Chapter 431: With a Fresh Start (1)

As always, Mother and the vassals were waiting when we arrived at the territory. Even when I was just the heir, they’d come out to the main gate to welcome me. Now that I’m an Imperial Count and Great Lord, the vassals would have to come out to greet me even if they were on the brink of death from overwork.

Of course, I feel sorry seeing the vassals out here during their work hours, but if I told them it wasn’t necessary, they’d probably panic. They might think, ‘Is this new count already testing our loyalty?’

So what can I do? I’ll just have to exchange greetings quickly and head into the castle.

“I’m back, Mother.”

“Welcome home, dear.”

As I approached Mother for a light embrace, she hugged me back and spoke softly.

“Erich, you’re here too.”

“Ah, yes.”

Then she carefully embraced Erich, who was behind me.

Though the movement was a bit stiff, for Mother, this hug must have taken great courage. Erich seemed to understand this, accepting the hug without resistance.

It’s a heartwarming scene. Just as the Emperor accepted Ainter as a member of the imperial family, our family is gradually opening up and accepting each other. Now if only Erich and Father could get close, it would be perfect.

“I’m sorry. You’ve come home, but I’m the only one here.”

The problem is that Father, who needs to get closer to Erich, is absent.

“He said he’s busy with work. But don’t worry, he’ll be back by dinner.”

“It’s fine. It’s natural for a council member to be busy.”

At those words, Erich, who had just left Mother’s embrace, made a bitter expression. In just a year, he’d be the busy council member.

But it’s an excessive worry. While council members are busy, it’s not the abyss Erich is imagining.

— It looks like I’ll be late. The chairman is making a fuss, so I’ll have to deal with him for a bit.

A few days ago, I heard the truth directly from Father. Father isn’t absent because of work. He’s just gone on a long fishing trip like last time.

It might seem like he’s a crazy head of household prioritizing fishing over family, but I wasn’t particularly concerned.

— He’s throwing a fit about why you two inherited titles when he’s still just a count. It’s an eyesore like no other. And this is coming from someone who’s retiring after his term as chairman ends.

Father sighed as if annoyed at being dragged along. It was clear he didn’t want to go but was forced to because an old friend threw a tantrum.

“But since the chairman considers Father a close friend—“

— I’ve never had such a friend.

I quickly bit my lip at Father’s resolute response. When someone usually serious answers with a comedic tone, it naturally makes you want to laugh.

Fortunately, I managed not to burst out laughing by desperately holding it in. It would be terribly unfilial for a son to laugh when his father is being serious.

I hope I don’t get caught this time.

While silently wishing Father good luck, I watched Mother approach my lovers. I hope Mother doesn’t chase Father away this time.

But it is curious. Father has already deceived Mother several times. He even got caught and scolded by Mother the last time.

Yet Mother believes in Father and says he’s working. It wasn’t just politeness; her expression suggested she genuinely believed it.

Is this marital trust?

Thinking that way, I felt a sense of awe. Perhaps after being married for over 20 years, regardless of the outcome, they immediately trust and defend each other.

Though it might be less about trust and more about Mother’s confidence that she can always catch Father out.

“You’ve finally graduated. Now we can be part of the same family.”

“I’m happy that I can use the same surname as you, Mother.”

As I was thinking this, seeing Mother and Mar chatting with smiling faces sent a chill down my spine. If Mar becomes the lady of the house, thoroughly trained by Mother — will I end up living a life where I’m caught and chased out as soon as I lie?

That’s terrifying.

I instinctively thought of Wiridia. The frontier territory that could be my first refuge if Mar chases me out.

Of course, Father also told me about the lake he frequently uses in emergencies, but honestly, as someone with no fishing experience, it’s not very appealing.

The grace of His Majesty the Retired Emperor…

So I imagined the Retired Emperor feeding His Lordship the chicken at this moment. If he hadn’t bestowed Wiridia upon me, the lake would have been my only refuge.

It’s truly an immense grace. From today, I should bow towards the Imperial Palace three times a day.

Father, who returned in the evening, was caught by Mother again this time.

Unlike last time, he could have achieved a perfect crime by neatly arranging his shoes, but he was discovered due to the fishing line marks left on his fingers.

I’m not sure if it’s impressive that Father always leaves traces, or if it’s impressive that Mother notices even the tiniest clues with uncanny accuracy.

“Does oppa like fishing, too?”

Lise carefully asked, after witnessing her future in-laws fighting — or rather, Father being one-sidedly scolded.

“No. I’ve never tried it.”

I answered proudly. It was an honest answer because it wasn’t a lie.

