Overpowered Extra Noble in a Novel

20.

Living things are all quite similar, aren’t they.

I didn’t expect to understand that saying here.

“The first agenda item is the weather forecast from the Skywatch Tower…”

The administrative meeting began in a calm atmosphere.

Each department recited ongoing business plans and the progress of existing policies in turn, and complicated and difficult words echoed throughout the conference room.

Previously reported items were lightly acknowledged with a nod, and urgent matters were explained in detail as needed.

Under the guidance of Iris and Alberto, the meeting flowed smoothly.

The sight of the pillars of the nation exchanging serious opinions was rather refreshing.

Yes, everyone is of a certain age and holds important positions. Even if they usually act childish, they do their part when it’s time.

It’s far more interesting than listening to tedious lectures from experts.

Certainly that was the case…

After the long report, there was a brief recess, and then the real meeting began.

“Lastly, the proposal for the first half and next year’s budget.”

With Alberto’s final words, tension rippled through the conference room.

“Let’s start with remarks from the Inner Palace.”

The clerk of the Inner Palace stood up, the conference room silent as a grave.

And then, with the official’s statement, the conference room heated up.

Just how childish can people get?

It’s the same here as it was in my past life; people become pitiful when it comes to money.

“You already got a budget last time! And now you’re asking for more? Where are you throwing all that money?”

“Wh-! Shut your mouth! You’re just an incompetent pig that leeches off our earnings!”

“What did you say!”

The large conference room was filled with loud voices and papers flying about.

The high-ranking officials who were supposed to be managing the affairs of the state had transformed the grand conference room into what looked like a brawl in the Northern District.

“Ooh…”

Two middle-aged nobles were pointing fingers at each other, shouting louder than anyone else in the conference room.

Judging by their attire, they belong to different factions.

“Say that again!”

“Did you hit your head on a rock during training? The pigeon I raise is smarter than you.”

The noble of the Western faction’s face was red as a beet as he trembled with anger.

Staring furiously at the noble of the Eastern faction with bloodshot eyes, he suddenly laughed and shouted.

“So you’re saying the only thing you can think of with that big brain of yours is to cheat on your wife?”

“Huh..?”

“Do you really think no one knows about how you frequently visit the lower districts? For a man your age, you’re very busy. I’m sure your wife will absolutely love that.”

The Eastern faction noble abruptly stood up.

Likewise, the Western faction noble stood up as well.

In an instant, gloves flew through the air, crossing each other, and without a moment’s delay, both rushed to the center of the conference room to exchange punches.

“You dog of the West…!”

“Filthy scum, take care of your own trousers…!”

In the blink of an eye, a fight broke out.

As other nobles approached to try and break it up…

“That lord is committing adultery with Lady Karisen!”

“You! Malefian!”

“That Chamelle Count of yours keeps a young male beastkin as a concubine and leads a very decadent lifestyle!”

“What! Who is this scum insulting me!”

The one-on-one fight quickly escalated into a group brawl, and for a while, the conference room was filled with heavy punches and curses.

I understand why Alberto said no weapons were allowed in the conference room.

If there were swords, the meeting would have been completely impossible to continue, and someone’s arm would surely have flown off.

The Southern faction was cheering from the corner of the conference room, egging the fight on.

As for those not affiliated with any faction, they could only sigh at this chaotic situation.

Alberto continued reporting the meeting details as if nothing was happening, and Iris also looked around the conference room with a familiar indifferent gaze.

“…”

It feels similar to when I mediated between Ruben and the neighboring village’s disputes.

Even when two directors who didn’t get along slapped each other in a drunken state, it wasn’t this bad.

“This is a mess.”

Iris’s veil moved slightly.

*

“Steward, is this what the administrative meeting is usually like?”

After the administrative meeting resembling a mud-wrestling match ended, I headed to the small conference room for the last schedule of the day, a meeting with the two dukes.

“In the past, it was fine, but after the factions split, the year-end meetings, in particular, became especially intense.”

