Chapter 53

Chapter 53
## Chapter 53

### ‘A Margrave, of all things.’

This was the ruler of the most critical frontier zones, territories where the influence of the central government rarely penetrated.

Due to the vital defensive role of their lands, these lords enjoyed reduced tax obligations to the Crown and faced virtually no caps on the size of their private armies—they were, in essence, undisputed sovereigns of their domains.

While the formal rank was equivalent to a Count, it was common knowledge that the actual martial strength a Margrave commanded frequently eclipsed that of a Marquis.

Because of this immense autonomy and their distance from the capital’s supervision, the title was strictly reserved for houses that possessed the absolute, unwavering confidence of the Imperial Family.

‘But why am I being considered?’

Rescuing the Emperor’s favored heir was a significant feat, yet this reward felt preposterously large.

Even when accounting for Lucian’s own capabilities and the long-standing reputation of the Grand Ducal House of Valdek, it didn’t seem like enough to justify the grant of a Margraviate.

“You look as though you’re struggling to grasp the reason behind my proposal.”

“Forgive me, Your Majesty.”

Caught off guard by the Emperor’s lighthearted tone, Lucian bowed his head in haste.

The sovereign gave a soft whistle of amusement at Lucian’s visible confusion.

“Ease your shoulders. I won’t deny having a hidden objective, but it isn’t some dark plot. As I mentioned, I believe that nothing is truly free between a ruler and those who serve him.”

The mirth vanished, replaced by a look of gravity on the Emperor’s face.

“Absolute loyalty might exist in theory, but in practice, it’s mostly found in stories. If a ruler fails to acknowledge a subject’s triumphs, that subject’s devotion withers; if a subject fails to ease the ruler’s burdens, they lose the crown’s confidence.”

Essentially, if either party failed to uphold their end of the bargain, they forfeited the right to complain if the bond was severed. It was the baseline requirement for any lord-vassal dynamic.

“Political maneuvers operate on the same logic. When a monarch requests a service, they must assign it openly and provide fair payment for the outcome. Trapping someone in a corner where they are forced to act is a violation of the sacred trust between a leader and a follower. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“Your logic is sound, Majesty.”

Lucian found himself nodding in agreement.

In times of instability, one of the most treacherous tactics was the “toxic gift.”

A ruler might grant a piece of land that was actually a deathtrap on the front lines, or bestow a relic that would spark a blood feud with a rival clan. Many leaders used the mask of generosity to ruin a subordinate while appearing virtuous.

‘It’s a classic way to eliminate a rival while looking like a saint. The tragedy is how many people used such tricks on their own loyalists.’

The motivations were plenty—from the cold-blooded disposal of a tool that had outlived its usefulness to the cowardly desire to shift a burden onto someone else.

Regardless of the intent, these betrayals only accelerated the collapse of order during chaotic eras. It led to an epidemic of treachery and defiance.

By this point, Lucian could sense the direction the Emperor was heading.

“There is a specific task you want me to undertake in return for the Margrave title.”

“Two tasks, to be precise.”

“If I may ask, what are they?”

“The Northern territories have become turbulent of late.”

Lucian’s expression sharpened at the mention of the North.

Wasn’t his mother’s side of the family the House of Duke Grimaldi, legendary figures from that very region?

The Emperor gave a slow nod, acknowledging the connection.

“The North has always been a difficult place for the throne to manage. It is distant, harsh, and filled with a culture of warriors. We’ve maintained a functional peace until now; the Crown stayed out of their business, and the North was happy to remain part of the map.”

Lucian understood the grim reality lurking behind those polished words, but he kept his thoughts to himself. Some truths were better left unsaid for the sake of diplomacy.

The Emperor watched Lucian’s silent acknowledgment and continued.

“But the situation has shifted. As external threats press against our borders, the North is starting to react to the pressure.”

“Are they seeking independence?”

“Not exactly. Rather, while the Crown is occupied elsewhere, the local lords have begun fighting amongst themselves. They are attempting to annex each other’s lands to consolidate power.”

Civil war between vassals was the ultimate taboo for the monarchy. No matter who won, the victor would emerge too powerful for the throne to easily control.

When the central government was strong, such internal wars were strictly forbidden. No sane ruler would permit the rise of a titan who might one day challenge the palace.

