SWNOVELXO Chapter 178
“Kael.”
“….”
“Kael!”
“Ah, yes. Bel. Did you call for me?”
“What were you thinking? I’ve been calling you and there’s been no answer!”
At Bel’s question, I couldn’t help but chuckle as if to say it was a given.
Just yesterday. At the Return Ceremony, the Emperor himself was bestowing honors and right at that moment—
The Emperor called my name and uttered two words.
Duke. Son-in-law. Duke of the Empire. The Emperor’s son-in-law. Each of those titles was already overwhelming on its own.
Of course, being a Duke signifies a blood bond with the Emperor, so they’re essentially the same thing.
Regardless, since that was revealed at the end of the ceremony, the aftermath has been nothing short of chaotic.
First of all, I’m stuck unable to return to my family home.
It was clear a tidal wave of congratulatory messages and those looking to establish a new connection in society would flood in if I went.
I’m not yet accustomed enough to handle such matters, so I entrusted it all to my father and mother.
“To be honest, it’s a bit excessive. I mean, it’s not like I inherited a title; it’s just a duke’s title. Why is everyone swarming like this? Don’t they realize they risk raising the Emperor’s suspicions by acting this way?”
As I voiced my concerns, Bel tilted her head and spoke up.
“The Emperor wouldn’t doubt you, so they are confident in that.”
“That seems too rash…”
“If it were rash, would the Emperor have announced our relationship at the ending of the ceremony and indicated that the royal family supports it as well?”
“…That’s true.”
The Emperor is no fool. I must reiterate that the Emperor is definitely not a puppet ruler.
In fact, he’s neither an average Emperor nor a mediocre one; he’s remarkably skilled and capable.
He can distinguish between whom to embrace and whom to keep at bay.
He knows what to say in what situation and understands the appropriate course of action.
The Emperor trusts me. No, he trusts himself for trusting me.
After years of observing me by his side, he sees I am not a threat to the Empire.
He knows how to wield authority but is inept at wielding power.
Thus, he welcomed me into the Imperial Family before the eyes of the entire Empire.
With his decree to grant me the title of Duke, he hinted at my betrothal to Bel.
Moreover, with bidding already concluded, he was effectively telling everyone not to compete amongst themselves.
“And honestly, you could just ignore it and return to the Duke of Bertier Empire, right? But instead, Kael is just sticking around in the system.”
“Hmmm.”
“Let’s be honest. You want to be with me, don’t you? If you went back to your family, it’d be tough for you to move again. On the other hand, it’d be a bit strange for me to go to your side, wouldn’t it?”
At Bel’s words, I almost reflexively blurted out, “No, I’m not!”
But now that the Emperor has acknowledged it, there’s no longer any reason to hide.
“…Did it show?”
“Nope. Just a hunch?”
“….”
“Ha ha ha!”
Oh no. It’s a big deal. Back when we first met, it wasn’t like this; Bel is slowly but surely getting the upper hand over me.
Not that I mean it in a bad way at all.
I, too, have been subtly going along with that sway, whether knowingly or not.
“Starting tomorrow, I’ll be entering discussions in parliament regarding the Duke’s title. Of course, since it’s the Emperor’s will, there’s no way anyone will oppose it, so they’ll be considering how to handle the Duke of Bertier together with it.”
“That Duke title is already quite burdensome for me.”
“Ha ha ha. Plus, the Ministry of the Palace will be gearing up to organize our wedding.”
… .
Marriage. Me becoming Bel’s man, and Bel becoming my woman.
A lifelong vow to face each other and hold hands while moving forward together.
Just a few years ago, I’d never even thought about such things.
Yet now, I find myself envisioning a future with someone.
“What’s with that silly look on your face?”
“Just. Suddenly, I found you really beautiful, Bel.”
“…Huh?”
“Seriously, I’m such a lucky guy to be marrying a woman like you. That’s what I was thinking.”
Then Bel laughed heartily and poked my side, telling me not to joke around.
She questions whether this is her revenge for the joke she made earlier.
But it’s not like that at all. This is a hundred percent sincere.
She’s the Emperor’s daughter. Bel is someone who has achieved much on the battlefield.
It’s not luck; it’s based on her own talent and skill.
Moreover, she’s warm-hearted and beautiful too.
“Waaah! Are you trying to embarrass me to the point of wanting to assassinate me?”
“Of course not. If I were to harm you, would the Emperor stay silent?”
“You never know?! It’s just a single daughter versus a minister who’ll steer the future of the Empire. They might choose the latter!”
