“Yes. After all, it is the nature of sisters to be there for each other in times of pain and suffering, so let's forget what your sister did to upset you in Dandelion and get back to being as close as we were before.”
“Rosie?”
I took control of Desmond II's situation after he was slightly flustered.
“I guess you’re still very confused."
“Oh, hmm, yes.”
Desmond II reluctantly responded, rubbing his forehead.
The state of the house seems to be turning into bean powder these days, so even though he gave a speech emphasizing family love, it only made him feel more nervous.
The thought of having to do chores, outside work, and headaches made his hair stand on end. Desmond II pressed his fingertips firmly against his temples.
“Father, what’s wrong? Do you have a headache?”
“No, what problem is bothering you, Father?”
Desmond II reluctantly confessed his frustrations.
“Didn't the nobles just get a bunch of punishment for the human trafficking cartel and the selling of the spirit stones, and they're bringing it up at every meeting these days.”
“What? You've defeated the corrupt official, why would ordinary nobles do that? Isn't there something stabbing you or something?”
“Phew...
Desmond II's eyes were filled with pity as he looked at his failed child. It was too much of a bother to explain.
I opened her mouth on behalf of my father.
“It looks like the nobles are trying to keep the imperial power in check, brother.”
"Yes?"
“His Majesty has set an example with his severe punishments, and the number of estates and titles he has restored has increased, so that the imperial power is now one of the greatest of all Emperors. The nobles, feeling threatened by the Emperor's dominance, are united in their efforts.”
“Oh, I see!”
"Yes."
The relationship between the Emperor and the aristocracy was that of military gods and enemies vying for power. The aristocracy is subject to the Emperor, but they also have the attributes of rulers.
Only when there is a gap can power demonstrate its true value.
Power can never be mutually beneficial, which is why Emperors and aristocrats have been at each other's throats throughout history.
“Yes, Eve. You are right.”
This time, Desmond II's eyes lit up with pride as he watched his children succeed. It inspired him to tell more of his story.
“So you're saying they're afraid that the imperial power is growing stronger, and they're also arguing that indirect rule through the imperial clerical apparatus is less turbulent than direct rule by the nobility.”
“Exactly. Do they not tell you to distribute the reclaimed lands to neighboring lords, or to bestow titles and estates on the second son and second daughter of your own family... It's appalling to see the townspeople pretending that this is advice.”
Even the emperor is under pressure. However, he could not allow the land he had recovered from the public officer to be eaten alive by those who had done nothing to build it.
The tug-of-war between the Emperor and the noble factions would continue for some time, and it was an opportunity for me to realize one of my long-held plans.
It was at times like this that I regretted not having a sidekick to catch the wind. It was at this point that my head snapped up and I opened my mouth to speak.
"Yes?"
The remark came from an unexpected direction. Everyone turned their heads and saw Rosenite right there.
“There is only one Emperor, but the empire has so many nobles because the land is so large. Why don't we reduce the number of nobles now, so that they don't trust their heads?”
Desmond II looked dumbfounded at the sound of Rosenite's words. The others had similar looks.
“Yeah. Was my comment really shallow and stupid? I just thought I'd give my opinion, and I'm ashamed of it. I shouldn't have done it after all..."
“Then, I guess the best way to avoid increasing the number of people would be to divide the land among the existing nobles!”
'Rosie?'
“I agree with Rosie’s opinion.”
“Eve?”
I opened my mouth calmly, looking straight at Desmond II.
“What is the plan?”
“Grant titles and fiefs to the royal family.”
“Hmm..."
Desmond II stroked his chin because the answer was less than he had expected. Of course, he was disappointed.
"What?!"
Desmond II's eyes popped out at the radical idea.
I continued to speak calmly and without any hesitation.
“Filling the vacancies with homunculus prevents the loss of imperial power. The power granted to the homunculus reverts back to His Majesty, and since they cannot reproduce, even if they are knighted, it is only a short-lived honor, which is easier to control from the imperial perspective.”
That's when Rubio spat out the foolish remark as an opinion. At that moment, I saw it. the color drains from Rosenite's face and her eyes grow cold.
I was surprised to see a glint of disdain in her eyes, and my gaze locked with Rosenite's. Then as if caught in the act, she turned away angrily.
It was disconcerting in more ways than one, but now was not the time to care. The flow of the conversation was just right for me to speak.
“Eve?”
I opened my mouth calmly, looking straight at Desmond II.
