Chapter 336: Status of a Prince


    One night passed and I couldnt get close to the mansion since the audience.


    Although I was allowed to join up with the Narbe Ritter that was waiting at a nearby inn, I was not allowed to meet Char, let alone the Duke.


    So he doesnt want me to do something unnecessary huh.


    It seems that the Duke will not back down on that pledge, sir.


    I sighed at Sebass words.


    I dont have enough time to return to the capital and persuade Father.


    I have to convince the Duke somehow.


    Have you confirmed that the Duke really is ill?


    Inside a room at the inn.


    There are only three people inside, me, Sebas, and Lars.


    Lars is the only one that I told about Duke Lowensteins possible illness.


    However, Lars is still in doubt.


    It is almost certain, sir.


    Many have seen him holding back his coughing fit and staggering steps.


    He is probably suffering from the same disease as my mother. And Char probably has the same thing as well.


    The symptoms are too simr.


    It certainly looks that way but if that is the case, will the Duke be able to head to battle?


    That will depend on the progress of the illness but from how stubborn he acted, it seems he knows that he doesnt have much time left. If not then he wouldnt reject my proposal and demand something unreasonable like a pledge.


    The reason for his unreasonable demand was because of necessity.


    Duke Lowenstein is the symbol of the north.


    As long as we have him, the north will be united and the presence of the northern nobles will only grow stronger. If he passed away after the war, the northern nobles would end up as a disorderly mob. Even if I go back on my word, they would have no power to protest.


    Since it is possible that the north will be taken lightly without him, he wants a pledge to guarantee that we will respect the will of the north.


    With the Duke, we would have many hands to y but the Duke doesnt have long and he has no recement. The only one who could have taken his ce died before him after all.


    It must be hard for Lady Charlotte.


    ..


    Losing two grandfathers at the same time is truly unfortunate.


    If possible, I would like to give her time to make peace with it but I can not do that.


    Ancient magic is meaningless against illness.


    As long as I cant cure my mother, I can not cure the Duke.


    In times like this, I resent how my power only caters to destruction.


    The Duke is hiding his illness from Char. he probably doesnt want to shock Charbut it is impossible to hide it from her forever.


    Do we make contact with Lady Charlotte, sir?


    We have no other choice. Everything will depend on Char.


    To seed Marquis Zweig means that she has to deny the Duke.


    On the contrary, if she wishes for peaceful days with the Duke then she will not be able to seed Marquis Zweig.


    She has to choose one of the two paths.


    Rather than thinking about what we should do, it would be better to hear what Char wants to do.


    We are going to infiltrate the mansion. You can do it right?


    Piece of cake, Your Highness.


    Saying so, Lars triumphantly took out the map of the mansion.


    Your preparation is quite thorough it seems?


    We were willing to seize control of the ce in case of emergency after all.


    Im d that the negotiations ended in peace.


    Saying so, I began listening to Larss briefing.


    The security of Duke Lowensteins mansion was much more rigorous than a normal noble mansion.


    However, with how long he has retired from the army, his vassals who apanied him to the battlefields also got old.


    With the Narbe Ritter who constantly undergoes harsh training, it was not so difficult to infiltrate.


    Please be careful.


    Lars who quickly incapacitated the security on the west side of the mansion sent me and Sebas off.


    Once inside the mansion, Sebas alone should be able to handle the rest.


    With the map of the mansion in my head, I look for the room where Char is probably at.


    Doing so, I found a room with two guards standing in front.


    Its not the Dukes room.


    I give Sebas a look and head straight to the room.


    The guards who noticed me opened their eyes wide but they were immediately incapacitated by Sebas who went behind them.


    Char! Iming in!


    I lightly knocked on the door and opened it.


    Like Elna, I have some reservations about entering a girls room but I can not be so timid now.


    Schwartz!?


    A surprised voice can be heard from inside.


    However, the scene before me is more surprising than I expected.


    Char was about to jump off the balcony. She had tied the curtains together and made a rope out of it.


    I was wondering what she was doing as I rushed over to her but it seemed that she lost her bnce because of me and began to stagger.


    Wa WA WAA!!


    Oi, Oi!!


    I hurriedly close the distance and grabs Chars arm with both hands.


    I managed to pull her back up to the balcony before starting to speak to her.


    Haa HaaaI told you that was dangerous right?


