Chapter 81

After the war, it was unexpected for the head of the family, who had been inactive in external activities, to attend the memorial service, but if he was just told to go as a representative to the Imperial Parliament, the probability of him coming would be high. After all, the basic title that comes with being an imperial viscount is a seat in the Imperial Parliament.

No matter how splendid the title of a legislator may be, the essence is that of a civil servant. If I were an administrative civil servant, the head of the family would be a legislative civil servant... What can I do if I have to be one?

Even if the title of legislator is dazzling, the essence is that of a civil servant. If I were an administrative civil servant, the head of the family would be a legislative civil servant... What can I do if I have to be one? Besides, the distance from the Taiglehen Viscountcy to the capital is not that far.

"Ah, you're already here?"

"I'm here."

While I sat blankly in the office until the start of the memorial service, the staff began to gather. The first to arrive was the head of the first department, who came holding a piece of bread and munching on it. He must be the type who makes sure to eat breakfast. No wonder he looks so healthy.

"Isn't the deputy on a mission? How come I've seen you three times during the mission period?"

"I didn't expect to see you three times either."

When I was first sold to the academy, I thought I would only return once a year for the anniversary, but surprisingly, the head of the first department came to the academy during the exposition, and I was dragged to the capital during the Marjonggong incident. I experienced two unexpected events. Twice...

"Would you like some?"

"No, it's fine. You eat it."

"Okay."

When he tore the bread in half and offered it to me, I declined. It feels a bit strange to take food from a subordinate.

"Oh, I was just hungry."

"Huh?"

Then, the head of the second department, upon arriving, immediately snatched the half piece from the head of the first department. What a grand morning greeting. The head of the second department, who stuffed the bread into his mouth in an instant, nodded at me. It would have been better to run away during the time it took to greet me.

"Spit it out right now!"

The head of the first department's neck slice hit the head of the second department's throat.

Just as the head of the fifth department was about to enter, he saw the scene and quietly closed the door. A wise choice.

This year's memorial service saw the participation of several prominent figures, unlike last year. The Minister of the Imperial Palace represented the bureaucracy, the Minister of War and the Duke of Victory represented the military, the Viscount of Taiglehen represented the parliament, and the minister and I, who had participated in the war.

Last year, it was a time when we were barely getting along, and I could only manage to make time, so other dignitaries couldn't attend. This year, with the emperor starting to promote the Six Swords, there was a reasonable reason to participate.

"If it weren't for the dedication of loyal subjects to the empire, how could the empire claim to possess the Mandate of Heaven?"

The voice of the Minister of the Imperial Palace, reading the emperor's eulogy for the fallen soldiers of the Great Purge War, echoed through the national cemetery. Their sacrifices have safeguarded the empire's Mandate of Heaven, which is the highest praise the emperor can give. The Mandate of Heaven is the only element that allows the empire to reign supreme.

"The dedication of heroes who embraced hardship has become a stepping stone for the empire to advance into the future, and their names will be immortal."

'Immortal.'

Was this year's speech more forceful because last year's was quiet? Or does the emperor have a deep affection for those who died for the empire? After all, the living vassals are a threat to imperial authority, not the dead heroes.

After the Minister of the Imperial Palace finished reading, everyone bowed their heads in silence, and as soon as they lifted their heads, they began to disperse, exchanging greetings. Compared to last year, there was more leisure, but they still had a lot of work to do.

"Karl."

Just as I was about to go to their graves, having exchanged a glance with the Duke of Victory, who seemed to be in a hurry, I heard a familiar voice from behind. Turning around, I saw a man with black hair.

"I greet the head of the family."

The head of the family, the Viscount of Taiglehen, who came to represent the parliament. I thought that after a brief eye contact when we arrived at the national cemetery, he would just leave, but I didn't expect him to speak first.

"Indeed. It's been a while."

"I apologize for not visiting sooner."

"I'm not blaming you, so don't worry about it."

To be honest, I wasn't particularly concerned. I've known the head of the family for several years and understand his nature. If I had forced myself to visit him, I would have been scolded for neglecting my duties.

In fact, that was the right answer, as the head of the family didn't show any particular dissatisfaction. Instead, there was a subtle sense of satisfaction on his face. It's a strange feeling to see him like this, as if he's a younger version of me. I'll probably look just like him when I get older.

"Viscount Blochen. Have you been well?"

"I'm always the same. It's fortunate to see that Viscount Taiglehen is also well."

Then, the head of the family's gaze turned to the minister standing next to me. They are somewhat acquainted, so they can exchange greetings, but they're not close enough to have a long conversation, which is a problem.

"Is Erich well?"

After a moment of silence, the head of the family spoke to me again. Wow, is this person usually the type to ask about his son's well-being?

"Yes, he is healthy."

"That's good. Please convey this to him: for a warrior, it's more important to go far than to go fast."

"Understood."

He nodded slightly at my response and then