empire's Overseer. The moment that issue ended, Lucas collapsed as if drugged.
Old butler Kyle supported him, and the Special Forces prepared a palanquin to carry him.
The Emperor's appearance was like a storm. He appeared out of nowhere, achieved his goal, and vanished.
'The Emperor moves... Curious how Michael will react.'
As the council chamber fell silent, Dickon de Clarent twisted his lips.
'Still, seeing your face was the best part, Damian.'
No. Precisely, it was Rubia wearing his skin.
* * *
Afterward, post-mortem handling and merit awards were swiftly concluded. Nearly everything was decided by agreement between Abigail and Ariella.
As representatives of the Imperial family and Magic Tower, no one objected to their decisions.
"Overseer? What's that title?"
"The Seekers... The Empire might face great turmoil."
Immediately after the council ended, the palace issued an official statement: Damian had become the Empire's Overseer, and the Seekers were formally declared enemies of the Empire.
"What the hell is all this?"
The next day, countless letters piled up on the desk. News of the previous day had spread across the Empire.
Of course, none were worth reading. They were just from those hoping for scraps from Damian's new authority.
"Young master. Still, you should check this letter."
Anna handed over one she had set aside.
"Agnes?"
"Yes, from Lady Agnes."
She had occasionally sent word since returning to the Schubert territory.
She was investigating the Seekers, but yields were slim. That was the gist.
"...Something must have happened."
The letter's content was simple.
Damian Renekht. Please visit the Schubert territory.
The issue was the title before her name.
Acting Head of House Schubert, Agnes.