Chapter 99

When I first entered the capital, my biggest concern wasn’t how to respond to a confession but rather what to do with my newly acquired ‘slave.’ You see, the Empire generally prohibits slavery, so my new slave had to officially take on the nationality of an Empire citizen. Thankfully, this issue was resolved when I advanced to a higher noble rank.

No bureaucrat would dare challenge someone officially recognized by an ‘Earl’ of the Empire, so I hastily wrapped up the administrative formalities and promptly sent Leah off to the Vexter Territory. It was a sensible call to avoid getting entangled in unnecessary troubles. After dealing with that baggage, I decided to stay put in the capital for a bit.

This was partly because my relationship with the three ladies wasn’t fully established yet, but also because the Emperor had sent word that he wanted to meet me. As a result, after all the ceremony celebrations were over, I found myself stuck, waiting alone. Even Yulia had returned to The Church by that time.

Lilian had also gone back to the Territory of Portus after the Marquis to prepare for the upcoming opening ceremony of Apatem Academy. At least I was fortunate enough to catch glimpses of Princess Chloe a few times, although recently she had gotten so busy that all I received were letters. Somehow, they always ended with that vague phrase about “for our future.”

Finally, right after the celebration ball and the opening ceremony of Apatem Academy, I could finally respond to the Emperor’s summons. Passing through the palace doors I’d grown tired of visiting, I arrived not at the grand hall where I’d first met the Emperor but rather at the private audience chamber. I adjusted my attire; no matter how much of a transcendent being I might be among humans, the Emperor was still intimidating.

“They’re asking you to come in.”

“Um. Understood.”

The Chief Chamberlain of the palace, Count Calisto, spoke to me. As I slightly bowed my head, he smiled gently and continued.

“There’s no need to be too nervous. Count Alein.”

“Yes, yes.”

As the servants opened the door, I could soon hear the Emperor’s voice. It seemed he was in mid-conversation with someone. Upon entering, I saw the Marquis of Portus and Princess Chloe exchanging words. I was momentarily puzzled about what those two could be discussing until Princess Chloe’s voice pierced my ears.

“Then we shall take our leave. Your Majesty.”

“Hmm. Please do.”

After Princess Chloe and the Marquis of Portus gave me a brief nod and exited, I slowly kneeled before the Emperor.

“I present my honor. Count Catherine Vexter Alein of the Empire has come to see His Majesty the Emperor.”

“Rise. And sit. We have quite a bit to discuss.”

“Y-yes?”

A long discussion? What could it be that he summoned me for? As I tilted my head, the Emperor quietly regarded me. What’s with that look? It’s as if he’s gazing at a thief who just stole away his precious daughter raised with all care for twenty years. I couldn’t help but feel a bit flustered at the look in the Emperor’s eyes.

“You and Chloe… have been getting a bit too friendly, it seems.”

“Excuse me?!”

Wait, when did that become official? I stared at the Emperor in shock, and he rubbed his eyelids as he continued.

“No need to deny it. Chloe herself told me. We were just discussing that earlier. In fact… you.”

“Yes, yes.”

“Did you also enchant the Marquis of Portus’ daughter? Is this true?”

“…”

Honestly, it’s quite unfair. What have I done to be accused of charming anyone? I’ve simply supported the two of them in every way possible. Or is that the problem? Realizing the truth in an instant sent shivers down my spine as I caught the Emperor’s quiet gaze fixed on me.

“The Empire is currently pushing forward a bill recognizing same-sex marriages.”

“A bill that’s only been passed in republics will be brought up in the Empire…?”

“I’m ashamed to say, I haven’t been the best father to my daughter.”

So that’s why he’s trying to help in this roundabout way. With a sigh, the Emperor quietly glanced down at some documents. They seemed to contain details regarding the bill. After taking a moment to breathe, the Emperor looked back at me.

“To be honest, even without you being a Count, those seeking asylum in our Empire have increased drastically lately. There are issues of talent outflow, so it’s likely the law will be established at some point.”

“Is that so?”

“Although it doesn’t sit well with me that it began from my daughter… well, what can be done? That’s how life is.”

