Chapter 80

Chapter 80
## Chapter 80

The expression on Harald’s face turned rigid.

An Inspector. This was a high-ranking official sent directly by the Imperial Family whenever suspicions arose regarding unpaid taxes, potential uprisings, or violent feuds among the landed nobility.

Because they were only commissioned for the most grave circumstances, the role was a temporary assignment with a unique individual chosen for each crisis, yet their power was absolute. Regardless of the Inspector’s personal identity, the commands they uttered carried the same weight as a verdict delivered by the Emperor himself.

‘An Imperial Inspector here in the North?’

This was a volatile situation that could cause the northern territories—already drowning in suspicion and resentment toward the Imperial Family—to reach a breaking point.

However, Lucian merely smirked and offered a reassuring pat to Harald’s shoulder.

“Ease your mind. I am the one who requested this intervention from His Majesty.”

“You asked for an Inspector?! But when…!”

“Moments before I severed ties with my family.”

Harald stood frozen at Lucian’s revelation. On second thought, had the request been sent after Lucian reached the North, the official couldn’t possibly have arrived this soon. Factoring in the time required for the Imperial Family to select a candidate, organize the logistics, and complete the trek to the North, it was a massive undertaking. Without that prior request, their presence now would be impossible.

“Just what kind of scheme have you put into motion?”

“Consider it a safety measure I arranged just in case things went south. As it happens, the arrival is timed perfectly.”

“A safety measure?”

“For the moment, let us welcome the Inspector together. We shouldn’t leave the Emperor’s representative standing at the gates, should we?”

“Mmm.”

Harald gave a slow nod, though a shadow of doubt remained. As Lucian pointed out, keeping such a figure waiting was a recipe for disaster and misunderstanding. He was bursting with questions, but the purpose of the Inspector’s visit would surely bring clarity. He would wait for the official briefing.

—

Lucian felt a jolt of recognition when he stepped out to meet the envoy. A familiar face was looking back at him with a warm grin.

“Sir Glen!”

“It has been some time. Or perhaps it hasn’t been long enough to warrant such a greeting?”

The man was a member of the Black Scale Knights. He was the very knight who had aided Lucian during his last trip to the capital, even showing him the way through the hidden corridors. While Lucian had anticipated a sympathetic bureaucrat, he never dreamed Glen would be the chosen messenger.

‘Don’t they usually task court nobles with these roles? Even if he’s a confidant, sending a knight is…’

Even considering the temporary nature of the Inspector post, this was an incredibly irregular choice regardless of rank. In a sense, it reflected a staggering level of favoritism toward Lucian. A typical Inspector, no matter how cordial, wouldn’t display the same warmth as someone with a pre-existing bond.

“I am relieved to have tracked you down so quickly. When His Majesty ordered me to head North and find you without providing a specific location, I was quite worried.”

This was the natural consequence of Lucian making his plea before he had even started his journey. He had asked for them to follow him without a set destination. From Glen’s perspective, he had to play detective just to hand over the official documents.

“However, your reputation made the search simple. As the proverb goes, a sharp needle cannot remain hidden in a cloth bag.”

“You are too kind. But what word did His Majesty send…?”

“Ah, I let my personal joy get the better of me. I shall recite His Majesty’s decree first.”

Glen produced a formal Imperial Decree, his cheerful demeanor instantly replaced by a sharp, commanding tone directed at Lucian.

“Lucian Valdek, descendant of Sigmund Valdek, stand and receive the orders of His Majesty the Emperor!”

Hearing that authoritative voice, Lucian immediately dropped to one knee. An Imperial Decree demanded the exact same level of reverence as an audience with the Sovereign himself.

“Karl von Bay Astria, Ruler of the Empire, formally acknowledges the lawful claims of Lucian Valdek regarding the heritage of House Grimaldi! As the grandson of the late Duke through the maternal line, your inheritance is guaranteed, and any who challenge this shall answer to My legions!”

The corners of Lucian’s mouth twitched into a smile at the very words he had been waiting for. No matter how hard Calix struggled to obstruct him, they would be forced to yield the inheritance now that the Emperor had spoken. All that was left was to claim the Grimaldi legacy and look down upon his enemies from a position of strength.

‘I am glad I set this insurance policy early. Though, I suppose this puts me in the Emperor’s debt, so later…’

“Furthermore.”

Glen’s voice continued, pulling Lucian back from his internal monologue. The Imperial message wasn’t finished yet.

“I grant the rank of Margrave to Lucian Valdek, and hereby authorize the restoration of Grimaldi and the usage of a combined surname! You shall be recognized as both Grimaldi and Valdek, and your standing as a legitimate heir to Valdek shall remain intact!”

“…!?”

Lucian’s eyes snapped wide at the shock of the news. A Margrave and a double name? While he stood there paralyzed by the implications, Glen beamed and offered a respectful bow.

“My congratulations on your rise to Margrave, Your Excellency. Or should I address you as Lord Margrave Grimaldi? Perhaps Your Grace the Duke is more fitting?”

“….”

Even with Glen’s congratulations, Lucian’s mind was reeling. He had previously turned down the Margrave title because accepting it would have stripped him of his Valdek succession. He hadn’t dared to ask for both while the Emperor watched him with such intense scrutiny.

Yet here he was, not only named Margrave but allowed to keep both names and his original inheritance rights. This wasn’t just unconventional; it was a level of special treatment that shattered all precedent.

‘I’m beginning to wonder if there is a deeper conspiracy here rather than just simple favor.’

When he scanned the room, it was clear he wasn’t the only one stunned. The various aides and even Viscount Harald stood with their mouths hanging open. Amidst the heavy silence, Glen reached out and gripped Lucian’s shoulder.

“Your Grace, stay with me. Once we are behind closed doors, I will explain the specifics.”

