Chapter 228 - The Cunning Rabbit's Counterattack



Cardinal de Mare was also surprised by the King's edict that the palace messenger brought.

'Already?'

The Cardinal wanted to pull the messenger aside and ask him what was going on.

But the King's envoy could not be treated like that.

The messenger entered the entrance to the mansion of de Mare, guided by the servants without any interference.

Behind him, the figure of the King's secretary, Sir Delpiano, was seen walking leisurely.

After receiving the King's edict from the messenger, Sir Delpiano took his seat in the center of the marble floor.

The strangely tall and narrow central staircase of the de Marais mansion coiled and soared before him.

Ariadne's palms were sweaty. Sir Delpiano raised his voice.

“I convey the message of His Majesty the King, the High Sun of the Etruscan Kingdom, the one and only Majesty!”

The family all went down the stairs and bowed respectfully before the King's edict.

Sir Delpiano began to read.

“I, Leo III, wish to congratulate my subjects for their faithful service in difficult times.”

Cardinal de Mare did not tell Ippolito about the title promised by the King.

That's why his son, who is so stupid, couldn't understand what the school notice meant and just stared blankly.

The reason he did not tell Ippolito about the title in advance was that he was initially afraid that it would get into his son's head.

Even if Ippolito had heard that there would be a title ceremony soon, there was nothing he could contribute.

Because he couldn't achieve anything in a short period.

He would just go around bragging, and since he was a talkative guy just like his mother, there was a high chance that he would spread rumors in social circles.

Although gatherings were extremely restricted due to the recent epidemic, rumors spread incredibly quickly through letters and correspondence, so caution was needed.

Moreover, after the events of a week ago, the Cardinal began to think seriously.

Cardinal de Mare did not intend to give a title to his son because he loved Ippolito.

Of course, it would be a lie to say that he had no affection at all, but he wanted the title to go to the head of the household who would protect it.

Naturally, a son who would belong to the family forever was the right person to be awarded a title, rather than a daughter who would simply get married and be gone.

But after the events of last week, the Cardinal began to doubt whether Ippolito could be a good head of the household.

The question was, was there a substitute?

Despite Cardinal de Mare's reflections, the reading of the Sermon on the Mount continued.

“Some of the dogs, in addition to the virtue of silently keeping their place, showed devotion to their country beyond their duty.”

Ariadne pricked up her ears.

As to who will receive this title today, there may be a hint in the words used in the King's decree.

If the praise for the family continues, the title will be awarded to Ippolito, and if the praise for individual achievements continues, the title will be awarded to Ariadne.

“The de Mare family used their private wealth to help the poor, created a standard for the prevention of the Black Death and disseminated it widely, and took the lead in making sure that everyone could share in it without profiting from it.”

It was confusing.

The text, by any measure, lists the things Ariadne did, but it speaks of the de Mare family itself rather than Ariadne herself.

Ariadne secretly wiped her sweaty palms on the hem of her dress.

'...'

Cardinal de Mare glanced at his second daughter, who was staring at Lord Delpiano with pursed lips.

If he had to pick just one of his children as the most outstanding, it would definitely be Ariadne.

The Cardinal had no intention of denying it either because it was a clear fact.

Quick judgment, steely drive, and unwavering composure. She was a child who could accomplish great things.

If Ariadne had been a son, the Cardinal would have long ago sent his eldest son, Ippolito, to a monastery and made him a priest.

But Ariadne was ultimately a child who had to be given to another family.

Even if he takes the risk of not marrying her off and leaving her in the family to act as the head of the household, there will be countless attempts to shake things up, and most of them will be led by Ippolito and Isabella.

To give Ariadne a title and make her the head of the family was to start down a broad and straight road of strife, apart from her excellence.

Under Ariadne's rule, the family may prosper, but the family will be torn apart.

And when does the age of Ariadne end? Who will be next?

There was an option that would have allowed Ariadne, who would live alone for the rest of her life, to take over as head of the household and pass the succession to Ippolito's children, but the Cardinal was skeptical about that choice.

His second daughter, although not as pretty as her sister, was attractive and had a unique charm that her sister did not have, and naturally many bachelors chased her.

Although it seems to have died down now, there was still a connection with the Prince, and recently the Duke of Pisano had been visiting the de Mare mansion like a rat in a haystack, and Baldessar's successor also seemed suspicious.

Would that child really want to live alone for the rest of her life for the sake of her family, leaving so many choices behind?

The de Mare family would be granted titles today, if the King were angry, such as Viscounts or at best Counts.

