Chapter 107

Chapter 107
## Chapter 107

Lucian stared, momentarily stunned by the expression on Eisen’s face.

The young man hadn’t uttered a single syllable of his request, so how had the elder already deciphered his thoughts?

“Sir Eisen, I believe there’s been a slight lapse in communication…”

“If you were to go public with the fact that the sorcerer who ambushed me utilized a technique identical to the one that killed the Grand Duke, toppling Jordi would be a relatively simple affair. You’re weighed down by guilt because you recognized that path but chose silence to serve your own ends, isn’t that right?”

“….”

Struck by the blunt accuracy of the statement, Lucian found himself unable to offer a rebuttal.

Eisen observed Lucian’s internal struggle for a heartbeat before his features softened into a look of weary understanding.

“To be fair, we lack any concrete objects to show as proof. However, in the court of public opinion, a man’s character often carries more weight than a smoking gun. Should I be the one to level the accusation, my reputation alone would serve as a mountain of evidence.”

This wasn’t some lighthearted speculation; it was a grave matter involving the regicide of a Grand Duke and the moral decay of his heir.

If a legendary, steadfast knight—a Sword Saint who had become a living myth—were to drag the family’s dirty laundry into the light, the world wouldn’t wait for a trial. They would believe him instantly.

“Furthermore, Jordi’s insurrection is a direct slap in the face to His Majesty the Emperor. With my word as a foundation, the Emperor would move heaven and earth to replace the leadership of Valdek, no matter the cost. Am I wrong?”

“…So you’ve seen through the entire board.”

“Indeed. And I understand precisely why Your Grace is hesitant to let the pieces fall that way.”

With Eisen’s public support and the backing of the Crown, removing Jordi from power would be a swift operation.

Most of those currently following Jordi were likely in the dark regarding his role in his father’s death. Exposing that truth would turn everyone—save for his most fanatical cronies—against him overnight.

With the Imperial Family’s blessing added to that momentum, Tristan could step into the role of Family Head almost immediately.

‘That solves Tristan’s problems, but it creates a massive one for mine.’

Jordi, having climbed to power through murder and treason, possessed zero legitimacy. He was a target Lucian could strike down whenever he pleased without losing the moral high ground.

But if Tristan were the one to depose Jordi and take the mantle, the dynamic shifted. He would be a legitimate leader, fortified by the Emperor’s favor and the aura of a righteous restorer.

‘If Tristan adds the glory of purging a traitor and saving the house to his resume, he becomes untouchable to me.’

Regardless of whatever logic Lucian might try to apply later, any move against Tristan would be seen as the act of a power-hungry pretender. He would forfeit the people’s hearts, and even a military victory wouldn’t grant him the title of a true Family Head in the eyes of the world.

From a strategic standpoint, it was far more beneficial for Lucian if Jordi stayed in that seat until Lucian was ready to take it himself.

‘I know that’s the reality. And yet…’

This was entirely about Lucian’s personal goals. It was a clash of ambition versus morality.

Was he really going to ask Eisen—who had nearly died and lost his target because of a lapse in judgment—to bury his need for justice just so Lucian could win a political game?

The ethics of the request felt increasingly hollow.

“Sir Eisen.”

“Proceed as you see fit.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Tear Jordi down on your own terms and claim Valdek for yourself. Do not step aside for the First Young Master simply out of a sense of obligation to me. I am perfectly capable of waiting for my retribution.”

“…!”

Eisen met Lucian’s eyes, his voice steady and devoid of malice.

“You were the one who pointed out my failing, and you were the one who provided me the means to fix it. You were the chosen successor in the late Grand Duke’s heart anyway; why would I jeopardize such a significant destiny just to satisfy my own temporary thirst for vengeance?”

He was giving Lucian permission to ignore his personal feelings and stay the course. As long as the ultimate wrong was eventually righted, Eisen didn’t mind if he wasn’t the one to draw the final breath from his enemy.

