Chapter 421: Two Titles (2)

Now that Father has given his word, I should be able to inherit the Tailglehen County title by the end of this month at the latest. Father’s not one to shoot his mouth off; he only speaks when he’s certain.

So now it’s Carl Krasius of Tailglehen, huh?

Thinking about my newly expanded full name, I pulled out the business card from my pocket. I’d only just had these made, and now I’ll need new ones. What a waste of money.

It’s a hassle, but there’s no helping it. Nobles with multiple titles can only use one in their name. Obviously, if some people attached all their titles, it’d take ten minutes just to write their full name.

And that one title has to be the family’s main one, so I’ll have to erase Wiridia and write Tailglehen instead.

I’d only just gotten used to it.

It’s a weird feeling. I’ve barely gotten used to my full name after staying in Wiridia recently, and now I have to change it again? What am I, some servant with three last names?

…This should be the last time, at least.

If there’s any consolation, it’s that this should be my final name change.

Once I inherit the Tailglehen County title, there won’t be any more titles to receive or reasons to change my name. The only variable would be if the Wiridia County title gets elevated to a Marquis title – but even if I become Marquis of Wiridia, I’ll keep Tailglehen County as my main title.

Honestly, the Krasius family’s foundation is the Imperial Count title. To put it bluntly, regular county titles can go up or down depending on circumstances, but the Imperial Count title won’t change until the empire falls.

That’s nice and comfortable.

Unwavering even as time passes. It’s got the stability of a government job, really.

The next day during club time, I brought up the title inheritance as soon as the members gathered. I told them I might need to step away briefly this month for the title inheritance matter.

Of course, Father knows I’m busy at the academy, so he’ll try to schedule it for the weekend, but you never know. I’m prepared to move on a weekday if necessary.

“Already? Didn’t you say there was no need to do it right away?”

Erich tilted his head, seemingly surprised. As a member of the Krasius family, he knew about the title inheritance decision but also that it could be postponed a bit.

So hearing me suddenly say, ‘I’m inheriting the title this month’ naturally made him wonder.

“It seemed like there wouldn’t be time if not now. It needs to be done by early next year at the latest, and by then I’ll need to get married.”

“Ah, that’s true.”

Hearing this ironclad excuse, Erich quickly understood. Marriage is a big deal, after all.

Glancing at Mar while watching Erich, I caught him grinning widely. He probably started imagining mini-Carls or mini-Mars as soon as he heard the word ‘marriage.’

I suddenly wondered: if the Krasius family’s black hair genes clash with the Valenti family’s red hair genes, which would win? We’d probably need to have at least three kids to compare properly.

“Well, I don’t know exactly when it’ll be, but have a good trip. Even if you go on a weekday, the club members will be fine-“

“What are you talking about? You’re coming too.”

“Huh?”

Erich, who had been calmly saying his early goodbyes, froze at those words.

Seeing his reaction made me feel a bit guilty, but if I’m going to the territory to inherit the title, he has to come too. To celebrate this important family event together? Because rumors of family discord might spread if a brother doesn’t attend his older brother’s title inheritance ceremony?

While those reasons exist, the decisive one is different.

“When Father retires, you’ll be receiving a title too.”

Erich is also a protagonist in this title inheritance. Besides the Tailglehen County title, Father has several baronies, one of which Erich is set to receive.

It’s only natural. Passing on some titles while keeping others wouldn’t be a complete retirement, would it? The dazzling name of Imperial Count might steal the spotlight, but the other baronies are also waiting for new owners.

“Oh, you’re becoming a titled noble too? Congratulations!”

Rutis offered his congratulations to Erich, who seemed to have just realized his own future and was standing there dazed.

It might feel like a taunt, but it’s probably genuine congratulations. Rutis might mock you openly, but he’s not the type to do it in a petty, roundabout way.

“A noble with a title at just 10 years old. It’s heartening to see the pillars supporting the empire getting younger.”

Even Ainter praised Erich’s rise to titled nobility.

Congratulations indeed. Where else in the world would you find a baron ascending amidst the blessings of imperial and royal families? Though it’s just a barony, the lowest of the five ranks of nobility, the honor is something even counts might envy.

Of course, I’m not envious. A brother who’s jealous of his younger sibling’s honor can’t really be called a brother, right? Ahem.

“If there’s a specific barony you want among them, just say so. It’s for my little brother, so I should be able to accommodate that much.”

“…Is it possible to not receive anything?”

After a long silence, Erich finally spoke, and I smiled slightly at his words.

“Pick one before I offer you the county title instead.”

For a moment, I thought I heard Erich mutter something harsh, but I let it slide.

I’d forgotten. Being so used to calling the Krasius family an Imperial Count family and referring to Father as the Count of Tailglehen, I’d completely forgotten.

That high-ranking nobles above the level of count usually hold multiple titles. That Father, being among the upper echelons of Imperial Counts, possesses numerous baronies.

And he only has two children, at that.

