NOVEL NEXT Chapter 44
“Your Majesty. This is a case that is nearly unprecedented. My officials and I fear that there may be instances of this matter being exploited in the future.”
“I am not saying that no merits have been achieved. However, this reward has gone too far.”
Before the outcries of the officials, the Emperor appeared deep in thought, humming to himself.
There’s nothing wrong with their claim. In fact, I anticipated that such a situation might arise.
Even the Crown Princess, who had listened to the Emperor’s words, had worried at first.
She felt it was a bit excessive, and that the ministers would never accept it.
“Everyone, please be quiet.”
As the Emperor raised his hand, the Minister of the Palace sternly restrained the others.
When the grand hall fell into silence, the Emperor spoke in a very calm voice.
“I have heard your opinions well. Do you think I haven’t considered the issues arising from this decision? I too have pondered for days. I worried whether future generations might find themselves in embarrassment because of my choice.”
“Your Majesty!”
“However, my resolve regarding this matter is firm. Let us not discuss this any further. What you must do now is reward those who have devoted their utmost for the Empire.”
I have heard your earnest advice. I do not mean to blatantly disregard your intentions.
But this ultimately reflects the Emperor’s will. I will consider any further discussion as crossing a line.
At the Emperor’s gentle warning, the ministers reluctantly withdrew.
“Minister.”
The Minister of the Palace, who remained by the Emperor’s side, bowed his head at the Emperor’s call.
“What do you think?”
“Your Majesty possesses profound insight, and I believe there are matters you alone are observing.”
“Hm.”
After gazing thoughtfully at the minister for a moment, the Emperor opened his mouth again.
“Listen, Benny. I will ask you again. What do you think?”
The minister, Benjamin, had served him since his days as a prince. They were both a sovereign and a minister, but also long-time friends who knew each other well.
That the Emperor would use a nickname made the minister hesitate before answering.
“Their concerns are not entirely misplaced, Your Majesty.”
“Indeed. There are no precedents. It has been quite some time since anyone received such a significant reward.”
“There have been instances in the history of the Empire, but most of those were during the era of the Great Emperor…”
As the minister trailed off, the Emperor burst into laughter.
Exactly, that’s why. Has there been another instance, besides the Great Emperor’s era, where one person has had such a monumental influence?
“However, I do not doubt Your Majesty’s intentions. I know you are wise. Seeing you maintain your decision despite their advice, there must be a valid reason behind it. I will simply trust and follow.”
“Thank you, Benny. Thank you, Minister.”
The Emperor replied thus and handed the official document reflecting his decision to the minister.
[ Duke of Bertier Empire, Kael Clausewitz. His contributions during this Eastern campaign were significant. The territory of Neomes, currently managed as a royal demesne, is to be granted to him.]
The region of Neomes, when referred to as a territory, indicates its vastness.
In terms of area, it’s nearly equivalent to a marquisate. To grant it in its entirety is not a small matter.
Moreover, within it sits one of the leading trade cities in the Empire.
This is not land that needs to be developed or just being opened up.
It is, quite literally, a treasure being granted without reservation, hence the murmurs.
Furthermore, there was an additional point which sparked further opposition from the officials.
[ The region of Neomes will henceforth be managed as a territory belonging to Duke Kael Clausewitz’s lineage.]
It is common for those who have achieved military merit to receive titles or land.
However, most cases pertain only to the individual and usually cease to apply to their descendants.
It is nearly unheard of to have such a complete grant noted from the outset.
“Loyal subjects.”
Despite the Emperor’s will being manifest, those who stubbornly offered advice with concern for the future were pleasingly loyal ministers, making the Emperor smile.
Soon they would understand why their Emperor made such a decision.
‘After all, that young man must also be well aware of what this means.’
Ah, speaking of which. The Emperor summoned someone who was nearby.
He ordered for the Second Princess, Isabelle, to be summoned.
*
After returning to the Empire, discussions of rewards for the Eastern campaign began.
First on the agenda were, of course, the commanders and soldiers who fought on the front lines.
Among them, the 12th Legion, who had valiantly held the Pavilion region, and the 7th Legion, who achieved victory against Burgai.
