Chapter 228

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Translator: Harry Potta
Chapter: 228
Chapter Title: The Cunning Rabbit's Counterattack
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Cardinal de Mare was just as surprised as anyone by the royal edict brought by the King's courier.

‘Already?’

The Cardinal wanted to pull the courier aside and demand what on earth was happening.

But he could not treat a royal messenger in such a manner.

The courier, unimpeded by anyone, was guided by the head steward into the entrance hall of the de Mare estate.

Behind him, Sir Delpianosa, the King’s secretary, could be seen strolling in leisurely.

Sir Delpianosa took the royal edict from the courier and positioned himself in the exact center of the marble floor.

The strangely high and narrow grand staircase of the de Mare estate coiled before him, soaring upwards.

Ariadne’s palms began to sweat. Sir Delpianosa raised his voice.

“I convey the words of His Majesty the King, the glorious sun of the Kingdom of Etruscan, its one and only sovereign!”

The family all descended the stairs and showed their respects before the King’s edict.

Sir Delpianosa began to read.

“I, Leo III, wish to commend my subjects who have faithfully fulfilled their duties in these difficult times.”

Cardinal de Mare had not mentioned the title promised by the King to Ippolito.

Perhaps for that reason, his foolish, idiotic son was staring blankly, unable to comprehend the meaning of the edict.

The Cardinal hadn't told Ippolito about the title at first for fear that it would go to his son’s head.

There was nothing Ippolito could contribute even if he knew a title was forthcoming.

He couldn't achieve some great merit in a short period of time.

He would only go around boasting, and like his mother, the boy had a loose tongue and was apt to spread rumors throughout high society.

Although gatherings were extremely restricted due to the recent plague, rumors spread with incredible speed through letters and correspondence, so caution was necessary.

Moreover, after the events of the previous week, the Cardinal had begun to think seriously.

Cardinal de Mare had not intended to give the title to Ippolito out of love.

Of course, it would be a lie to say there was no affection at all, but he wanted the title to go to the head of the house, the one who would protect the family.

Naturally, his son, who would remain with the family forever, was a more suitable recipient for the title than his daughter, who would simply be married off.

However, after last week’s incident, the Cardinal had begun to doubt whether Ippolito could become a fine head of the house.

The problem was whether there was a substitute.

Despite Cardinal de Mare’s thoughts, Sir Delpianosa’s reading continued.

“Among them, some have not only upheld the virtue of quietly keeping their place, but have also shown a devotion to the nation that extends beyond their duties.”

Ariadne pricked up her ears.

There had to be a hint in the words used in the royal edict as to who would receive the title today.

If the commendation continued to be for the family, the title would be granted to Ippolito. If it commended personal achievements, it would be granted to Ariadne.

“The de Mare family has opened its coffers to relieve the poor, established a standard for plague prevention and disseminated it widely, and has taken the lead to ensure that this knowledge is shared with all people without seeking profit.”

It was puzzling.

The text, no matter how one looked at it, listed the things Ariadne had done, yet it spoke of the de Mare family itself rather than referring to Ariadne as an individual.

Ariadne secretly wiped her sweaty palms on the hem of her dress.

‘…’

Cardinal de Mare glanced at his second daughter, who was staring intently at Sir Delpianosa, her lips pressed into a firm line.

If he had to pick the most brilliant of his children, it was unequivocally Ariadne.

The Cardinal had no intention of denying it; it was a crystal-clear fact.

Quick judgment, iron-willed drive, and unwavering resolve. She was a child destined for great things.

If Ariadne had been a son, the Cardinal would have packed his eldest, Ippolito, off to a monastery to become a clergyman long ago.

But Ariadne was a child who would eventually have to be given to another family.

Even if he took the unreasonable step of keeping her in the family to act as its head without marrying her off, countless attempts to sway her would arise, most of which would be spearheaded by Ippolito and Isabella.

Giving the title to Ariadne and making her the head of the house, regardless of her brilliance, would be to set foot on a wide and straight path to discord.

The house might prosper under Ariadne’s rule, but the family would shatter into pieces.

And when Ariadne’s era ended? Who on earth would succeed her?

There was the option of Ariadne, living a single life, taking over as head, and passing the role to Ippolito's child, but the Cardinal was skeptical of that choice.

His second daughter was pretty, though not as much as her sister, and possessed a unique charm her sister lacked. Naturally, many young men pursued her.

Though it seemed to have subsided for now, she had a connection with the prince. Recently, the Duke of Pisano had been frequenting the de Mare estate, and the heir of Valdesal also seemed to be showing an unusual interest.

Would that child truly choose to live her entire life alone for the sake of the family, leaving so many options behind?

