My Lord Who Is Being Prudent! [EN]: Chapter 158

§ 158 – Count Cyan (1)

A noble was someone recognized with special social privileges, a dignified individual who governed the nation.

Strictly speaking, “nobles” referred to the imperial family, the royal family, and the ducal family.

The imperial family, the royal family, and their relatives.

The monarch’s family could be called nobles.

However, it was nearly impossible for the small number of the monarch’s family to govern the entire country.

So, they began to distribute their rights to capable aides.

This was the beginning of the aristocracy, the governing system prevalent in the Charlotte Empire and the continent today.

Thus, now.

In the Charlotte Empire and across the continent, “nobles” referred to those holding the rank of the Five Orders of Nobility.

Duke, Marquis, Count, Viscount, Baron.

The ranks of lords were divided into Duke, Marquis, Count, Viscount, and Baron.

The concept varied from country to country and region to region.

Generally, the title of Duke was given to founding contributors or members of the monarch’s family.

A Duke could possess an autonomous duchy within a nation, a virtually all-powerful rank just below the monarch.

The title of Marquis was given to those who had made contributions equivalent to founding contributors or who represented the ruling power of the state.

Considering the special status of a Duke, the Marquis was effectively the highest attainable rank.

A Count was the highest administrator in a region.

In other words, they were lords who had achieved hegemony [dominant control or influence over others].

A Viscount generally served as an assistant to the Count, also known as the Vice-Count or the Prime Minister of the County.

Lastly, a Baron was a title given to free lords or knights who had made contributions.

Of course, the criteria divided by imperial law were just that.

It couldn’t be said that everything related was definitive!

In fact, the concept of the Five Orders of Nobility was divided for convenience.

In reality, there were various titles such as Border Marquis and Quasi-Baron.

Also, in the case of Viscounts, there were independent Viscounts called ‘Marquis Viscounts’ who were not assistants to Counts.

These were collectively referred to as Viscounts.

However, even if it was a formal meaning, the practical meaning was ultimately a concept derived from formality.

Therefore, the meaning written in the imperial law did not change significantly.

And these noble statuses were mainly inherited by family.

However, one could become a new noble through special achievements.

So, there were quite a few cases where commoners became nobles.

For example, in the case of a Viscount, a Count could appoint them arbitrarily.

Viscounts were, according to imperial law, assistants to Counts.

Of course, formally receiving the title of Viscount required the permission of the imperial or royal family.

However, this was also a formality.

In reality, it was akin to approving a Count’s request.

In any case, the status of a noble was inherited, but it was not uncommon to newly receive the status of a noble.

However.

“The authority according to the title of Count will follow the imperial law···.”

Not a Count.

It wasn’t from Count and up.

The highest administrator in a region.

A lord who had achieved hegemony.

A high-ranking noble who could appoint new nobles under them.

A being who could be called a true noble in the Five Orders of Nobility.

It meant a noble lineage that could continue its status through inheritance.

Bestowing the title of Count upon Cyan.

It held several meanings, but most notably one.

Cyan was granted the qualification to build his own power with the Emperor’s permission.

“Also, the territory of Ruben is bestowed as a jurisdiction of the County.”

The scribe’s words were heard again.

“······!!”

“······!!”

“······!!”

A silent outcry erupted throughout the great hall.

The massive hall, filled with thousands of people.

Everyone in this hall wore expressions of shock beyond astonishment.

“U, Unbelievable···.”

“How could this···!”

Unable to shake off the shock, people couldn’t speak properly.

A reward for Cyan’s contributions.

That reward··· was completely unexpected.

They knew. They knew that Cyan’s contributions were enormous.

Therefore, they also knew that the reward would be tremendous.

But this was not it.

It wasn’t to this extent.

The reward was too excessive.

No, at this point, it was beyond excessive; it was insane.

They thought it would be at most the granting of jurisdiction and tax reduction.

Of course, how could they call that ‘at most’.

Compared to the reward given now, it could be called ‘at most’.

“Also, 15 villages and 2 imperial-controlled territories are bestowed upon the Elandur family. At the same time, the taxes collected from Elandur for the next 6 months are waived.”

The scribe’s words continued from there.

“······!!”

“······!!”

“······!!”

People widened their eyes in lingering shock.

