343 – Khan – 4
The emperor said that he would organize an expeditionary force by borrowing troops from as many as three districts, The aristocrats who became nobles contributed their own soldiers and military funds. Therefore, it is safe to say that this convocation order ended with the emperor’s one-man show and a complete victory. Even if the imperial army suffers great damage in this northern expedition, not only the emperor’s army but also the army of his lords will go to the abyss.
Since the emperor who achieved such a complete victory left, the aristocrats who had their eyes open and their noses cut should go back to their respective territories or departments muttering, ‘f*ck your life,’ but the emperor did not allow even the slightest complaint.
Because the incident that would instantly blow away the memories stolen by the emperor’s tricks happened at the last minute of the convocation order.
“It’s true that the Inspector General’s credit is great, but I never thought I’d get the count at once.”
“It’s even a successor with a territory. Of course, Wirydia is the keeper of the northern border territory, but if the northern expedition ends successfully…”
“It’s amazing. A mere son, not a titled aristocrat, was given a title by proving his ability.”
Aristocrats in the conference room did not even leave the room at the sudden announcement of the war inspector and the sergeant of the count.
If I had been given a lower title like Viscount or Baron, that would have been passed on. At least, if it was a single victory title rather than succession, it was somehow understandable. However, the title of count, a high-ranking aristocrat in name and reality, was given as a succession title, and even lands were assigned to it. It’s never a light thing.
‘Damn it.’
My lips feel dry. They even gave me the title of count when I become the imperial count by itself over time? This is what happens when you’ve hit a really big ball, or you’re going to roll like crazy.
Unfortunately I seem to be in both cases.
‘I didn’t even know about the Imperial Baek.’
As I glanced towards the gathering of the Imperial Baeks, even the Imperial Baeks, who led the public opinion for the start of the war, were clearly embarrassed. I don’t know if the emperor didn’t feel the need to discuss the issue of the title sergeant, or if it was an idea that suddenly popped up and he didn’t have time to discuss it.
Actually, either way has no meaning. Isn’t it something that can’t be reversed from the moment the emperor bestowed the title?
“Congratulations. You must have many children, but you have more titles to inherit.”
“No, that’s now—”
In the meantime, he almost got angry because the minister made a provocation, but he calmed down as soon as he saw the minister who awkwardly raised the corner of his mouth. Judging by the look on his face, even the minister seems confused. Even so, I forced a joke to get out of this awkward situation.
And the minister lowered his lips and whispered quickly in a small voice.
“Leave as naturally as possible. Then you won’t be able to approach me, thinking you’ve received a separate message from His Majesty.”
“Okay.”
I thanked the minister who pushed his back and the other directors who nodded and left.
Yes, the minister is right. If everyone was in chaos and left alone, they would mistake it for the hidden camera of the Emperor and the Inspector General. Then you won’t be able to approach me carelessly.
Since they are nobles who make a living on their own, as time passes, they will realize that I am also a victim, but at least I can avoid being harassed by all the high-ranking officials. That’s enough.
‘It must be crazy.’
As soon as I left the conference room, I hurriedly moved. For now, whether I’m stuck in the inspection department or in the mansion, I’ll have to hide myself.
Damn it, I never thought I’d get a count.
I entered the mansion and went into no-visit mode. No matter how you think about it, a mansion that can be locked with a door is safer than a government building where other officials or nobles can enter.
Of course, I told Ma Jong-gong that he was hiding in the mansion through the communication port, and as soon as he told me the hiding place, he ran to the teleport.
“Baby, how did this happen? A War Inspector, why, baby!”
I was a little moved to see Ma Jong-gong’s face mixed with embarrassment and sadness. It’s because I’m protesting because I’m paying attention to the fact that I have to participate in the war, not that I’ve been given the count. I don’t think my life was wasted because there are people who care about me like this…
“Did you know, baby?”
“No, I didn’t know either. It’s true.”
I firmly shook my head at Ma Jong-gong, whose eyes were slowly getting sharper.
I wanted to participate in the war, but I also tried to find a justification for participating in the war. I didn’t think the emperor would include me in the expeditionary force. Who would have known that since he was an inspector, he would be given the title and would have him join the expeditionary force.
“Then it’s Your Majesty’s decision.”
Majong-gong muttered that, biting his lip lightly and falling into agony.
This is something that even a demon master can’t stop. The situation in which the emperor acknowledged the crisis of the Empire and the Mandate of Heaven and declared the start of the war at the request of all high-ranking officials even though there was manipulation of public opinion. In this war that staked national fortunes, the duke said, ‘Please remove my prospective husband.’ It’s impossible to say.
“Don’t worry. It’s not like you’re facing a reverse puncture. Dorgon isn’t weak, but he’s not unbeatable.”