If the de Mare family received a title today, it would be that of a Viscount, or a Count at best, if the King were feeling spiteful.

Whichever of those three she married, their title would be higher than the one they would receive today.

In the end, wouldn't giving the title to Ariadne just be adding one more name to the long list of titles held by some ducal or marquisal house?

‘Hah…’

His sighs only deepened.

Furthermore, the Cardinal was not confident about Ariadne's character.

She was a child who took after him. As brilliant as she was, she was also severe. Her standards for herself were high, and so were her expectations of others.

In short, her ability was outstanding, but her virtue did not match it.

If Ariadne became the head of the house, would she spare Ippolito, who would surely challenge her? The Cardinal thought not.

If Ippolito became the head, he would not manage the family as well as Ariadne.

He knew his son's capabilities and limitations all too well.

He'd be lucky to maintain the status quo, and there was a good chance he'd run it into the ground.

But he could deal with that by living a long life.

He could welcome a good daughter-in-law, hold the reins for as long as possible, delegate authority to his wise daughter-in-law to prevent his son's recklessness, and pray to the heavens for a clever grandchild.

Besides, Isabella was a sharp girl, in a different way from her younger sister.

Though she was short-sighted, she was cunning enough not to be taken advantage of, and her stunning beauty would secure her a good marriage.

If her brother were to be granted a title, she could marry into an even better family.

If Isabella secured a reliable husband and in-laws to support her brother, the de Mare family would somehow manage to survive.

If Ariadne became the head, given Isabella's temper, it would be a blessing if she didn't attack her own family.

The Cardinal had more or less settled his thoughts.

The problem, however, was that he had wasted a whole week agonizing over Lucrezia and Ippolito, and had only just made up his mind now, as Sir Delpianosa stood before him reading the King's edict.

In other words, the Cardinal had never sent a request to Leo III asking for the title to be bestowed upon a specific child!

The King had issued the edict on his own whim!

Sir Delpianosa’s reading continued.

“This is a great blessing for our kingdom…”

Though Cardinal de Mare and Ariadne were thinking completely different thoughts, the father and daughter could agree on at least one thing about the endlessly empty content.

‘Please, get to the point!’

“A kingdom with such loyal subjects shall prosper for all eternity…”

‘What does it matter if the subjects are good! You’re the one who needs to do well!’

‘He really does love the sound of his own voice.’

“…Therefore, I, Leo III, bestow upon the de Mare family, loyal subjects of the Kingdom of Etruscan, the following position.”

This was it.

Cardinal de Mare and Ariadne clenched their fists. But the two astute minds immediately sensed something was wrong.

‘Wait, a ‘position’?’

‘He’s bestowing a ‘position,’ not a ‘title’?’

But the sense of unease was fleeting.

“I, Leo III, King of the Kingdom of Etruscan, to Ariadne de Mare of the de Mare family…”

“!”

“!”

“!”

Ariadne nearly pumped her fist in the air in victory.

Ippolito, finally realizing what the edict was about, whipped his head around to look at his younger sister, his narrow eyes widened in shock.

His mouth hung stupidly open.

Only Cardinal de Mare maintained an outwardly calm expression, his gaze fixed on Sir Delpianosa, who held the King’s edict.

However, Sir Delpianosa's next words made even the composed Cardinal’s face twist into a scowl.

“…do hereby grant the position of Director of the Rambouillet Almshouse.”

‘Director of the Rambouillet Almshouse?!’

‘I’ve been had!’

The dumbfounded father and daughter met each other’s gaze.

The position of Director of the Rambouillet Almshouse was one with more drawbacks than benefits.

It wasn't even a formal title, yet the responsibilities were endless and the authority nonexistent.

By granting the position of Director of the Rambouillet Almshouse to Ariadne personally, the King had effectively shifted the primary duty of supplying food to the almshouse onto Ariadne herself!

‘Is this how he gets back at me for my refusal!’

Cardinal de Mare, who had promptly refused Leo III’s request for the Holy See to take over the Rambouillet Almshouse, gritted his teeth.

Sir Delpianosa, feigning ignorance, called out to Ariadne.

“Will the recipient please step forward and accept the edict and the gift with a grateful heart.”

Ariadne, too, felt more like talking back than feeling grateful, but doing so to the King’s secretary, who carried the King’s edict, would be more than enough to have her dragged away for treason.

Biting the inside of her cheek, she stepped forward, knelt on one knee with the other raised, and bowed her head deeply.

“Ariadne de Mare, a humble subject of the Kingdom of Etruscan, receives His Majesty the King’s grace.”

