MLIIWTFL Chapter 204

 204

"With this incident, we managed to weed out a significant number of disloyal knights, gauge the nobility’s stance on hereditary titles, and even dealt a decent blow to the old noble faction. His Majesty the Emperor has achieved everything he desired. *To ask for more would just be youthful arrogance."

In truth, hereditary rights weren’t even codified in law. The term merely arose to describe the phenomenon of a single family monopolizing a specific post, which gradually became accepted as convention, almost like tradition.

But as time passed, people started taking that practice for granted. Some even tried to use it to redirect the loyalty that should’ve been pledged to the imperial family. From the perspective of the imperial court, it was nothing short of a thorn in their side.

The problem with entrenched power, as always, was that under normal circumstances the old noble houses, each prioritizing their own interests, would split into factions to keep one another in check. But in times like these, they could quickly band together and speak with one voice.

Thankfully, this time the incident had occurred between old noble families themselves, and with the two Great Lords uniting in support of punishing Wallace, even those nobles connected to him didn’t oppose his dismissal.

It was a rare situation, and the Emperor himself emphasized multiple times how incredibly lucky it was.

"Still, we’ve gained something useful this time. I used to think regional tensions were only an issue between the West and South, but it turns out the capital and the West clash just as much. Maybe I’ll use that as the basis for the next purge. If it works out, we could frame it in a way that the old nobles won’t be able to oppose, just like we did this time."

"If that’s your plan, you’d better make sure you have the right people ready first. Last time, when you tried removing everyone influenced by the Knight Commander, you ended up having to keep some of them anyway, simply because there wasn’t anyone else qualified enough to take their place."

Ezkhiel pointed out. At that, Matthias frowned. That part didn’t sit well with him either, but realistically, there had been no other option.

"You know as well as I do that it's impossible to clean out every last one of them. What's important is to prevent another traitor from trying to claim the knights’ loyalty for themselves. From now on, we’ll just keep cutting off the heads of each faction and block any path for a successor to rise. It’ll be much more efficient that way."

As if trying to convince himself, Matthias spoke firmly, then, as something suddenly came to mind, he asked Ezkhiel about the succession ceremony.

"Now that I think about it, the succession ceremony for Baron Bright’s house is approaching, isn’t it? Should someone be sent to accompany them on their journey to the North?"

"No, thank you. Lady Sharon offered to lend me some guards and servants." 

Ezkhiel replied.

Matthias gave a slight nod and didn’t ask any more questions. The only thing that truly mattered to him was that the parents interfering with his competent chief aide would soon be dealt with.

However, upon hearing Lady Sharon’s name, he suddenly remembered there was something he needed to discuss with her.

"When we return, contact Lady Sharon through the communicator. I have some things to say about this incident."

***

With Count Wallace imprisoned, the title was automatically inherited by his son.

However, the only things the young lord received were the name and the bloodline. The title itself had lost everything else, since all the Count’s property, land, real estate, and every other asset had to be given to the victims of the incident.

"At that point, isn’t recovery practically impossible?"

"Honestly, yeah. I heard the only thing he has left is the interest from the 5,000 gold he was previously gifted. On top of that, his reputation is in ruins, so it’s unlikely he’ll be able to marry into a new noble family. Most likely, he’ll end up selling the title altogether."

While explaining the current situation, Kenneth soon brought up the most important point.

"Other than the hereditary right to the Knight Commander’s post, which is going to be transferred to Sir Achilles Averil, all of Count Wallace’s assets will be split among Eskis, Sharon, and Wade. The main estate, which is the core of the inheritance, is going to Eskis, but our family got quite a bit too, both movable and immovable property."

"Then what do I get out of all this? Another building?"

"One of the mansions Wallace owned in the capital, two buildings located on Clermont and Ferrand Streets, a villa on the outskirts, and some money. As for the business rights and lands, Uncle registered those under the family name to use in future dealings with other nobles."

"That’s already quite a lot this time."

Faced with the huge fortune coming her way, Letticia let out a low whistle.

Though Count Wallace’s family didn’t have a fief, they'd accumulated wealth over four generations of serving as Knight Commander, through various business rights, lands near the capital, and real estate.

Now that it was all being divided, Letticia’s share was massive, on a completely different level from the compensation she had received from the Duke of Barthset or lesser nobles during her academy days.