I carefully opened my mouth to comfort Ma Jong-gong, who had a gloomy expression. 100,000 Nomads, Kagan, a monster that is unique in the world, and Faljunma, a combat machine similar to Dorgon. Even in this crazy situation, the Empire was victorious in the end.
But now, let alone 100,000, there are about 60,000, Kagan is dead, and only Dorgon remains. No matter how much the empire’s national power is not the same as before, the north is in a more weakened position. There is no serious threat to my safety—
“What kind of wife would be relieved to hear that her husband was going to war?”
“Sorry…”
At the words mixed with weak resentment, he quickly lowered his head. You’re right, I couldn’t argue with that.
Yes, there is no such thing as a safe war. It is best not to participate in war, and it is a place where it is not strange to die at any time once you set foot in it. But if I tell you not to worry, you’ll be upset.
“I was almost scarred forever because of the reverse puncture, but now I can finally get rid of that scar…”
Now I was not at ease with my almost crying voice. I was full of thoughts of going to war, so I said it as nonchalantly as possible, but if I change my stance and think about it, I should hold my back and froth. Even if you know that Lord Majong is strong, if he goes to war, of course you will be worried.
Amidst the dilemma of neither rejecting the order of the emperor nor letting it go with a smile, an awkward silence fell.
“Master, are you there?”
And what broke the silence was the voice of the butler looking for me with a knock.
“Butler? What’s up?”
I feel anxious. I wanted to be quiet for a while, so I asked him not to look for me, but the butler, faithful to my words, came to my room. It looks like something really big has happened.
“Earl Tyleglechen has arrived.”
“Ah.”
It’s a real big deal.
“The Count said that if the master is busy, he will come next time, but—”
“I’ll show you to the waiting room. I’ll go right away.”
“Okay.”
As the sound of the butler’s footsteps receded, he let out a small sigh.
No matter how much he refuses to visit, it is embarrassing to even refuse to visit his father, the family head. Besides, while I was living in the mansion, the family head might have received some instructions from the emperor. There’s nothing wrong with meeting you.
“Beatrix, would you like to go with me?”
“…No, I think you’d better go alone now.”
After thinking for a while, Ma Jong-gong shook his head softly. There is a high probability that the head of the family who visited just now did not visit as my father and Duke Majong’s father-in-law, but as the Imperial Baek, a member of the emperor’s family.
When I went to the reception room, I could see that the butler had just placed a cup of tea in front of the family head.
“You’re here.”
And the family head, who discovered that I had come, warmly welcomed me. No, I wish I could say I welcomed that.
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“Sorry for the delay.”
“No. I just sat down.”
The head of the family continues to speak with a flat voice that is neither soft nor hard. As I sat down across from the family head, the butler quickly bowed and disappeared.
“Congratulations. You are now a full-fledged nobleman.”
As soon as I sat down, the patriarch mentioned the title.
I was rather willing. If you brought up the topic of title, there is a high probability that you heard something from the emperor and came to deliver it.
“I’m just ashamed of the undeserved grace.”
“Your Majesty should have given it because he considered it worthy, so there is no need to regard it as excessive.”
When I showed humility out of courtesy, the householder shook his head resolutely.
I am very surprised. I thought he would say that he should repay his Majesty’s kindness more, and that he should not be arrogant and be more diligent. Or are you saying that if you treat the county with too much grace, it means that the emperor’s judgment is wrong? That’s why.
“But return it. In the conference room, you can just say that you couldn’t open your mouth in surprise.”
“Yes?”
When I asked in a daze at the unexpected sound, the headmaster opened his mouth as if wondering.
“Have you ever been greedy for a title?”
“No, not really.”
There is no such thing as greed. I was already in a position where the title of imperial county and territory in the capital area were guaranteed, and I was even labeled as the head of the inspection department. No matter how much Count Wirydia I received this time has a succession title and even a territory, to be honest, it’s enough even if it’s not there.
“So, return it. Congratulate yourself and say that you cannot accept it. You are thrilled with the trust, but you do not dare to accept it because you are sorry for not living up to that trust. Then His Majesty will also resign the position of war inspector general.”
‘Ah.’
It was only then that I learned the true intentions of the family head. The family head is also reluctant to go to war with me.
“My lord. It is true that the title is a blessing to me, but as a noble of the empire, he deserves it for the sake of the imperial family and the empire—”
“You have already done enough dedication and duty. No one can ask you to sacrifice more than that.”
My body stiffened. The remarks made by the family head just now are not the words of Imperial Baek, the loyal dog of the emperor. He said that there was no need to devote more than this to Imperial Baek, who took infinite loyalty and devotion as virtues. And also to his successor who will lead the hundred imperial families after him.
“…At least, I think so.”
I couldn’t answer that question.