It was already an enormous event to ennoble Cyan with the title of Count.

To give additional rewards to Elandur?

Moreover, the level of the reward was also shocking.

“This is affirmed in the name of His Majesty the Emperor.”

The scribe’s long, long words finally came to an end.

And an eerie silence descended upon the entire great hall.

No one could easily open their mouths.

Only one person.

Only Conrad slowly moved, crossing the heavy silence.

Soon, Conrad stood before Cyan.

Cyan blankly stared at Conrad.

“I ask for the empire as you have done, Count Cyan.”

And Conrad’s words were heard.

At the same time.

Ding!

『[Territory Quest] – ‘This is my world! The world I created!!’ (Cleared!)』

〈New package, Territory Growth Package has been opened.〉

〈Mileage Shop has been opened.〉

A cheerful smartphone notification sound was heard from within his pocket.

#

The long, long event came to an end like that.

And the imperial palace was literally heated up [filled with excitement and discussion].

The Emperor’s personally hosted event to commend contributions.

The event nakedly showed what the Emperor’s generosity was.

The saying that the tail wags the dog [a situation where a minor part controls the whole] was exactly what this event was about.

In terms of face value, the imperial family’s expenditure was considerable.

However, if you think about it a little differently, it wasn’t just that.

First of all, the nobles who received the rewards became more loyal to the empire.

Also, the nobles who did not receive rewards became more determined to strengthen their loyalty to the empire in the future.

If you put in a little effort, if you are for the empire.

A definite reward is given accordingly.

Such thoughts were sprouting in the minds of the nobles who watched the current event.

An investment for the future.

Politicians evaluated the intention of this event like this.

Perhaps if it wasn’t for the last part.

If it wasn’t for that last word that was heard.

History would have evaluated it that way as well.

“A Count! What nonsense is this···!”

“How could such a thing···!”

The title of Count ennobled to Cyan.

Of course, there was nothing strange about the title of Count being bestowed.

Although it was a high-ranking noble title that was inherited.

If one made contributions equivalent to it, the title of Count could be bestowed.

In fact, it could be seen by looking through the past thousand years of imperial history.

The history of a considerable number of Count titles being bestowed was proving it.

Therefore, there was nothing strange about the title of Count being bestowed itself.

However.

“A Count to a scion [descendant] of Elandur. How could this be.”

“Moreover, to bestow Ruben as a jurisdictional territory···.”

“If it’s Ruben, isn’t that part of the Marquisate of Elandur?”

The target and justification were the problem.

Cyan’s contributions were great, but not enough to receive the title of Count.

The biggest thing was, of course, the point that Ruben was bestowed as a County.

Ruben was not an unowned land.

It was a territory belonging to the Marquisate of Elandur.

But such Ruben was bestowed to Cyan.

Along with the title of Count, it was given to Cyan as the jurisdiction of the County.

In other words, it was tantamount to making Cyan independent from Elandur and taking Ruben away from Elandur at the same time.

“Heo···.”

“How could this···.”

No matter how much it was the imperial family, this was not it.

It was clear that Elandur would definitely make a sound [protest or cause trouble].

Could this reward assessment be called an investment for the future?

An act of offending Elandur??

No matter how much it boosted the loyalty of other nobles.

It was not worth as much as antagonizing Elandur.

Therefore.

“There’s no way His Majesty would have made such a decision.”

“It must have been discussed with Marquis Elandur in advance.”

People just glossed over this part like this.

They could only think this way.

Of course, that didn’t mean there were no problems.

“Still, not a Baron or a Viscount, but a Count.”

“Even if he is the top contributor, isn’t the title of Count too much?”

The title of Count was too excessive.

No matter how much he was the top contributor, he was not worthy of receiving the title of Count.

Rewarding merit should always be fair and just.

This was a seriously deviated from the aspect of equity.

However.

“Still, isn’t it not a completely nonsensical reward?”

Not everyone had such thoughts.

“That’s right. I heard that if he hadn’t stopped it in time, the entire empire would have been in danger.”

“I don’t think there’s a big problem.”

It was none other than the nobles who had received rewards earlier.

They were taking the lead in defending Cyan.

Of course, they didn’t really intend to defend Cyan.

They didn’t have the friendship to defend Cyan.