    Ahaharight. Sorry.


    Char stands up with a bitter smile.


    She was about to leave.


    She must have some kind of aim.


    I have to go see my grandfather. Help me.


    I dont mind but..is that okay? The Duke might be ill you know?


    Yeahmaybe it is the same disease I have. The cause of my illness is unknown. When it gets bad, I cough out blood and I cant even stand up. But when I am fine I can move about without any problem. Its a nasty disease isnt it.


    you and the Duke are different. He is already old. The more he pushes himself, the shorter his life will be.


    I know.but as the granddaughter of Duke Lowenstein and Marquis Zweig, I have the duty to do what I can for the north. My reason is the same as yours.


    Saying so, Char smiled and turned back toward the door.


    To be honest, I took her resolves lightly.


    Char has already made up her mind.


    Sorry. I have to apologize to you.


    What for?


    I took you too lightly.


    Right. It would be best if you dont underestimate me. I am the granddaughter of the Thunder God after all.


    Let me through. I have to talk to my grandfather.


    Charlotte-sama..but..


    Do you prefer I use force instead?


    Thunder began to crackle in Chars right hand.


    Seeing that, the guards protecting the Dukes room opened a path for her.


    Char then slowly opened the door.


    You tomboy granddaughterI wonder who you took after.


    The Duke was lying in his bed.


    His face seemed like he had aged 10 years since yesterday.


    His illness may be worse than I think.


    Its you I took after, Ojii-sama.


    Really now.


    Char urged me inside the room and closed the door.


    Duke Lowenstein looked at me and squinted.


    To start moving immediately the day afteryou really have no patience huh


    I dont have time you see.


    I see..I guess we are the same then.


    Saying so, the Duke gets up. His face distorted in pain.


    Char hurriedly went to support him but the Duke violently coughed.


    Cough! Cough! Haa haaas you can seeI cant move as I pleased anymore.


    Thats why you need a pledge?


    Thats right..after I died..I need there to be solid proof that you will respect the will of the northno matter how much I hate the Emperor..I know that he is not so foolish as to not know the consequences of breaking a pledge


    If the Emperor broke a written pledge, he would lose the trust of every noble.


    Being attacked by other nations, Father would not be so foolish as to cause such domestic problems.


    Thats why the Duke wanted the pledge no matter what.


    However.


    My father will never write a pledge. If he yields to a vassals request, the central power will diminish.


    Its your job to do something about that..


    It will take time to persuade him. In the meantime, the effect of the war on the north will be irreversible. We have no time to waste. Believe in me. Not in my father, the Emperor, but in me as a prince.


    You are telling me to trust the Dull Prince? Do you have the power to guarantee your end of the deal?


    .I will write the pledge myself. I will put my strongest card on the line and win the respect back for the northern nobles.


    Your strongest card..?


    I will bet my status as a prince. With my blood, I can not end up as amoner but I will ept any position, political marriage, or even experiments. I am willing to protect the north at the cost of my freedom. SoI want you to trust in my pledge.


    Saying so, I slowly kneeled down and bowed to the Duke.


    Bowing to a vassal is something that a member of the Imperial Family must never do.


    However, my head doesnt have that much worth. If lowering it is all it needs then I will lower it as many times as I have to.


    If I show him that then my words will carry some weight.


    It is telling the Duke that I am not attached to my position as a prince.


    Even if its Father, if he sees that I am willing to bet my position, he will not say no to me. My action means that I will definitely raise distinguished war services for the northern nobles. In response, he needs to give me something of equitable worth. Moreover, if he denies me, it will damage the trust of those around him.


    Why..do you go that far..?


    I told you. I owe a great debt to Marquis Zweig. I am going to repay it back to Char. Lets solve the problems of the north and secure the status of the northern nobles together. I am doing this for myself, not for someone elses sake.


    ..Charlotte. Do you believe him?


    I do. Im sure..if I ask him to die with us, he will do it. He is that kind of person.


    Duke Lowenstein nodded to Charlotte and let out a long sigh as if he was tired.


    Then.


    So.what do you want to do?


    I am going to seed Marquis Zweig. We will hold a meeting with every northern n and hear their opinions.


    And what if they are willing to fight?


    I will propose the Union of the Northern Lords. I am the granddaughter of Marquis Zweig after all.


    Hearing Char, Duke Lowenstein showed a small smile.