Glen’s smile had vanished once more. The gravity in his eyes suggested a complex story hidden beneath the surface.

“Your Excellency—rather, Viscount Harald. Might we utilize your study for a private discussion?”

“Ah, yes, certainly… I mean, please, be my guest!”

Harald, stumbling over his words, quickly adjusted his manner of speech. Lucian was now technically holding the rank of both Margrave and Duke, placing him significantly higher in the social hierarchy than Harald.

“You should join us, Viscount. You deserve to hear the context as well.”

“That is not permitted.”

Lucian had intended to include Harald since they were now on the same side, but Glen stopped him. In a voice so stern it bordered on freezing, Glen leaned in and whispered to Lucian.

“Your Grace, I carry a private correspondence from His Majesty. It is for your eyes only.”

“…!”

An appointment as a Northern Margrave followed by a classified letter? Lucian actually wondered for a second if these were meant for Duke Sigmund and delivered to him by mistake. After giving Harald a silent look of apology, Lucian followed Glen into the private room.

—

“What is the meaning of all this? A Margrave? My only goal was to secure my grandfather’s estate.”

“I understand your confusion. I will clarify everything in a moment. But first…”

Glen checked the door to ensure no one was eavesdropping, then placed several peculiar metallic discs in the corners of the room. As the four discs formed a geometric perimeter, a faint crimson glow filled the air.

“What is that?”

“A specialized sonic dampening device. It ensures our conversation remains within these walls.”

Lucian was impressed by the meticulous security. Only when the red light settled did Glen exhale and turn his attention back to Lucian.

“Now, we are secure. Please, ask whatever is on your mind.”

“To begin with, what is my actual status? I heard mention of a double surname.”

“It is exactly as stated. Your Grace is a Duke, a Margrave, and remains a successor to the House of Valdek.”

It sounded like a linguistic puzzle, but the titles carried distinct weights. In this context, ‘Duke’ referred to the noble title tied to the Grimaldi line. It provided high social prestige, but the actual land was tiny—little more than a village. It was largely a symbolic role with a small country estate.

‘But the title of Margrave is a different beast entirely.’

A Margrave was a regional powerhouse with minimal tax burdens and the right to maintain a massive private army. Even if the formal rank was equivalent to a Count, the actual influence of a Margrave surpassed that of most Marquises. The Emperor was allowing him to keep the glory of the Grimaldi name while giving him the tools of real, tangible power.

“His Majesty asks for your patience. He mentioned that if he gave you more direct authority, he would have to make you an Elector or a Grand Duke, which would cause too much of a stir, so this was his solution.”

“I see. But regarding the Margrave title… where is my land?”

“Read this before we continue.”

Glen interrupted by handing over an object. It wasn’t a lavish scroll, but a simple, folded sheet of black parchment. Its humble appearance only made it feel more threatening. When Lucian opened it, he found refined handwriting inside.

—I will skip the formal greetings. I imagine you are quite stunned. You have been given far more than you requested. You likely suspect I am leading you into a trap.

Lucian couldn’t help but nod. Just as the letter predicted, the Emperor’s generosity was so overwhelming it felt more like a threat than a gift. As if reading his mind, the Emperor continued:

—Regardless of your suspicions, I have no desire to see you harmed. The truth is, I am in great need of your assistance. More specifically, my son, Claude, requires a powerful ally. I want you to gather a following and stand by him.

“Phew.”

That troublesome First Prince again. Why was the Emperor so fixated on him? Given the incompetence he displayed in battle, the Emperor had to know the Second Prince was the superior choice. Swallowing his frustration, Lucian’s eyes nearly popped out of his head as he read the next part.

—You likely wonder why I am so devoted to that boy. The reason is simple. My second son is unable to utilize the ancestral artifacts that respond only to the true Imperial bloodline. I will not elaborate further. Having learned this, I trust you will make the right choice.

“…!”

This was madness. Lucian instinctively balled up the letter and shot a glance at Glen. The knight was staring away, looking completely oblivious. Lucian wanted to unsee the information, but it was too late.

—Grow in strength. Assemble your forces. And be the shield for that boy. Do not forget the boons I have bestowed upon you. This is no trap, but an act of favor, so ensure that favor is returned to my heir. That is all.

Sizzle.

The moment he hit the final period, Lucian held the secret letter to a candle flame. While one might expect Glen to react to the destruction of a royal document, he remained perfectly still.

“I take it you have finished.”

“Are you aware of what was written?”

“I am not.”

His face was a mask of honesty, but it was clear he was only ignorant of the specific words. He undoubtedly knew the broader secrets of the palace and could guess the nature of the letter. Clicking his tongue, Lucian brushed away the ashes and sank into contemplation.

‘Is the Emperor’s time running out?’

In his previous life, Lucian assumed the Emperor died of grief after the First Prince’s demise. But looking at it now, perhaps he was already terminally ill. That would explain why he was revealing such dangerous secrets. He was desperately trying to build a foundation for his son before he passed, even if it meant taking a massive gamble.

“Your Grace, His Majesty requires a response.”

Lucian offered a dry smile at the intensity in Glen’s eyes. If the letter was accurate, the Second Prince had no path to the throne, making any support for him a dead end. Furthermore, the Emperor had given Lucian the Grimaldi name, the Margrave title, and the Valdek succession. There was only one answer he could give after taking all that.

“Give His Majesty my word. Lucian Valdek will never forget this kindness and will pledge his total devotion to the Crown Prince.”

“A wise path! Just as I expected…!”

“I appreciate the sentiment, but…”

Lucian cut off Glen’s enthusiastic praise. He wasn’t looking for compliments.

“First, I need to know about the land I’ve been given. If I am a Margrave, surely there is territory to go with the title?”