Lucian reached out and squeezed both of Eisen’s hands with conviction.

“I give you my word. You will never find reason to regret this trust.”

Eisen offered a faint, knowing smile, as if he had never doubted the outcome.

—

The following afternoon, Lucian called Eisen and his inner circle together in his private study.

“We are shelving the Jordi situation for the time being. I’m interested in who is pulling his strings, but since we lack the resources to strike at them now, further investigation is a waste of movement.”

Attacking even a vulnerable Jordi was currently off the table. Digging up the identity of his mysterious benefactor would simply give them a name they couldn’t touch yet, adding unnecessary stress. It was more logical to focus their strength on immediate survival.

“Besides, the mastermind won’t stay hidden forever. In fact, I have a pretty clear picture of who we’re dealing with.”

“Really? You’ve found a lead?”

“A lead? No. But if you connect the dots of what we already know, the silhouette is obvious.”

Lucian gestured to the maps on the wall as he explained.

“Since the attempt on my father happened during a military campaign, the culprit had to be someone involved in crushing the rebellion. A mere mage wouldn’t have the autonomy to make a call of that magnitude. Their superior had to be someone on the ground with the power to issue life-or-death orders.”

“Could it be a member of the Emperor’s inner circle…?”

“Highly unlikely. If it were one of the Emperor’s top advisors, I would have caught wind of it the moment I was assigned to Asagrim.”

Because Lucian was the one executing the orders, he would have noticed a direct advisor’s involvement. If it were a random provincial lord, they wouldn’t have been privy to the plan, so they would have been in the dark.

However, the adversary had managed to intercept that sensitive information right in the heat of the conflict.

“This suggests someone in the Emperor’s immediate orbit. Someone close enough to overhear private council or state secrets.”

“Who could possibly fit that description?”

“It might not be a servant of the crown, but a member of the bloodline.”

“The bloodline? Are you suggesting the Crown Prince? For him to orchestrate such a complex plot, he’s a bit too…”

Hugo trailed off as a cold realization washed over him.

Aside from the heir apparent, there was one other individual with equal proximity to the throne. Someone who operated outside the formal power structure and thus avoided scrutiny, yet maintained a deep personal bond with the Emperor—a perfect candidate for Jordi to gamble his future on.

“You don’t mean…?”

“Softly now.”

Lucian pressed a finger to his lips.

“Let’s avoid making formal accusations yet. The truth will drag itself into the light soon enough. Understood?”

The advisors gave somber nods. If the figure they were imagining was truly the puppet master, it was a dangerous topic to even whisper about.

With the Jordi discussion concluded, Lucian shifted to the task at hand.

“Revenge is a luxury we can’t afford right now. Our priority is the stabilization of Asagrim. This territory is a goldmine of potential, however…”

“The issue is the total absence of a workforce to tap into that potential,” Raymond added, his brow furrowed as he followed Lucian’s logic. “Without a population, there’s no tax base and no pool for a militia. We’re surviving on Imperial handouts for now, but that well runs dry in six months.”

“Precisely. If Asagrim isn’t populated within half a year, we’re insolvent. The expenses are constant, but there’s no internal revenue.”

“We’ll have to import people from neighboring lands.”

“Assuming anyone is charitable enough to part with their subjects.”

Lucian and Raymond traded a grim look.

To any noble, the peasantry represented labor, military strength, and wealth. Trying to take a large chunk of a neighbor’s population was a declaration of war, even between long-standing allies.

“If no one is willing to donate, we’ll take what we need. We just have to find a target we won’t feel guilty about plundering.”

“I actually have someone in mind, though he’s been surprisingly quiet. It’s been more than enough time for him to break out of custody and return to his holdings.”

Lucian’s thoughts turned to Norbeck Calix, who had recently escaped. A man unhinged by the loss of his child wasn’t going to come looking for a peace treaty. He should have been launching a desperate suicide mission by now, yet there was total silence from his direction.