Letting out a small sigh, the Emperor slowly set the documents down. He then fixed me with a pointed look and spoke.

“Your first wife must be Chloe. This is non-negotiable. I wouldn’t want my daughter to endure the humiliation of becoming a second wife to a man who, frankly, I dislike the idea of a polygamous marriage with.”

“Yes, yes.”

How am I going to persuade Lilian about this? As these thoughts swirled in my mind, the Emperor regarded me with a slightly displeased expression and nodded. It certainly seemed like he wasn’t the emotional man I first met. Holding such thoughts, I subtly lifted my teacup; the lukewarm tea helped soothe my heated insides.

Ever since I entered, all I’ve been able to say is “yes, yes.” Am I imagining things? I swallowed a small breath and quietly spoke.

“The wedding… will take place after all three of us graduate from the Academy. Starting with Her Highness the Princess.”

“Hmm, then so it shall be. The ceremony will be arranged at the Imperial Palace.”

“Um? There’s no need for that…”

“I told you, I haven’t been a good father. At the very least, I owe her this much.”

Ugh, he does have a point. But a wedding arranged at the Imperial Palace feels way too much. Who knows what kind of looks I’d get from the nobles? However, with the Emperor saying that, no vassal could refuse. Eventually, with a small sigh, I nodded as my audience with the Emperor came to an end.

#

Several days later, three letters arrived at Apatem Academy. Each addressed to different recipients, but they bore strikingly similar content. The three ladies who received the letters reacted in distinctly different ways.

“What, they’re going to make me wait?!”

“Hehe, haha! That’s our Catherine! The woman I’ve fallen for!”

“Hmm. I will wait.”

As these three ladies received their letters, Catherine was busy heading off to the territory. The Vexter Territory, located in the northeast of the Empire, nestled beside the Territory of Portus, was renowned for its agricultural prowess, producing even wheat in abundance. Furthermore, the various mines being developed there yielded not just jewels but also strategic materials like iron, copper, and tin, making it widely known as a prime plot of land.

While the reason behind handing over such a territory to a vassal was a mystery, it wasn’t exactly a happy tale for Catherine. Her genuine desire was to live comfortably in the countryside, raising sheep or something. Thankfully, the information Leah had gathered about the territory beforehand was reassuring.

As a knowledgeable person in many areas, including administrative and economic aspects, she could definitely hold her own. Some might scoff at calling her knowledge “thousand-year-old,” yet it was well within the realm of Lost Technology, meaning the knowledge gap wasn’t as significant as one might think. In fact, in some areas, it even surpassed current understanding.

Honestly speaking, I could leave all matters of the territory to her and still be fine. In reality, Catherine was already considering such a plan. Having lived her whole life as a maid, how much could she know? The former steward sent by the palace had returned, so it was a matter of handing the position over to Leah.

Upon finally arriving at the territory, Catherine found it quite beautiful. Fields of golden wheat surrounded the lord’s residence, creating a stunning view. Entering the lord’s mansion, she noticed the busy activity of the residents. Merchants were selling their goods, and the locals were purchasing from them. Stores of conveniences and luxury goods dotted the place, while well-dressed children scampered around.

Being within the lord’s mansion likely helped, but compared to the life in the Marquis of Portus’s residence, this lifestyle didn’t seem too different, bringing a slight sense of relief to Catherine. At least it indicated that the former steward had adequately managed the territory.

Given the vast expanse of the estate, Catherine decided to briefly tour the mansion before heading to her own residence. The lord’s mansion was quite grand. Although it was smaller than the Marquis of Portus’s residence, considering that the Marquis was ranked among the top three wealthy nobles in the Empire, it didn’t seem lacking in any way.

As her carriage came to a stop in front of the mansion, the doors creaked open quietly. It was evident that it was well-maintained, given the absence of even the slightest creaking sound. Slowly disembarking from the carriage, she was met by a line of waiting servants.

“We welcome the new lord!”

With the respectful greetings of dozens of people, it suddenly dawned on Catherine that her life as a lord was beginning.