SWNOVELXO Chapter 179
After the Emperor personally announced that I was chosen as a son-in-law at the Return Ceremony.
The most intense reactions did not come from the Marquises or other Dukes of the Empire.
Nor from the Imperial Council, but rather, from my father and mother.
So here’s the question: Why was their reaction so strong, knowing my relationship with Bel?
Could it be that on the day of the Return Ceremony, in front of everyone in the Empire, the Emperor made it clear that “Since I marked him, anyone who touches him shall perish”?
“…But you knew this would happen, didn’t you?”
To my question, both my mother and father shook their heads.
“You don’t understand, Kael. Normally, someone from the Ministry of the Palace would send a discreet message to convey the Emperor’s wishes beforehand, taking precautions to keep it from the public as much as possible.”
According to my father, unless one is the Emperor’s successor, such a marriage would quietly occur.
Making a fuss could send the wrong message to others.
If that were to happen, it could shake the position of the heir and result in bloodshed afterwards.
That’s a valid point. However, the current Emperor and the Crown Princess aren’t exactly pushovers.
I doubt a simple marriage announcement could escalate things that much.
Even if I have no interest in politics, honestly, it seems a bit overboard.
“Anyway, while you were in the Ministry, it was truly chaotic. Other Dukes often visited, but after the Emperor’s proclamation, congratulations came flooding in, and both your mother and I had a tough time.”
“Oh, even Kaya helped out receiving guests.”
Ah, that’s why Kaya looked so exhausted.
Normally, she would bounce around excitedly as soon as I came home.
But instead, she apologized for being too tired and retreated to her room.
I could understand how welcoming so many dignitaries must have been exhausting for her.
“More than that… we really are connecting with the Imperial Family.”
“Didn’t you already expect this?”
“I thought it would be fine when the Princess visited. But now that the Emperor’s proclamation has come, it feels surreal. Our family has climbed onto the back of the mightiest beast.”
The tension was palpable in my father’s voice.
He always emphasized that caution is key. One wrong move could invite all sorts of troubles.
As a Duke, he surely understands that pressure well.
“You need not worry, Father. Who am I? The Empire’s genius strategist. A liberator, a savior! And I hold the position of Chief of Staff of the Empire! There’s no need to worry about me being caught saying something inappropriate.”
“Kael is right. You don’t doubt our eldest son, do you?”
My mother gently supported me, while at the same time reassuring my father.
“…You’re right. Worrying now doesn’t change anything. The decision has already been made, and as you say, you’re not the type to make a mistake. We can only cheer you on with joy.”
“Hahaha!” My father chuckled, but that comfort didn’t last long.
An hour later, a royal messenger visited the Duke’s residence with a message that explained why.
“Lord Clausewitz, Duke of Bertier Empire. You are to enter the palace by tomorrow morning.”
*
Arthur Clausewitz von Bertier. He couldn’t hide his anxious feelings.
Entering the palace wasn’t new for him, so it wasn’t just that.
The reason the Duke was nervous was that, sitting before him, was only the Emperor.
“….”
The Dukes had been the guardians of the Great Emperor since the founding of the Empire.
While nobles often pledged loyalty to the Empire and the Imperial Family, they never forget they are nobles.
However, Dukes tend to lean more toward being the Emperor’s subjects than just nobles.
They follow the Emperor’s wishes, respect them more than anyone else, and sacrifice themselves solely for the Emperor and the Imperial Family, regardless of any hardships.
And the Duke of Bertier learned this well from his predecessors.
“I am truly pleased to become kin with you, Duke.”
Yet now, not just as a subject, but as family.
This left the Duke flustered and on edge.
“Y-Your Majesty. I haven’t….”
“Did you not hear my proclamation? I have not yet held the ceremony, but I already consider your son my son-in-law. Therefore, you and I are now connected by marriage.”
“I am greatly honored, Your Majesty.”
The Second Princess, Isabelle, and his son, Kael. Their marriage was a joyous and beautiful thing, yet there were still worries.
After all, they were not just any couple but the daughter of the current Emperor and the sister of the next Emperor.
Even if they had no doubts, this side would inevitably feel pressured.
“Take it.”
As if he noticed the Duke’s tension, the Emperor offered tea with a calm smile.
Beside them, attendants and guards quietly withdrew, creating a private space.
“Duke.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“You may not know how much I have watched over the Chief of Staff.”
“….”
“After some thought, I have come to this conclusion.”
What followed from the Emperor was something shocking and exhilarating.
