Chapter 78

■ Chapter 77. Rekilis (1) □ ᓚᘏᗢ

The title of Duke is described as possessing power second only to the Emperor or King, with vast territories comparable to the capital, immense wealth, and formidable military strength.

Moreover, Dukes are usually closely related to the royal family by blood. This connection means that if the king dies prematurely, a Duke can become a regent until the next heir comes of age or even ascend to the throne directly.

However, both scenarios can destabilize the country. The latter implies a hidden conspiracy, and the former often involves the young heir being used as a puppet to carry out tyranny.

Because of this, in many media, Dukes are often portrayed as the king's archenemies. However, this is only half true.

Let's think logically. Would a king with a sound mind allow a Duke to amass a large private army and enormous wealth?

Even if they somehow manage to build their power, they would inevitably face checks from surrounding forces.

This is also true for the Rekilis family, the founding nobles of the Minerva Empire. The Rekilis family initially possessed vast territories, immense wealth, and a strong military.

However, as time passed, the pressure from surrounding forces intensified, and the Rekilis family eventually returned all their territories and military power to the Emperor.

At the time, this decision shocked everyone, but as time went on, it proved to be the right choice. The forces that had been checking the Duke's power collapsed and fragmented, and the matter was naturally forgotten.

The royal family also benefited greatly from the Duke's relinquishment of power. However, they did not stop there. The Emperor, to strengthen his rule, placed the Rekilis family by his side.

To put it simply, it's like appointing a Prime Minister to assist the President. When the Emperor issues a specific order, the Rekilis family handles all the 'administrative' aspects.

This was a win-win strategy. The Emperor could strengthen his royal power, and the Rekilis family, though lacking in power, could maintain their authority.

The territories that the Rekilis family returned are now divided and governed by two baron-level nobles.

"That's why our mansion is in the capital. I have to visit the palace frequently for work."

"I see."

Inside the carriage heading to the Rekilis family mansion.

I was listening to Mari explain the history of the Rekilis family. Although I already knew most of it, I listened quietly.

It's impossible to criticize when your girlfriend is proudly explaining her family's history.

In any case, as explained, the Rekilis family has no fief and only owns a large mansion in the capital.

Dukes usually serve as field commanders and are stationed at the borders. This unique structure means that most influential nobles are barons.

Of course, this doesn't mean the Rekilis family has no power. They have a symbiotic relationship with the royal family, so the stronger the Emperor, the stronger the Rekilis family.

Moreover, the Rekilis family is highly regarded by the citizens of the empire. If the Rekilis family were to face a threat, the citizens would likely rise to their defense.

'Even if they collude and commit tyranny, it wouldn't be strange, but it's surprising that they haven't.'

Stagnant water tends to rot, but strangely, there are no such signs yet.

From this, we can infer that both sides have a solid moral education.

Especially the Rekilis family places a high value on moral character. As I mentioned before, if a troublemaker appears, they are expelled without mercy.

And although Leort and Lina put pressure on me, they treated me rather gentlemanly (if you can call it that). If they were moral degenerates, they would have disregarded my will and forced me to kneel.

Thanks to this, the Minerva Empire has not seen a single rebellion in over 500 years. This contrasts with the neighboring cultural powerhouse, the Ters Kingdom, where a revolution broke out.

Of course, if the nobles of the Minerva Empire were mild, the nobles of the Ters Kingdom before the revolution were extremely harsh. To be precise, the Ters Kingdom experienced a 'revolution' rather than a rebellion.

Fortunately, after the revolution, they adopted a governance style similar to a constitutional monarchy, but there are still some disharmonies.

"By the way, Isaac."

"Yeah?"

"Do you have any plans to stay overnight at our mansion?"

I was thinking about the history of the Minerva Empire when Mari's question reached my ears. I snapped out of my thoughts and faced her.

Her blue eyes, filled with anticipation, were fixed on me. From her smile, it seemed she wanted me to stay overnight.

But today, I'm just visiting. Staying at Mari's mansion was not part of my plan.

"No. I only planned to visit today. I've already told my family."

"Oh... I see. That's a shame."

Mari looked genuinely disappointed. However, her quick acceptance suggested she knew I would refuse.

I chuckled, knowing there was no convincing her. In this world, staying overnight at a noble's house is only allowed for engaged couples.

Although I am Mari's boyfriend, we are not officially engaged, so staying overnight would invite unwanted attention. Her parents would likely think I'm rude.

'Engagement... '

The average marriage age in this world is in the early 20s. Although it might seem like the mid-teens due to the medieval setting, nobles are required to graduate from the academy, which delays it.

Of course, there are cases where engagements happen before that. Especially for high-ranking nobles like Mari, marriage proposals would have started in her early teens.

Thinking about marriage proposals for my girlfriend made me feel a mix of anxiety and curiosity. I asked her, knowing it might be impolite but feeling comfortable enough to do so.

"Mari, out of curiosity, did you ever receive marriage proposals in the past?"

"Huh? Why do you ask?"

"Just curious."

"Hmm... There were many. After all, I'm from a ducal family. I've met a few people in the past, including Lord Leort."

"...Really?"

I had expected it, but the bitterness in my mouth was unavoidable. Given her background, it was a natural occurrence.

Seeing my bitter expression, Mari quickly added, almost desperately.

"But I rejected them all. I don't receive many proposals anymore, and Lord Leort only maintains a connection through acquaintances."

"All of them? Why?"

"They seemed to see me as a political tool. You might not know, but I can instinctively read people's intentions."

Like mind-reading. In my past life, I knew people who were particularly good at reading others, and Mari seemed to be one of them.

While I was thinking this, Mari smiled and said, adding a touch of affection.

"That's why I like you. You're not only sincere but also a poor liar. I love your honesty."

