Chapter 68

Chapter 68
## Chapter 68

“On what basis, precisely?”

“It is not as if their claim is entirely baseless. The House of Calix provided the Northern Kingdom with several generations of the Royal Guard during its existence. Furthermore, they have maintained marital ties with the House of Grimaldi since the fall of that realm.”

To put it plainly, the lineage of the House of Grimaldi did indeed flow through the House of Calix. They weren’t simply pulling the Duke’s name out of thin air.

The true point of contention was who held the more direct right to the name when compared to Lucian.

“When was the most recent union between the House of Grimaldi and the House of Calix?”

“A century ago. A daughter from the ducal line married into the House of Calix.”

“Ha.”

A dry, hollow laugh escaped Lucian’s throat.

The connection was not only through a maternal branch, but it was a hundred years old. Had Lucian passed away and the direct line been extinguished, their argument might carry weight, but under the current circumstances, they possessed no right to claim the Grimaldi legacy.

It was the equivalent of a distant relative emerging from obscurity to seize an inheritance while a healthy, direct grandson stood right in front of them.

“This is preposterous. At the very least, they should have consulted me first.”

“They likely utilized the justification that you are not a ‘Northerner.’ Such linguistic manipulation is common in the political sphere—though that doesn’t make it any less bold.”

A note of irritation colored the Grand Duke’s typically composed tone. Only then did Lucian grasp that this development was a grave concern not just for the Grand Duke, but for the Imperial Throne itself.

“What is the Emperor’s stance on this?”

“He is, naturally, highly insulted. He has stated that this must be quelled before it gains further momentum. The difficulty is that the Imperial Family does not currently have the freedom to step in.”

“Is this due to the campaign to put down the Krepelt uprising?”

“Precisely. Although they managed to conclude the previous engagement with few losses, the reality is that the suppression was unsuccessful. To preserve the Empire’s standing, they must assemble the Allied Forces once more with haste and ensure those insurgents pay for their insolence.”

The Imperial Family’s objective was to muster enough power to completely annihilate Krepelt, thereby atoning for their prior setback. Consequently, they could not justify diverting the resources needed for that war toward an external dispute. To do so might cause the Imperial Family’s already shaken reputation to collapse entirely.

“The primary obstacle is the House of Calix. They are loud with talk of ‘Northern Pride’ and such, yet they have been perfectly compliant toward the Imperial Family, maintaining that this is not a revolt. They argue it is simply a necessary step to stabilize the North’s internal strife.”

“I find that hard to credit.”

“As do I. His Majesty is equally doubtful. It is almost certainly a narrative they are weaving to ensure they aren’t interrupted while they consolidate the North under their banner. However, the issue is that their timing is flawless.”

Due to the Krepelt conflict, the Imperial Family cannot spare a glance toward the North. Furthermore, the House of Calix is keeping a low profile while establishing a credible defense for their actions. If the Empire were to exert pressure by showing blatant distrust, it might incite not just the Count’s household, but the entire Northern region.

“Therefore, you require me. As the nearest living kin to the House of Grimaldi, I can dismantle the House of Calix’s legitimacy.”

“Correct. However…”

Grand Duke Sigmund paused briefly, his gaze turning somber as he looked at Lucian.

“The North has long been defined by a fierce warrior culture and a deep suspicion of outsiders. Regardless of how strong your bloodline is, you will never be truly embraced by them because you were not born or raised on their soil.”

“….”

“The House of Calix, and even those who once held the House of Grimaldi in high esteem, will look for ways to challenge you. And regardless of the nature of the trial, succeeding will be no simple feat.”

Hearing the Grand Duke’s warning, Lucian thought back to his previous life.

The handful of Northerners he had met during his time with the mercenaries seldom interacted with outsiders. Whatever contract they were handed, they completed it in silence and departed once paid. Some fellow soldiers had admired that stoic nature, labeling them the “quiet men of the North.”

‘What a ridiculous error that was.’