“Chief of Staff. I thank you for your son, Kael Clausewitz, for not being my child. For not being the brother of the Crown Princess.”
This was a testament to Kael’s incredible abilities; he was a perfect match even capable of threatening the Crown Princess.
Hearing such words from the Emperor himself, the Duke bowed his head.
“Thus, how fortunate it is for your son, to become my son-in-law. I can entrust my daughter to the world’s most excellent man. As a father, there can be no greater fortune.”
“Your Majesty, what humble words! The Second Princess is also an exceptional person.”
“Ahahaha. Indeed. They are a match made in heaven. They will suit each other perfectly.”
I want to hasten the wedding right away, but that doesn’t seem appropriate.
There are still tasks to be done and unfinished business at hand.
The Emperor took a sip of tea, still unable to suppress his disappointment.
“Quickly, take it. The tea is getting cold. I called you here to enjoy tea together as family, not to remain as subjects forever, lest a father of a daughter feel unsatisfied.”
“I-I apologize!”
It was a conversation held with someone who had once seemed like the heavens to him; a lord who would be followed for a lifetime.
At first, it felt particularly daunting and heavy, and there was a fear of making a mistake.
Yet, as fathers welcoming an outstanding son-in-law and daughter-in-law, they could slowly begin to smile.
*
News came from the Ministry of the Palace. Preparations were officially underway for the wedding of Bel and me.
Wondering if there was anything I should do, I reached out to inquire.
If there was anything I could help with, I’d be ready to assist at any moment.
The reply I received from the Minister of the Palace was quite remarkable.
[ Chief of Staff. What if the main character of the ceremony wants to work? This matter is solely that of the Ministry of the Palace, so you may simply observe comfortably. ]
This meant I had many tasks already in progress and didn’t need to worry about this one.
I expressed my gratitude and quickly set out to check on various ongoing matters.
The Magic Carpet Operation was being handled by the military and Ministry of War, along with other departments.
The Eastern Legion had rapidly moved and reached the center of the Empire as of yesterday.
Although the occupied territory of Dedorant remained chaotic, it was still being managed somehow.
The situation in the area of the former Atria was similar, although it was a bit complicated due to Nobogord.
Lastly, in DeGale, they were in the process of recovery, but it was no easy task.
I was heading to the Imperial Council today to discuss my opinions regarding those matters.
As it happened, I had to report on military resources consumed during the war, making it a timely occasion.
“If it had been under normal circumstances, I’d have to be on high alert due to audits from the Ministry of Finance and the Imperial Council.”
Yet the Emperor suddenly declared, “Ah, this guy is my son-in-law.”
He wasn’t outright covering for me, but he did command attention!
I doubt the Ministry of Finance and the Council would press me too aggressively after that.
“Yes, thank goodness.”
Right? Thank goodness! I felt a bit anxious when I used the Empire’s Anger for the second time.
After all, in a situation where we had already signed the surrender treaty, there were plenty of ways to annihilate that madness called DeoMania.
Yet I went and unleashed the Empire’s Anger, which required immense funds and resources.
And to top it off, the war had ended, leaving no strategic or tactical objectives!
“…However, Chief of Staff. Did you really need to use the Empire’s Anger on a ghost town? With the war ended, there was no reason to waste military resources.”
A member of the Imperial Council pointed out that aspect in quite a sharp tone.
I presented the reasoning I had considered since then.
“I agree with the councilman that there were other options. I acknowledge the concern regarding using it despite Dedorant’s surrender.”
“However, I utilized the Empire’s Anger for regional cleanup purposes, not for attack. I had serious concerns that leaving even traces in such areas might lead to another place becoming the breeding ground for Dedorant.”
Ah, don’t you remember what Dedorant did? They were filled with madness, claiming to be the Deo Ethnicity!
Could you handle a Mark 2 of such beings? That would be the reason for their birth!
I subtly pointed that out, and the councilors had no choice but to sit quietly.
‘This is my chance to press on.’
Recently, there have been news reports suggesting a bit of a passive shift in support for the West.
It was understandable, given that the Empire needed to reorganize. However, I thought it would be a mistake looking to the future.
Here, we wouldn’t have to worry about starving tomorrow, but there are those far away.
To ensure that thought doesn’t take root, we must provide warmth and fill their bellies.
Didn’t you once live without such comfort? Yet now, you live like this.
Then, who’s responsible for that? That’s the protection of the Empire!
“Honorable council members. I would like to present a more robust reconstruction plan for the western continent. Furthermore, I would like to discuss establishing a new order for what will become the Empire’s new West.”