Alberto nodded slowly.

I see, factions started forming when the previous emperor was still alive. This has been going on for quite a while.

There was a certain meeting room in my previous life that felt the same.

Who would have thought I’d witness it firsthand? It really makes you feel the weight of reaching a high position.

“Only useless information was obtained. It’s like they’re deliberately telling me things I truly didn’t want to know.”

Someone’s count is apparently as big as barley.

A certain viscount allegedly changes male companions nightly.

There are records of Count Chamelle venturing into the Southern Grand Forest to bring in a male beastkin as a husband.

Lord Chamelle’s story was shouted by the Southern faction in the chaotic conference room.

Judging by how they were stoking the fire at certain intervals, the Southern faction, despite being fewer in number, does a good job of fanning the flames.

“There were even those secretly diverting supplies.”

“It worsens especially as winter approaches. We’ve cleaned it up on a large scale before… but it seems a reinvestigation is necessary.”

“This year’s harvests have largely been poor as far as I remember. If we’re to distribute food, this matter requires prompt handling.”

“Yes, I understand.”

While conversing with Alberto, the door to the small conference room far ahead came into view.

The small conference room was located opposite the large one. We’ve arrived.

Sending the accompanying maids and knights away, I continued the conversation with Alberto as we walked.

“Iris… Her Majesty must have endured a lot. Even when entering the meeting.”

“Haha, at such a young age, enduring that position so properly. I’ve watched her grow up since she was a child, and she truly is an admirable person.”

Alberto’s expression spoke of melancholy as he spoke.

Looking out the window as he walked, he had a hazy gaze as if lost in memories.

Alberto quietly opened his mouth while silently stepping forward.

“Still, it’s fortunate.”

When I looked at Alberto, he turned his head and faintly smiled.

“Her Majesty has loyal allies. I’m getting old as well, and the nobles’ pressures were starting to weigh heavily on me. I was feeling the limits with just a few people.”

We stopped our steps at the conference room.

Before opening the door, Alberto bowed to me.

“Pardon me, I humbly request your future support for Her Majesty. Your Grace, the Duke.”

“Of course. I also find strength in having Sir Alberto here.”

“It would have been better if that Randel was here too…”

Alberto lightly clicking his tongue, I smiled awkwardly and responded.

“My teacher is still recuperating, but he said he’ll come when the time is right.”

“The Erremwald Manor is being well managed. The future looks promising. Then…”

Alberto trailed off as he grasped the handle of the small conference room and opened the firmly closed door with force.

Swish-

As the conference room door opened, the two dukes stood up from their seats.

The glinting snake and lion crests on their collars.

Like the crests of their houses, these two are reminiscent of a snake and a lion.

Kierson Lucanov, the Duke with long black hair and a slim build.

Vanell Schrantz, the Duke with short brown hair and a robust frame.

The two who exchanged quick glances gave each other slight nods.

Once I took the honored seat, they sat back down and I addressed the two silent individuals first.

“So, the busy dukes, why have you requested a meeting?”

As I leisurely opened the conversation, the two stared at me without speaking.

Say whatever you want; I’ll listen.

I crossed my arms and waited, and Vanell Schrantz was the first to speak.

“Duke Macbilian. What do you think of this Altain?”

What do I think of Altain?

I looked at Vanell with an enquiring gaze, and he resumed speaking with a stern expression.

“Our country is on the brink of ruin. As we speak, countless people are dying in various regions. Whether it’s these abnormal creatures or anything else, nothing has been resolved.”

Vanell’s steady gaze was directed at me.

“Our war with Sylvester may have ended, but the retreat was merely temporary. With the disappearance of the Swordmaster Ascendant, there’s not long until the rematch with Sylvester.”

Taking a glance at Kierson, who was watching with interest, Vanell continued his speech.

“At a time when all citizens should unite as one, factions are dividing the nation, and each is solely interested in increasing their own wealth.”

