Chapter 152

“Even if you only possess the Helzman Count’s territory within the Nante Count’s territory, you have secured a land more expansive than many dukes. And on top of that, up to three-quarters of the Architel Dukedom… It’s peculiar that someone with such vast territory isn’t a duke.”

“The title of duke isn’t merely granted because of the expanse of one’s territory, is it? SIEL von Croilet is still quite young and has yet to serve His Majesty. Therefore, as soon as I’m summoned by His Majesty, I planned to request for the proposal to be withdrawn.”

“Originally, in order to receive the dukedom, one needs substantial territory, economic power, and achievements worthy of being etched in history…”

“Just as not everything in this world flows in accordance with procedures, there are many instances in the history of the empire where individuals capable of exerting tremendous influence, like myself, have been awarded titles without the typical qualifications.”

“Thus, in a realistic context, the Duke Brussels is correct.”

Duke Brussels patted my shoulder and spoke in a benevolent voice.

“Moreover, you merely lack the opportunity to shine because foolish individuals were unwilling to follow His Imperial Majesty. Haven’t you been eager to come once the Architel region stabilizes? And when we were weakened by civil war, you thwarted the attacks from Franche and Romania. That’s quite sufficient. Although you can’t directly serve His Majesty in exchange for territory… You have already contributed significantly as a shield of the empire.”

It may appear to be a warm scene where a benevolent elder duke acknowledges a young noble, but…

From that person’s perspective, there’s no way I could be viewed favorably, and the way he’s trying to elevate me comes across as a veiled threat to me.

No, I already know the kinds of threats they’ll employ… so I’m not truly scared.

“Therefore, enjoy the privileges of the dukedom granted to you. The right to marry the direct line of the imperial princess of the Eraline Empire and receive the same honors as the collateral imperial family. The right to mint currency using gold and silver. The right to refuse summons by the Emperor’s court and reject the call. The right to appoint nobles of Count rank and below at will, and so on… All of this is yours.”

While the Duke Brussels enumerated these incredible rights, they can all be summarized in a single phrase.

“As long as the Eraline Empire exists, within your territory, you are the true king. No, if the Emperor meddles unnecessarily or you choose not to listen, that’s fine too. Just don’t draw your sword against me.”

The dukedom with such overwhelming rights and privileges.

Perhaps that’s why, even in Europe on Earth, there are states founded by dukes, ‘dukedoms’ ruled by dukes.

Moreover, my territory currently possesses a size, population, and economic power level that cannot merely be handled by an individual duke, even if it may not be considered an empire.

If I utilize all of this well, the dukedom could serve me a goblet of sweet pumpkin candy that I couldn’t even imagine.

“I am still quite young and have not served directly. How could I possibly dare to? How could I rise to the level of the Duke Brussels, the right hand of His Majesty, who was the founder of the empire, merely because I, SIEL von Croilet, have not contributed anything tangible? Therefore, please convey my words well to the Duke.”

At that, the duke momentarily displayed a displeased expression and spoke.

“Hmph, how presumptuous. Did you not learn that when someone gives you something, it’s polite to refuse a couple of times before accepting? And it is not I who grants this title; it is His Imperial Majesty. So stop being modest and just accept it. Or do you suspect, like your former lord Schwabin, that the Croilet family will use you and then discard you?”

If you’re coming at me that way, then what can I say?

“Is there any ‘whether’ here? It’s just that nobles other than His Majesty and Duke Brussels might question why I, who became a duke at such a young age.”

“That’s a ridiculous statement. Who would doubt you? If anyone were to arise with such doubts, they would face my punishment for questioning the Emperor’s intentions.”

Duke Brussels must have understood by now.

I currently do not trust you or His Imperial Majesty, which is why I have no intention of accepting the dukedom.

However, the duke is utilizing the excuse of the Emperor’s decree to insist on making me drink from a poisoned chalice.

And no matter how poisonous that chalice may be, poison is still poison. It kills immediately.

I pretended to be genuinely aggrieved and spoke loudly as if pulling it from my belly.

“How could I, as a noble of Eraline, doubt His Imperial Majesty, who has recognized me with the grace of Deus, and the Duke who raised me to this point? However, please think objectively. I am fighting against Franche from below and Romania from the side, amassing considerable wealth and powerful soldiers through countless wars, almost unilaterally.”

With a slight exaggeration… right now, the income I receive personally, if gathered for a year, could purchase a barony level through cash payment.

In other words, in terms of Korea, I could buy a small city by cashing in my annual salary.

Also, amongst the non-commissioned officers above the rank of sergeant, there are many who can hold their own in one-on-one melee with knights.

These infantry alone number around 6,000, with the reputation of having annihilated the knights of Architel, who were said to be the strongest.

The level of power that a mere count or noble could wield has long surpassed that.

“Still, I am young and lacking. Most importantly, I have not made any service to His Majesty to prove my loyalty. Furthermore, like a child, I failed to judge the situation comprehensively and married Irina, the daughter of the King of the Northern Alliance, for the sake of my territory’s stability. Of course, our benevolent His Majesty… has forgiven me for all these actions, so I believe that is why I have been granted the dukedom…”

At those words, the Duke’s expression twisted.

Of course, he would feel that way; the Emperor and the duke would have planned to use Irina to bite me after granting the dukedom, intending to lead me into some sort of trap.

