121 – 53. Mother (2)
The ceremonial succession proceeded quicker than expected.
Shortly after concluding a heartfelt conversation between mother and son, before emotions could settle, the imperial messenger appeared, as if waiting for Ian.
He was inexorably pulled towards the palace.
“Originally, the plan was to inherit the marquis title first, then proceed to the palace to receive the duke title.”
Sadly, the order of events had been completely tangled.
If things continued this way, there was a possibility of receiving the marquis title after the duke title.
Of course, with some leeway, it might be possible to somehow time the succession ceremony for the marquis title before heading to the palace, but he didn’t want to make such a rash decision.
“When the marquis title changes hands, nobles associated with Volkanov will come to our territory. They’ll come with hearts full of congratulations.”
There would also be visitors coming to strengthen existing connections, and there might even be those preparing lavish gifts with the idea of fostering a relationship between the new marquis Ian and them.
In other words, all sorts of people would flock together at once, creating a festival to welcome them for the marquis succession ceremony.
However… was the current state of the household really suitable for a festival?
A little thought would reveal how absurd that idea was.
“Thinking they came to celebrate, they’d find the lord of the manor in distress, and the person who should hand over the title mourning the loss of his wife.”
They came thinking it was a celebration, only to find it was a funeral.
It might turn into a situation fitting precisely that description.
Moreover, the nobles who had been invited might even curse Volkanov, the one who had caused this madness.
“Becoming a reckless fool who abandons a grieving mother, eager to swiftly inherit the marquis title and open festivities, is a certainty.”
Even if Ian, who didn’t care much about people’s perceptions, were to do such a thing, it was an unacceptable choice.
Naturally, that was the reason.
“Ian Alex Volkanov, you shall inherit the duke title in response to the trust and expectation of the empire. This is a just reward for your loyalty and contributions to the Great Kallos Empire. In recognition of your dedication, the empire bestows upon you the title of Duke, appointing Volkanov as the sixth pillar to lead the empire.”
Quietly heeding the Emperor’s call and receiving the succession.
As Emperor Isaac Bernoer Arcana raised a sword over Ian’s shoulders, a thunderous cheer began to pierce the ears.
Seeing the struggling figure of Isaac, Ian stifled a bitter laugh inwardly.
“Never knew the Emperor would personally bestow the title…”
In truth, this was the first time he had faced the Emperor directly.
This was partly because in the original work, he fell ill and did not reveal himself, leaving external matters to Erzebet and Bedon to handle.
“In reality, not long after the main episodes began, he would pass away, and Empress Erzebet and Arielle would clash.”
Was it the butterfly effect from the possession? Anyway, feeling not too bad, Ian looked at the people standing silently behind the Emperor.
“hahahaha. Where can there be a more solemn occasion than this.”
For some reason feeling so good, Bedon, who was next to him, nudged Erzebet beside him, clapping his hands loudly.
“Maintain your reverence, Lord Brother.”
Erzebet, standing next to him, tried to appear nonchalant, but she couldn’t completely hide the slight upturn of her lips.
In addition to that, the first prince, who had declared his departure to welcome the still somewhat childlike 2nd princess Eris, also sent applause filled with congratulations.
Then, Ian realized.
“Now… it’s over.”
The moment he took a step towards the future that seemed like a dream had arrived.
The investiture ceremony proceeded smoothly without any issues.
It was said that the original plan included a parade around the island in a carriage, but Erzhebert decided not to hold such a grand event and instead concluded it with his own hands.
“Since Eri should have a rough idea of the atmosphere in our household, he must have considered it.”
From the officials’ perspective, while heroes wandering the imperial capital might paint a picture of imperial recovery and morale boost following the war, the ultimate goal of the event was not to celebrate Ian Volkanoft, the empire’s hero, receiving the title of Duke.
It would be impolite to proceed with the event regardless of the recipient’s wishes if there were many regretful individuals unable to participate. Perhaps, asking Ari to stand in as a substitute and complete the circle might suffice.
