Chapter 180

Monthly meeting. The Emperor ordered that Lorence attend from this meeting onward. I headed to the conference room with cold eyes, wondering what nonsense he’d spout today.

“His Majesty can’t keep pushing him indefinitely.”

The Minister of Finance whispered at my side as he sat. He’d heard I had given a congratulatory speech at the academy in place of someone else and laughed so much. He went on with absurd sophistry, saying I’m practically his junior now. I should’ve seen the president’s face go pale at every word I spoke.

“This will probably be the last chance. We’ll push him thoroughly for that reason.”

“Prince Raven won’t just stand idly by either.”

“We must defend as much as possible. We can’t grant things easily. If I voice an opinion, help fan the winds beside me.”

Our Emperor’s boundless eldest-son affection. He would surely propose something big to restore his son’s position. The ministers had kept quiet because of the year of penance, but if this failed too, he wouldn’t be able to use the same method again.

‘Because Raven has secured his place.’

There are other options, so there’s no need to cling to Lorence. Primogeniture is the norm here. Even Kiara wouldn’t have had a chance to become head if Aidan had declared he’d inherit the family. Even now, if he had a younger brother, vassals would certainly suggest passing it to a son. That shows how rare it was for me to be directly granted a title.

“His Majesty the Emperor, the Sun of the Empire, presides. And the First Prince and Second Prince His Highnesses are present.”

No sooner had I brought up my matter than three royals quietly entered the conference room. The three, flaunting garments inlaid with dazzling gold leaf, sat with the Emperor in the center and one on each side. The Emperor scanned the nobles and department heads seated in the room as if taking attendance, then spoke.

“Good morning. Let’s begin the meeting.”

The opening was the same as every meeting. Departments summarized their statuses, reported issues, and deeper discussions followed for items requiring the Emperor’s decision or opinions. I, meanwhile, pushed ambiguous matters that seemed likely to fall to our department onto others with reasonable grounds.

‘We already have enough work to die from; how long do they intend to loaf about?’

Whenever something felt unresolved they’d try to throw it all onto the Chancellery, but I wouldn’t stand for that.

Because I mediated between all departments and kept one foot in many camps, work often slid over to me if I let my guard down. Fortunately, past Chancellors had personalities rough enough that they weren’t taken advantage of like suckers. Early on they gave me tasks because I was young and inexperienced. After granting a few favors, when benevolence became entitlement, I started snapping back sharply. The Minister of Finance was so pleased watching that.

‘Now the Chancellor has become a proper head.’

‘If this is what being a head is, I want to quit immediately.’

‘It’s already too late.’

‘……’

While the meeting was in full swing, the Emperor subtly shifted the atmosphere.

“Now that Prince Lawrence has returned, Prince Raven’s workload burden can be lightened.”

The conference room fell suddenly silent. Everyone watched closely to hear what the Emperor meant.

“My son, you have worked hard. Now give it to your elder and take some rest.”

When Lawrence, as if handing over his duties, offered them up, Raven smiled wryly and responded.

“I’m still young and vigorous. If superiors change, subordinates may be more confused, so it’s better to slowly hand over lighter duties first.”

“Raven’s words make sense. I hope the princes slow down and learn until they adapt to the duties, and take on fresh initiatives.”

“I will follow Your Majesty’s orders.”

That politely deferential face is infuriating. In any case, handing some duties back to Lorence was inevitable. It seemed they planned to create new main duties to give him. If so… perhaps I can use a father’s love for his son to my advantage.

“Your Majesty, how pleased you must be that both grown princes are stepping forward so actively.”

The Emperor responded with a pleased smile.

“Seeing you three so amicable brings a good idea to mind. May I speak of it?”

“Very well. Proceed.”

I spoke with decidedly Emperor-centric reasoning.

“The princes still have much to learn to match Your Majesty’s abilities. We can instruct them to a degree, but there’s a limit. How could we teach what can only be learned from the sole master of the Empire? It seems the time has come for them to learn by listening and watching by Your Majesty’s side and receiving counsel.”

“Ah, Chancellor, how did you come to such a thought…! Indeed. You may teach the practical work, but ruling the country is another matter. Do you have a good method?”

When the Emperor showed keen interest, I bowed my head even more courteously.

“Isn’t it a bit lonely to have only aides in Your Majesty’s office? Why not have both princes come to Your Majesty’s office every day to begin assisting full-time? Then Your Majesty could comfortably assess their strengths and weaknesses and offer apt counsel.”

