The Youngest Son of the Northern Grand Duke Wants to Break Off the Engagement-Chapter 81

Chapter 81
The Imperial Family publicly announced the emperor's passing with great ceremony and held a requiem.
As a result, a procession of royal family and nobles continued with their condolences, and a decree was proclaimed forbidding all events except for the funeral.
For one day only, only the emperor's wives and direct imperial relatives kept vigil by his side, and countless mourners came and went until a week had passed.
The eighth emperor of the Agnes Empire, Vanderas Ruth Celestion, was solemnly cremated amidst a gloomy atmosphere.
"The Emperor approaches the palace!"
At the chancellor's cry, all the high officials paid their respects.
The Imperial Knights followed in noble steps and then lined up near the throne.
The new emperor, seized by intense emotions, began to ascend toward the throne.
'I have finally come to possess this empire.'
The new emperor sat on the golden-shrouded throne and for a moment ran his hand over it.
It was a seat given only to his father and previous emperors.
At last, after eight successions, he had arrived at the ninth; as the ninth emperor, he merely reflected on that dignity.
"... I am still in grief, yet I cannot defy this bloodline. You all know this, do you not?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The high officials responded in unison and bowed their heads.
The ninth emperor, satisfied by this response, slowly looked around.
Among these, who would become his ally?
"First, I must address the urgent matters. What happened to the reinforcements sent to the northern territory?"
The ninth emperor of the Agnes Empire, Velder Ruth Celestion, spoke in a thoroughly detached voice.
Even at this very moment, there were not a few dissatisfied with him.
That was why he had to sort things out quickly and build a faction to support him.
"The troops are devoting themselves to defending the front line, in case monsters invade again."
"Why waste reinforcements and neglect the northern territory's forces? Is the so-called Grand Duke of the North so incompetent as that?"
"..."
The high officials instinctively grasped the young emperor's intent.
It was clearly a check against the Grand Duke of the North, a close friend of the previous emperor and holder of great military power.
Many respected the Grand Duke's efforts—how could they disparage him so lightly?
"Order them to return immediately. What use is it if the forces are wasted like that?"
"However, Your Majesty. The northern territory recently fought a war with monsters. The repairs to the walls are not even finished yet..."
"Wasn't the northern army organized for the very purpose of solving all that locally? Why, then, are we sending additional forces?"
At this point, the high officials began to feel a strong sense of resistance.
The previous emperor, having experienced direct combat in the north, knew the importance of strictly defending the front line.
But the young emperor, who had never even wielded a sword, voiced only fanciful theories.
"If the front line in the northern territory is penetrated, the monsters will advance south shortly thereafter. They would destroy the supply base at once and invade the capital. Are you saying you're really willing to let this happen?"
"..."
When the chancellor himself spoke up, Velder had no answer.
The chancellor was the representative of all officials and the de facto leader in the palace's state affairs.
If he were to argue with the chancellor here, the other officials would surely take a negative stance as well.
"Tsk... Give them a bit more time, then. But ensure they retreat soon."
"We shall obey Your Majesty's command."
The chancellor replied calmly, but could not help recalling his own plan.
He had already contacted the Imperial Army's commander and spoken with both dukes.
If the young emperor truly went off course, they would need to restore the Imperial Family themselves.
"I hear we must also prepare for the eastern territory... what is your opinion?"
"I am of similar mind. According to the latest s, monsters have been appearing more frequently, the vegetation is withering from the heat, and the water levels of nearby rivers are falling. Judging by precedent, this may be related to a dragon."
"A dragon? Weren't they said to be extinct long ago?"
"The first emperor, with renowned warriors, destroyed Ekexax the Tempest. The third emperor, together with the former Grand Duke of the North, sealed away Tiksa the Frostbane. The other five dragons vanished, so they may appear again at any time."
Velder hesitated slightly at those words.
One dragon could devastate territory and crush countless lives.
In the end, eliminating a dragon required many troops and mighty warriors; it couldn't just be left alone.
"Nothing is going my way! Is it only by contradicting me that you all are satisfied?"
"We do not contradict you. We merely offer remonstrance."
"Remonstrance, is it? You call it remonstrance, but isn't it just an insistence that I do as you say?"
"Your Majesty, these are matters accomplished by the former emperors..."
"Enough! Hearing more will only stifle me further. This time, I will let it go. But I will have one thing followed, no matter what."
Velder looked out at the officials, showing his displeasure.
Certainly, among them, there would be some willing to obey him.
However, unable to confront the established powers, he had no choice but to remain silent for now.
"What is it we must follow?"
"As you know, I have not yet married. Therefore, here and now, I will announce my consort."
