Arc-6 Ch-44

The throne room in the royal palace was unnecessarily wide, and on top of that, overly decorated and flashy. Since it is the place that can be called the face of the kingdom—used often for national events that gather a large number of nobles, and for diplomacy with envoys from other countries. They say it was designed by a famous architect and completed with an enormous budget. When I think that the money for it was paid with taxes, it starts to look dirtier than a toilet, which is strange. According to Angie, ever since they started raising funds for the war, the decorations and the number of servants have decreased compared to when she was still engaged to Prince Julius, but since I didn’t know that time, I can’t really tell.

Only high-ranking nobles, lower-ranking nobles who have business were summoned, and palace servants are allowed to enter such a throne room. In the Holfort Kingdom, the royal family and their branch ducal houses, the marquises who have no blood connection to the royal family, and the earls who can hold important posts like ministers are treated as upper nobles. Viscounts and barons, treated as lower nobles, normally cannot even hope to lay eyes on His Majesty’s face in the audience chamber. Although there are rare exceptions like Lady Olivia, who became the saintess even as a commoner, such cases are extremely unusual. For that reason, someone like me, a viscount, would normally not be permitted to enter the throne room.

But only today am I allowed in, because an unwelcome ceremony of awarding merits is being held. I want to go home. I want to go back right now to the ducal estate where Angie and the children are waiting, and spend some peaceful family time together. Angie, who just gave birth, cannot return to the Bartfort territory immediately. If a woman’s postpartum recovery goes poorly, her health can collapse and leave her bedridden, or in the worst case, she could die. The doctor the duke arranged is reputed to be a famous physician in the royal capital, so I am grateful for that. Also, the duke is surprisingly soft on his grandchildren, and while he pretends to be a dignified grandfather, behind the scenes he gives the twins sweets and toys, which is troublesome.

Please don’t teach the twins and newborn Leah bad habits when they’re seeing you for the first time in a while. As I absentmindedly think about such things, I continue waiting endlessly for the moment my name will be called. Since I was ennobled only a few years ago, all nobles look the same to me. If they are neighboring lords with whom I interact often, that’s one thing, but matching the faces and names of court nobles I see only a few times a year, or territorial nobles whose lands are far away and have little connection with me, is quite a difficult task. I’m sure Angie will tell me later to memorize the names and ranks from the roster of domestic nobles that will be handed out. Being a feudal lord really does involve a lot of troublesome work.

"...This is the result of my own shortcomings. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Duke Redgrave. I am truly sorry."

The moment the old man in a flashy golden crown and gaudy cape apologized to the duke at the edge of my vision, the throne room stirred. Well, for nobles who know nothing about the reconciliation between the Holfort royal family and House Redgrave, it must be surprising. After the duke accepted the reconciliation, it seems there were behind-the-scenes negotiations involving Her Majesty the Queen, the chancellor, and neutral ministers, but I don’t know the details. I don’t want to get involved in any more state secrets, and I have important work to do—namely, fussing over my newborn child and flirting with Angie. When word came from my father and the others telling me to come home quickly, I handled it by sending instructions to the Bartfort territory together with Angie.

Going back and forth between the territory and the royal capital when the awarding of merits is happening anyway is too much of a hassle. On top of that, I’m worried about Angie’s condition. I want this awards ceremony to quickly promote me from viscount to earl, then attend the party afterwards, exchange some quick greetings, and go home. I really wanted Angie to come along, but since she just gave birth, I can’t force her. After the opening remarks, including the apology to the ducal house, the awarding of medals, appointments to positions, and grants of territory began being announced. The nobles around me began to fidget, eagerly waiting for their names to be called.

After all, last year’s awards ceremony took place right after the war ended, and hardly any nobles were able to receive promotions or lands. Only the promise that the kingdom would reimburse the war expenses was given, while rank, territory, and wealth were all put on hold. Most nobles grew distrustful of the royal family, thinking, "Even though we defeated the Fanoss Principality, the royal family gives us nothing," which caused more nobles to take the side of the ducal faction. A year has passed since then, and now that they can finally receive rewards, those who achieved merit must be delighted. Incidentally, I’m just receiving an increase in rank and some money. The unclaimed floating island, the salary, and my engagement to Angie granted by the royal family during the previous war are apparently equivalent to the treatment of an earl.