“The issue is that the Crown currently lacks the resources to police every border dispute in the North. If we push too hard with our current strength, we might provoke a full rebellion, making the situation even more volatile.”

“So, you want me to act as the Crown’s hand in bringing the North to heel?”

“Exactly.”

The Emperor smiled broadly, locking eyes with Lucian.

“I am aware that you are a scion of the House of Duke Grimaldi. In their prime, they were essentially Northern kings, with a lineage that predates even my own family, correct?”

“Though that house effectively ended with my grandfather, who was the final patriarch.”

“But as his blood descendant, you possess the standing to restore that name. No one in those lands could rightfully challenge your claim or the legacy of the House of Duke Grimaldi.”

Lucian finally saw the full picture.

If Lucian, as the son of Grand Duke Sigmund, took command of the North, the monarchy would have a reliable anchor in the region. He was far more tied to the central power than any local lord, and by helping him reclaim his heritage, the Emperor would ensure Lucian’s future loyalty through gratitude and necessity.

Even so, the rank of Margrave still felt like a massive overpayment. There had to be a deeper motive.

“I understand the strategy, Your Majesty. What is the second condition?”

“….”

The Emperor’s previous fluency vanished. He paused, his hesitation stretching into a long silence.

When he finally spoke, his tone was heavy with a father’s worry.

“Once you are established as a Margrave… I want you to publicly pledge your allegiance to my son, Claude.”

‘There it is.’

A trace of cynicism touched Lucian’s mind.

Fixing the North was a secondary benefit; the primary goal was to build a powerhouse faction for the Prince. Having witnessed Lucian’s brilliance on the battlefield, the Emperor was desperate to tether him to his heir.

“I know Claude has his flaws. But please remember that people have the capacity to evolve.”

“I understand, Majesty. There is an old saying in the North that even a tiny snake can grow into a mighty dragon if given the chance.”

“A wise sentiment. That is exactly what I hope for.”

The Emperor looked relieved, clearly taking the comment as a sign of support.

In reality, that proverb was a warning: if you don’t kill a small threat early, it will grow to destroy you—but Lucian saw no reason to correct him.

“However, Your Majesty, while I am honored by the gesture, I must respectfully decline.”

“Decline? Which part?”

The Emperor’s eyes widened in genuine shock. It wasn’t anger so much as total disbelief that anyone would turn down the immense power of a Margrave.

Losing his cool for a moment, the Emperor pressed him.

“Do you grasp the magnitude of what I’m offering? This is the status of a Margrave.”

“I am fully aware of the prestige and power that comes with it. However, I have not abandoned my claim as my father’s heir. How could I retreat from that challenge before I have truly proven my worth?”

Lucian countered with a blend of deception and honesty.

He didn’t actually care about proving himself to his family, but his status within the Grand Ducal House of Valdek was his most valuable political asset. It was a card he could play in almost any situation during this era of upheaval.

Discarding that leverage just for a title in the North was a poor trade.

“Furthermore, despite the history of the House of Duke Grimaldi, the Northern lords won’t just bow down. It would take significant military might to hold that region—might I currently do not possess.”

“I could provide the necessary reinforcements.”

“As you said, the North respects strength above all else. I wouldn’t need to be a tyrant, but if I am seen leaning on your soldiers to hold my seat, I will never earn their genuine respect.”

“Mmm.”

The Emperor fell silent, unable to argue with the logic. He knew the Northern temperament too well.

“Finally, if the First Prince does not value me, my loyalty would be hollow. It may sound bold, but I prefer to serve someone who actually desires my counsel.”

“Hahaha.”

The bluntness of the statement forced a dry laugh from the Emperor, followed by a weary sigh.

“You’re right. There’s no point in giving a masterwork blade to someone who only lets it rust in a cellar. Forgive me. I was getting ahead of myself.”

Despite his desire to help his son, the Emperor wasn’t blind to Claude’s limitations.

Yet, he still clung to a shred of hope, looking at Lucian with an almost pleading intensity.

“But the small snake can still become a dragon, can’t it?”

“Indeed, Majesty.”

“This has been an enlightening talk. I hope we can speak again under better circumstances. Don’t be offended if I treat you like a close friend in the future.”