Nevertheless, there was nothing special about the reason why they came forward to defend Cyan.

“Count Triel. Don’t tell me you’re saying that because you received territory now?”

“Oh, Count Derin. How could my words be interpreted that way?”

Because they also received something.

The title of Count ennobled to Cyan.

It was true that it was an excessive reward to anyone.

However, Cyan was not the only one who received an excessive reward.

If they were to say that Cyan’s reward was excessive and try to revoke it, it meant that they would also have to spit out what they had received.

Because they also received excessive rewards compared to their contributions.

However, if it hadn’t been given from the beginning, it would have been one thing.

The reward had already been received, and it was in their hands.

“Ahem, it’s His Majesty’s generosity to give as much reward as one serves the empire.”

“When you think about it, Cyan. His contribution is not that simple.”

They were not nobles who would willingly let go of what was in their hands.

As the situation flowed like this, people had no choice but to think.

That the excessive rewards given to the previous nobles.

Wasn’t it to bestow the title of Count upon Cyan?

Wasn’t it to create nobles who would speak on behalf of the imperial family?

Wasn’t that the hidden purpose of this event?

However, the imperial family, who should answer, was silent.

Therefore, only speculation was rampant.

So, at the point when opinions were divided and debated on both sides.

Elandur’s reaction was not yet there.

To be exact, they had not yet received this news.

The event had just finished.

Related news was still staying in the imperial palace.

It was true that a word without feet goes a thousand miles [news travels fast].

However, that didn’t mean it happened in an instant.

Nevertheless, the express messenger had departed, and no one could predict the ripple effect it would bring.

The eve of the storm.

In the midst of the silence that was only lingering in the upcoming chaos.

Conrad’s office located in the imperial palace.

“What is this all about?”

Cyan asked Conrad with an absurd expression.

“What are you talking about?”

Then Conrad retorted with an expression as if he didn’t know anything.

“No, are you saying that because you really don’t know?”

“I’m really saying it because I don’t know. I’ve only granted your request.”

Cyan stared at Conrad with a dumbfounded expression and opened his mouth again.

“I only asked you to call me on the pretext of the affairs of the North?”

“And you also said that it was time to abandon the name of Elandur.”

Then Conrad gave a sly smile.

At the sight of such Conrad, Cyan was speechless.

“I couldn’t help it. I wouldn’t mind if you were just abandoning the name of Elandur. But to grant you Ruben as your territory, involving even Ruben, there had to be a justification worthy of a Count.”

Then Conrad added.

“Actually… His Majesty’s involvement was the biggest reason.”

“His Majesty, you say?”

Conrad nodded slightly and continued.

“A Count title is not something even I can easily grant.”

Cyan nodded.

A Count title literally meant a feudal lord of a region.

Even as the Crown Prince, he couldn’t easily grant such a position.

No, it could be said that it was a title that couldn’t be granted by the authority of the Crown Prince alone.

Even if it were given in the name of the Crown Prince, it absolutely required the Emperor’s permission.

In other words, it was more accurate to see Cyan’s Count title as being granted by the Emperor, not Conrad.

But why would the Emperor…?

“I told him your intentions.”

“My intentions…?”

“Your intention to turn your back on Elandur.”

At Conrad’s words, Cyan was lost in thought for a moment.

It seemed Conrad had told the Emperor about it.

But whatever…

It didn’t change anything now that the Emperor knew.

To be precise, it wouldn’t be a big problem if someone else knew.

Because it was impossible to turn back now.

Cyan had no intention of ever returning to Elandur.

And now, by being granted the title of Count, almost everyone would know the truth.

However.

“What did His Majesty say?”

“Well…”

At Cyan’s question, Conrad paused for a moment.

“I couldn’t find a way to sugarcoat it, so don’t misunderstand what you hear.”

Cyan nodded, and Conrad spat out the words.

“He said you were a crazy bastard.”

“……”

“And he also said you were a lunatic.”

“Oh…”

“Ah, he also asked if it was right to send Elena to a crazy guy.”

Cyan was speechless.

Well… abandoning the name of Elandur.

And betraying them so grandly.

That was indeed a crazy thing to do.

Who in the Empire would want to make an enemy of Elandur?

It was literally insane and crazy.

And it was no different from a madman’s act.