What would be the justification for them…

“Marrying Irina Romanova, the princess of the Northern Alliance, unilaterally, even if I was under protection during the civil war… is an act of forming an alliance with a foreign nation as an imperial noble, which exceeds the authority I can exercise as an imperial count!”

After saying that, they would surely devise all sorts of tricks and tight restrictions to use me as a ‘duke’s slave’ to their whims.

No, they must be aiming to drain as much from my territory as possible. What am I thinking…

Yet, because I’ve received the dukedom, it’ll be implied that it was all permissible because the Emperor is well aware of this… they’d probably get furious.

“Nevertheless, even if forgiveness is granted, it does not erase the crime, does it? Therefore, some of them may say this: that SIEL von Croilet will utilize the powers of a duke to align with his in-laws, the Northern Alliance. Of course, I believe that the wise His Majesty and Duke will not believe such words…”

Usually, when I say this, it’s a way of implying they will definitely think that way.

However, even I do not believe that the Emperor and the duke would credibly entertain such absurd rumors.

Because if they had even the slightest inclination, I would have run away saying, ‘The Eraline Emperor cannot protect me from the invasions of Romania and Franche, so I’ll flee north.’

But the Emperor’s power can aggregate such insinuations into reality and lead to my impeachment and conquest.

This is not a world where the presumption of innocence dominates like in Korea but one dominated by the ‘presumption of guilt’ and ‘imperial absolutism.’

“Even so, as a vassal of His Majesty, I cannot harm the honorable Emperor’s esteemed reputation with such rumors. And I am still young. Thus, if the grace of Deus allows, there will be opportunities for me to achieve even greater merits in the future.”

When I laid out the entirety of my thoughts, the Duke shook his head as if weary.

“As you said, neither I nor His Imperial Majesty doubt your loyalty and faithfulness, SIEL von Croilet. However, other nobles… they might raise suspicions as you mentioned. Considering that, it seems there is no other way.”

“I also find it quite unfortunate.”

“Instead, I would like to propose a marriage alliance to strengthen our connection. Make your choice. The daughter of His Majesty’s concubine or my granddaughter. Which will you choose?”

As I had anticipated, since the path to granting the dukedom had been blocked, he was proposing this method to place a bell around my neck.

However, to avoid being surrounded by the three nations of Eraline, Franche, and Romania…

“Very well. Then please promote the marriage between my family member, my brother Ron von Croilet, and the lady of Duke’s house.”

“I cannot trust you unless it is a marriage involving you.”

“I currently do not have a son. Therefore, should any misfortune befall me, he shall become my heir. And even if the daughter of His Majesty’s concubine or the direct heir of the duke is offered to me as a concubine, wouldn’t this still be a better option than giving me someone of lower standing than Ela?”

At that, the Duke clutched his head in exasperation.

“Fine. Then let us marry one of my concubine’s daughters to that Ron fellow as his legitimate wife.”

“Thank you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I am quite exhausted, so may I take my leave?”

The Duke waved his hand dismissively.

“Go ahead.”

“I’ll see you at the palace.”

With that said, I left the room.

**

As SIEL von Croilet, the greatest wall in my life, exited the room, my son burst in through the door, chattering excitedly.

“Father, I finally convinced Count White! Now, as you planned, when Count Croilet receives the dukedom, he will immediately be impeached.”

Normally, I would have lauded my son, who was only 30, for changing the mind of a cunning weasel of a count over sixty years old.

Because even if he had the advantages of being the heir of a ducal house and a favorable situation, it was still remarkable that he could draw such a formidable adversary into my camp within the political arena where I had often fought almost on equal footing.

Back when I was his age, I was merely following my father’s orders, managing disputes or adjustments among my retainers.

So I always felt proud seeing such a son.

But right now, that pride eluded me.

“Is that so? Well done.”

Noticing my worry, he asked with concern.

“What is it? Are you in poor health?”

“No, not at all. It’s just that I got played by that damn Croilet again.”

“……. Father.”

My proud son before me. No, he had qualities far surpassing what I possessed at his age, and he looked at me with a concerned gaze.

However, what worries me more is him.

Because Croilet’s abilities as a ruler, his political prowess, and skills are all superior enough that he could play with me, while my son Brown…

He would only be a mere toy to Count Croilet.

If a confrontation were to arise, Brown would never escape his grasp.

Before me, my son clenched his teeth, but no further words came from him.

“It can’t be helped. He is far more capable and outstanding than our ancestors… a madman who moves history all by himself.”

“Father… But will you really just be played by a mere count like this?”

“Calm down. Although I may be somewhat inferior to him, that fellow has been sharpening his sword for five years since becoming the Nante Count. And during these five years, if I recognize the capabilities of SIEL von Croilet… just with a letter granting him the dukedom, I was afraid he would take my life at once… hence, I prepared accordingly.”

His words brought a look of admiration to my son’s face.

“What is it, Father?”

I wanted to tell him directly, but I thought it might be more beneficial for his growth if he discovered it himself…

So, I just smiled and responded with an unrelated answer to his question.

“It is a method to inflict significant damage on SIEL von Croilet while ensuring he cannot retaliate by providing him with grounds for vengeance. He is too busy looking ahead, too accomplished to notice the trivial tricks of someone like me.”