Chapter 36

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Translator: Harry Potta
Chapter: 36
Chapter Title: A Change of Premise
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#36

Walter unconsciously stroked the spot below his chin where she had been fiddling, then belatedly realized what he had said and sucked in a breath. Lucy’s lips curled into a wry smile.

“Uh… excuse me. Second son of House Hyverge?”

“Yes.”

“It feels strange, hearing something like that from the very model of a warrior, born into a family of warriors.”

“…I was speaking of the general case. And I didn't particularly want to be a soldier when I enlisted, either.”

“Oh, really?”

“The atmosphere at home naturally led me to pick up a sword, and then I happened upon Dawn. The expectations of those around me grew, and I somehow ended up enlisting.”

He ‘happened upon’ Dawn.

To use such a phrase for an object revered as a divine relic. Shocked by his choice of words, Lucy asked in a tone of disbelief.

“And you just drifted along until you became the Grand General?”

“I successfully carried out a few important missions, and the promotions came naturally.”

Lucy thought it was a good thing no other soldiers were around.

The man whose unparalleled martial prowess led to the creation of the Grand General title—a rank that had never existed before—was now saying he had become one by chance.

If any other soldier saw this, they would surely curse him for being a smug bastard.

In fact, Lucy also found him a little insufferable. Walter Hyverge continued with his pointless talk, saying he had truly become the Grand General through good luck, or how fortunate he was that the times were in his favor.

It was something she encountered from time to time in life—all those born geniuses would spew the ridiculous excuse that they were ordinary.

The man before her now was no different.

The way he spoke with downcast eyes and a bitter expression made it seem like he was being sincere rather than mocking, which was even more displeasing.

“…But it couldn't be helped. In the end, the credit for my adjutants' work went to my name.”

“Walter.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Be quiet for a bit. I need to get some sleep.”

Not wanting to hear any more of his dull and uninspiring military stories, she murmured with her eyes closed. Walter tactfully shut his mouth.

With the pretense gone, a wave of tranquility washed over them, melting into the afternoon sunlight. After a period of silence, Walter hesitated before speaking.

“Are you asleep?”

There was no answer. Realizing she was truly asleep, Walter carefully took a lock of her hair in his hand.

The wheat-colored hair he had wanted to touch all this time made a soft rustling sound as it flowed gracefully through his fingers.

Gazing at her hair shimmering in the sunlight, Walter's lips curved into a faint, almost imperceptible smile.

⚜ ⚜ ⚜

Snowflakes descended upon the evergreen-shaded palace gardens.

In place of migrating birds dancing in formation, an early first snow announced the arrival of winter, painting the world white.

With the sudden drop in temperature, servants hurried through the corridors, busily changing curtains, laying carpets, and carrying firewood. Amidst the hands rushing to prepare for winter, others were preparing refreshments and tea, and neatly arranged tea sets were carried by maids to the conference room.

Once the royal palace reopened, the lords left Central Command and returned to the outer palace.

The officials who had likewise taken refuge at the command headquarters also came back to the palace. The once-empty palace was bustling with life again, exuding an atmosphere similar to before, but the emptiness from the master's absence still lingered desolately in the air.

“When will Her Majesty be entering the palace? I heard there's been no word on the coronation date yet. Has Marquess Rutherford perhaps heard anything?”

Viscount Comte spoke as she sat down.

Vanessa Rutherford, who was already seated in the conference room warming herself with tea, set down her cup and glanced at Viscount Comte.

“I heard the coronation will be postponed until domestic affairs are stable. There's still much to sort out, so I suppose Her Majesty has no choice.”

At Rutherford's words, Comte raised an eyebrow.

“Indeed… one can tell just from the atmosphere in the Council. Whispers about who should have become king, who is gathering a private army… Even my ears, which are poor at catching rumors, hear such things. I can only imagine what it's like for Her Majesty.”

“It's quite strange that they harbor such ambitions even after watching Duke Kill's downfall.”

Even as she spoke, Rutherford understood why the lords held such ambitions.

Because the lords believed this was all the Grand General's doing.

They thought Arsinoe was merely a woman chosen by the Grand General, and that if they could win his heart, they too could oust her and become king.

“I hear gifts are pouring into the Hyverge estate every day. The commander's office at Central Command is overflowing with all sorts of rare items, so much so that the Grand General has to postpone his duties just to return them. It seems everyone is busy trying to win him over.”

As if their thoughts had aligned, Comte covered her mouth with her shawl and spoke in a low voice. After a quick glance around, she moved a little closer to Rutherford.

