MFWSP 62

Chapter 62

Carsiel gave the Emperor and Empress a brief account of what had occurred in the Adelon territory.

Due to the declining health of the Marquis and Marchioness of Adelon, the title had been passed on to their eldest son, Tristan. Busy with succession matters, Tristan had no time to attend the victory banquet, so he belatedly invited Carsiel to explain the situation and his absence. Iris, who had connections with both families, had acted as the intermediary.

“The Duke of Apellemion and the Marquis of Adelon are acquainted… And the marquisate was suddenly passed down?”

The Empress looked at Iris suspiciously, but Iris simply smiled and linked arms with David, silently confirming their close relationship.

“Please see for yourselves.”

Carsiel handed an official document from the House of Adelon to the Emperor and Empress. It clearly outlined the circumstances surrounding the succession of the title.

A faint wrinkle formed between the Empress’s brows. Though she kept her expression calm, it was obvious she was looking for something to nitpick.

“As far as I know, the House of Adelon hasn’t been close with either of the two princes.”

She said coldly.

“So why would they request a visit from the First Prince? Since when did they entertain guests at their estate?”

“My father and brother have always respected His Highness the First Prince. My brother simply wished to properly celebrate his recent victory.”

David stepped forward and clapped his hands.

Servants who had followed from the estate stepped forward, carrying boxes one by one.

“Five chests of gold, twenty of silver, three magic stones, one chest each of rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. A humble gift from Adelon to the Empire’s hero.”

Each time a servant opened a box, the crowd let out gasps of astonishment.

So the rumors about gambling and speculation were true.

Even Iris was impressed. She was especially amazed that Tristan had prepared all this in just an hour.

“And lastly, the treasured sword Anais.”

David knelt on one knee before Carsiel and offered him the sword he had personally brought.

A brilliant blue gem was embedded in the pure white scabbard.

Gasps echoed through the hall once again.

“Isn’t Anais a family heirloom of Adelon?”

“I heard the sword has been passed down since the founding of the family. Named after Sir Anais, the legendary knight and loyal retainer.”

“Didn’t King Alaic I once covet that sword? The then-marquis refused, saying he would only hand it over if the king could prove himself a true lord.”

“If they gave that sword to Prince Carsiel… doesn’t that mean Adelon is officially siding with him?”

“From Adelon? That sly family?”

After ensuring everyone had seen the sword, David continued.

“My brother also asked me to convey that the Marquisate of Adelon is open to His Highness Carsiel and will always answer his call.”

It was the final nail in the coffin.

The mouths of those watching fell open, and the Empress and Balthazar turned pale.

During Carsiel’s absence at war, many nobles had leaned toward Balthazar. But now, with Carsiel’s victory, their support was shifting back. And in this moment, the neutral House of Adelon had pledged its full support to him.

“First Prince Carsiel presents the treasured sword of Adelon to His Majesty.”

Carsiel took the sword from David and offered it to the Emperor.

“Your Majesty has now earned the loyalty of Adelon.”

He spoke just loudly enough for those nearby to hear.

The Emperor’s eyes gleamed with a faint light.

Carsiel’s words had struck a chord in the Emperor’s pride, which valued reputation and appearances above all.

Whatever displeasure the Emperor had felt earlier—when Carsiel left the palace without informing him—vanished completely.

“Yes, for a prince to win the loyalty of a high noble house like Adelon is certainly praiseworthy.”

He murmured.

“I shall be remembered as the emperor who gained what even Alaic I could not—Adelon’s loyalty. How glorious.”

As the Emperor’s smile spread, the Empress bit her lip hard.

Caught off guard, she had no way to counter this unexpected move.

“Excellent, Carsiel. I could not be prouder to have a son like you.”

“Your subject Carsiel will be Your Majesty’s glory. I will reclaim what is lost and protect what is mine.”

As the Emperor clapped him on the shoulder with a hearty laugh, Carsiel bowed his head with a calm smile.

“You are truly my firstborn! I shall bestow upon you a reward— cough!”

Perhaps overwhelmed with excitement, the Emperor suddenly started coughing. The Empress quickly stepped in.

