Episode 169: Wedding Preparations
After completing his mission and returning to the capital, Yohan arrived at the audience chamber to meet the Emperor.
Thus, in the imperial palace—
The Emperor sat upon the throne, surrounded by the chancellor and high-ranking officials.
“Minister Lahart, thanks to your dedication and efforts, there are no longer any demon-infested areas in the empire. On behalf of my empire, I extend my deepest gratitude.”
There was no longer any dark energy within the territory of the Rozino Empire. The remaining demonic beasts would either starve or be hunted down in due time.
“I wish to reward your achievements, but… there is nothing I can bestow upon you. You are already the most honored man in this empire, possessing everything.”
It was the truth. He had both wealth and honor. Moreover, the Lahart territory was a prime piece of land that had once belonged to the imperial family. With time, its potential for development was limitless.
“Minister Lahart, is there anything you desire?”
Thus, the Emperor asked.
Yohan bowed his head and made his request.
“Grant me control over the eastern region of the Rozino Empire.”
“…”
The officials’ eyes widened in shock. The Emperor’s gaze narrowed. Yohan’s words implied that he wished to establish a duchy under the empire—a proposition that could not be taken lightly.
Currently, the eastern region was governed by Count Girente, under the authority of the Rozino imperial family. Even if Yohan were to be appointed as an agent, the imperial authority itself would remain intact.
However, if Lahart were granted official governance, the region would inevitably be absorbed into House Lahart. This posed a significant threat to the Rozino imperial family.
Even if Yohan were merely given the title of imperial representative, the result would be the same. Since he would hold actual power, the eastern nobles would naturally turn their allegiance to him.
The officials exchanged glances but remained silent. The weight of the moment was heavy. None dared to speak. In the end, the decision rested solely with the Emperor, for the power of House Lahart had grown immense.
All because of a single mage.
“Hmm.”
The Emperor tapped the armrest of his throne with his fingertips. He stroked his chin, deep in thought.
He could not outright refuse Lahart’s request. There was no other suitable reward to grant him. However, simply conceding without gaining anything in return would weaken the prestige of the Rozino imperial authority.
He needed a way to maintain a favorable relationship with Yohan while minimizing territorial losses. After much deliberation, the Emperor reached his decision.
“I accept your request. The eastern region shall be placed under your rule. However, there is one condition, Minister Lahart.”
“What is it?”
Yohan lifted his head and met the Emperor’s gaze.
“Build a high-level magical academy within Lahart territory. Naturally, its graduates shall be tied to the imperial family.”
By granting Lahart power, the Emperor ensured that he also reaped benefits.
Both sides gained from this arrangement—Lahart would establish his territory as a sacred land for magic, while the imperial family would secure a steady influx of powerful mages trained under Yohan’s name.
As Lahart’s strength grew, so too would the empire’s.
“I will abide by your will, Your Majesty.”
Yohan accepted without hesitation.
With this, Lahart had effectively become a duchy.
***
A few days later, after settling affairs in the capital, Yohan returned to his territory.
There was no time for a formal inauguration ceremony. Even though the demonic lairs purification efforts had ended, Yohan’s schedule remained packed.
The purification bureau was now under House Lahart’s jurisdiction, requiring administrative oversight. He also had to prepare for his wedding with Francia and manage his newly acquired lands.
Fortunately, rebuilding wasn’t necessary. Since the imperial family had previously managed the land, it had been well maintained. Furthermore, Crown Prince Descartes Rozino had dispatched professional administrators to oversee its affairs.
The necessary land had already been secured, and a manor had been built. All it needed was some restructuring. Staff from Yohan’s estate in the capital could be relocated, so there were no issues there.
Thanks to Crown Prince Descartes and the imperial family handling various complications, the process was smooth. However, there was still a mountain of tasks to complete.
“Hah, this is exhausting.”
As a result, Yohan hadn’t been able to sleep properly for days.
“Are you struggling?”
Rudella smiled and asked,
“It’s tiring, isn’t it? You thought you were done, but now work is piling up like a mountain. But are you really okay working like this?”
Despite being pregnant, she was helping Yohan with his work. Yohan had firmly refused at first, but he couldn’t break Rudella’s stubbornness.
“Managing the territory is actually good for prenatal education. Our Lua will grow up to be an even smarter child.”
Rudella smiled gently as she stroked her belly.
“Well, if you say so…”
Yohan nodded in understanding. Treating her like a fragile glass doll would only make things more uncomfortable. It was better to let her do what she wanted, within reason.
Rudella asked,
“What about Lady Fervache?”
“She’s currently taking lessons from Countess Girente.”
Since Francia was set to become a duchess in the future, the imperial family had introduced her to Countess Girente, who was helping with her education.
“Hmm, Countess Girente is reliable. She’s a bit strict, but she’s excellent when it comes to supporting a spouse. She also received higher education.”
Rudella stroked her chin and nodded.
“You’ve met her before?”
“Of course. As the crown princess candidate, I handled various affairs.”
The Girente family was a key noble house in the east. It was impossible for Rudella not to know about her, given her political involvement in the empire.
“So, I’ll be assisting Lady Fervache, then?”
