547 – Purple Coronet, Blue Blood – 6

The reason why Rizzanstadt became a city confederation that was embarrassing to call a fiefdom was because of the absence of a legitimate leader.

The ducal family that ruled Riesanstadt was cut off, no family took over the dukedom after it, and even the king, who was supposed to resolve the situation, lost prestige due to a crushing defeat, so is there any solution? Thanks to this, Rizzanstadt has become a battleground for young and old people.

“As of now, the Imperial Army is in charge of security in the Rizzanstadt area, and anyone who causes disturbance will be punished according to the strict Imperial laws.”

However, once the easy-to-understand authority and military power of the imperial army entered, Rizzanstadt, which had been in chaos for 30 years, returned to a deceptive sense of peace.

For the imperial army, this is indeed a fortunate thing. If Rizzanstadt had moved along a single chain of command, the imperial army that had to deal with the duchy would also have suffered significant damage, but Rizzanstadt was unable to join forces until the moment the imperial army entered. Rather, I quickly lowered my head as if competing.

It’s a bat-like behavior, but it’s completely understandable. When the Warring States Period first began, the surrenderers would have been burning with ambition to become the real rulers of the duchy.

However, the competition that lasted for 30 years was enough to turn ambitious people into petty citizens. Although he was the one in power, he probably wanted to spend his final years in peace while being guaranteed the safety of his city or small territory.

“However, officials from various parts of Rizzanstadt will respect local customs through advice from local people, so do not be afraid and engage in your livelihood.”

Therefore, the 6th Corps commander mentioned the advice of locals and implied that the rights of the surrenderers would be guaranteed. To be honest, we only need to fill the vacant duke position, there is no need to get involved beyond that.

If you replace those who can be considered high-ranking positions in the first place, it is also a task to fill them again. In that case, Rissanstadt, which should be a pro-imperial puppet territory, may become a nuisance instead of playing its role. It is a situation where the reward of taking control is disappearing.

‘Who should I trust this to?’

However, guaranteeing the rights of surrenderers is not full of advantages. The new Duke of Rissanstadt must control the madmen who have been fighting like dogs for 30 years. There is a high probability that he will live as a group project leader rather than a operative for a while.

The more I thought about it, the more a small feeling of guilt filled my head. When choosing a marquis in the North, there was no need to feel sorry because it was like giving a favor one-sidedly, but giving him a dukedom here is similar to pushing him into hell rather than giving him a favor.

‘I might not be able to hold on and escape.’

Moreover, the worst case scenario must also be considered. The worst situation is that the duke, who was chosen at best, cannot overcome the excessive work stress and runs away.

Whether it is escape from the world or escape from this world.

‘…I guess that guy is the only one.’

I patted his head roughly and sighed.

A person who is cooperative with the empire, has the authority to become a duke even if forced, has the ability to sort out the chaotic Rizzanstadt, and has a sense of responsibility or reason not to escape just because he is chosen.

‘Margin Baek.’

Margrave Dalihaten is actively serving in the expeditionary force. As of now, that person is the best candidate.

Considering his contribution to opening the border to the empire and his military service, I can give him as much as a duke’s seal. As for his abilities, I saw him receiving love from the locals in Baekryeong, so there is no need to check him.

“What greater honor could there be than to be able to establish a royal family that will lead the kingdom as a nobleman? It is no exaggeration to say that I have enjoyed everything, and I plan to pass the title on to my son when I am finished.”

Even when we spoke a few days ago, the Margrave was full of thoughts of passing the title on to his children.

‘I can’t do anything anywhere.’

It’s a shame… No, I couldn’t help but give extra points to his pure appearance without being too greedy.

Are you resigning from the position of margrave? Then there will be enough time for work. Pass on the title of Marginal Count to his son his? I have a son close to the empire border, so I won’t run away.

So there is only the Margrave. I haven’t seen all the nobles since I haven’t even entered the capital of Leon yet, but considering my first father-in-law, ‘I killed everyone I could see,’ I don’t think there will be a better talent than the Margrave.

‘Sooner or later, I will have to have a private party.’

Of course, I have no intention of handing over the duke’s position without the consent of the person involved.

It is right to reach an amicable agreement that satisfies both parties through discussion as a civilized person.

Crossed the Jibroya River and entered the capital of Leon.

In fact, if the treaty concluded with Count Nerkap at the Academy was followed, there would be no need for the Empire to cross the Zbroya River. It was decided that the area south of the Jibroya River would be in charge of the Empire, and the area north of it would be in charge of Armain.

Still, it is strange that an expeditionary force that entered a foreign country to establish a new royal family did not even set foot in the capital of that country. It was decided to make an exception for the capital and treat it as a joint management area until the two countries withdraw.

“Welcome! I am Maynard Clus of Iskertal, commander of the Leon Expeditionary Force of the Armaine Kingdom Army!”

As I entered the capital, a large man greeted me with a cheerful smile.