“Regardless, we move forward. Let’s finalize your official titles. I wanted to wait for the territory to look a bit more presentable, but it seems we don’t have that luxury.”

The retainers straightened their backs, faces flushing with anticipation. This was the moment their roles became legitimate in the eyes of the law, transcending simple personal loyalty.

Lucian began announcing the appointments he had curated.

“First, Hans. You are hereby named Chief Steward. I considered the title of Head Steward, but it feels a bit premature when we don’t even have a staff of butlers for you to lead yet.”

“Me?! But Sir, the people who arrived yesterday have far more formal training than I do…”

“Then use your position to make them your instructors.”

“Is it proper for a Chief Steward to be taking lessons from the help?!”

“In my domain, it is. And if they show any arrogance while teaching you, you have my full authority to execute them on the spot.”

“Ha… execution? That’s a bit of a stretch…”

Hans tried to treat it as hyperbole, but he recoiled slightly when he saw the dead-serious look in Lucian’s eyes.

“…You aren’t joking?”

“Not in the least. If the task is too distasteful for you, I’ll provide a soldier to handle the blade on your command.”

The staff sent by the Emperor were undoubtedly masters of their craft. Compared to them, Hans was a novice in formal etiquette.

But Lucian hadn’t picked his circle based on their ability to pour wine.

“Hans, listen closely. You are my right hand. You are the man I trust above all others. For anyone to mock your skills is a direct insult to my own judgment.”

“….”

“Your honor is an extension of my own. If someone treats you with anything less than absolute respect, do not hesitate. Even if you take their life where they stand, I will back you. Teach them the hierarchy.”

Hans felt a lump form in his throat as he nodded. The weight of that unconditional trust was massive, but it gave him a sense of warmth he’d never known.

“Ian, I’m appointing you as the Court Alchemist. You’re currently lacking materials, but I’ll have a state-of-the-art laboratory ready for you shortly.”

“A real laboratory!”

Ian nearly fell out of his chair in excitement. This wasn’t some cramped basement in a hideout; it was a Duke-funded facility. The purity levels he could achieve with professional-grade glass and burners… the possibilities made his head spin.

“As for Sir Eisen…”

“I require no title. What use does an old man have for paperwork? I’m content to spend my days training Felicia.”

“Then at least accept the role of Military Advisor. It’s a titular position, mostly for prestige, so it won’t involve any of the mundane headaches of daily administration.”

Faced with Lucian’s sincere plea, Eisen conceded with a small, amused huff. He had been ready to fade into the background, but he couldn’t keep rebuffing the man who had saved his honor.

“Raymond, you will be the Commander of the Royal Guard. Since we haven’t formed the unit yet, it’s a placeholder for now.”

“It is a greater honor than I earned. A fully realized Royal Guard… it will be a legendary sight.”

Raymond’s mind jumped to the thousand sets of ancient armor waiting beneath the palace. The future guard would likely be outfitted in that very gear. The prospect of leading such a force brought a rare grin to his face.

“Felicia, I want to give you a command as well, but I can’t keep creating empty knightly orders. For now, you will serve as my Primary Escort.”

“That is all I ever wanted.”

Felicia nodded, her expression stoic but satisfied. As long as her place was at Lucian’s side, the specific name of the job was irrelevant.

“And finally, Hugo.”

“Yes! Reporting!”

Hugo practically barked his response, his usual playful demeanor replaced by pure nerves. Lucian couldn’t help but laugh at the sight of the normally relaxed man looking so rigid.

“The time has come to fulfill my oath to you.”

“…!”

“By the power vested in me as the Margrave of Asagrim, I hereby dub Hugo a knight. Your family name shall be Meyer; from this day forward, you are a nobleman and the patriarch of House Meyer.”

As the words left Lucian’s mouth, Hugo’s legs gave out, and he slumped back into his chair, overwhelmed.

—

Would you like me to continue with the next chapter or perhaps create a character profile for the newly titled House Meyer?