Whoever of those three she married would have a higher title than the one they would be awarded today.

After all, wouldn't giving Ariadne a title just add one more name to the long list of titles held by some Duke or Marquis?

'Whew...'

The sighs only deepened.

Moreover, the Cardinal was uncertain about Ariadne's character.

She was a child who was just like himself. She was as strict as she was excellent. As her standards for herself were high, her expectations for others were also high.

In short, she had great ability but not great virtue.

If Ariadne becomes the head of the household, will she allow Ippolito, who challenges her, to live? The Cardinal thought no.

If Ippolito becomes the head of the household, he will not be able to manage the household as well as Ariadne.

He knew his son's capabilities and limitations very well.

It would be fortunate if the status quo was maintained, but there was also a good chance that it would collapse.

But that's only possible if he lives long enough.

He can welcome his daughter-in-law as a good child, hold the steering wheel as long as possible, distribute authority to a wise daughter-in-law, prevent his son from running wild, and pray to heaven for a smart grandchild to be born.

Besides, Isabella was a smart child in a different way than her sister.

Although she was short-sighted, she was clever and never suffered any losses, and because she was incredibly beautiful, she was able to find a good spouse.

If her brother is given a title, she will be able to marry into an even better family.

If Isabella could find a strong husband and in-laws to support her brother, the de Mare family would be able to survive somehow.

If Ariadne were to become the head of the household, it would be fortunate if she did not attack Isabella's family, given her temper.

The Cardinal finished organizing his thoughts like this.

The problem was that he had wasted a whole week worrying about Lucrezia and Ippolito, and now that Sir Delpiano had appeared before him and read the King's edict, he had finally made up his mind.

That is, the Cardinal never sent a request to Leo III asking 'which of his children should be given a title'!

The King issued the edict as he pleased!

The reading of the Delpiano sermon continued.

“This is a great blessing for our kingdom...”

Cardinal de Mare and Ariadne were thinking completely different things at the moment, but in their endless, pointless conversation, the two could see at least one thing in common.

'Please, just come to a conclusion!'

“A kingdom with such loyal subjects will prosper forever...”

'What good does it do if your subject does well? You should do well!'

'Your tongue is really ticklish.'

“...Therefore, I, Leo III, grant the following titles to the de Mare family, loyal to the Etruscan kingdom:”

Here's the main point.

Cardinal de Mare and Ariadne clenched their fists. But the two astute men immediately sensed something strange.

'Wait a minute, 'loyal'?'

"You're saying that you're giving 'positions' instead of 'random titles'?"

But the feeling of discomfort was short-lived.

“I, Leo III, King of the Etruscan Kingdom, gave his baptism to Ariadne de Mare of the de Mare family...”

“!”

“!”

“!”

Ariadne almost threw a victory punch into the air.

Now that he realized what the letter was about, Ippolito turned to look at his sister with his narrow, long eyes widening to the size of fists.

His mouth was open stupidly.

Only Cardinal de Mare watched Sir Delpiano, who was holding the King's decree, without any outward signs of agitation.

But the next words of the Lord Delpiano caused even the calm Cardinal de Mare to frown.

“...I hereby appoint the position of director of the Rambouillet Relief Center.”

'Rambouillet Relief Center Director?!'

'I got hit!'

The father and daughter, with blank expressions, locked eyes.

The position of director of the Rambouillet Relief Center brought more harm than good.

As a person without an official title, his responsibilities were limitless and he had no authority.

By awarding the position of director of the Rambouillet Center to Ariadne personally, the King was effectively handing over the primary responsibility for providing food to the Rambouillet Home to Ariadne personally!

'You are blaming me for rejecting you like this!'

Cardinal de Mare ground his teeth when he outright refused Leo III's request to take charge of the Rambouillet Relief Center at the Palais de la Ville.

Sir Delpiano called out to Ariadne, pretending not to know her.

“I will come forward and accept the teachings and gifts with gratitude.”

Ariadne, too, was not grateful and wanted to at least show her gratitude, but if she did something like that to the King's secretary who brought the King's edict, she would be dragged away for insulting the King.

She stepped forward, biting the skin inside her mouth, and knelt on one knee, keeping the other knee up, and bowed her head deeply.

“Ariadne de Mare, subject of the Etruscan kingdom, accepts the grace of His Majesty the King.”

Sir Delpiano repeated the usual things like the kingdom's prosperity, the King's favor, and the prosperity of the country, and handed Ariadne a letter appointing her as the director of the Rambouillet Relief Center, and handed her a small box.