"... Whom do you have in mind?"
"I will marry Brillie Illenat, the second daughter of the Illenat ducal house."
For a moment, silence fell over the palace, and all the officials' expressions stiffened.
Even the chancellor was greatly taken aback; even the Imperial Knights guarding the throne could barely keep their composure.
The young emperor was already intent on trampling upon human ethics and morality.
"Your Majesty! The second daughter of the Illenat ducal house is already engaged! How can you say such a thing?"
"She's only engaged, is she not? Break it off; it isn't so difficult, is it?"
"Your Majesty! This cannot be! Please think of the honor of the Grand Duke of the North and the Duke of Illenat!"
"Why do you speak of honor? If she marries me, the Duke of Illenat becomes the emperor's father-in-law. Wouldn't that be a yet higher honor? I am sorry to the Grand Duke, but he can find another match, can't he?"
"Your Majesty! The Imperial Family has long prevented power from being concentrated in the hands of a few nobles! If you promote this marriage with the Illenat ducal house, it will cause trouble for future generations!"
"Are you worrying about things that haven't happened yet? Even if there were problems in the past, I am different. I will not repeat the same mistakes."
"Your Majesty! Not only officials but also other nobles will not accept this! I dare entreat you to consider the state of the realm!"
"Enough! On this, I will not yield. No matter what you say, I will marry her. Anyone who opposes this issue from now on will bear guilt by Imperial decree!"
"..."
The chancellor, lost in sighs, thought of the previous emperor.
He had expected this, but the young emperor was hopelessly lost in his own desire.
Leaving him to abuse his power like this would bring ruin upon the Imperial Family.
'... Your Majesty. It seems, after all, it cannot be. Please forgive me for not keeping your last will.'
Resolute amid inner torment, the chancellor came to a decision.
The previous emperor had asked him to support the successor well.
But if matters were run so recklessly, not even he could do anything.
'I must plot rebellion for the sake of this country.'
* * *
Cadeon read the chancellor's letter and was overcome with intense rage.
No matter that the previous emperor had died, who could have foreseen such arrogant behavior?
Trying to wed Brillie to the crown prince even once now felt utterly foolish.
"... Though it's late, I must be honest with you. Do you remember what we spoke of when we first met?"
"Yes, I remember."
Alter responded directly, meeting Cadeon's gaze.
When Cadeon heard of the emperor's passing, he had immediately gone to the imperial palace to pay respects.
He had been quiet for some time, and now that he had finally called for him, the atmosphere seemed quite somber.
"You once compared Brillie to a flower and the crown prince to the sun. Was I wrong?"
"No, you were right."
"It seems you deduced correctly. I had tried to marry Brillie to the crown prince. For that, I apologize to you."
"... You needn't. I too mentioned what was not decided, so I'm sure I caused some discomfort for you, Duke Illenat."
"But... you have changed my thinking. You've proven your abilities. The curse has vanished recently, so there is no longer any real issue."
At first, Cadeon intended to use Alter to raise Brillie's value.
If she were married into the grand duke's house, it would be easier to persuade the emperor and crown prince.
But the basic premise had become twisted, and Alter's potential far exceeded expectations.
"I truly hope you will marry Brillie. It would make her happier as well. How do you feel about her?"
"I do not know if it is love I feel. But... she is far above me. For now, I only wish that she stay by my side."
"Is that so... That much is enough, isn't it? If the Grand Duke of the North has no objections, then this marriage should take place."
Satisfied in a humble way, Cadeon looked to what was next.
He could not yield to the present emperor, so he must now consider the final resort.
He would have to risk the annihilation of his house, but as one who represented many nobles, he could not afford fear.
"... The emperor has declared he will marry Brillie, and told me he would break your engagement."
"I anticipated as much. What will you do now?"
"I will stake my name and house and see this to the end. If need be... I shall seek the Grand Duke of the North's help."
Alter instantly understood what he meant.
The Duke of Illenat truly acknowledged his existence.
Rather, to risk his family's downfall, he was in effect showing proper respect to the grand duke.
"Will you mobilize the northern army?"
"Not yet. If soldiers flood into the capital, it could turn into civil war. It's best to resolve this within the capital."
"Then you mean to use only your private soldiers?"
"We'll gather as many as we can. We should be able to work with forces already stationed in the capital."
"... Whom do you intend to enthrone?"
"The third princess will ascend as the new empress."
-------------= Clacky's Corner -------------=
One incompetent successor can destroy a dynasty...
And now, we are seeing that incompetent fool...
I'm doubtful of the third princess, but I hope everything goes well.
【(⩌_⩌ )】