If there were many children to inherit the titles, it might be different, but with only two children, a split inheritance is inevitable. Having only one child besides the heir means—well, the Krasius family isn’t so impoverished as to ignore that one.

So, as the heir’s only brother, I must receive a title. Not just taking on the role of substitute member in the Imperial Diet, but inheriting a title as well.

It’s not a bad thing, really.

Right, strictly speaking, it’s not a bad thing. For nobles, titles are treasures beyond compare, and the difference between having a title and not having one determines the level of wealth, honor, and power.

Plus, all the baronies Father holds come with their own territories. Inheriting even one of them would set me up for life. It’s bureaucratic positions that can bleed you dry if you’re not careful, not titles.

But I’m uneasy. I’ve already been saddled with the role of substitute member in the Diet just for being the younger brother. If I inherit a title too, who knows what else I’ll be roped into? It’s terrifying to think about.

“Even I, an Imperial Count, have to work. You think a mere baron gets to laze around? Your nephew works in the Diet, so his uncle should just relax?”

I can see a bleak future ahead. I’d planned to pass on the substitute member role to my brother’s kid once they grew up and live peacefully, but if I become a baron, I can see myself being nagged by my brother even after my nephew comes of age.

I feel cold sweat forming. An inescapable despair is right in front of me.

“Well, if there’s nothing you want, that’s fine. Father will probably give you something suitable.”

Ah.

Those words snapped me back to reality.

No, this won’t do. If I can’t avoid getting a title altogether, I should at least be able to choose which one. Not all baronies are created equal.

Which territory was the quiet one again?

I racked my brain desperately. The most peaceful and tranquil place among Father’s baronies. No troublesome mines or major trade routes, and not too many subjects to manage—

…

There is one. There’s a decent place.

“I think the Barony of Hardiner would be good.”

As soon as I blurted it out, my brother furrowed his brow slightly. He seems to be trying to recall where the Barony of Hardiner is located.

But before my brother could dredge up the memory, someone else reacted first.

“H-Hardiner?”

It was Sarah.

“…Ah, that place.”

Eventually, my brother nodded, apparently having remembered Hardiner’s location.

“Isn’t the Barony of Hardiner next to the Barony of Jaigel?”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

The Barony of Jaigel, a sub-territory under the County of Tailglehen, managed by Sarah’s family, the Trimara baronial house.

And the Barony of Hardiner is the neighboring territory right next to Jaigel. It’s an exceptionally quiet and peaceful place, even within the County of Tailglehen, where hardly any disturbances occur.

It’s perfect. No hassles, and I’d be neighbors with Sarah. It’s the best location not just for me, but for my future children too.

“Is that okay?”

“If that’s what you want.”

I couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relief at my brother’s approval. If I have to receive a title anyway, Hardiner is the better choice.

“Now I’ll be neighbors with Sarah.”

“Oh, y-yeah! That’s right!”

When I smiled and spoke to Sarah, her reply seemed a bit flustered.

I understand. Even I’m still a bit shocked by my choice.

I glanced back and forth between Erich, who was snickering, and Sarah, who kept nodding with a flushed face.

After alternating between the two, I quietly turned my gaze away.

What an idiot.

It’s amazing. Despite his apparently terrible intuition, his instincts seem to be working overtime, leading him to make an incredibly shrewd choice.

Father has many baronies. The baronies scattered here and there are so numerous it’s hard to recall them all at once. And out of all those many baronies, he chose the Barony of Hardiner? The one neighboring the Barony of Jaigel?

It’s perfect for joint management if they marry.

Originally, the Baron of Jaigel had two children, but after one passed away, only Sarah remained. So, in time, the Barony of Jaigel will become Sarah’s.

And if Erich, as Baron of Hardiner, and Sarah, as Baroness of Jaigel, were to marry— they’d be a couple managing two adjacent baronies. It would create quite a strong faction within the County of Tailglehen.

He couldn’t have planned this.

It’s natural for nobles to increase their influence through marriage, but I’m certain that idiot didn’t choose the Barony of Hardiner with this in mind. I’m sure of it.

That’s why I can’t help but think he’s a complete fool. To make such a choice without even intending to…

…I guess Countess Horfeld won’t be able to dominate unchecked.

I suddenly remembered Countess Horfeld, who was delighted at the news of Erich becoming a substitute member. Just as Father commutes from his territory, Erich could choose to live in his territory rather than the capital. That means he’d be close to Countess Horfeld during work hours and close to Sarah after work.

This puts Countess Horfeld at a disadvantage. Erich is likely to become closer to Sarah, whom he’d meet in his private time, than to Countess Horfeld, whom he’d only interact with for work.

It’s an insane balance.

I almost let out a bitter laugh. Countess Horfeld with his political power, Sarah with her advantageous position as a neighbor. If one tries to get ahead, the other has the conditions to keep up.

Should I play matchmaker?

Left to their own devices, these two probably wouldn’t figure it out even after they turn 30.