“Open it and take a look.”

She opened the lid of the box. There was a small silver brooch.

“This is the mark of the Master of the Rambouillet Relief Center. The Master of the Relief Center is authorized to request an audience with His Majesty the King when matters are pending, and is obliged to attend the opening of the ‘Extended Curia Regis’.”

Ariadne burst out laughing.

It was an ambiguous authority.

The 'Curia Regis' was the King's cabinet, but important matters were mostly handled by the 'Extended Curia Regis', a smaller group of high-ranking officials within the Curia Regis.

The 'Extended Curia Regis' was an institution that went beyond the King's usual cabinet and was held only when all his courtiers were assembled.

It was a place that was held once or twice a year and was more of a one-sided place to hear declarations rather than a place to vote or speak.

The same was true for the audience with the King. It was extremely ambiguous, as it was not an unconditional right to an audience, but rather a right to ‘request an audience.’

She held back her demeanor from collapsing and politely returned the gesture.

“Ariadne de Mare, subject of the Etruscan kingdom, as the director of the Rambouillet Relief Center, I will faithfully perform my duties and assist His Majesty the King.”

“His Majesty also has high expectations. I look forward to your continued excellent performance.”

After exchanging some polite words, Sir Delpiano prepared to leave immediately.

Cardinal de Mare was not particularly close to or compatible with Lord Delpiano, who was good at currying favor with the King, but on a day like this, when would one need to pretend to be friendly?

The Cardinal quickly approached and spoke to Lord Delpiano.

“The Lord Delpiano.”

The King's secretary smiled broadly.

Even without saying anything, Cardinal de Mare had an expression on his face that seemed to indicate that he knew why he was talking to him.

“Don’t worry too much. I’ll have good news for you soon.”

Cardinal de Mare's brain was spinning.

Since you told me not to worry, I guess you're saying you'll be given the title? But daughter? So the one who will be given the title in the end is Ariadne, right?

Sir Delpiano continued speaking.

“His Majesty is thinking of giving you a generous gift. Please dress properly and wait.”

Why are you talking about your conduct? Do I have to take a bath and wait to receive a title? This is really lethal.

The Cardinal lowered his voice in protest.

“Do you know the general details of the matter, Lord Delpiano? How can you proceed with such a matter without consulting me?”

The question was whether he was aware of the deal in which he would receive a title in exchange for manipulating Cesare de Carlo's lineage.

Since he couldn't bring himself to reveal it, he asked this.

But if Sir Delpiano had been informed of the King's actions, he would have been able to understand.

It was extremely unfair of the King to give a title to a daughter without consulting the head of a household with a son.

“His Majesty the King also feels sorry about that.”

Sir Delpiano answered with an embarrassed smile.

“But it will be more generous than you think. It will not be a loss for the de Mare family either, so trust in His Majesty the King and wait.”

“When can we expect the results to come out?”

“Well? Before the end of this year? I don’t know the exact date.”

It was a mountain beyond a mountain. The Cardinal, who could not let Delpiano go like this, asked him again.

“If I request an audience with Your Majesty, will it be accepted?”

The King's secretary looked vaguely friendly and troubled.

“I guess the epidemic is rampant these days. His Majesty is trying to avoid audiences with outsiders as much as possible. It seems like it will be difficult for the time being.”

The story was about taking what you are given and eating it.

Cardinal de Mare clenched his fist, then relaxed it.

In fact, whether to give the title to an incompetent son or an excellent daughter was such a difficult decision that it was only at the last minute that he made up his mind.

It might be better to have the decision made externally. Cardinal de Mare let out a light sigh.

“I’m going back now. The situation is very tense, so take care of your health.”

“Thank you for your difficult steps. Please be careful on your way back.”

Cardinal de Mare escorted Lord Delpiano to his carriage as he left the mansion, collecting his thoughts.

However, he decided not to tell Ariadne this fact for the time being.

Because first of all, it was important to touch Ippolito's heart.

It seemed easier to persuade Ippolito not to attack his sister than to persuade Ariadne to let her ugly brother attack her.

But, will that be easy? Cardinal de Mare let out a slightly heavier sigh this time.

***

A few weeks ago, Palagio Carlo.

After attempting to extort grain from Ariadne de Mare and being forced to pay 80,000 ducats, and then summoning her father, Cardinal de Mare, and being rebuked for paying his debt, Leo III summoned Lord Delpiano and told him his plan.

“Hey, you. Let me hear what you think of this idea.”


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