Cyan was well aware of that, but hearing it directly… it felt strange.

Anyway.

“Despite that, you’re saying he helped this madness… no, my independence?”

“He must have thought it was necessary.”

“What… do you mean?”

“Someone to keep the Marquis of Elandur in check.”

“Ah.”

Only then could Cyan understand the whole story of this event.

He could understand why the Emperor had intervened.

Currently, two families were dominant in the Empire.

Elandur and Rothschild.

The two were rivals, and until now, the scales had been balanced.

However, recently, the scales had begun to tilt.

Because of none other than Cyan’s existence.

Cyan, who had been nothing more than a scoundrel, was now even being called a new star of the Empire.

That meant Elandur had two stars of the Empire.

It wasn’t a big problem now.

But in 10 or 20 years…

When the era of the Emperor and the current heads of the families faded and a new era arrived.

This had a high possibility of developing into a significant problem.

Elandur could surpass Rothschild and become the Empire’s dominant family.

Even the Imperial Family couldn’t easily deal with their power now.

In that time, they could seize absolute power that even the Imperial Family would have to be wary of.

This was something the Emperor couldn’t help but be wary of.

In the meantime, Cyan had come forward, saying he would turn his back on Elandur.

That act was crazy and insane.

So, it was truly a madman’s act.

But it wasn’t bad for the Emperor.

If Cyan turned against Elandur, the Emperor would gain a new force to keep Elandur in check.

Even if it went wrong, it wasn’t necessarily bad.

The scales that had tilted as Cyan was expelled from Elandur would simply return to their original position.

And perhaps.

Just perhaps.

In the future, it could become three pillars supporting the Empire instead of two.

“Even considering that, I think the Count title is excessive.”

Nevertheless, the Count title was a shocking and unprecedented reward.

It not only separated Cyan from Elandur.

It also took away Ruben, which was under the jurisdiction of the Marquis of Elandur.

Elandur, or rather, Durac, would not just sit back and watch.

So, they would surely speak out to the Imperial Family.

And no matter how much of an Emperor he was, he couldn’t simply ignore Elandur’s opinion.

Nevertheless, the Emperor pushed this forward.

He created a justification by setting excessive rewards for other nobles.

And he gave Elandur a lot of compensation in return for the stolen Ruben.

There must have been a tremendous amount of bleeding [financial loss] in the process.

As much as Cyan was taking risks.

The Emperor also meant to be his shield.

He would help where he could.

So, he wanted Cyan to go wild.

It was the Emperor’s will not to pass on the responsibility.

‘The Emperor is the Emperor.’

The monarch of the Empire, Emperor Balua.

Cyan couldn’t help but admire the Emperor’s boldness.

“That doesn’t mean everything is over. From now on, it’s up to you.”

Cyan nodded.

Cyan planned all of this, and the Emperor laid out a grand plan.

So, the rest was entirely up to Cyan.

A full-scale war with Elandur.

Only by surviving in that war would all of this be valid.

“Well, anyway, isn’t this a good thing for you now?”

“That’s true, but…”

Cyan trailed off and fell silent.

Well, the current situation was sudden.

But it wasn’t that he didn’t like it.

No, to be precise, it was something he had been hoping for.

As Conrad said, a Count title was necessary to become independent from Elandur and bring Ruben under his control.

To be precise, there was no justification readily available that was worthy of a Count title.

That’s why Cyan initially said he would build an overwhelming justification.

That was to obtain the title of Count.

The title of Count was hereditary.

However, it wasn’t that the title wasn’t ever newly bestowed.

But he just felt his achievements were lacking.

He had made many contributions in the West and in the North this time.

However, he didn’t think it was enough to receive the title of Count.

So, he was trying to buy time to build new justification and merit.

If that didn’t work, he was just thinking of forcibly rising up.

The Count title was something he had longed for but couldn’t dare to ask for.

But it was a great situation to be given the title of Count so readily.

However, Cyan didn’t know it would proceed so suddenly.

“Didn’t I say I would help you? Did you think I was just talking?”

“It’s not that, but…”

He also didn’t know that Conrad would be so actively involved.

“The investiture ceremony will be postponed a bit. As you know, we need to watch the situation. More than that… now that you can’t use the name Elandur, do you have a surname in mind?”