Even if the officials had a particular vision in mind, there was no need for Ian to fulfill it. After all, the imperial citizens were only aware of the presence of a hero within the Hero Party and were oblivious to any deeper circumstances.
Ari, who was a blunt hero, might even enjoy participating in the parade.
There would be plenty of time left. Simply waving from the carriage to appease the officials’ discontent would not be a difficult task.
It was at that moment when everything was going smoothly that Ian, smiling widely, looked out the window.
“Hey, Ian… Did you happen to know?”
“Leah? What are you talking about?”
“Eri. I mean, Princess Erzhebert.”
Leah, with a dark expression, cautiously asked the question.
Originally, it was Eri’s role to accompany Ian, but it had been a long time since she reverted to her original status, attending the investiture ceremony, which was essential for members of the royal family, and, above all, receiving a title.
Therefore, Ian filled Eri’s spot with Leah. She had mistakenly thought of Eri, whom she had accompanied to the imperial capital with Ian, as a friend, only to find out that she was actually a princess.
Though Leah herself was a viscount’s daughter, there was no regrettable status change in being an imperial subject. However, accepting the fact that someone she thought was a friend turned out to be a princess was not an easy task.
“I thought of her as a friend all along. But turns out she’s a princess.”
Leah, who was naturally friendly, had always spoken comfortably even when she first met Eri.
In fact, she was the only one who spoke informally among those who used honorifics with Ian and Igor. At the time, it was an effort to help the blunt Leah, but looking back now, it wasn’t entirely wrong to stick to informal speech with an older sister four years senior.
Would this cause a rift between them? Leah worried.
“You don’t have to worry too much. Even though Eri is a princess, the fact that she is our comrade remains unchanged.”
Ian reassured Leah, holding her cold hand and comforting her.
“Is that so? Ian and Igor speak formally. I might make them uncomfortable by speaking informally.”
“I only found out recently that Eri’s true identity is that of a princess. I understand what you’re worried about. But Eri will appreciate your friendship, and she won’t dislike it.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Speaking informally… It’s something that can’t be avoided without being close.”
If Leah’s inner thoughts were negative and twisted, Eri might have intentionally pretended to be close to reveal her true identity and handle the situation.
What kind of person was Leah Hurst in Ian’s eyes? Despite being a bit aloof, wasn’t she like a virtuous man proving the theory of sanctity?
If the conditions for becoming a saint were character and perseverance, there was nothing strange about Leah, not Glendia, becoming a saint.
There was no reason for Eri to dislike Leah.
“You don’t need to worry too much. Whether Eri is a princess or a commoner, the fact that she is precious to us remains unchanged.”
“Precious…”
“Why is that?”
“Oh, it’s nothing! I just… have something on my mind.”
It was the moment when Ian, casually watching Lya waving her hand in surprise.
Zing!
“Um. Excuse me for a moment.”
“Oh! Sure.”
The moment the device he had put in his pocket started ringing again.
What could be happening? Ian hurriedly pulled out the device, thinking it might be something urgent.
‘The caller is Shulkin….’
If Shulkin knew that he had gone to the Imperial Succession Ceremony, there shouldn’t be a reason for him to contact Ian urgently like this unless it was something important.
On the other hand, if he was sending a message like this, it probably meant that something had happened that would be difficult to handle without Ian’s permission.
“Sigh.”
Taking a deep breath to calm his mind, Ian slowly answered the phone.
At the same time, Shulkin’s serious voice flowed through the device.
“Young master, this is Shulkin. First of all, I apologize for contacting you like this.”
“No need. Since we’re on our way back after the succession ceremony, there’s no need to worry. What’s the matter?”
“Let me get straight to the point. Your mother….”
“Go on.”
“She has returned to the embrace of the Goddess of Peace, Eris.”
She had returned to the embrace of the Goddess of Peace.
There was only one meaning behind those words.
“May she rest in peace.”
“Yes. She smiled happily and closed her eyes.”
His mother had passed away. At those words, Ian released the breath he had been holding.