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Chapter 562
Chapter 562
Chapter 562 - The Impossible Promise
"Well done on returning, Arnold."
"I didn't want to return, though."
A long-awaited reunion. Also, the return of a prince who was involved in a dispute in the Duchy. It wouldn't be odd if it were a touching reunion, but both I and my father remained as usual.
"We are both busy. Let's get to the point. I heard the details about your demand from Dietrich. I've thoroughly explained the merits of it and have been persuaded many times. However, I am still hesitating about granting you the marshal's cloak."
"Are you worried about me?"
If I were my usual self, I would explain the benefits and try to persuade my father. That's the same approach as my uncle. However, my uncle couldn't convince my father.
If I, the person involved, explain the merits, it might be effective, but my father wouldn't be genuinely convinced with that alone. I need to appeal to his emotions. I understand that it's natural for a parent to worry about their child.
After all, I'm acting as a decoy.
Originally, it was a scheme by a handful of people, including my father. It seems foolish to hesitate now. Making me more prominent and keeping the assassins away from Leo is a given. The Empire needs Leo more than me.
However, my father should understand that much. But the fact that he can't decide... is because he's human. And because he has tasted the pain of loss many times.
"I'm surprised. I thought you would explain the benefits for the Empire."
"I thought so too. But... you seem to understand the benefits well enough."
"You have good intuition. I fully understand the benefits. Leonard is important. If I were to entrust the future of the Empire... it would be to Leonard. I intend to appoint him as the Crown Prince if he can achieve a result that everyone will agree with. However... that's Leonard now. The Leonard that you support."
My father understands well.
Leo didn't come here on his own. He was supported by many people. But the one who supported him the most is me.
If I were to be lost, would Leo function as a Crown Prince?
If he wouldn't function, exposing me to danger would be equivalent to exposing Leo to danger.
Father's concern, having experienced the mental burden of losing loved ones multiple times, is understandable.
And only benefits can't alleviate that concern.
"I understand your worries. If I were to die... Leo would likely become unstable. It wouldn't be as usual. But, I'm not the only one supporting Leo. The Leo participating in the succession dispute might be one thing, but now it's different. There are trustworthy people by Leo's side. Especially Leticia, she will support Leo dedicatedly. With her, Leo won't break. I am certain."
Leticia is a strong woman. And she takes good care of Leo.
They are two people who have overcome difficulties once. Even if they face difficulties again, they will overcome them together.
We used to be together all the time. We relied on each other, entrusted our backs, and leaned on each other.
But now, Leticia is by Leo's side.
He has someone to lean on other than me.
"Indeed, Leonard has Leticia. She may support Leonard even if you were to be gone. But there's no doubt he would be unsettled. What I want to know is not just about Leonard's camp. Can it be maintained even without you? You've always been looking out for Leonard. Leonard is not as flexible as you. That's why someone needed to stand in between. That was you. An organization can easily collapse when it loses an important figure. You must know that, right?"
I understand it well. I was shown the disarray of the Empire starkly after my eldest brother's death.
It's quite possible for Leo's camp to collapse following my death.
If that happens, Leo won't become the Crown Prince. Erik, who clearly has a larger force than Leo, is there.
"I can't say there will be no disturbance. However, Leo has enough charisma to calm it down. I've indeed been moving for Leo. I have been secretly operating in places that even you don't know, Father. But, the banner has always been Leo. The people who gathered under Leo now will follow Leo, even if I'm not there."
"What's the basis for your certainty?"
"Those who admire me will also admire Leo, because they know I cherish Leo. Even if I were to die, the center of the faction would not waver. Rather, they would probably unite further for vengeance."
Upon hearing my words, Father lowers his eyes, looking a bit sorrowful.
I understand.
Father doesn't want to hear this.
This is just confirmation work.
He understands everything, yet Father is still hesitant.
The emotion as a father is disturbing the correct judgment as an emperor.
It's not a bad thing to not want to lose any more children. It's a feeling that would be allowed if he were not an emperor.
However, Father is the emperor. He is in a position where he has to put the empire before his children.
Father is lacking ambition now.
That made me determined.
The Father I once saw wasn't like this.
The emperor I once admired, seated on the throne, was a majestic king.
I can always recall the memory of my childhood.
The image of the emperor, who stood up against the messenger of the empire, remains vivid in me.
I am the one causing trouble for that emperor, myself.
Therefore,
"Actually... I don't want to say this."
I muttered softly, looking straight at Father's face.
The great benefactor who watched over useless me with my mother.
I still haven't fully repaid this favor.
I don't want to tell such a person a "lie".
Yet, I have to say it.
Nothing will progress if I don't utter these words.
"...I am the type who doesn't make promises I can't keep. Once a promise is broken, it feels like my words become terribly superficial. So, I try to keep serious promises as much as possible. Therefore... I don't want to make any promises to you, Father. But, I have to make a promise or you will surely remain hesitant."
I take a deep breath.
The words hidden in my chest are hard to voice out.
I'm reluctant.
Once spoken, words cannot be taken back.
Even so, I push myself.
"...Arnold... if you don't want to say it, you don't have to force yourself."
"No... this is necessary to show my resolve. I will don the mantle of the marshal, and attract the enemy's attention for Leo's sake. I plan to make it known both domestically and abroad that I will be the most endangered from now on. I'm sure I will be targeted. But... I promise you, Father... not as the emperor of the Empire, but as my parent, that I will surely return. I will not die. When you are tired of living and peacefully asleep in your bed, I will surely be by your side. So... please trust me. Now, I need the position of marshal to overcome hardship. Even though I'm such a shabby prince... can't you trust me?"
Father must understand how difficult that is.
That's why he's opposing it.
Even so, it's necessary.
I'm not going to die.
By promising to return alive, it gets across.
Even if it's just a placebo.
People need a placebo sometimes.
"...I'll be honest. I don't want to see you working hard. It would be better if you just lounged around in the castle. You've been laughed at by those around you. You don't need to be confined to the responsibilities of the imperial family."
"I'm not striving for the sake of the Empire. It's just... I'm striving for my family. Don't worry. When this is over, I'll lead a carefree life."
When I laughed, Father bit his lip.
Then he lowered his head, and after a while raised his face.
It was the face of an emperor filled with ambition.
"I understand... your resolve. If you, my son, say that much... I must also be resolved. The promise to return... I won't forgive you if you break it, okay?"
"Yes, please leave it to me."
"...I never thought the day would come when I'd hear such things from you... Under the authority of the Emperor... I hereby appoint the seventh prince, Arnold Lakes Adler, as the interim marshal. Franz and I will deal with the details. Take this blue mantle and... this marshal's staff."
Saying so, Father throws me the staff that was placed next to the throne.
Receiving it, it was lighter than I thought.
However, the meaning embodied in this staff is heavy.
After all, only a marshal in the empire can hold this.
"...Thank you."
"...This is only a temporary marshal. To maintain balance, Erik will likely be given an appropriate position. You don't have to state the difference. You understand that, right..."
"I understand. Please rest assured. I will certainly keep my promise."
Saying that, I bowed and left the throne room.
I didn't look back.
My determination is already done.
All that's left is to do it.
TL's Notes:
I am ALIVE!
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