“The nobles come with two arguments: that the foundations of feudalism are shaken, and that direct rule is more beneficial to the people; we must come up with a plan that does not harm either of these, but works to our advantage.”
“Grant titles and fiefs to the royal family.”
“Hmm..."
Desmond II stroked his chin because the answer was less than he had expected. Of course, he was disappointed.
“I propose that you grant a title and estates to Homunculus, a man of the imperial family, who is obvious to all.”
Desmond II's eyes popped out at the radical idea.
I continued to speak calmly and without any hesitation.
“Filling the vacancies with homunculus prevents the loss of imperial power. The power granted to the homunculus reverts back to His Majesty, and since they cannot reproduce, even if they are knighted, it is only a short-lived honor, which is easier to control from the imperial perspective.”
“Hmm..."
“I realize this may sound a bit far-fetched. But politics is a battle of causes anyway. And there are good causes.”
“...Keep talking.”
Filial piety paid off. Desmond II was skeptical but gave me a chance.
"And?"
“In addition, the Imperial Guard holds the rank of knight, and some have been elevated to the rank of knight in this reform. If we emphasize that this does not violate the class system that underpins the Empire, the nobles will not be able to attack it, for they are the great beneficiaries of the class system.”
Desmond II set his jaw and pondered. The silence he created pressed down on the Emerald Hall. Nervously, I swallowed dryly.
“Well, that sounds plausible.”
Desmond II was grinning. It was a much more positive reaction than I expected.
My proposal was less objectionable because it served the purpose of preserving the imperial power, and because the government had been steadily implementing relaxed policies such as the Opening Earth Saga and the Templar Leader System.
It was clear that the feeling of rejection was less because it had been spread out.
'As expected, the imperial family was able to be rewritten during the reign of my Father!'
I swallowed my tears for a moment.
At that time, Hesia realized that the policy was disadvantageous to Brigitte and tried hard to stop me.
“Ho, a knighthood for Homunculus, that's a mouthful, Eve, and I'm afraid you're not up to your old habits and are trying to spoil the imperial code...!”
Hesia was so shocked that she had to shut her mouth right away.
“Ha, it seems like a good idea. Sometimes, you should stand up for your father instead of your sister. Yes?”
“... Oops, Oops, I’m sorry.”
Desmond II's tongue-lashing echoed through the hall. That's when Rubio decided to try to lighten the mood.
“It's a family gathering, and I think we should stop talking about politics. Maybe we should find something else to talk about... Hmm, now that I think about it, Nia hasn't said a word since I saw you. Nia, why are you so quiet? Say something.”
As if they had made a promise at those words, everyone turned their gaze to Stefania.
The same was true of Desmond II.
She was just waiting for an opportunity to say something important.
Now was the perfect time to get Desmond II's attention.
“Then, Father, what did I say?
“Can you say it?”
“Hmm? Let me give it a try.”
It was when Desmond II grudgingly allowed it. Suddenly, Stefania rose from her seat and fell to her knees on the floor.
Then, a heartrending cry reverberated through the Emerald Hall.
“Father! Please release Derek!”
The atmosphere in the room was suddenly filled with cold water.
The voice asking back was extremely cold. But Stephania paid no attention.
“Snoret Wint, who was supposed to be with him, was elsewhere, and it's suspicious that Michaelis Agnito was with Derek at the time. Perhaps there was some sort of conspiracy. Let the truth be known, Father!”
Stephanie's words were once again a topic that would stir up the imperial court, which was just beginning to stabilize again. Desmond II was not pleased.
'Bridgette was the one who instigated it.'
Although Michael was mentioned, Eve felt no need to come forward to explain herself.
Desmond II had made a highly political decision to affix the sign of Derek to the fire. It was not only against the Emperor's wishes, but it was also an act of paternal guilt.
“Avoid making statements that may cause strife within the royal family.”
“Ah, Father!”
Stefania tried to plead her case, but Desmond II paid her no further attention.
With that, Stefania shut up, but an uncomfortable silence settled over the Emerald Hall. Rubio tried to lighten the mood again.
“Oh, now that Rosie’s awake, I guess we should send Sir Millard back to Crimson's room?”
This week's topic selection wasn't very good either.
While I hesitated to bring the teacup to my lips, Rosenite opened her mouth.
"No."
The sharp, denial words caught everyone's attention. Rosenite spoke as if declaring.
“Sir Millard would like Sister Eve to continue to look after him. I would like to take this opportunity to have another homunculus as my direct subordinate.”
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