Civil Servant in a Romance Fantasy - Chapter 993



993 – That’s how it happened

A yellow-haired beast that was not there turned the banquet hall upside down.

To me, he is an ugly man who should not exist in the world even twice, but to most nobles and commoners, he is a sacred and noble being who cannot even dare to look up to. How could I not be surprised when such a being personally sent me a gift to congratulate me on my family’s good fortune?

Even if it was an ordinary ornament bestowed by the Emperor, it would be a blessing, but he paid attention to both quality and quantity.

‘Damn it.’

If they had just sent one flag, they would have recognized it as 100% teabagging and protested. They might have run to the palace with the flag right away and cut the sky with the flagpole.

But the flag is just one of many gifts. If you receive so many, how can you complain that you don’t like one flag? You’ll be the only one who’s petty and weird. That’s not good.

“Huh. This is really the first time I’ve seen that sentence.”

“If even my second brother doesn’t know, then there’s nothing more to see. Maybe it’s a sentence from before Muuno.”

“Before Muno. Certainly, there were many records that were burned at the time, so we might not know.”

“Then how did Your Majesty know about this sentence and send it?”

“They recently started construction near Danis. They must have found relics from the founding of Muno there.”

While they were calming their complicated hearts, the first generation of adults were chatting while looking at the flag that the head butler had brought.

Uncles and aunts, aunts and uncles. Except for my parents who knew the truth and remained silent, they were all busy putting their heads together to deduce the identity of the flag—or, to be precise, the text.

And as the adults stirred, the second generation also began to take interest in the sentences. It was a gift from the emperor, and the sentences were unknown even to the adults who were well-versed in aristocratic society. For some of the second generation who had grown up, it was an incredibly interesting thing.

“Brother. Do you know anything about that sentence?”

“Uh, yeah?”

But Carolina’s arrow flew at me and I was momentarily taken aback.

“Your Majesty is a person who is greatly trusted by you. So, Your Majesty must have sent us a gift to congratulate us on our good fortune. Perhaps he sent something related to you?”

‘That’s logical.’

It was such a wise and perfect question that I almost nodded in agreement.

As expected, he is the oldest of the second generation, excluding me and Erich. He also has the insight befitting the next head of the Deast Count family.

Even though smooth vassal relations are important, the emperor does not take care of every single noble family’s celebration. In other words, all gifts, including this flag, are gifts to me, so it is reasonable to think that the unidentified emblem is also related to me.

Since this sentence is actually related to me, I can explain it right away. I can reveal the identity of that sentence and answer my relatives’ questions.

‘What should I say?’

The only problem is that you will be shocked as soon as you solve the question.

No, of course I was planning on telling you that I was going to ascend to the throne as the Duke of Qingdao. I had already agreed with my parents that we would ‘tell you on the last day.’

However, it is different if I take the lead and speak and if I am pushed by others to speak. If I suddenly drop a bomb when the mood has not yet been set, it will be difficult to disperse the shock.

‘Damn it.’

That’s why I chewed the emperor out once again in my heart.

I’ll have to add a few drops of vodka to that teapot soon. And I’ll have to report this b*stard to the Empress, saying, “This b*stard drank alcohol without telling her!” In an ideal relationship between a ruler and his subject, it’s only polite to return the favor.

It’s ugly to set a trap for someone who’s patient, but it was that b*stard who cornered me first. If the other person is ugly, I’ll be ugly too.

“Carolina is right. I think you would know, my niece.”

As I vowed revenge like that, the eyes of the first and second generations who heard Carolina’s words turned to me.

Only the bright and pure third generation was running around happily in the calm before the storm.

“Yes, it is a sentence that I recently learned. It is a sentence that only I, Your Majesty, and a very small number of your subjects know.”

After calming my mind a little by seeing that pure sight, I opened my mouth as calmly as possible.

“It’s a sentence that only a very few people know. It seems to be a very precious and historical sentence.”

It wasn’t a wrong thing to say, but it made me laugh bitterly.

A personal crest that a mere Imperial Count Naburang received after being promoted to the important position of Duke’s Deputy. How historic is this crest? It is unlikely to appear twice in the history of Kpelopen.

“Yes, it is a historical sentence.”

Anyway, I went up to Aunt Christine and received the flag.

If you’ve decided to reveal it, if it’s a situation that needs to be revealed, there’s no need to drag it out for too long. Wouldn’t it be better to hit it quickly so that it can recover quickly?

“However, this is not a sentence that was buried in the past and has reappeared in the world. It is a wondrous sentence that His Majesty the Emperor himself created.”

“Your Majesty, are you saying this in person?”

This time, instead of answering, he wrapped the flag around himself like a cloak. Then he turned around and showed off the sentence to his relatives.

A roaring black wolf with crossed swords and staffs behind it. The emblem that symbolizes me as the leader of the northern faction, as the best swordsman on the continent, and as the husband of the best magician on the continent.

“I am ashamed to say that this is a sentence that was personally created and bestowed upon me, a foolish and lowly person.”

A personal emblem that only the Emperor and the Five Dukes can have in this empire.