"So how much do I have now? One mansion, three buildings in the busiest districts, a villa, and a decent pile of cash... Doesn’t that make me basically rich?"

"Pretty much. The only drawback is that aside from Faymont, there aren’t any businesses generating steady income. Still, if you decide to live in the mansion you received, you could start your newlywed life there with Sir Bright."

"If it's the mansion I got as compensation, Ez probably wouldn’t like that. I’ll put that idea on hold. More importantly, what about the buildings? Are there businesses renting them out?"

"There are, but none of them are particularly profitable. And listen, if you’re thinking of doing something new with them, don’t do it alone. That’s an order from Uncle."

When Kenneth narrowed his eyes and gave her a stern look, Letticia averted her gaze sheepishly. After securing Faymont and failing with everything else, her credibility in business had taken a hit and hadn’t fully recovered.

"I’m not that reckless. Maybe I’ll just talk to Chelsea about opening a second Faymont branch instead."

"Think carefully about that too. Location is important, but you also have to decide whether to make it exactly like the original or differentiate it with a new menu and concept."

"Ugh, just introduce me to one of your friends from school, someone who's a professional manager. I need a financial advisor too."

Getting overwhelmed by all the planning talk, Letticia waved her hand and asked for an expert to be brought in.

Kenneth sighed, seeming to agree that was for the best, and stood up.

"Fine. Better to hire someone who knows what they’re doing than force yourself to manage it all. I’ll write to Austin and ask if he knows anyone suitable."

"Also, please thank Count Selburne for helping with the public opinion thing."

Early on, when the rumors were spreading, Count Selburne had helped circulate the story of Letticia’s mistreatment among young noblemen. Thanks to him, it had made everything else that followed go more smoothly.

Patrick was also planning to invite him to a banquet at the Sharon estate as a gesture of gratitude, probably as an opportunity to introduce him to the high-ranking nobles.

‘But seriously, what should I do with all those buildings? Should I go check what kind of tenants are leasing them? I’ll need to see the mansion and the villa too… but when?’

As Letticia was mentally listing everything she had to deal with, someone knocked on the door Kenneth had just left through.

"My lady, there’s a message from Sir Bright."

"From Ez?"

Letticia’s eyes lit up, and she quickly accepted the communication crystal.

The moment Ezkhiel’s face appeared through the crystal, a smile broke across hers, and her voice instinctively turned sweet and affectionate.

"Ez, what brings you here at this hour? If you’re off work, do you want to stop by my place for some tea?"

—L-Letty, I’m still at work…!

Ezkhiel’s face turned beet red as he pressed a finger to his lips and shook his head. Letticia, realizing he might’ve contacted her while still working, asked in a lowered voice, surprised.

"Wait… then, was it okay for you to contact me during work?"

—Well… His Highness the Crown Prince told me to contact you. So…

"Don’t tell me… is His Highness right there with you?"

Ezkhiel nodded reluctantly and passed the communication crystal to the side, revealing a face like a finely sculpted statue.

Letticia inwardly groaned, 'Why do I have to see his face when I’m talking to my boyfriend?' but she kept her tone as polite as possible.

"It’s an honor to see you, Your Highness."

—Lady Sharon, you seem well, so I won’t bother asking.

It was clear he’d overheard the earlier exchange, and Letticia kept a straight face as she replied confidently.

"Seeing Your Highness looking healthy is a great blessing for the Empire. Though… I do wonder if I should be meeting Your Highness in this state…"

—Even though you’re currently Sir Bright’s lover, people used to say you were once my potential consort. No matter the reason, calling you directly like this isn’t ideal. Last time was unavoidable since you were already present at the palace and urgent communication was necessary. But I’d prefer not to have a debutante of marriageable age end up the subject of gossip.

"Your Highness's wisdom and consideration are truly admirable."

Letticia smiled and nodded. She also much preferred this method of communication to meeting Matthias in person.

"And judging from the fact that you’re contacting me like this, may I assume the results were satisfactory?"

—To be honest… they exceeded expectations. I now have a clearer sense of just how much influence the House of Sharon holds.

Surprisingly, Matthias openly praised her. So much so that even Letticia, who usually didn’t bother second-guessing things, was caught off guard, wondering if he was up to something.

🍓; *Wanting more would be presumptuous or selfish, something a naive or overly confident young person might do.