“Thank you for the great welcome. This is Josef Renner, Commander of the Leon Expeditionary Force of the Kpelopen Imperial Army.”

The commander of the 6th Corps, whose face hardened for a moment at Marquis Iskertal’s greeting, quickly calmed his expression and gave a friendly response.

‘It’s late as expected.’

He was the commander of the 6th Corps who took quick action, saying he could not be slower than Armain, but unfortunately, the capital of Leon was biased towards the north. Unless Armain crawls on all fours, it is natural for Armain to enter first.

Nevertheless, the reason why the 6th Corps commander gritted his teeth is simple. Unlike the Marquis Iskertal, who is a noble by title and a high-ranking noble, the commander of the 6th Legion is a baron. If the two commanders met, they might be somewhat crushed due to the overwhelming difference in status, so they tried to occupy the capital first.

Moreover, looking at Armain’s mood, it seems like they have just entered the country. Since the advantage was lost by a narrow margin, the 6th Corps commander must have felt like coughing up blood.

“This is Carl Crasius of Tyglehen, Inspector General of the Expeditionary Force.”

However, that happened when the 6th Legion commander had to deal with the Marquis Iskertal alone. Fortunately, there is someone else in charge of the Marquis Iskertal.

“Oh.”

And the Marquis Iskertal must have had me in mind from the beginning, as he expressed a small admiration for my greeting and reached out to shake my hand.

“Wow, I never thought I would meet the best sword on the continent in Leon, which is not even an empire. I was a little surprised.”

“I also had no idea that the Marquis, who served as Commander-in-Chief of the General Army, would come all the way here.”

The usual well-wishes were exchanged, but the eyes of the Marquis and I did not smile.

What the Marquis just said was, ‘Isn’t it against the law for a so-called powerful person in the empire to come to such a remote area?’ It was a subtle protest, and I said, ‘Is it okay for the marquis, who even served as commander, to harass the baron’s child?’ Because he hit me like that.

“Haha, I didn’t know, but what can I do? As a soldier, I’m just carrying out His Majesty’s orders!”

After a short silence, Marquis Iskertal laughed again and shook his head.

He said he came here only because there was an order,

“I think it’s probably something that even the best sword can sympathize with…”

With the words, “Are you the same as me?”

“Bureaucrats and soldiers are all there.”

“Hehe, that’s such a shame.”

The Marquis Iskertal shook my hand as if he was satisfied with my answer.

Yes, this level of exploration is enough. It’s not like we met in a hostile relationship to fight more fiercely than this.

“For now, let’s stop standing like this and go to the royal castle. Shouldn’t we at least offer some consolation to those who are saddened by the death of the crown prince?”

“That’s good. As a consolation mission, that’s how it should be.”

“A consolation mission?”

The Marquis’ eyes turned round at the remark that instantly turned the army into a consolation mission.

“That’s right! We came to comfort you, aam!”

Still, I guess I liked the remark and started giggling again.

…But I feel a little strange. When a person of similar size and age to the minister smiles like that, it feels like he is being laughed at by the minister.

These meticulous Armain b*stards. Could it be that they were sent with that goal in mind?

The leadership of the expeditionary force headed to Daejeon, where King Leon was. While heading to Daejeon, we saw Leon’s ministers, royal servants, and guards, but they all avoided their gaze or walked as if they did not see us. After all, the person they are loyal to and must protect no longer exists.

Of course, the king is still alive. The entire continent is talking about the end of the Asturian royal family, but this time it is the crown prince, not the king, who has died.

But what good is that? He is an old man who lost his mind after losing the last war and withdrew from state affairs, and has been helplessly maintaining his position for 30 years. A leader who was unable to stop other countries’ armies from crossing the border and even had their capital robbed.

“Precious guests have arrived.”

Maybe that’s why we couldn’t feel much emotion even though we saw the king of another country and even though he spoke to us first. He looked like a mannequin with no value or will.

“We have come to express our condolences over the tragedy in Leon and Asturia. Have we disturbed your time?”

As if I was not the only one who felt this, the 6th Corps commander opened his mouth comfortably without showing any respect for the monarch.

“My clock stopped a long time ago. There’s nothing to worry about.”

“Thank goodness.”

However, the old and helpless monarch had no intention of pointing out the rudeness.

“…So, stay where you are comfortable and go back when it is convenient for you. There is no need to ruin the cause by worrying about the opinions of an old man who will die soon.”

“Thank you for your consideration, Your Majesty.”

They just turn their eyes to see their country’s royal family being established according to the wishes of other countries.

No, from that old man’s perspective, can he call Leon his country anymore? Can a king who has no rights, duties, or will really be said to be the master of the country?

‘That’s what a monarch is.’

It’s unfamiliar to me, perhaps because I’ve seen the situation and the emperor. I thought all the monarchs of this world had minds and abilities that were beyond those of humans.

I looked at King Leon with such subtle feelings that I soon lost interest.

I’m not a person you really want to talk to. If we ever have to deal with that guy, let’s just leave it to the 6th Corps commander.