“That’s right. With your help, things will go much more smoothly.”
Yohan stretched out with a big yawn, trying to shake off his fatigue.
“Even so, my body feels stiff. Maybe it’s because I spent the entire day sitting and staring at documents.”
“How about taking a walk? You still aren’t completely familiar with the layout of Lahart’s ducal estate.”
That was a good idea.
“Yeah, I should do that. What about you?”
“I’d like to finish up here first.”
“You’re really sending me out alone?”
“Yohan isn’t a spoiled child, is he?”
Rudella chuckled. Her sky-blue eyes curved, and the corners of her lips curled up in a soft smile. She truly had a beautiful smile.
“Fine, I’ll go on my own. I won’t be long.”
“Wait a moment.”
Just as Yohan was about to leave the office, Rudella stood up and buttoned his coat.
“The air is still chilly. You’re already pushing yourself, so you need to take care of your health.”
After fastening his buttons, Rudella picked up Yohan’s coat from the chair.
“Lift your arms.”
“Oh, right.”
As Yohan raised his arms, Rudella swiftly helped him put on the coat. It made him feel like a child. But it wasn’t a bad feeling—rather, it gave him a sense of warmth and security.
“There, all set.”
Rudella adjusted his collar and smiled gently.
“…I’ll be back. Thanks.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
Yohan felt a comforting warmth in his heart as he smiled and stepped out of the office. In the long corridor, the servants moved about quietly.
The Lahart ducal estate was far larger than the mansion in the imperial capital. It might even rival the imperial palace itself.
‘They really built it unnecessarily big.’
Rudella had said that this level of grandeur was necessary to uphold the dignity of the Duke of Lahart, but Yohan only found it inconvenient. The longer walking distances were just a hassle.
Crossing the hallway, he descended the stairs. Exiting through the back door of the mansion, he saw several people stretching and warming up. They were warriors who had transferred from the Purification Bureau to the Lahart Knights.
“Oh, Your Grace!”
“You’re here!”
“Aren’t you busy?”
The warriors greeted him cheerfully, waving their hands. Yohan leaned against a window frame and chuckled.
“I was getting restless from sitting too long, so I came out for a walk.”
“In that case, why don’t you warm up with us? We’re having a light sparring session.”
“I’m a mage, and you’re telling me to spar with knights?”
“Ah, there you go again. You move better than most knights.”
The warriors chuckled. The reason they interacted so casually with Yohan was that he preferred it that way. There was no need for rigid formality among them.
‘Well, they’ll know how to behave properly in official settings anyway.’
In any case, it wasn’t something that would diminish his dignity.
“Keep up the good work, everyone. I’m just taking a short walk before heading back.”
“Yes, Your Grace! Take care!”
Just as Yohan was about to leave—
“Director… No, Duke, do you have a moment?”
Eris approached him hesitantly, her gaze shifting around uneasily.
“It seems you have something to discuss.”
“…Yes, I do.”
Come to think of it, their conversation was still unfinished. Now that the matter with the Purification Bureau was resolved, it was time to clarify his relationship with her.
“Come to the drawing room.”
***
Click.
Yohan set down his teacup.
Across from him, Eris sat with a tense expression.
“What is it you wanted to say?”
Yohan asked.
“I wanted to hear your thoughts, Your Grace.”
Eris clenched her fists on her lap and continued.
“Do I… still have a chance?”
“Yes.”
Yohan answered without hesitation.
“I told you before, let’s take our time and gradually close the distance. Now, let me ask—after spending all this time by my side, what do you think of me? Do you still feel the same?"
They hadn’t spent much time alone together, but she had always been near him. She must have observed him closely, and by now, her feelings should be certain.
She lowered her head, then lifted it again, meeting his gaze with determination.
“Yes, I do.”
Yohan waited silently for her to continue.
“From the moment you saved my life, I’ve watched you. I know now just how upright you are, how strong your sense of responsibility is. And I truly admire that about you.”
Eris felt her face growing hot. A deep blush had spread across her cheeks, and she was sure Yohan could see it clearly.
“I like you, Your Grace. As a woman, I love you. Deeply and sincerely. I want to spend more time with you. I want to live my life by your side.”
But she couldn’t stop speaking just yet.
“Of course… your reputation with women is a bit of an issue. But I won’t hold that against you. After all, it’s the reason I can even dare to express my feelings for you now.”
She needed to be completely honest with him.
“Can I… receive your heart?”
Eris finished her words with her head bowed. Her clenched fists trembled slightly.
“…”
Yohan let out a quiet breath.
He understood the sincerity of her feelings.
Now, he had to give her an answer. He couldn’t mix in any pretense, nor reject her half-heartedly just to avoid hurting her. He had to be honest.
His expression hardened.
“I like you too, Eris. So, I will accept your feelings.”
“Ah…”
“Be my wife, Eris.”
For a moment, Eris forgot how to breathe. It felt as if time had stopped just for her.
An indescribable joy surged through her entire being.
Tears rolled down her cheeks—tears she had been holding back. At last, they melted away.
Yohan, slightly awkward, reached out and gently wiped them from her face.
“So don’t cry, Eris. Your feelings have reached me clearly.”