“I heard through a source… do you know who is putting the most effort into courting the Grand General?”

“Oh my… who would that be?”

Instead of answering, Comte offered a gentle smile and raised her teacup.

Taking a sip of tea, she subtly gestured with her chin in a certain direction. Following her gaze, Rutherford saw Duke Witten entering the conference room.

Rutherford raised her teacup, carefully concealing a sneer.

“I should have known. When it comes to ambition and greed, he has no equal in the Council.”

“That's not all. Her Majesty said she would divide the administrative rights to the Kill duchy, didn't she? I hear that ever since that day, he's been secretly sending his private soldiers to Portmeier.”

“Good heavens. Is he committing such an audacious act when Her Majesty hasn't even announced who will be in charge?”

The queen had not yet given an answer regarding control over Portmeier. Yet he was already acting as if it were his, a sight that was both ridiculous and absurd.

*Does he have that much confidence?*

The moment she cast a sharp glance his way, she coincidentally met Duke Witten's eyes.

Instead of looking away, Witten gave a leisurely smile and sat down in his seat. His expression was full of mockery, causing Rutherford to frown.

The lords took their seats one by one, and a short while later, Arsinoe appeared and sat at the head of the table. She was still wearing the same white attire—neither military uniform nor formal wear—and it seemed she intended to stick with that style.

The doors to the conference room closed after Walter took his seat.

“I know you're all busy with winter preparations, so I apologize for making you come here so often. Let's get straight to the point.”

Lucy skipped even the formal greetings and went straight to the agenda.

“I know you're anxious because I haven't announced my accession, but I ask you to wait a little longer. The coronation ceremony is scheduled for early next year, on the day of the first sowing. I would hold it immediately if I could, but I have yet to select the members of my cabinet, and as you all know, the atmosphere with the neighboring countries is tense. I've concluded it's best to postpone it.”

The lords looked at Lucy with expressions of surprise and acceptance.

They had expected her to blame domestic instability for the postponement, but surprisingly, the queen gave a rational reason for the delay.

Announcing a change of monarchs when two of the three nations, Dopein and Antevasila, were preparing for war was indeed not the wisest timing.

“Furthermore, I will reform the administration. The proposal for the new cabinet is…”

Starting with the matter they were most curious about, Lucy repeatedly asked for the lords' opinions on urgent issues and organized them—the restructuring of the administration, measures for the heavy snow in the north, next year's resolutions, tax adjustments, and joint cooperation plans.

They had thought she'd convened the Council just to sit and play queen, but when she presented such substantial agenda items, everyone looked surprised.

The lords, half pleased and half surprised, actively participated in the meeting. The elders also began to offer their advice, and an unexpected feast of knowledge unfolded in the conference room.

Walter, too, subtly bit his lower lip to hide his surprise. He had wondered what she was so engrossed in, staying up all night in the study every day. It seemed she had been preparing for this meeting.

He had wanted to nag her every time he saw the messy study, but holding back had been worth it.

“Lastly, let us revisit the matter of the Kill duchy.”

The relaxed atmosphere instantly turned cold. The lords, who had been conversing animatedly, all fell silent and fixed their gazes on one place.

To Lucy's sides—or more precisely, toward Marquess Rutherford and Duke Witten.

“If I recall correctly, the territory was divided into seven districts, with Marquess Rutherford and Duke Witten each taking charge of three. Is that right?”

“That is correct. A dispute arose over the western coastal region, and no conclusion was reached. We have all been waiting, as Your Majesty said you would give an answer after careful consideration.”

Count Bubehol quickly stood up and intercepted the answer.

Believing him to be the one who had worsened the situation, Witten glared at him with fiery eyes, but Count Bubehol, befitting his status as the eldest, ignored the look and focused his attention solely on Lucy.

Lucy rested her hand on the armrest, propped her cheek against it, and spoke with a contemplative expression.

“I have sincerely pondered how to achieve the greatest possible fairness. As a result, I came to think that it might be better to change the premise.”

“The premise?”

“I wish for Marquess Rutherford and Duke Witten to work together to assist me. However, there is a right place for everything. I have come to wonder if it is truly efficient for two people to divide the same task.”

“By that, you mean…?”

“As a result, I have concluded that it would be best to grant one person the position of Grand Tutor, and to entrust the other with the full administration of the Kill duchy.”

With the agenda suddenly overturned, a murmur spread through the lords like a tidal wave.