Well, before the possession, I never had the chance to develop expensive hobbies like fishing, and after the possession, I wasn’t interested.

“If you want to go fishing, please come to our territory. We have good eel fishing.”

“…Okay.”

I gave a delayed response to those words.

I was surprised. At this timing, I expected her to say, ‘Please don’t do things like fishing, oppa.’

Not long after returning to the Imperial Palace, I received a summons from His Majesty the Emperor.

For a moment, I wondered if I had done something to be blamed for, but I quickly calmed down. His Majesty no longer has any reason to target me. Unless I dream of rebellion, His Majesty has no reason to strike me down.

And unless I go insane, I have no intention of even dreaming of rebellion, so I can say my future is peaceful.

“Now, you should receive a title too.”

I thought so until I heard His Majesty’s words.

“A title, Your Majesty?”

I spoke while suppressing my bewilderment. It would be impolite to remain silent when His Majesty personally mentions a title.

“Yes. You’re now the Emperor’s brother. Moreover, you’ll be the future Empress’s uncle. If you don’t have any title, the nobles will look down on you.”

I thought about saying I was used to that, but I didn’t voice it. It would be foolish to bring up past conflicts when His Majesty is approaching me favorably.

At the same time, I felt cold sweat forming. It wasn’t long ago that I teased Erich about becoming a baron. Now I’m receiving a title? It’s clear that this will come with several times more teasing and responsibilities. I don’t think a titled noble who’s both a member of the imperial family and the Emperor’s brother can live a peaceful life.

If I want a comfortable and quiet life, I should avoid titles. But as a member of the imperial family, I can’t refuse this order disguised as an offer.

It would only raise suspicions.

The Emperor’s children, except for the Crown Prince or Princess, don’t receive any titles. Because another child might become the heir in case of tragedy, they maintain an untitled status until then.

In other words, an untitled imperial family member is close to the throne. In this situation with a new Emperor, if his brother refuses a title, it could mean he still has ambitions for the throne.

That won’t do. I’ve just escaped a life where my life was in danger; I have no intention of walking back into hell.

“I’m deeply moved by Your Majesty’s grace. I will never forget this kindness and dedicate myself to the Imperial Family and the Empire.”

Having quickly calculated, I bowed. If I have to receive a title anyway, it’s better to accept it willingly.

“…I see. I look forward to it.”

After a moment of silence, His Majesty answered in a low voice.

It’s strange. Somehow, that short reply seemed to contain various emotions.

“As per custom, you’ll be given the title of non-hereditary viscount. It will be formally bestowed at the New Year’s audience, so keep that in mind.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

But he quickly returned to his previous tone, as if what I felt was just my imagination.

“Also—“

His Majesty was about to add something but then closed his mouth.

“No, I’ll tell you about that later.”

I flinched at those words. It’s clearly related to my treatment, but postponing it stirred up a strange anxiety and worry.

Of course, I didn’t show it. If His Majesty says he’ll tell me later, there must be a reason for it.

After sending Ainter away, I let out a small sigh. I still have many concerns about Ainter.

Of course, I don’t regret acknowledging Ainter as a member of the imperial family. I’ve long since resolved those concerns thanks to the Minister of Inspection. I’m just worried about what level of title and power to give Ainter.

Following custom would be the safest option.

I continued pondering while stroking my chin. Traditionally, the Emperor’s siblings are given non-hereditary viscount titles. Being non-hereditary, only the recipient is recognized as a titled noble.

Yes, it’s an honor granted only to the individual. Unless the Emperor particularly favors that viscount and grants a hereditary count title separately, the former imperial family member usually marries into another noble family and passes on their spouse’s title to their children. Even the Retired Emperor had such a marquis as an ancestor.

That’s why I’ve been considering. Should I give Ainter a hereditary count title too? Or…

Should I arrange a marriage with another family?

Actually, that’s more conventional than granting a rare hereditary count title. From the family’s perspective, they’d be mixing with imperial blood, so they wouldn’t mistreat Ainter. They’d probably give their daughter a subsidiary title.

Then Ainter could pass on a title to his children. It might not be high nobility unless they’re lucky, but having a title at all is something.

…The Barandiga family might be good.

Suddenly, Marquis Barandiga came to mind.

A noble who would welcome mixing with imperial blood and give a decent title to the daughter marrying Ainter? That fits Marquis Barandiga perfectly. Conveniently, Marquis Barandiga only has daughters.

…

“Barandiga.”

The word that had been swirling in my head slipped out.

The focal point of the North and a newly-minted noble who needed authority.

Moreover, being a faction member of the Minister of Inspection, the likelihood of them causing trouble is extremely low.

Not bad at all.

It’s worth actively considering.