After Vanell’s words, laughter echoed through the small conference room.

When I turned my head, Kierson Lucanov was glaring at Vanell with sharp eyes.

“Truly audacious, coming from someone who feasts at the forefront of factionalism. Though you sound concerned about the future of the empire, perhaps you’re equally blinded by your own power?”

Kierson’s mockery was met with a calm response from Vanell.

“Hmm, perhaps words from someone who sweeps away crows should be taken with a grain of salt.”

“An interesting statement. Have you eaten some medicine, Schrantz? Or have you gone mad from waving your sword at too many crows?”

The sight of the two dukes growling at each other.

A brief but lively exchange.

“Ravens…”

The raven symbolizes the Falenberg royal family, the Altain imperial household.

It’s also a euphemism used among nobles to refer to the imperial family.

“To revitalize the empire, the military and intelligence agencies must be utilized to control the empire. I can help with that. I won’t mince words. Duke Macbilian.”

Vanell placed his family crest on the table and slid it toward me.

“The young empress is incompetent, no different from the previous emperor. By my side, you must sweep away the insects. This is the only way to protect the empire. Utilize us to bring order to the empire.”

The lord of the Western faction had made a rather bold and impertinent statement.

This could easily be construed as an insult to the royal family.

Yet, Vanell gazed at me calmly, holding out the crest.

During the staring contest, there was a metallic clink.

Kierson did the same, placing his family crest on the table and speaking.

“Duke Macbilian. From the standpoint of overseeing the administration and finances of this nation, it’s undeniable that the empire is collapsing.”

The head of the Eastern faction continued with a calm demeanor.

“Sylvester grows stronger with each passing moment. Even his subordinate vassal states are trying to break free. As we can see with the misconduct of the Southern faction. Not to mention the military and security sectors.”

He gave Vanell a sidelong glance before turning his gaze elsewhere.

“However, if you ally with me, the East will follow your directive. The entirety of the empire’s merchants and wealth will support you.”

Kierson’s lips curled into a smirk.

Somewhere in my mind, I noted his serpentine impression while he continued.

“The royal family is nothing more than an empty shell now, having shown the nation its end. But with the presence of a duke like yourself, things can change. Eliminate those blinded by power and absorb all their influence. With vast wealth, you shall achieve glory far greater than anyone else.”

With that, the two dukes presented their crests.

Snake and lion.

The dual engines of imperial power extended their hands to me.

It was a choice that couldn’t be refused. For a moment, I closed my eyes.

When I closed my eyes to find peace, Alberto’s words surfaced in my mind.

‘All the citizens of the empire are beneath Their Majesties and Your Grace.’

‘She endures her position steadfastly.’

‘Thank you for being an ally to Her Majesty.’

And ever since I accepted the selection ritual, arriving at the imperial palace, meeting Iris in the audience chamber.

The words I shared with her, devoid of feeling, and my own resolve as I gazed upon the sea of gold.

My hesitation was brief.

Opening my eyes, I picked up the snake crest.

Kierson’s eyes sparkled, and Vanell’s face stiffened.

I continued by picking up the lion crest as well.

The expressions of the two dukes became interesting upon my actions.

I lifted the crests.

Crack.

And crushed them.

“Ah, so this is what you wanted to say when you requested the meeting. Duke Lucanov, Duke Schrantz.”

I roughly slammed the broken crests on the table.

The sharp metal edges tore into the flesh of my hand slightly, and the blood dripped onto the shattered crests.

“If you’re an imperial noble, you should properly support Her Majesty the Empress to lead the country to prosperity and strength. There are no exceptions, even for those who rule the factions. Am I wrong?”

I smiled while looking directly into the determined eyes of the two dukes.

“I’ve thoroughly listened to your grievances, and I appreciate your efforts so far. I look forward to your continued dedication to Her Majesty and the Empire in the future.”

A gentle refusal.

Leaving the two dukes staring down at the blood-stained crests, I exited the conference room.

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