But making someone like me, essentially a former commoner, an earl right away would have required increasing the rewards for other nobles as well, so they ennobled me with the expectation of promoting me a few years later. In short, my becoming an earl was a foregone conclusion, and I can finally be said to have reached a rank befitting my achievements. Honestly, I don’t want a noble rank. The Bartfort family never had anything good happen after being promoted. My grandfather struggled when he was promoted from quasi-baron to baron. My father was forced to marry Zola, and my mother was always treated as a concubine and oppressed.

I, too, despite not wanting any involvement, ended up entangled with the royal family and the ducal house, and on top of that, I spend my days frightened of a strange sphere that might destroy the world. Even if I receive a title, all that increases are obligations and expenses, and it brings me no joy. A life that fits one’s station is the best. Aren’t they going to call me already?

In order to make the ceremony exciting, the awards are announced from the smallest rewards to the biggest. If you receive a big reward, you’ll be envied or resented by others, so I don’t want to be awarded in front of everyone. Even raising one’s court standing by one level normally requires the change of a family head, yet they’re making someone in his twenties an earl. Who came up with “the kingdom’s greatest rising star since its founding” and “a prodigy famed for both strategy and valor”?

There’s no one else whose rumors and actual self are so far apart as me.

"Brad Fou Field, Greg Fou Seberg, Chris Fia Arclight, Jilk Fia Marmoria. The following four, step before His Majesty."

The four idiots were called by the ceremony’s announcer, and cheers rose from all around. How nice it must be for beautiful and strong young nobles. The other nobles will happily liven up the atmosphere for them. If I were called, no one would celebrate like that. Well, since they helped me out in various ways and we’ve got an annoying bond, I’m not rotten enough to begrudge their promotions. They were disowned by their families because they were involved in Angie’s broken engagement, and because their achievements were canceled out by their failures, such as breaking military discipline to accompany Lady Olivia.

It would be bad not to reward the heroes who saved the kingdom together with the saint, so they’re apparently receiving prize money and appropriate posts. They’re strong in a fight, but they probably can’t manage a territory even more than I can, so this is a reasonable decision. The only way for those four to become feudal nobles is to be appointed as court nobles or to marry into some house. Even though they acted together with Lady Olivia, they couldn’t end up with the women they fell in love with, and they’ve fallen out of the line of succession and the path to advancement—a serious blow for ordinary nobles. But the people in question seem unexpectedly happy, whether because they’re idiots or because they chose their path knowing what it meant, no one can tell. Wait, what does it mean that my award is being announced after those four?

No matter how you look at it, their merits in the war should be above mine. Sure, my unit had the least losses among the soldiers and officers, but it’s not like I defeated an enemy commander. In the previous war, I did defeat the principality’s commander, but in this one, all I did was help hold off the Principality of Fanoss’s invasion for several months together with other nobles. And even that ended with us being forced to retreat when the principality began summoning that giant monster. I don’t really have any achievements worthy of being called merit. If they want to highly evaluate me for reconciling the royal and ducal factions, then just make the reward money.

"Next, Viscount Leon Fou Bartfort. Before His Majesty."

"Yes!"

When I responded politely for the time being and approached the throne, there sat an old man whose only good point was that his mean-looking face was at least handsome. It looked like the place I punched had completely healed, huh. I should’ve given him one more hit. The queen standing beside him watched me with a solemn expression. Is she going to blame me for punching her husband?

If so, then please, as punishment, do not raise my title or court rank. Any higher position would be far too undeserved for me.

“Leon Fou Bartfort Viscount. Your achievements in the previous war, as well as your contributions concerning the kingdom’s economy, were truly splendid.”

“It is an honor to receive your praise.”

In truth, the proposal was something Angie came up with. I merely lent my name. Even though the Holfort Kingdom is a women-dominated society, the ones who actually run state affairs are men. Women cannot become heads of noble houses or hold official positions, and all that is expected of them is to bear children and give instructions to servants. No matter how talented Angie is, as a duke’s daughter or a viscount’s wife she cannot be involved in politics. The only way would have been to become queen, but she broke off her engagement with His Highness Julius, so that is impossible now. But still, is it really okay for the husband to rise in rank thanks to his wife? As a man, how am I supposed to feel about that?

“Therefore, I hereby elevate you from viscount to earl, and grant you middle third rank in the court!”

The old man deliberately spoke in an especially loud voice, as if emphasizing how generous his gift was. This was supposed to be something already decided beforehand, yet he gestured as though he were awarding me some special extra reward based on my achievements. Seriously, wouldn’t this guy have been better off becoming an actor instead of a king?

I’m pretty sure the distortion of the Holfort Kingdom didn’t come from generations of bloody power struggles among our ancestors, but simply from a hedonistic old man who just happened to be born into the royal family becoming king. Thinking vaguely about such things, I let his congratulatory words wash over me.