“If they’re worried about the Empire’s future with me gone, then that’s not truly the Empire.”
People only gaze at me, proclaiming me as their liberator, their savior.
But for me, the liberators and saviors are all those who fought together with me on the battlefield, the heroes of this Empire.
Along with the Empire’s soldiers and commanders. And the knights, including my sister Kaya.
All those who fought alongside, like Charlua, are among them too.
“Sometimes I feel you’re too serious and it makes me feel foolish.”
“Though, it is fun to see you flustered like that.”
“Do you want to be scolded?!”
I must decline that. I’m still the Chief of Staff of the Empire; it wouldn’t look good!
“If it’s convenient, when can we go to the Duke of Bertier Empire together?”
“Of course, I’ll go. You think I’m the type to show off to my parents-in-law because I’m a princess?”
“…That’s not quite what I was worried about.”
“Just you wait. I’ll be the daughter-like daughter-in-law you’ll accept!”
A daughter-like daughter-in-law would just lie around doing nothing at home…
No, no. I said nothing!
*
The Emperoris discussing the unique Duke title, even though it’s a mere baron honor, with the Minister of the Palace.
Meanwhile, the Crown Princess is conversing with the Crown Prince Gnaius about the wedding date and preparations for my sister Isabelle.
“It’d be best to get it done quickly, but I think our first priority should be finishing the Chief of Staff’s Magic Carpet operation,” the Crown Princess said.
“I share the same view. The Chief of Staff will try to wrap up what he started, and it’s his wedding we’re discussing, so holding the ceremony amidst troop movements isn’t particularly favorable.”
Anyway, since the Emperor has placed a bid, no one in the Empire dares to counter that bid.
Moreover, Kael and Isabelle get along quite well. They pretended not to, but it’s very apparent to everyone.
The two would meet, exchange glances, and every time they conversed, they’d be smiling brightly.
That’s a sight reserved only for those with romantic feelings for each other.
“What scale do you intend to have?”
“If it were up to me, I’d want it grand, but our finances aren’t really robust. Plus, I bet both of them would loathe something extravagant.”
“I think so too. Then let’s refer to previous ceremonies and set the scale neither too small nor too grand.”
Like discussing government matters, the two siblings treated this matter with utmost seriousness.
Having come to a general conclusion, they took a moment to sip coffee and tea during a break.
“Um, by the way. Sister.”
The Crown Prince Gnaius subtly gauged the atmosphere before continuing.
“May I ask you something?”
“If it’s a silly question, you’ll get scolded.”
“…Sister, aren’t you getting married?”
It is indeed a peculiar question to direct at one’s sister.
However, it’s not strange coming from the Crown Princess of the Empire.
Despite having reached an age suitable for marriage, the Crown Princess remained single.
The Emperor is still in good health. There’s no talk of passing on the throne just yet.
The Crown Princess isn’t under pressure to bear a successor right now either.
Yet precisely because she’s the Crown Princess, she should have a successor in mind.
Even if she doesn’t need an heir, having a partner would provide some comfort.
“Well, it’s hard to say.”
Had it been the past, the Crown Princess would have reproached her brother, thinking, “So, that’s a silly question.”
But this time, she took a sip of coffee and replied in a serious tone.
“Until about two years ago, I had given it no thought whatsoever. I’m still in my twenties, and I felt it was too soon. I have many more things to learn and accomplish as a Crown Princess.”
“….”
“But watching Bel, I’ve started to reconsider marriage, even just a little.”
Upon hearing this, Gnaius cautiously murmured, hoping against hope, “Do you mean the Chief of Staff, Kael? Are you interested in him?”
“That’s ambiguous. I’m not sure if it’s as a subject of admiration as a vassal, or admiration as a partner.”
“….”
“However, one thing is certain, Gnaius.”
Am I supposed to steal my sister’s man?
The Crown Princess broke into a chuckle and continued her words.
“I wouldn’t treat Kael like a man, the way Bel does.”
“If that’s the case.”
“However, I will regard him solely as a vassal for the Empire and treat him as such. That much is certain; I know myself well.”
Therefore, what’s needed now is to wish for Bel and Kael’s happiness.
Watching them who will eventually become a couple, it dawned on her that it might be time to find a suitable match for herself.
Gnaius nodded subconsciously at the Crown Princess’s answer.
Whatever the case, I am genuinely relieved that Kael is marrying Bel.
If it had been my sister, I would have been rolled over and over for the rest of my life.