Chapter 34

A few days later, in the palace study during the daytime.

His Majesty, the owner of the study, was seated at his usual desk, with Albert, the Crown Prince, and I standing side by side in front of it. All three of us had extremely serious expressions.

In the unusually heavy atmosphere, I took a step forward, broke the silence with a cough, and began my report.

"Brother—no, the investigation of Gilbert's mansion has concluded. We discovered documents in a hidden room downstairs detailing what happens when Phoenix wine and dragon claws are consumed together."

"This is solid evidence of an attempt to assassinate His Majesty. The fact that it was hidden in a secret room is the strongest proof. That scoundrel is worse than a dog."

Albert spat out with hatred. On the other hand, His Majesty, who seemed to have aged ten years due to this matter, sighed and said with a dejected look,

"Gilbert?"

"Gilbert has been imprisoned. To prevent him from committing suicide, we have restricted all his movements with magic and assigned three times the usual number of guards."

The security measures I reported were unprecedented.

This was an unprecedented crime of attempting to poison the emperor, and something must not happen before His Majesty makes a decision. If Gilbert were to commit suicide in prison out of fear, all the guards would lose their heads.

I ensured the strictest security measures—so strict that it was almost as if I was protecting Gilbert from the world.

"Is that so... And what about the punishment?"

His Majesty, with a heavy voice, looked at me, seeking my opinion as the Minister of Justice.

"Given the solid evidence and the undeniable act of treason against His Majesty, according to the imperial law, there is no other punishment than decapitation."

"Hmm..."

His Majesty looked as if he had bitten into a bitter bug. After a moment, I continued,

"However, in this case, it can be considered an attempt."

His Majesty's eyebrows twitched.

"What happens if it's considered an attempt?"

"Of course, it is still treason, so decapitation cannot be avoided. However, a one-grade reduction in the sentence can be granted, and the timing of the execution can be decided by His Majesty at any time."

"I see..."

"Why go through such a complicated process?"

Albert, after hearing my opinion, tilted his head in confusion.

"Well, as expected of Noah. You are considering both the law and human sentiment."

"..."

I silently bowed. Given the gravity of the situation, I didn't think it was appropriate to say "yes" outright.

"You've thought this through, Noah."

"..."

On the other hand, Albert still seemed to not understand.

Even though Gilbert attempted to assassinate His Majesty, he is still His Majesty's son. It's possible that His Majesty cannot punish his own son, even after such an attempt.

That's why I proposed a suspended sentence, which can be executed at the emperor's discretion—essentially a life sentence if he so chooses. His Majesty understood and praised me for this idea.

However,

"Your Majesty, there is no need to hesitate. Whoever it may be, anyone who attempts to poison His Majesty should be executed."

Albert argued for immediate execution. This was also correct, but...

For a moment, I saw His Majesty frown in discomfort. However, he quickly returned to his usual serious expression and thought for several seconds.

"...Albert."

"Yes."

"The execution is entrusted to you. Go ahead."

"As you wish."

Albert knelt on one knee and left the study.

I secretly sighed in my heart.

"Noah."

"Yes."

"You've done well. Your consideration is impressive."

"..."

"I feel relieved just by your consideration."

"..."

I remained silent, slightly bowing my head and just listening.

The already heavy atmosphere became even heavier, so His Majesty cleared his throat and changed the topic.

"Gilbert's fief will be confiscated. I originally intended to give it to you—"

"That would not be appropriate."

I quickly raised my head and interrupted His Majesty.

"Hmm?"

"The matter began with my secret report. Even if Gilbert's fate is his own doing, if I were to receive his fief, it could lead to disputes among the princes—no, to pulling each other down."

After I spoke, His Majesty, for the first time today, showed a pleased smile.

"Don't be hasty, I said 'originally.'"

"Ah..."

"And you are right. There is that risk. Disputes are one thing, but pulling each other down is unacceptable. Therefore, Noah, you will receive no reward for this matter."

"I am grateful."

I knelt on one knee and expressed my gratitude.

"Instead, it is time for you to consider taking a principal wife. You are almost ready for a fief."

"Yes."

I nodded, raising my head. I am twelve years old, but getting married at this age is not considered early.

The first marriage of a royal, meaning the principal wife, is always a political match, and the family must be of equal status. Considering this, twelve is actually quite late.

"What about the granddaughter of my uncle, the Prince of Thunder?"

"I have no objections."

I gave the expected response.

"I see. In fact, I had a compatibility reading done. There is a more than 50% chance that Noah and her daughter will have very intelligent children, and a 1% chance that a child with your level of talent will be born."

Fortune-telling is less accurate the further into the future it goes, and is often wrong.

Getting married at twelve is not early, but it doesn't mean having children immediately. My children would have to wait at least five years.

No fortune-telling can predict five years into the future with high accuracy, and it will likely be wrong. Still,

"To be able to receive such a match is a great honor."

"I see. Then I will proceed with the marriage arrangements."

"I am grateful."

I bowed one last time, confirmed that His Majesty had nothing else to say, and slowly left the study.

☆

After Noah left, the First Minister entered the study.

"Truly, Noah is remarkable. He didn't even ask for the name of the girl, let alone her background."

"That is what it means to be a royal, a prince."

"Still, it is a fact that few can adhere to such principles. As a man, one naturally has some interest in the person who will become his wife. For Noah to be able to do this at his age is truly remarkable."

The First Minister was impressed, and the emperor nodded in satisfaction.

Asking about the girl at that moment would have been almost a crime of disrespect. It is common for a lord to arrange marriages for his subordinates, and this applies to the emperor and princes as well.

The emperor's gifts must always be accepted. Asking about the girl's name or character could imply a refusal, which is not acceptable between nobles—especially between the emperor and a prince.

"However, even Noah did not realize this."

The First Minister's deep wrinkles deepened as he laughed with amusement.

"When I heard your proposal, I was taken aback, but..."

"It is not a bad suggestion."

Because of his long service, the First Minister could be relatively frank with the emperor—though still more formal than with others. The emperor did not seem to mind.

"Yes. It is a blind spot, but it is indeed a good plan. A grandchild, huh."

"Choose your successor from among your grandchildren. A good grandchild ensures prosperity for three generations."

The First Minister repeated the words he had submitted to the emperor some time ago.

"What about it? Is there a possibility of a grandchild surpassing me?"

"Currently, the only possibility is Noah. If his talent is successfully passed on to his children..."

"I see... I can only hope."

The emperor and the First Minister continued to look at the door Noah had left through with serious expressions.