[ A reward for the 12th Legion Commander and the 7th Legion Commander… equivalent to double the current salary for the frontline commanders… for each legion’s soldiers… ]
This is indeed the Empire. Not by enforcing patriotism, but igniting it naturally.
Materialism, you say? Well, rewards must come first for honor or patriotism to flourish.
There’s no hope for a country that talks about patriot pay or burning passion.
Why am I so sure? Well, it’s thanks to some rather unpleasant memories from my previous life.
In any case, many others were rewarded per the imperial decree.
Included were nobles who supported both financially and materially from the East.
One fascinating detail is that there was almost no mention of the Princess in all of this.
Despite her significant contributions, the Emperor left no specific words for her.
Later on, it may come to pass that the ministers strongly petition to have her included among those honored.
But at this very moment, she was absent from the official awards ceremony.
‘Perhaps to show that she did what was required as a member of the Imperial Family.’
If that’s not the case, perhaps she participated unofficially?
Hmm… could be. But then, isn’t my situation similar?
Seeing as I too was not a commander in a legion, but merely a soldier?
[ Duke of Bertier Empire, Kael Clausewitz. His contributions during this Eastern campaign were significant. The territory of Neomes, currently managed as a royal demesne, is to be granted to him.]
“…”
Finally, upon hearing my name and the subsequent reward, I was taken aback.
Did I hear that wrong? Perhaps I misread it or something?
The region of Neomes? Not a part of it, nor a city, but the entire region?
Are they really granting it in an inherited format??
“My word.”
I was not the only one taken aback. The Princess beside me was equally astonished.
She had been saying that I would receive an appropriate reward for my merits.
But now, it seemed she hadn’t anticipated such a grand one.
“I never expected the Emperor would grant the entire region of Neomes.”
“Neither did I, I couldn’t even imagine this, Your Highness.”
Simply put, this is approximately the same area as our Duke of Bertier Empire.
And not just an area of similar size, but one that is already well-developed.
It’s not the royal demesne for nothing—fertile land, plenty of people, and active commerce.
It is genuinely land too precious to give away. A treasure meant to be passed down through generations.
And yet, the Emperor generously bestowed it to me as a reward.
“Seems like… there might be some chatter about this. Is that okay?”
With a worried look and voice, the Princess spoke to me.
I thought for a moment and replied, “Perhaps.”
“Perhaps? Prince Kael seems unusually calm despite saying he never imagined it.”
“That’s because, no matter how generously this is given by His Majesty, it feels like a sort of advance payment for the duties I must fulfill.”
“Advance payment… you say?”
Indeed. It’s a request for me to work hard for the Empire in the future.
If not, there would be no reason for the Emperor to do this in the face of opposition from his own officials.
Showing favoritism towards a specific individual brings no significant gain.
It would only attract sharp-eyed individuals toward that person.
The Emperor certainly knows this. So, doing so indicates a reward as well as a test.
By doing this, it means I must prove myself to others moving forward.
“…For now, I’ll rise first. The command from His Majesty is to return to the palace.”
“Yes, Your Highness. I will see you later.”
“Of course. As the brilliant strategist responsible for this victory, I’m sure I’ll receive invitations from all sorts of places.”
The Princess said so, gave me a farewell, and stood up.
‘That strategist business again.’
After seeing her off, I sat for a moment, cradling my throbbing head.
They keep calling me a genius and strategist, but I’ve said countless times—I’m not that sort of person!
I’m simply picking up bits of knowledge I happen to know.
At any moment, my limitations could be revealed. Should that happen, my fall would be swift.
And above all, the title of strategist feels far too burdensome.
When I think of a strategist, I think of individuals with remarkable skills capable of overshadowing the world.
Those who could easily lead a nation on their own, and whose exploits are remembered for millennia.
People whose genius doesn’t even begin to describe their worth. Truly gifted individuals from heaven.
That’s what a real strategist is. One ought to be of such caliber to be called that.
I’m merely skimming the surface—a strategist cosplayer, perhaps.
“All things considered, since I’ve been awarded something, I’ll have to suck it up and put in the effort…”
I wonder if I can really manage that? It’s not just whining; I’m genuinely unsure.