“Well… I haven’t really thought about it.”

“Then what about the family crest?”

“Not really…”

That’s because he didn’t know he would suddenly receive the title of Count.

“There’s time until the official investiture ceremony, so take your time.”

Conrad nodded as if he understood.

Hearing this, Cyan began to realize that he had become a Count.

A strange feeling for no reason.

Cyan quietly looked up at Conrad.

And only then could Cyan see Conrad’s face in detail.

Conrad’s face was haggard and completely worn.

The dark circles under his eyes were creating deep shadows.

The blonde hair, resembling sunlight, was dry and rough.

His skin was troubled, with red spots appearing here and there.

It was literally a mess.

It seemed he hadn’t been able to sleep because he was dealing with all the related matters above.

There was a clear will of the Emperor in Cyan receiving the title of Count.

However, it could not be denied that Conrad’s firm help was instrumental in reaching this result.

If Conrad hadn’t been there, the current result would never have been possible.

“……Thank you, Your Highness.”

Cyan could only say this to Conrad.

“Thanks are unnecessary. You’ve done things for the Empire, and I promised to help you directly.”

“Still, I’m grateful. Thank you again.”

At Cyan’s continued gratitude, Conrad gave a deep smile.

“If you’re really grateful, be good to Elena instead of me. She may look strong, but she’s a tender child. She’ll be hurt if you’re too cold.”

Then Conrad gave a slightly reproachful look.

Cyan chuckled and replied.

“We’ve already decided to go to Ruben together after this event.”

“Huh? Now?”

Cyan nodded.

Of course, it wasn’t right now, as Conrad said.

But now that the commendation ceremony was over.

It was soon.

“I’m hearing this for the first time?”

“I met the Princess at the banquet before the event and told her, so it seems it wasn’t conveyed to Your Highness.”

That’s because Elena went straight to preparations.

And Conrad was busy preparing for the event.

“But now that things have turned out this way, it’s a bit difficult.”

However, Cyan unexpectedly received the title of Count.

As such, he couldn’t predict how Durac would react at all.

He could draw his sword if he went crazy.

Of course, he wouldn’t dare to point a sword at the Princess.

‘Because he even embezzled.’

82 million gold embezzlement.

If Durac found out about that fact…?

Of course, there was no concern for Elena’s safety.

No matter how crazy Durac was, he wouldn’t threaten Elena.

However, he could ignore Elena’s words.

No matter what Elena said, Durac could threaten Cyan.

If he used the embezzlement as an excuse, there was nothing to say.

Durac had come to catch the traitor of the family.

So, going to Ruben with Elena now was a situation where Elena could be in trouble.

He meant to use Elena’s position.

But he didn’t want to put Elena in trouble.

So, he wondered if he should postpone it for a while.

“That’s good. I’ll come along this time.”

Conrad suddenly said.

“Yes?”

Cyan tilted his head without realizing it.

“Are you saying you’re coming too, Your Highness?”

“That’s right. If I come along, the Marquis of Elandur won’t be able to act rashly.”

Well, that was obvious.

No matter how reckless Durac was.

He couldn’t cause a ruckus where the Princess and the Crown Prince were.

Even if he used embezzlement as an excuse, it was only possible after the Crown Prince and Princess had left.

The name of the Crown Prince was never light.

Wasn’t he the second-in-command of the Empire, next to the Emperor?

In fact, he couldn’t easily come forward with just the Princess.

If the Crown Prince was there, it was unconditional.

“Maybe I shouldn’t come along? Or maybe more gold?”

“It’s not that, but…”

Well, it would be nice if he gave him gold, but Cyan wasn’t so shameless.

He had received 20 million gold and the title of Count.

What more could he ask for?

“Then I’ll prepare right away. The work is almost done now. I was going to use my vacation anyway. I can just think of it as going on vacation to Ruben.”

Conrad smiled brightly.

“Elena said the refreshments in Ruben are so delicious… I’m already looking forward to it.”

He looked like he was really going on vacation.

So, Cyan could see that Conrad was definitely going to Ruben.

Cyan shrugged his shoulders as he looked at Conrad.

And for some reason, laughter leaked out.

‘I wonder what Durac’s expression will be like.’

Cyan smiled without realizing it.