The Emperor laughed, trying to lighten the mood.

Lucian bowed deeply, offering a polite smile. Since the Imperial House was clearly on a downward trajectory, the kindest thing Lucian could do was mask the dark reality of the future.

—

Once the Emperor was certain the coalition forces had retreated far enough from the front to be safe, he called the nobles together one last time.

“Now that the immediate danger has passed, I will return to the capital with my sons. Usually, I would summon you all there for a formal ceremony of rewards, but I don’t believe that is necessary today.”

The lords nodded, understanding the subtext.

The campaign had been a brief disaster, and most of them had only the shame of defeat to show for it. Lucian was the only one with any real achievements, but publicizing the rescue of the First Prince was a double-edged sword.

If the details got out, Claude’s incompetence would be the talk of the Empire, shattering the Crown’s image. They couldn’t erase what happened, but there was no sense in dragging everyone to the capital just to remind them of a failure. Ending things here was the most graceful exit.

“I owe an apology to those of you who fought bravely. You deserve formal recognition, but under these circumstances… I will ensure you are rewarded privately at a later date.”

“Your recognition is reward enough, Sire.”

Lucian’s response was perfectly measured.

The fact that the Emperor had personally acknowledged Lucian’s contributions in front of the other lords meant he had already achieved his main objective for joining the war.

The Emperor, however, insisted several more times on his intent to compensate him before finally preparing to depart.

Gathering the Princes, the Imperial guard, and the Red Wing Knights, the Emperor began a strange chant:

“The Sovereign of the Azure Path summons you! By the Ancient Treaty, I command the way! The Blood of the Wyrm demands the gate!”

“…?”

The gathered lords exchanged confused glances. They had no idea what they were witnessing.

*Fwaaaaah!*

“What in the—!?”

“A rift in the air…!”

The nobles watched in awe and terror as a glowing portal manifested, linking their current location to a distant destination. Lucian was stunned by this display of high-level magic, but he noticed that the First and Second Princes looked even more blindsided than the rest of the crowd.

‘Even his own sons were kept in the dark about this?’

“Move quickly! The gateway is unstable!”

The Emperor’s voice snapped the soldiers out of their trance.

Following the knights, the Imperial troops rushed into the shimmering circle. The portal was wide enough that the entire company was able to pass through in short order.

As the final soldier vanished into the light, the vibrating ring suddenly imploded.

*Splat!*

Even after the portal vanished with the sound of a bursting bubble, the lords stood frozen. Some even walked to the empty patch of grass, waving their hands through the air as if trying to find a hidden door.

Marquis Bernhardt stared at the spot where the Emperor had been, whispering to himself.

“I wondered how the King arrived so fast… he had a trick like this up his sleeve.”

“Mmm.”

A collective groan went through the Noble Faction. The revelation that the throne possessed such a hidden strategic advantage was a bitter pill to swallow for those seeking to undermine it.

In the midst of the stunned silence, Lucian stepped forward to take charge.

“As the Emperor commanded, let us go our separate ways. I am heading back to Kelheim. I wish you all a safe return.”

With a brief nod of farewell, Lucian signaled the Valdek troops to begin their march.

While the rest of the coalition was shrouded in the gloom of defeat and the collapse of the Grand Accord, Lucian was the clear outlier. He was the only person who had actually won this war.

‘Excellent. The gains far outweigh the risks.’

During this brief conflict, Lucian had proven his tactical brilliance by anticipating the treaty’s collapse, put the Marquis in his place using his new authority, and saved the life of the heir to the throne.

Even if only the basic facts reached the public, Lucian’s name would soon be legendary across the realm. To top it off, he now had a direct, personal line to the Emperor.

‘The stroke of genius was securing all these wins while maintaining a clear distance from the First Prince. I can’t wait to see the looks on my brothers’ and the other wives’ faces.’

Lucian had never allowed himself to be seen as a puppet or a lackey for Claude. If anything, he had publicly shamed the Prince for his idiocy. He had gained the glory of the rescue without the political taint of being a supporter.

What would his brothers—the ones who stayed home to avoid being dragged down by the First Prince—think when they realized how much ground they had lost?

Lucian fought back a smirk as he led his men toward Kelheim.