"...I'm a good liar, you know?"

"Sure, but it shows on your face. Anyway, Isaac..."

"Sir, we have arrived at our destination."

Before Mari could finish her question, the coachman announced our arrival.

She turned to the coachman and then back to me.

"I'll ask you later. Let's get out first."

"Okay."

Creak-

I opened the door and stepped out, and Mari, who was inside, naturally extended her hand. I smiled and gently guided her down.

When she finally stepped out and I tried to let go, Mari firmly held on, as if to say, "No way."

"Trying to sneak away? If you're going to escort me, do it properly."

"Ha ha."

Her playful gesture made me laugh. I smiled, knowing there was no convincing her, and looked at the mansion.

"Wow..."

The grandeur of the mansion was overwhelming. The massive gate stretched high into the sky, and the landscape behind it was equally impressive.

The path from the gate to the mansion, flanked by beautiful gardens, led to a grand mansion that seemed meticulously designed by architects.

It exuded a grandeur and majesty that seemed to belong to a different era. Our family's mansion was large, but Mari's mansion was on a scale that defied comparison.

"How about it? Isn't it amazing? Our family may not have a fief, but our mansion is known for its beauty. It was designed by a dwarf craftsman."

Beside me, Mari beamed with pride. I gazed at the mansion beyond the gate, and a question came to mind.

"How many people live here?"

"About 100, I think. There are five gardeners alone."

I was impressed again. The size of the garden visible from the gate was already enormous, and the interior was even larger.

"Have a pleasant stay."

"Goodbye~"

Meanwhile, the coachman politely bid us farewell and left. Mari waved goodbye with an energetic voice. I watched the carriage until it disappeared.

As the carriage moved away, Mari turned to me with a bright smile.

"Shall we go in now?"

"Sure."

Naturally, our hands were still intertwined. She held on tightly, as if determined not to let go.

I matched her grip and took a step forward. Even a stranger could tell we were a couple.

"Huh?"

As we approached the gate, I noticed two people standing there, which made me curious.

They were not in uniform but wore heavy armor, and swords were sheathed at their waists. Their armed state suggested they were more than just guards.

As mentioned earlier, the Rekilis family had returned all their territories and private armies to the royal family. Yet, here were heavily armed soldiers standing guard at the gate.

"Stop! Identify yourselves...!"

Just as the guards were about to shout, they saw Mari and their eyes widened in surprise.

"Y-You? Lady Mari?"

"Oh! Uncle Rix. It's been a while."

Mari also recognized the guard. It seemed they knew each other well.

Then, the guard named Rix seemed to realize something and said, "Ah, right. You mentioned that today is the start of your vacation, didn't you? I received instructions from the Duke."

"Yes. It seems the Golden Eagle Knights are on duty this month."

"That's correct. But who is the person beside you?"

The guard, who had been having a pleasant conversation with Mari, turned to me. I was about to speak, feeling a bit flustered, when—

Thump!

"My boyfriend!"

Mari not only held my hand but also linked her arm with mine, answering confidently. She leaned on my shoulder, humming happily.

Rix, taken aback by her sudden action, soon burst into laughter.

"Hehehe. So you're her boyfriend? I'm sorry, I didn't realize."

"It's okay. It could happen."

"Understood. Zek, open the gate now."

"Yes."

Rix gave the order to the guard standing next to him, who walked to the center of the gate and pressed something with his finger.

Creak—

The massive gate slowly opened. It was well-maintained, and no noise was heard except for the opening.

Finally, the gate was fully open, and Rix bowed deeply, welcoming us sincerely.

"Welcome to the Rekilis family mansion. I hope you have a pleasant stay."

"Thank you. Uncle Rix, have a good day."

"Thank you, sir."

While Mari greeted him warmly, I responded with a somewhat indifferent tone. Rix smiled at us both.

"Young love."

"..."

As we passed through the gate, Rix's words echoed in my ears. I felt a bit embarrassed but didn't show it.

Creak—

The gate closed behind us, returning to its original state. I looked at the guards at the gate and then ahead.

The mansion, which had already been impressive from the outside, was even more magnificent inside. It was almost as grand as a palace, exuding beauty and authority.

Indeed, a Duke is a Duke. The exterior alone left me in awe, unable to close my mouth.

"Let's go. I'll introduce you to the mansion later."

"...Okay. But who were those people earlier? I thought the Rekilis family doesn't have a private army."

"They don't, so the royal family sends them. It's a measure to maintain authority."

"I see."

I continued to the mansion, still linked arm with Mari. The mansion was at the end of a long path, so it would take some time to reach.

Thump— Thump—

"..."

"..."

During this time, there was no conversation between us. The lack of dialogue created a strange atmosphere.

Perhaps because of this, Mari leaned on my shoulder, and I was initially too busy looking around to notice.

Thump—

But soon, Mari tightened her grip, and I focused on her again. I hadn't noticed it before, but the softness of her chest was transmitted through her uniform.

Although I had dated in my past life, I had little immunity in this area. To be precise, my immunity was completely gone.

In any case, this situation was too stimulating for me. Cecil's chest was also effective in stirring a man's heart.

Moreover, our pace had slowed, creating a strange atmosphere. If it were night instead of day, the atmosphere would have been even more intense.

Swoosh—

Not knowing what to say, I gently pressed my cheek against her head. I was short, but I could manage this.

"Mmm..."

Mari also made a pleased sound when I gently pressed my face against hers. We stayed like that for a while, as if sharing our thoughts.

"...Isaac."

"Yeah."

"I was about to ask you earlier... Can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

As I gave my curt permission, Mari lifted her head from my shoulder and looked at me directly. I also relaxed and faced her.

Her cheeks, which had been as white as snow, were now flushed like a sunset, and her clear blue eyes were