Sir Delpianosa repeated platitudes about the kingdom’s great fortune, the King’s grace, and the nation’s prosperity as he handed Ariadne the edict appointing her Director of the Rambouillet Almshouse and presented her with a small box.

“You may open it.”

She opened the box’s lid. Inside was a small silver brooch.

“This is the symbol of the Director of the Rambouillet Almshouse. The Director has the right to request an audience with His Majesty the King on urgent matters, and the duty to attend when the ‘Expanded Curia Regis’ is convened.”

A bitter laugh almost escaped her.

The authority was ambiguous.

The ‘Curia Regis’ was the King’s council, but important matters were mostly handled within the smaller ‘Lesser Curia Regis,’ composed of high-ranking individuals.

The ‘Expanded Curia Regis’ was an institution convened only when all the vassals were gathered, going beyond the King's daily council.

It was held once or twice a year at most, a forum more for hearing unilateral declarations than for voting or speaking.

The audience with the King was similar. Not an unconditional right to an audience, but the right to ‘request an audience’—it was hopelessly vague.

She composed her crumbling demeanor and bowed respectfully once more.

“Ariadne de Mare, a humble subject of the Kingdom of Etruscan, will perform my duties as Director of the Rambouillet Almshouse with utmost sincerity and assist His Majesty the King.”

“His Majesty has high expectations. We look forward to you continuing your excellent work.”

After offering the customary pleasantries, Sir Delpianosa prepared to leave immediately.

Cardinal de Mare wasn't particularly close or compatible with Sir Delpianosa, who was more skilled at flattering the King than being competent himself, but if there was ever a day to act friendly, it was today.

The Cardinal quickly approached and spoke to him.

“Sir Delpianosa.”

The King’s secretary smiled faintly.

His expression said he knew exactly why Cardinal de Mare was speaking to him.

“Worry not. There will be good news for your daughter soon.”

The Cardinal’s mind raced.

He says not to worry, so a title is coming? But he said daughter? So Ariadne is the one to receive it after all?

Sir Delpianosa continued.

“His Majesty is planning to be very generous. Please conduct yourselves with propriety and wait.”

Why mention her conduct? Does she have to purify herself with fasting and bathing to receive a title? How petty can you get?

The Cardinal lowered his voice and protested.

“Does Sir Delpianosa know the details of this matter? How can you proceed with something like this without consulting me!”

He was asking if the secretary knew about the deal to grant a title in exchange for fabricating Cesare de Carlo’s lineage.

He couldn't expose it with his own mouth, so he asked this way.

But if Sir Delpianosa had been informed by the King, he would understand.

To grant a title to the daughter of a house with a perfectly healthy son without consulting the head of the family—the King's handling of the matter was deeply unfair.

“His Majesty the King feels apologetic about that part.”

Sir Delpianosa replied with a troubled smile.

“But he will be more generous than you might have thought. It will by no means be a loss for the de Mare family, so please trust His Majesty and wait.”

“Roughly when can we expect a result?”

“Well, before the year is out? I do not know the exact date myself.”

It was one obstacle after another. Unable to let Sir Delpianosa leave just like that, the Cardinal asked again.

“If I request an audience with His Majesty, will it be granted?”

The King’s secretary wore a vaguely gentle and troubled expression.

“Well, the plague is rampant these days, is it not? His Majesty is refraining from granting audiences to outsiders as much as possible. It seems it will be difficult for the time being.”

It was his way of saying they had to take what they were given.

Cardinal de Mare clenched his fists, then relaxed them.

In truth, the decision of whether to give the title to his incompetent son or his brilliant daughter had been so difficult that even he had made up his mind only at the last minute.

Perhaps it was better this way, with an outside party making the decision for him. Cardinal de Mare let out a light sigh.

“I shall take my leave now. The times are so turbulent, please take care of your health.”

“Thank you for your difficult journey. Please travel safely.”

Cardinal de Mare escorted the departing Sir Delpianosa to his carriage, composing his thoughts.

But he decided not to relay this information to Ariadne for the time being.

Soothing Ippolito’s feelings came first.

It seemed easier to persuade Ippolito not to lash out at his sister than to persuade Ariadne to tolerate her foolish older brother's attacks.

Then again, would that be easy either? Cardinal de Mare let out another, heavier sigh.

* * *

A few weeks ago, at the Palazzo Carlo.

After trying to seize grain from Ariadne de Mare only to be forced to buy 80,000 ducats' worth, and after summoning her father, Cardinal de Mare, to placate him, only to be sharply reminded to fulfill his own debt, Leo III had summoned Sir Delpianosa and laid out his plan.

“Hey, you. Listen to this idea and tell me what you think.”