“As many fear, the scars of war are still deep, and recovering the kingdom’s strength will require time and reform. To overcome this crisis, we must renew our personnel and transform into a stronger Holfort Kingdom.”

It felt like watching a play I had no interest in. Sleepiness assaulted me, and if he didn’t finish soon, I might very well start snoring while standing. Hurry up and finish already.

“Therefore, Earl Bartfort, I appoint you as military advisor to the entirety of the Holfort Kingdom. I expect even greater service from you.”

…Oi, what did this old man just say?

“…Your Majesty, I humbly request permission to speak.”

“I grant it.”

“What sort of position is this military advisor? As one still young, I was unaware such a post existed.”

“Yes, as you know, even though we defeated the Principality of Fanoss and greatly expanded our territory, the kingdom is still threatened by the invasions of other nations. Furthermore, corrupt nobles who committed acts unbecoming of aristocrats have been punished, and many were lost in battle. To overcome this situation, we must restore our military strength as quickly as possible.”

“I believe Your Majesty speaks the truth.”

“In the previous war you led a unit and slew the principality’s commander, and in this war you have the achievements of preserving soldiers and supplies while maintaining the front line for months.”

“I merely continued to be blessed with good fortune.”

“There is no need for modesty. When my son Julius and his companions visited your territory, they witnessed how remarkably you had trained your soldiers. I heard it is an impressive level of training unimaginable for a domain granted only a few years ago.”

“You overestimate me. I possess no such ability.”

“Even a small strength is necessary for the Holfort Kingdom as it is now. Please, lend me your power, Earl Bartfort.”

The old man approached me and grasped my hand. It looked gentle, but the strength he put into it was painfully strong. He even made a teary, pleading expression on purpose. He really is an infuriating fellow.

'What, he is not only becoming an earl in his early twenties, but even taking on the kingdom’s military affairs?'

'For a single generation’s rise in status, this is exceptional.'

'But the earl’s military accomplishments are real, and many nobles and soldiers owe him their lives from the war. It is true there are many who feel indebted to him.'

'If His Highness Julius praises his training so highly, it must have been remarkable indeed.'

'How enviable.'

The whispered conversations of the nobles reached my ears. Stop it. I’m not happy at all. I looked around for anyone who might be able to stop this. The queen watched me solemnly, the duke crossed his arms and nodded. The other dignitaries were smiling as they looked at me. Ah, so all my escape routes are gone. Looks like I was the only one not informed, and this was decided from the start.

“If anyone has objections, step forward! Is there any brave soul who dares claim he can produce greater results than Earl Bartfort!?”

No way anyone would. Are you stupid?

Those reckless fools who could pull off operations where you die nine times out of ten all died in the war. The nobles here who survived the battlefield are not idiots who would voluntarily walk into danger. Even if they thought so inwardly, butting into an appointment made by the royal family would earn their hatred, and if they failed to get results they’d be branded incompetent and risk losing their title or position. A newcomer like me is disposable if I fail, and if I succeed it becomes the royal family’s achievement. They really intend to use me to the fullest. Even a saint like me would get angry at this.

“I look forward to your future service, Earl Bartfort.”

“…It is an honor beyond measure.”

Griiind…

I was so irritated that I gripped the idiot king’s hand hard enough to almost crush it. From afar, it probably looked like he and I were so moved that we were tightly clasping hands. As payback for my action, the idiot king stepped on my foot. Not to be outdone, I stepped on his in return. With smiles still on our faces, the idiot king and I began a fierce hidden battle where no one could see. Amid the intense exchange, I swore in my heart.

—Someday I will get revenge.

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After the commendation ceremony, there was supposed to be a fun, fun party in the palace’s great hall, but that didn’t happen. I thought I’d at least get to complain to the idiot king once, but before I could, someone grabbed my shoulder from behind. When I turned around, His Highness Julius pulled me away and led me to another room. With no choice, I followed him, and the hallway and door to the room that came into view looked just like the ones I’d seen in some dream. Did the other-world version of me who became king take over this palace and make it his castle?

If so, he must be a stingy sadist who enjoys stealing things from others. Only a brute who makes moves on married women could become king. Anyway, inside the room I was shoved into, after me and His Highness entered, familiar people and dignitaries whose faces I only knew followed us inside. One was an elderly man with a monocle, another was a well-built nobleman, and the last was my father-in-law, Duke Redgrave.