“…….”

Silence fell upon the banquet hall at this insane declaration.

It’s a good thing I turned around so I don’t have to see what kind of expressions my relatives are making.

“Me, nephew?”

“Please speak, uncle.”

But even though Uncle August was talking to me, I still couldn’t talk to him with my back. I carefully turned around and saw my relatives looking dazed.

“Have you by any chance been granted a new crest for the House of Crassius?”

‘ah.’

I ended up keeping my mouth shut at the question that seemed to have some sort of urgency.

Honestly, that’s a reasonable thought. It’s more convincing to think that a mere Imperial Count Naburang received a family crest rather than a personal crest.

It has been used for 300 years, so why are you suddenly changing it? This also makes no sense, but it makes more sense than the personal emblem of the Imperial Count. In reality, it is not common, but when a nobleman who has made a historical contribution appears, a emblem commemorating that achievement is given.

“That is not it. How can I change the proud history of Crassius in my generation?”

At that moment, I wanted to shout, ‘That’s the family crest,’ but I held back. Even if I tried to escape reality here, it would only be a tantrum that would be discovered as soon as Tricky retired.

“In fact, Tricky is expected to step down from her position as Duke soon.”

At those words, the relatives’ eyes turned to Trixie.

With an intense gaze mixed with shock, bewilderment, and denial of reality.

“However, it would be difficult for a five-year-old child to become the next Duke right away. So, until Maria grows up, I will act as the acting Duke.”

Of course, soon after, those eyes were turned to me.

“I am embarrassed to suddenly tell you this. However, this decision was made in order to bring a new wind of change to the empire and ensure a smooth succession of the throne. I hope you will look upon it favorably.”

Naturally, there was no reaction in return.

Rather, I think it would have been more frightening if an immediate response had come in this situation.

***

I felt like I knew what it felt like to lose my soul.

I feel disconnected from the world, even though my eyes and ears are open. I try to open my mouth, but no words come out.

This is shocking news. It was only last year that the Empire was in an uproar when Duke Wolken was replaced, and now another Duke has been replaced? And it’s Duke Servette at that?

‘What the heck is this?’

This is unexpected. This is something no one could have imagined.

Duke Magong is of elven blood. He has already reigned as a duke for over 100 years, but he will live for at least 200 to 300 more years. So I thought he would naturally remain a duke while I am alive.

I didn’t even know that the next duke would not ascend to the throne right away, but that the acting duke would get in the way.

‘The nephew is the Duke’s proxy.’

I swallowed absentmindedly and looked around hurriedly. It was so quiet that I thought even the sound of swallowing could be heard by others.

But fortunately, everyone was so shocked that they didn’t say anything.

The husband, who began to show a friendly attitude towards his nephew. And Maurice, who received valuable advice.

‘I have to say something.’

In the midst of this, an unknown sense of responsibility began to well up in me.

I am the head of the Deast Count family. I am the one who manages this banquet hall. If the banquet atmosphere becomes tense, I feel like I have a duty to handle the situation faster than anyone else…

But how do I resolve this shocking situation?

‘Am I officially number two now?’

For a moment, that thought crossed my mind.

He is already trusted by His Majesty the Emperor, and is the Minister of the Inspectorate and a member of the Knights of Rishizariune. Now that his nephew has been given the title of Duke, it is safe to say that he is now the official second-in-command, not the actual second-in-command. It is no exaggeration to say that he is the wing that protects His Majesty the Emperor on both sides, along with His Excellency the Victorious Duke.

‘ah.’

I turned my head blankly and then my gaze turned to the youngest daughter’s family.

Among them, my eyes were particularly drawn to the man who would become the young lady’s husband.

‘It was dangerous.’

His face turned pale and his eyes were trembling. It seemed as if he was recalling the judicial inspection that took place two years ago.

If the incident had happened late, the Narzen Counts would have been subject to an inspection led by the Duke’s deputy. The entire family could have collapsed. How could they not be afraid when the family’s fate was decided by a difference of only two years?

“Hey, hey, bro.”

‘Maurice?’

Just as I was thinking about what to say to lighten the mood, surprisingly, Maurice broke the silence.

“If you ascend to the position of Duke, it is truly a cause for celebration. Doesn’t it mean that your abilities are more than enough to fill the void left by the Duke?”

“That’s too much to ask. If it weren’t for Tricky’s husband, it wouldn’t have been possible.”

“Don’t say such things. His Majong-gong and Katoban’s vassals are not people blinded by blood relations.”

Then my niece smiled faintly, and my insides began to burn.

My son. I appreciate that you stepped forward first, but I think it would have been better to stay still for now. This mother is too anxious.

“But, brother. When exactly will you become the Duke’s deputy? If you permit, I would like to attend and congratulate you.”

“Oh, timing. Now that I think about it, I didn’t say anything about timing.”

At Morris’ question, Shijoka touched his chin for a moment,

“2…”

“Two years later? That’s tighter than I thought.”

“It’s February.”

Maurice’s mouth closed at the bland answer.

I think I have a rough idea of ​​what you are thinking.