Chapter 106: Single, 21 years old, and very influential (1)

༺ Single, 21 years old, and very influential (1) ༻

The Krasius family was one of the noble families directly under the control of the Emperor, and it was a prestigious military family with a territory near the Capital. Simply put, we were like the Emperor’s hunting dogs or pets.

However, a dog raised by a top official was more prestigious than a commoner, especially when the owner was the Emperor. In that case, the dog also had a high status.

That was why noble families like the Krasius household were considered good marriage partners in social circles. Since we were closely affiliated with the Emperor, one would often receive unexpected benefits when marrying into a family like ours.

Moreover, if a noble from such a family subtly dropped a name in front of the Emperor like, ‘My in-law is...’ then it was a sure shot to success. No matter how suspicious the Emperor was about someone, he wouldn’t kill someone recommended by his beloved pet.

To sum it up, I was also considered a prime catch in social circles. The proposals have stopped since last year for some reason, but I received quite a few besides Marghetta’s before that.

“Don’t sweat about the small stuff and focus on what needs to be done.”

The Patriarch spoke those words after the Great War. He referred to noble marriages as trivial matters and asked me to work harder for the Emperor.

Thanks to him, I haven’t been concerned about marriage until now, but it was getting harder. While the Patriarch thought that things would naturally sort themselves out if left alone, Mother seemed to be running out of patience.

“Did it come today?”

“Yes, it arrived at lunch.”

I nodded at the butler’s words and checked the letter’s contents. If my mother had sent a letter, then there would probably be no other reason than a marriage proposal.

‘She held out for quite long.’

I’ve been using the Patriarch’s words as a shield, but it seems she’s reached her limit. It was understandable. In a few more years, I would be out of the ideal marriageable age range. Which mother would sit by and watch her eldest son become a bachelor?

The letter began with the usual pleasantries. There were comments about the weather, inquiries about my health, her being proud of my services for the Empire and the Imperial Family, and wishing me to visit the territory more often. Typical things a mother would say to her son.

Unfortunately, our relationship wasn’t as warm as the letter suggested.

“So I’d like you to come to our territory.”

After scanning through the letter, I finally found the main request at the end. She was asking both me and my little brother to not only stay in the Capital and come to visit our territory.

Well, I guess I should show up. If I went to the mansion, I’d probably be bombarded with marriage talks. However, rumors might spread that the Krasius family was crumbling if I didn’t visit them.

Just as I was about to fold the letter, I noticed that there was one more sentence at the bottom.

“I heard you have other guests with you. If they’re okay with it, bring them too.”

‘What...?’

My mind went blank at the unexpected sentence. Bring those idiots along?

‘Damn it.’

They’ve been looking for an opportunity to leave the capital anyway, so they would surely agree.

I stared blankly at the letter for a while until the butler cautiously spoke, pulling me back to reality.

I’m sorry, Marghetta. You’ve done your best to try and prevent the club members from leaving the Capital, but I’m about to break it with my own hands.

***

I got to enjoy dinner in the mansion for the first time in a while instead of the office. I shouldn’t be pleased by such trivial things, but I was.

“With oppa here, it finally feels like we’re in your mansion.”

Louise said with a smile, and her words pierced my heart. Although Louise said it with positive intentions, I couldn’t help but feel that I’ve been neglecting my guests too much.

To make things worse, I had to leave the mansion tomorrow. It wasn’t simply going to work either, but going to another region. Besides, it wasn’t just me, but everyone.

‘Damn it.’

“...”

If the head butler was concerned, then I probably looked like a victim of overworking to others. But when I looked in the mirror, I saw my usual face.

‘Seems like being overworked has become common for me.’

Without realizing it, a fatigued expression became my default face. Four years was a long time.

As I was lost in those bitter thoughts, the butler brought up another topic, perhaps trying to change the mood.

— The lady had missed the Young Master. While Master Erich stayed in the territory until his enrollment at the Academy, you’ve only been staying in the Capital.

“I’ve been too busy to visit. Fortunately, the Patriarch seemed to understand.”

However, I wasn’t particularly interested in the topic, so I answered with a hint of indifference. Mother missed me? I wonder if that’s really the case.

She wasn’t evil or abusive, but she also wasn’t particularly affectionate either. In some ways, she was as neglectful as the Patriarch.

It wouldn’t matter if it was just towards me, who possessed this body. However, she wasn’t particularly affectionate towards Erich either, who was her son in both body and soul.

After noticing my mood, the butler awkwardly smiled and spoke.

— The Young Master will understand her true feelings once you talk with the lady.

“That would be nice.”

Of course, I hadn’t run away from home because I hated my parents but because I was too busy in the Capital. Knowing their true feelings now didn’t seem like it’d make any difference, either.

In the middle of all this, the head butler didn’t say that the Patriarch wanted to see me. He must have thought that it wasn’t very likely, which was very honest of him.

After I informed the butler of my travel plans...

— Are you going to the territory of Count Tailglehen?

There was one more person I had to report to.

— I heard that you just managed to complete all the piled-up tasks today. What a pity.

‘This bastard.’

The Crown Prince, who provoked me as naturally as he breathed, was the last person I had to report to. A flock of royals would leave the Capital, so I should at least tell him where they were going.

— At least you’ll have some free time. Isn’t that fortunate?

= You bastard. Are you taking advantage of my grace and going somewhere else since I said you didn’t have to go to work every day?

“Thanks to that, I could prepare for unexpected events.”

= I don’t like it either, so shut up.

From the Crown Prince’s perspective, it must be both absurd and amusing. He’d generously given me the privilege of not having to come to work every day and stay in the mansion. Yet, despite receiving such a benefit, I was about to leave the capital with the royals voluntarily.

He must be wondering what was wrong with me. I was leaving with the ticking bombs, though, so he probably wouldn’t say anything to stop me.

— If anything happens, feel free to tell me. Even if they’re outside of the Capital, they’re still guests of the Empire.

= I don’t want to miss your struggling expression, so keep me updated.

The Crown Prince ended the call with a final taunt.

What a jerk. Was he really the next Emperor?

Well, he was better than the 2nd Prince, but was he really the best choice?

It was a day filled with sorrow as I thought of the Empire’s bleak future.

You can rate/review this series here.