“Escort His Majesty to his chambers! And you, Lord Adelon, dismiss your attendants at once!”

She ended the unwelcomed gift presentation and, with practiced ease, gestured for a maid to come forward.

After sipping the tea handed to him, the Emperor’s coughing began to subside.

“Take my hand, Your Majesty.”

The Empress held the Emperor’s arm and led him out of the banquet hall.

But the crowd only watched the Emperor’s retreating back for a moment.

As soon as he disappeared, all eyes turned to Carsiel.

Admiration, awe, goodwill. A hint of envy and wariness. All kinds of emotions were directed at him.

One thing was certain—no one was looking at Balthazar anymore.

Their goal had been achieved. Perfectly.

Iris smiled softly.

*
The Next Day

“I have a report.”

David spoke.

“Already? You haven’t even been head steward for a day!”

I opened my eyes wide in surprise, and David shrugged before dropping a thick booklet onto the desk.

“Here’s the data you asked for. First, this is the report from the duchy about the mansion that will house the children from the slums. It’s been completed. The final payment will be made once Lissian, Lin, and Kyle inspect the property. They leave tomorrow.”

“You arranged all that?”

“Of course. And this—” he pointed, “—is a compilation of the businesses, movements, political stances, and key figures of every noble family in the Empire.”

“You stayed up all night doing accounting, so when did you—?”

“This is all data I already had. Ray knew the missing parts. You really have a very special maid.”

“I always thought you two would complement each other well…”

I murmured as I flipped through the files.

Each family’s genealogy, businesses, net worth, connections—all meticulously documented.

So this is what happens when two hyper-efficient people team up.

I was genuinely impressed by my own ability to recognize talent.

Skipping the banquet and spending the day catching up on paperwork with David was a smart move after all.

“The Serbe family is in this book.”

Seeing me dig through the pile, David pointed to a pink-marked volume.

“I was going to report that first anyway since it’s urgent.”

He lowered his voice after checking that the study door was closed.

“What happened?”

I asked.

“People from House Serbe have entered the Black Valley. And…”

David continued.

“The Duke and his daughter will arrive in the capital tomorrow.”

Thunk—

I dropped the pen I had been holding.

“What?”

“Just as I said. Lady Grace Serbe will attend the fourth day of the victory banquet. It’s confirmed.”

“That’s… too early.”

I sighed.

The contentment I had felt moments ago vanished, replaced by a quickening heartbeat of tension.

Of course things wouldn’t unfold the same as in my past life, but even accounting for that, Grace entering the capital now was unexpected.

“Ray said she wouldn’t be attending this banquet…”

“But the Duke of Serbe has access to a portal leading directly to the imperial palace. Plans can change quickly.”

“…”

“At first, they seemed intent on staying in Marquis Tygen’s territory until they found what they wanted in the Black Valley. But now, they’ve left only the scouts and servants behind, and the Duke and his family are heading to the capital.”

David shrugged again.

“Likely the Duke’s decision.”

“Me? What’s your basis for that?”

“The House of Serbe has been keeping an eye on you. They’ve asked me and other informants about you in the past.”

I raised an eyebrow at David.

Grace investigated me? Even without memories of her past life?

“Don’t look at me like that. That was before we started working together. And I didn’t tell them anything special.”

“Go on.”

“They don’t seem to bear a grudge… but apparently, they don’t like your recent nickname—Goddess of War. They’ve been digging to see if it’s a lie.”

David folded his arms and leaned on the desk.

“And according to another informant, House Serbe was very bothered by the disappearance of both you and the First Prince on the first day of the banquet. That may have pushed them to attend in person.”

He concluded cleanly.

I briefly wondered when he had figured all that out.

I remembered how David had insisted on bringing dozens of parrots when leaving the territory.

Were they all carrier birds?

David wasn’t just a well-informed informant—he had been running a full network even while within the estate.

Not that I planned to hold that against him now.

“Seems the House of Serbe has eyes even in the palace.”

I said.

“Did they say why they’re so focused on me?”

“No, but isn’t the most obvious reason clear?”

David smiled with his trademark eye-smile and whispered:

“Love, of course.”