“That’s a truly good idea.”

“Besides, being with your sons would strengthen the father-son bond, wouldn’t it?”

“They could emulate Your Majesty. I approve.”

The Minister of Finance and Ren chimed in. A full smile appeared at the Emperor’s lips.

“Chancellor, how could you have such an idea at a young age…! Truly you are my loyal subject.”

“I merely did what was natural.”

I gauged Lawrence’s faction’s mood. The Emperor’s delight made it hard to step forward and refute. Lorence’s standing wasn’t what it used to be. Moreover, they seemed hesitant to take any clear stance.

‘They can’t quite tell if it’s a gain or a loss, can they?’

In terms of competence, Raven is superior. But the Emperor favors Lorence. If they spend the whole day together and grow closer, it’s clearly beneficial. Outwardly, that seemed even more likely, because although Raven had secured his position, the Emperor didn’t show the same affection toward him as he did for Lorence.

‘He must now choose whether to live as Emperor or as a father.’

Raven looked startled at first, but after meeting my gaze he quickly read the situation and began to manage his expression. I was as confident in Raven as Lorence’s faction was.

How starkly they’d be compared.

Raven could also secure a strategic position to understand the Emperor. I would also determine his ultimate intent. If the Emperor strayed, I’d be ready to abandon him willingly. To the outside, I’d appear a loyal subject of the Emperor, but I’m merely a citizen of the Empire who wants to serve a proper superior, not anyone’s sycophant.

Without special opposition the motion passed. After some additional discussion on a few items, the Emperor quietly brought up a new project.

“A saintess has appeared, so it’s clearly a good omen, as you all know.”

It was a matter related to the temple. The Emperor attached enormous significance to the emergence of a saintess. Even though I had pointed out the risks.

“But from our standpoint it’s hard to readily ask the saintess for cooperation. The reason is the temple corruption scandal from a year ago.”

He meant the Lorence Gate. Everyone only coughed slightly and dared not add a word. It would mean dredging up Lorence’s shame. Seeing Lorence sitting there with no shame made me want to slap his face.

“Soon there will be a ceremony celebrating the saintess’s birth. Lorence, lead this event well as the royal representative.”

“What?!”

I nearly leapt to my feet without thinking. Murmurs filled the conference room.

‘Are they insane? Asking the perpetrator to host an event celebrating the victim right now?’

But the Emperor was resolute.

“While leading this event, you must reconcile with the saintess no matter what happens.”
“Your Majesty!”

Lawrence’s bewilderment was obvious. It must have felt like thunder from a clear sky.

“Whether a sincere apology or kneeling, somehow restore the relationship. Even a small progress will do.”

Does he think this will work? Does the Emperor truly?

“We must not give up relations with the temple. Especially now that a saintess has been born. If you intend to be the Empire’s next successor, this is the very first thing. You cannot avoid it.”

“……”

Is he speaking as Emperor, or doing this because he wants to hand the throne to Lorence at all costs? Lawrence could not respond, as the Emperor’s words were correct. The great nobles who followed him were the same. The certain thing was the method was wrong. Has such an idea really come from an Emperor who has no one to apologize to his whole life? Who would accept such an apology? And would that scoundrel Lawrence even apologize?

‘In any case, that event will be an utter mess.’

“Do you understand what I say, Lawrence? I’m saying it for your sake.”

“Yes, I understand.”

Lawrence quickly regained his composure and accepted the Emperor’s command. Soon two more desks might be added in the Emperor’s office, so he’d have to at least pretend. Even if he delegated to subordinates, if he appeared completely detached he might fall out of favor.

‘Shall I also take the opportunity to quietly mete out some punishment?’

I couldn’t pass up such a good opportunity. First, I’ll give Elise a heads-up about this disgusting affair.

The next day, Lawrence promptly sent a gesture of reconciliation to the saintess. It was an extravagant procession of gifts. Dozens of carriages laden with gold, silver, and treasure headed to the temple. Central ministries stirred, and the Ministry of Finance’s mood hit rock bottom. Nobles of Lawrence’s faction loudly proclaimed that the prince’s generosity would surely win the saintess’s favor.

I watched the carriages from the window and thought.

‘Wow… he completely chose the wrong path from the very first option.’

I couldn’t imagine a clearer way to avoid the correct choice.