“Mr. Bartfort, this will be the first time we speak directly.”

“Yes.”

“I am Lucas Rapha Holfort, younger brother of the former king and current chancellor of the Holfort Kingdom. A pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you.”

He was quite a friendly gentlemanly old man, but trusting him unconditionally would be dangerous. I had already confirmed he was the one who leaked the secret of my and Lady Olivia’s ancestors to Angie. He is said to have backed the old man becoming king, and also to have found Lady Olivia and arranged her transfer to the academy. Despite his gentle appearance, he is a man whose true thoughts are impossible to read. A person to be careful around.

“I am Bernard Fear Atley, the minister. A pleasure.”

“Likewise, it is a pleasure.”

“No need to be so tense. You and I are both earls.”

That’s what the earl said, but there’s no way I could relax. A one-generation earl like me being treated the same as the prestigious Roseblade family or the Atley family, who holds a ministerial office, is just absurd. This man was said to be neutral, yet behind the scenes he was connected to the queen and Angie, so politically he is capable but cunning as well. And on top of that, there is my father-in-law, Duke Redgrave, the foremost of the feudal lords. With all the heavyweights of the Holfort Kingdom gathered, nothing good could possibly come of this. Please let me go home. I beg you, just let me spend time peacefully with Angie and the children.

As if mocking my silent plea, the idiot king and the queen entered the room next. Are they going to hold an interrogation now? Well, I have done plenty of questionable things in my life up to now.

But please don’t drag me into your scheming. I’m just a coward who wants to live clean and proper.

“Now then, since everyone seems to be here, shall we begin?”

“Excuse me, this doesn’t seem related to me, so may I go home?”

“There’s no way that would be allowed, Bartfort.”

“That request is denied. Julius, make sure Count Bartfort and His Majesty don’t escape.”

“Understood.”

Please don’t lump me together with the stupid king. Saying I resemble that guy is one hell of an insult. That stupid king also seemed to have been forcibly brought here by the queen. Ha ha, serves him right.

“Now then, after several years of discord between the Holfort royal family and the Redgrave ducal house, we have finally reached reconciliation. Overcoming a crisis that threatened the nation’s survival and joining hands again is thanks to the efforts of Earl Bartfort and his wife. On behalf of the royal family and all nobles, we thank you.”

The queen bowed her head to me, but the stupid king only avoided my eyes and gave a shallow nod. The loud sound of the queen smacking him for that echoed across the room. He really is hopeless. Everyone else in high positions is exasperated, so straighten up. If you’re careless, the duke might start another rebellion.

“The national financial institution proposed by Angelica will have its details adjusted and is scheduled to be reviewed in this year’s assembly.”

“That’s great, then my business here is done.”

“Bartfort, give it up already.”

“As for finances, things should gradually ease up thanks to reparations from the former principality. We’ll allocate those funds to the necessary departments as needed.”

“The problem lies not in administration or finances but in the training of personnel, including military matters. With the purge of corrupt nobles and the war, many nobles and knights have died. We have recognized the wives and young sons of lords as heads of their households, so administrative recovery is possible, but the decline in military strength is dire.”

“In order to develop capable personnel and restore our military strength, we believed that reopening the Royal Academy is essential.”

I see, so they want to make young men into people the country can use. Personally, I agree, but as a father, I can’t completely accept it. I was promoted thanks to the war, but I want my children to live peaceful and quiet lives. If not that, then at least we need a world where people choose to fight by their own will, not by force from the country or their parents.

“I understand the situation. And what does that have to do with appointing me as military advisor?”

“As I said, we need to reorganize our forces and train personnel. So I want Earl Bartfort to point out whatever problems you notice.”

“There should be plenty of people smarter and stronger than me. Wouldn’t His Highness Julius be more suitable?”

“Julius isn’t suited for it, and neither are the other four. Saint Olivia is busy with temple duties and diplomacy. After reviewing candidates over and over, the one deemed suitable was you.”

“I can’t accept this. I’m from a lower noble family, I never attended the academy, my studies were all self-taught. When it comes to martial arts or shooting, or armor piloting, there should be many more capable people.”

“That’s how scarce talent in the kingdom is now. Furthermore, Julius and the others are too strong, which makes them unsuitable. No matter how skilled someone is, if their strength can’t be replicated, it does nothing to restore national power.”