As he eventually discovered, the people of the North were not actually so reserved. They simply refused to show their true selves to anyone who hadn’t earned their respect. Once they truly accepted a person, the pent-up energy from being silent in foreign lands often made them incredibly talkative.

‘The people who praised them for being “quiet Northern men” were essentially broadcasting to everyone that they had never been truly accepted, and they didn’t even realize it.’

As Lucian suppressed a cynical smile, the Grand Duke continued speaking.

“I will be direct with you. His Majesty the Emperor desires for you to travel North and invalidate the House of Calix’s claims. He believes you are the key to restoring stability to the Empire.”

“That is a higher estimation of my worth than I have earned.”

“But I wish to give the choice to you. Regardless of what His Majesty wants, I will not compel you to do this.”

A flicker of genuine anxiety, which he couldn’t quite mask, crossed Grand Duke Sigmund’s features. He was showing concern for Lucian not as a high official of the realm, but as a father.

“The House of Calix has undoubtedly seized an asset that is rightfully yours. However, that inheritance is vague, and you might live your entire life without ever needing to use it. By contrast, the North is a brutal, cold land with a culture that does not change easily. And more importantly…”

“The prestige of the Grand Ducal House of Valdek will hold no sway in the North.”

Lucian finished the thought, sensing the direction of his father’s worry. He understood perfectly what the older man feared.

“They are a people who have existed in their own world in the North for generations. Since their ties to the Imperial Family are weak, they will not easily defer to anyone other than the Emperor himself.”

Just as the Grand Duke noted, Lucian would not escape the trials of the North. In fact, upon learning of his Grimaldi heritage, they would likely test him with even greater intensity. Because his blood was so prestigious, they would demand proof that his character was worthy of it.

‘And even if I succeed in those tests, that is merely the threshold. I will immediately be thrust into a massive struggle for legitimacy against the House of Calix and those loyal to them.’

Essentially, he would be forced to battle on his opponent’s home turf without the ability to lean on his family’s status. Even if they were only a Count’s house, if their roots stretched back to the old Northern Kingdom, their local power would be equivalent to that of a Margrave. Lucian would be fighting a losing battle using nothing but his own capabilities.

“Nonetheless, I intend to go to the North.”

“…Why? Understanding the hardships ahead, why make this choice?”

“Because they have laid hands on something that belongs to me.”

Lucian spoke while maintaining firm eye contact with the Grand Duke. He discarded the hollow language of formal duty and spoke with absolute conviction.

“It was mine. Even if it was intended to sit forgotten in a vault for the rest of my days, it was mine alone. Yet, without seeking my leave—without even acknowledging me—they have seized it for their own purposes and are now parading around as if they are the rightful owners.”

“….”

“I ask you, Father. Even if it is a prize he does not wish to eat, can a lion who remains silent while his kill is stolen truly call himself a lion?”

The reputation of the House of Grimaldi was indeed a complicated legacy. It could be a powerful tool, or he could spend his life ignoring it. But regardless of his choice, the legal and moral right to use the Grimaldi name rested with Lucian. The House of Calix had bypassed Lucian and exploited it for their gain, fully aware of his existence.

“I do not have a spirit so charitable that I can smile and forgive those who treat my property as their own.”

“Hahaha!”

The Grand Duke broke into a loud laugh at Lucian’s candid response. After laughing for a while, Sigmund Valdek smoothed his beard with a look of pride.

“Indeed, one cannot allow a thief to walk with his head held high after taking what belongs to another. Do as you see fit.”

“I am grateful.”

“When do you intend to set out for the North? Surely not this instant?”

“I plan to depart in a week. I require time to make the necessary arrangements.”

“Very well. However, before you leave, participate in one family council.”

Lucian’s eyes widened slightly at the mention of a family council. Such gatherings were only convened for matters of significant weight. What could have occurred?

As if sensing Lucian’s internal question, the Grand Duke provided the answer at once.

