Chapter 58

Byron's subordinates and my maids left the room with the box of gold coins. After they exited, Byron and I were left alone.

We faced each other again. Byron cleared his throat—his expression changed.

His face became serious, different from before.

"Your Highness... I have a favor to ask."

"Hmm? What is it?"

"It's about Cindy."

"Has something happened to her?"

What's with Byron's expression? I've never seen him like this before. What does it mean?

"I've been thinking about her marriage prospects."

"I see. Cindy is... how old this year?"

"19."

"Ah, that's right."

I met her when she was 10. She's four years older than me—so it's been almost 10 years since we met.

"It's about time, and while it's good that she's grown up to be smart and hardworking, it's also making it harder to find a match."

Byron sighed and smiled wryly.

Cindy was a girl Byron found and adopted as a foster daughter. It's a complex feeling for a foster father to see her grow up smart but end up unmarried.

"Indeed, it's not good for a 19-year-old to still be unmarried."

"Yes. Therefore, I was wondering if Your Highness could introduce her to someone."

"To me? I see."

I understood the situation completely.

It's not unusual for a lord to arrange marriages for his subordinates; in fact, it's quite common.

Cindy is smart and hardworking, and I had forgotten about it, but if left as is, it would affect my reputation. Byron is my subordinate, so Cindy is practically my family. In a sense, I am like a father to her.

It's not good for a daughter to be unmarried, and that applies to me as well.

"But... hmm."

"Is something wrong?"

"It's a difficult matter. Cindy's talent is precious. She is one of the most capable people among those who serve me. It's a shame to let her go to just any man."

"I understand... Thank you for your consideration."

If Cindy's talent was in household affairs, I would have made her a concubine. It's the same as having eunuchs in the household; the main wife and concubines are generally not allowed to go outside or interact with other men.

It would be a waste to keep Cindy's talent locked away in the house.

"I will carefully select a suitable person. I plan to make her a governor and entrust her with a part of the territory. I can't just give her to any mediocre man."

"Really!?"

Byron's eyes widened in surprise.

"Why are you so surprised?"

"Is... is she going to be a governor? A female governor is unprecedented..."

"It's unprecedented, but there's no rule against it. It's just that there haven't been any."

There are strict rules for the emperor and the royal family to have eunuchs to keep them away from other men, as decided by the palace regulations. In comparison, the absence of women in high positions is just a matter of convention.

If it's just a convention, there's no reason to follow it.

"People are treasures. Women make up half of all subjects. If we only look for talent among men, we would miss out on a lot. It's a waste to ignore half the population."

"Indeed, I hadn't thought of it that way."

"Anyway, leave Cindy to me."

"Yes! Thank you!"

☆

The next day, around noon, a eunuch suddenly came and summoned me to the palace. I went to the palace and was received by His Majesty in the study.

After the incident, all the eunuchs in this study were replaced with those whose ears and tongues had been removed.

In the study, I knelt on one knee and bowed my head to His Majesty.

"I have come in response to your summons. What is the matter today?"

"Good to see you, Noah. Raise your head. I wanted to hear your opinion before the morning council."

"Yes... What is it about?"

"In the west, Galwan of Kurge has moved."

"What!?"

I felt a shock as if I had been hit on the head.

Galwan of Kurge.

Kurge is the name of a religion, and Galwan is the title of its supreme leader, passed down through reincarnation. A new Galwan is designated in some form immediately after the previous one passes away.

The current Galwan is Galwan VI, known to be a very ambitious figure.

"Is it a rebellion?"

"That's the only possibility. Moreover, there are signs that they are sending envoys to Turbaif."

"I see."

I could feel my face becoming serious. Turbaif is a vassal state in the west, known for its continuous suspicious activities and potential to betray us at any time.

"What would you do, Noah?"

His Majesty looked at me. His eyes seemed to be testing me, but given the situation, it was probably just my imagination. I thought about it.

"Is the movement of Kurge confirmed?"

"Yes, it's certain. The envoys haven't set out yet."

His Majesty was firm. Given his reputation for having excellent sources of information, I believed this premise to be accurate. Therefore,

"We should send troops immediately. We need to act swiftly and strike Kurge first."

"Swiftly, you say?"

"Yes. At the same time, we should strengthen our defenses to prevent the envoys from reaching Turbaif."

"Why is that?"

"Primarily, we should avoid a two-front war. If Turbaif joins, the suppression will be difficult, and the aftermath will be even more challenging. However, if the envoys never reach Turbaif..."

"We can claim that Turbaif knew nothing about it."

"Exactly. Turbaif is a problem we need to address eventually, but for now, we should focus on the immediate target."

"I see. Yes, it's good to hear your opinion, Noah. As always, you are impressive."

"I am honored."

It seems my opinion was well-received.

"Since you're here, Noah, would you be willing to go?"

"Me?"

I tilted my head in confusion.

"Yes, to suppress Kurge."

"I think my brother Henry would be more suitable."

I answered immediately, without any hesitation.

"Why Henry?"

"Among the princes, only my brother has actual experience leading troops. Moreover, his knight, Rice Cake, is skilled in military strategy. Therefore, I believe my brother is the right person for the job."

After I said this, His Majesty looked at me with a surprised expression that lasted for several seconds. Then, he tilted his head and asked further.

"Aren't you strong enough now? I hear your knights have also grown."

"Our strength is individual prowess."

I looked at His Majesty steadily, without wavering.

"I'm not sure if I'm suitable to lead troops, and I have no experience. This mission is too much for me to handle."

"I see..."

His Majesty nodded, looking down and stroking his white beard.

"Many people can do what they could in the past, but few can do it after gaining power."

"?"

"Winning by losing... consistency in words and actions, I suppose."

His Majesty's voice grew softer, and I couldn't hear the last part.

Did I say something wrong? No, that shouldn't be the case.

Even if I did, it was in line with my principles. It's proper to wait for His Majesty's decision with a clear conscience.

I remained calm, looking at His Majesty and waiting for his next words.

After a while, His Majesty raised his head. His face was one of approval and satisfaction.

"You are remarkable, Noah."

"I am honored."

I wasn't sure what I was being praised for, but I should accept His Majesty's words with respect, even if they were a command to commit suicide.

Especially when it's a compliment.

"Alright, I will discuss this with the chancellor. Thank you for your opinion, Noah. I will rely on you in the future."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Since His Majesty seemed satisfied, I decided this was a good outcome.