A hero isn’t necessarily a great commander, and a brave warrior isn’t always fit to be a king. Lady Olivia and the five heroes are geniuses born of the Holfort Kingdom. But the world is made up of ninety-nine ordinary people and one genius. Most of the genius’ techniques can’t be imitated by ordinary people. On top of that, geniuses often teach poorly because everything comes easily to them. They act on instinct, so they can’t explain well why things work, and replicating them requires someone equally genius. Even if one genius trains another genius, just two geniuses can’t handle the national defense. No matter how strong individuals are, sheer numbers are a straightforward form of strength.

“Appointing the five heroes instead of a lord like me would sit better with nobles and soldiers. How about His Highness?”

“Putting Julius in a leadership role is unreasonable. And if a prince whose succession rank has dropped begins interacting with the military, the other princes might grow wary and start unnecessary conflict.”

“Then what about Jilk?”

“He lacks popularity. Strategists are often disliked, so he is not suited to leadership.”

“Chris?”

“His swordsmanship and armor piloting are extraordinary, but I doubt he is good at teaching.”

“Greg?”

“Though he has calmed down, he still worships muscles and his tactics amount to little more than charging.”

“Brad.”

“Being proud of oneself is not bad, but constantly comparing others to oneself is not ideal.”

“…Do you think that because I’m ordinary, I’m good at teaching others?”

“That’s not the only reason. His Highness visited your territory and was deeply impressed by your training and command, and he recommended you.”

“Please don’t recommend me, Your Highness.”

“Don’t be modest. I know your ability best.”

“It’s not just him. Of course the other four as well, and we’ve also received letters of thanks and recommendations from nobles you saved during the war.”

“Rejoice, Bartfort. Everyone acknowledges your strength.”

I’m not happy. Not at all. My plan to return to my territory, play with my kids, flirt with Angie, and leisurely develop my land has been ruined. I’ve spent a year wearing down my nerves dealing with the mess between the royal and ducal houses—don’t give me extra work.

“There have to be people stronger or smarter than me besides the heroes.”

“In their own fields, yes. But as for someone who is consistently high level in personal combat skills, armor piloting, tactical theory, and training soldiers, you’re the only one I know.”

“A mere twenty-year-old meddling in national military affairs — nobles with higher rank and older officials won’t stay quiet.”

“That’s why we raised your noble title and court rank. We can’t make you a minister, but we can give you enough authority to speak up and offer criticism.”

Duke, you’re still holding a grudge for when I threatened you, aren’t you. You’re shaking with amusement watching me panic. And ministers, aren’t you angry about being treated on the same level as someone like me?

Chancellor, stop looking at me with hopeful eyes. Your Highness, why are you acting like a friend happy for my promotion?

Were we ever like that?

The queen is giving me the look of someone who sees me as a useful piece, like a superior giving orders to a subordinate. Stupid king, don’t yawn out of boredom. I’ll make you cry one day. If it’s come to this, I’ll harshly point out all the flaws and impose impossible conditions to force them to dismiss me. If they realize “we can’t trust him with this,” they’ll give up. But if the kingdom’s military stays weak, war could break out again, and I’ll be dragged into it. Be accurate in content but exaggerated in tone — that’s the strategy.

“…Let me say this first. All I can do is improve the efficiency of what we currently have.”

“We understand.”

“Creating soldiers out of thin air, turning a weak recruit into an elite in a day, mass-producing armor — that’s impossible.”

“We know.”

“We are aware that training personnel takes time. What we seek is a way to endure the next several years until national power is restored, and a direction for the future kingdom’s military.”

Don’t ask me for that. What do these big shots think a kid like me is?

I’m just a guy who survived by coincidence — a reckless plan born out of desperation that happened to work. Ahh, damn it. Fine, I’ll point out every flaw I can think of. The rest is up to them to interpret and revise however they like. For now, I’ll say whatever I want! It’s not my fault if things are bad! Don’t blame me for failures — blame the people who assigned me!

I’m going to make unreasonable demands and get dismissed as soon as possible! Once we’re back at the ducal residence, I’m flying straight home to Bartfort territory!!

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Authors Note

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You did it, Leon — you got the promotion. (Delight)

And so Leon becomes the biggest success story in the kingdom. But he didn’t destroy the country or suppress a coup, so it’s milder than the original, right?

The award ceremony scene is based on the LN and manga. This Leon is older than the original, so he’s barely more composed. Work always gets assigned to those who can do it, not to those who can’t. Do your best, Leon — everyone believes in you.

Postscript: At the requester’s wish, Planterak and 柳(YOO) Tenchi have drawn illustrations.

Thank you very much.

Planterak: Pixiv

柳(YOO) Tenchi: Pixiv

I would be grateful for your thoughts and impressions.