LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 85
As a mere Young Baron, I could meet the Emperor the moment I entered the palace.
Considering that a typical Young Baron has to wait for hours even after scheduling a meeting with the Emperor.
‘Some loyal nobles might collapse from gratitude for His Majesty’s divine presence.’
That’s their issue; I don’t see the Emperor as just a hereditary ruler of a nation, so I wouldn’t shed tears of admiration for him like that.
“Fabio de Medici Young Baron, I have come at your command, Your Majesty.”
“You may lift your head. No, please, sit comfortably.”
The Emperor gestured to his attendant, who brought out a chair for me to sit on.
It’s customary to refuse such graciousness twice before accepting on the third, but…
If they hurriedly brought something to me and I didn’t take it, that would be problematic.
So I sat down straight with my back perfectly upright, at a 90-degree angle.
‘If you say to sit comfortably and then actually do, it’s common knowledge you’ll be seen as disrespectful worldwide.’
If you believed that during an interview, you’d immediately fail, and if you went to your father-in-law’s house and took “make yourself at home” literally, you’d hear, “This marriage is opposed!”
“You must have been quite busy lately without a moment’s peace; I’m sorry to call you like this.”
“If Your Majesty calls, it’s a noble’s duty to crawl over, please do not say such things.”
“Your loyalty could serve as an exemplary lesson for many nobles. I value such things highly.”
“I am humbled by your words, Your Majesty.”
Right now, I’m not feeling too great.
It’s not only from working overtime for long periods, but also from having to play with a fierce and adorable beast named Chloe right after the hard work ended.
Sebastian jokingly said upon seeing me that I might end up in a hospital due to bone fatigue, and Chloe got scolded just a little by the head maid, which says it all.
‘Hospitals in this era are ominously neglectful; no matter how much money you have, they won’t even look at you unless you’re grievously ill.’
However, this situation might actually work in my favor.
The Emperor looks like he’s about to die from exhaustion, so he can’t help but accept my genuine loyalty without a doubt.
“When I was young, I burned myself out just like you, Young Baron Medici, working hard on my tasks. But if one doesn’t properly cool their head and body, just letting youthful fervor take over leads to great suffering later on.”
Some corporate chairperson once said this.
‘Those who claim success by sleeping only four hours a day are all liars! A person must sleep well to work well!’
So that person managed mountains of work every day and still slept for a full eight hours.
He also valued his family greatly and even had time for flings on top of that.
In any case, it’s true that if a person overexerts themselves, both physically and mentally, they will quickly degrade.
‘I keep Chloe around for my mental stability.’
Unless it’s a special case where Spice Guild members are driving me to the brink, I sleep for over seven hours a day.
To endure for a long time, good sleep is essential.
The Emperor sighed while pointing at his own head.
“I also studied diligently, sleeping only four hours until I turned 35, working hard in governance, and ended up with migraines. I’m doing better now, but back then, there were whispers about having to pass the throne to the 13-year-old crown prince. Normally, I’d have presented a sad fate to those despicable families, but because I couldn’t even eat properly at that time, I thought it reasonable to show them mercy.”
This is what it meant that my father almost faced a purge at my age.
One day, for reasons unknown, heads of 3 count houses, 5 viscount houses, and 15 baron houses submitted resignation letters claiming “illness.”
The Emperor mercifully locked the parties involved away rather than being severe.
“I will keep that in mind; I will not forget to take proper breaks from now on.”
“This is imperial command. You must live a long life and devote yourself to the Empire.”
For a moment, it felt like the Emperor flicked his tongue, kind of like someone savoring something, but maybe it’s just my imagination?
I, too, will retire and rest when I reach a decent age.
I definitely won’t become an old Emperor like Hwang-hee who only retired in his mid-80s.
“As one grows older, I too am not the same as I used to be. I suppose that’s why it delights me to hear about the exploits of the young. So, tell me, how on earth did you manage not only to escape the pressure of the Spice Guild but also successfully retaliate against them?”
The Emperor and Duke Visconti are both in their late 60s.
Both should have already passed their positions to their successors and retired.
However, great responsibility requires colossal capability.
Whether they are royals or nobles, it’s hard for children and parents to be close, yet there are hardly any parents who do not cherish their children.
Training successors is not just for the children but for the family, their hometown, and their way of life.
‘All meaning in life for nobles resides in the family.’
I am no exception.
Thus, such “joys of life” arise in trying to find decent young ones for the successors.
Plus, it’s probably exciting to hear passionate stories from the youth.
“This might take a while, Your Majesty.”
“Why would I call you at this late hour for no reason? Ah, and I’ve heard about matters regarding the Deus Knights through others, so don’t try to hide anything when you speak.”
Although it’s called late, it’s only 7 PM, but according to this era, it’s the time when everyone finishes their work, including those who stay late.
Hearing that, I cut out unnecessary or unspeakable parts and added filler to parts the Emperor would likely enjoy.
High-ranking individuals always desire “concise and precise reports,” but…
‘I want to see everything about you. So spill it all.’
I have to oblige.
I slowly wrapped up my voice, easing into a more relaxed tone.
“I have imposed very strict punishment only on the guild master and the executives of the Spice Guild, while secretly sending a code to the remaining merchants stating ‘they can be held accountable but will not be pursued,’ thus achieving revenge without coming off as easy to anyone while benefiting the merchants. Therefore, I believe this was the best course of action I could have taken in this situation.”
After listening to me, the Emperor applauded.
It wasn’t just any applause but one mixed with considerable admiration.
If it were graded, it would be an A, or given the hours he invested in listening to my tale, an A+.
“I can see why Duke Ducat earnest asked me to appoint you seriously as the Quartermaster of the brigade.”
The position of the Quartermaster was originally created before high-ranking individuals retired, designed to allow them to reach the rank of colonel.
However, if one assumes that rank, they officially become a colonel.
‘A colonel in their early 20s? That’s outrageous.’
There were indeed colonels in their late 20s and generals in their 30s during the Korean War… but our Toscan Empire Army isn’t in as dire a situation as the National Army during the Korean War.
“There was a lot of talk when I forced your appointment in the Quartermaster position, but now even those who opposed it back then are crying and praising the Emperor’s decision. So if you are promoted a rank and possibly appointed as a deputy chief based on that old merit, I believe you won’t disappoint me.”
No, I dislike the military.
I’ve had enough of just having been a major once; please don’t stick that ‘major conquests’ title in the corner of the closet and make it ‘colonel conquests.’
“Well, if that’s what you want, I can make it happen.”
“There’s a book that led me to discover seaweed, and it said that if one rises to prominence at a young age, they won’t meet a good end. I fear I won’t be able to handle Your Majesty’s grace.”
It’s courtesy to add a phrase like “I’m inadequate” normally.
But saying I’m deficient after boasting for hours is something no one learns as proper decorum.
“Honestly, I thought you and Duke Visconti would ask for help regarding the Spice Guild’s tyranny, but I’m quite astonished you resolved it all on your own. I’d love to reward you for your cleverness, but it seems you’ve taken all the rights you could as a tax contractor. Also, the naturalization of the Deus Knights is officially attributed to Duke Visconti, so I can’t directly give you anything.”
The Emperor looked at me and asked.
“What do you desire?”
There’s only one thing I desire right now.
“I want a broader sea, to explore the world beyond the ocean.”