“His Majesty the Emperor is moving to re-establish the Allied Forces.”

“…!”

—

“….”

“….”

The mood within the family council was exceptionally grim. In the past, there had at least been a subtle conflict of egos, but now, everyone was too overwhelmed by the pressure to even attempt that.

In the middle of this thick tension, the Grand Duke began.

“His Majesty the Emperor has mandated the re-assembly of the Allied Forces.”

“…!”

“It appears he is determined to finally crush the Krepelt insurgency. Naturally, I will be departing for the front lines as well.”

With the Grand Accord effectively voided, there was no way to predict the enemy’s tactics. This was not a theater that could be managed by a subordinate, so it was expected that the Grand Duke would lead in person.

The critical question was what would happen in the Grand Duke’s absence.

“Then, while you are leading the campaign, who do you intend to designate as the Acting Family Head?”

Veronica, Tristan’s mother, posed the question while shielding her anxious face behind a fan. It was a difficult subject to broach, but on a battlefield where the Grand Accord was no longer respected, there was no assurance the Grand Duke would return. There was a distinct possibility that the person named Acting Head now could eventually become the permanent successor.

“Before I settle on an Acting Family Head, I have an announcement. I plan to bring one of my sons with me to serve as my personal aide.”

“…!?”

“This time, it is my personal request, not a directive from the Emperor. Are there any among you who wish to step forward?”

The sudden suggestion left the room in a state of shock. If the Grand Accord was dead, the risks of the front lines would be far greater than before, yet he was inviting them to join him.

As everyone sat silently trying to read the room, Julia, Jordi’s mother, spoke with hesitation.

“If the third son is to go, as he did previously…”

“The third son has obligations in the North. He will be unable to join me.”

“The… the North?”

“It involves the House of Grimaldi. Of late, the House of Calix has been behaving as though they are the rightful successors to the Grimaldi line, completely disregarding Lucian.”

As Grand Duke Sigmund laid out the specifics of the situation, the expressions of everyone present turned grim.

A period where Lucian would be away, a war zone where the Grand Accord was no longer in play, and an invitation to the front whose true purpose remained a mystery.

‘Is he attempting to remove the other children to clear a path for the third? Since his position is still new, it would be a problem if the other siblings didn’t accept his leadership.’

‘That seems unlikely… Father isn’t the sort of person to plot like that. But if he has truly chosen the third son to lead the family next…’

As the room filled with silent distrust, Veronica finally lost her patience.

“My Lord, this is simply too much!”

Veronica slammed her fan onto the table and stood up. The Grand Duke remained unmoving, meeting Veronica’s outburst with a cold, steady gaze.

“What exactly is too much?”

“Your blatant favoritism toward the third son! Why is he the only one being spared? Are you going to argue it’s wrong to send him again because he has already served?”

“Heh.”

The Grand Duke let out a freezing laugh at Veronica’s protest.

“When a threat to the Empire arises, it is the fundamental obligation of every noble to lead their men and rally to the Imperial standard. Along with the payment of taxes, this is the one duty that must never be abandoned. Yet you speak of it as if it were a cruel penalty.”

“You are the ruling lord! Not our sons!”

“And one of my sons will rule in the next generation. If they cower because they fear the battlefield, would they truly be capable of following in my footsteps?”

“…!”

Veronica’s face drained of color, and she fell silent. The Grand Duke then fixed a sharp look on the woman and spoke with authority.

“Keep this in mind. Whether the Grand Accord stands or falls, one’s duty must be performed. I have no intention of naming anyone who fails to meet their basic obligations as my heir.”

Lucian gave a small, silent nod at the Grand Duke’s resolute words. From the start, titled nobility were bound by two absolute requirements: financial contributions and military service. To use the end of the Grand Accord as a reason to avoid war was nothing more than a childish excuse.

As the defeated Veronica sank back into her chair, the Grand Duke scanned the faces in the room.

“I will ask once more. Are there none among you who will stand beside your father on the battlefield?”