Chapter 118: It Seems a Civil War is Brewing
“Aiger Marquis is rebelling… What!?”
In response to Celestine’s bombshell announcement, Viola sprang to her feet, her eyes darting around in confusion. A maid standing by the door hurriedly exited the room, likely realizing that this was not something they were meant to know. Celestine slowly shook her head, a calm demeanor contrasting with the chaos.
“There’s no need to worry; we don’t need to dismiss anyone… Soon, the entire nation will be aware of this.”
“…But why would Aiger Marquis do such a thing?”
Primula, trying to soothe her agitated sister, asked in a restrained tone. Though she often hid in Viola’s shadow, she surprisingly remained more composed during crises.
“As you may know, Aiger Marquis was once a leading figure among those who revered Her Majesty the Queen Dowager. He supports Prince Rodel, the one whom the ‘Shadow Queen’ cherished.”
Celestine explained in a resonant voice, her shoulders drooping slightly in exasperation.
“My grandfather also idolized the Queen Dowager, which led to my engagement with Prince Rodel… However, it allowed us to keep an eye on the opposing faction, so it turned out well in the end. Aiger Marquis argues that it should be Prince Rodel, not the already crowned First Prince, who becomes the next king. To that end, he has been building a Reformist Faction and scheming behind the scenes. It is believed that he orchestrated the commotion during the Monster Hunting Festival.”
“So he’s the mastermind… What a terrible thing to have done…”
Rest grimaced at the thought. That incident had nearly resulted in monsters flooding into the Royal Capital, and many students had lost their lives. Such actions were utterly unforgivable.
“Yes. Aiger Marquis has already been recognized as a rebel, and it seems he is aware of this. He slipped past the watchful eyes and has raised an army in his territory. Nobles from the Queen Dowager Faction are gathering in Aiger’s domain, preparing to assault the Royal Capital.”
“So it’s a civil war… Things have truly escalated.”
Yuri shrugged in disbelief, popping a baked treat from the table into her mouth.
“I was wondering why my father hadn’t sent any pursuers lately; now it makes sense…”
“What are you doing, you fool…”
It seemed she was still caught up in a game of cat and mouse with her father. The runaway daughter was proving to be quite the headache for Marquis Cattleya.
“Of course, His Majesty the King has no intention of sitting idly while the Royal Capital is attacked. Preparations are underway to deal with the rebel Aiger Marquis. Currently, he is waiting for the right moment to strike.”
“The right moment? Why not just attack already?”
“No… It appears that His Majesty is deliberately waiting for the enemy’s forces to consolidate. He likely intends to wipe out the rebel faction in one fell swoop.”
It was said that factions loyal to the Queen Dowager were spread throughout the country. The King seemed to be biding his time, waiting for the opposing faction to gather before launching a decisive strike. Waiting for the enemy to strengthen could be seen as foolish, but if a prolonged civil war ensued, there was a risk of foreign intervention. To end the chaos as swiftly as possible, the King likely aimed to resolve everything in a single blow.
“Earlier, I mentioned to Rest about granting you vast territories. If Aiger Marquis and his subordinate nobles are defeated, many lands will become vacant. Those lands will be distributed as rewards to nobles and knights who excelled in battle, so there shouldn’t be any opposition.”
“Ah… I see.”
While Rest nodded in understanding, he struggled to piece together the complex information in his mind.
Thanks to Rest’s recent subjugation of Subnock, the plains could now be developed. That was why he was being offered a noble title and vast lands. Normally, a commoner rising to such heights would attract jealousy, but with Aiger Marquis’s rebellion, there was no time for that. The lands of the rebels would be redistributed among the nobles, likely quelling any envy directed at Rest.
“Soon, it will be announced that Rest has defeated Subnock, and he will be honored alongside other contributors. At that event, Aiger Marquis’s rebellion and its subjugation will be formally declared. Therefore… I would like you to join the subjugation army against Aiger Marquis.”
“Me… in the subjugation army?”
“Yes. The Rosemary Marquis House will also be sending troops, and I would like you to become one of the commanders as a viscount. Based on your achievements in that battle, you would be promoted to ‘Count,’ a rank befitting the size of the territory you will receive.”
“…”
Though Celestine’s words were framed as a “proposal,” this plan had already been approved by the King and Marquis Rosemary. In essence, it was a command.
(Is there really no option to refuse…?)
Once again, he reflected on how extraordinary the situation had become. Just a few years ago, he had been a commoner’s child, scorned as the offspring of a mistress… and now, he was a candidate for marriage into the Rosemary Marquis House. Furthermore, a path to becoming a count had been laid out for him.
(Freedom has slipped further away without me realizing it… But I suppose being bound by such ties is part of becoming a noble…)
Losing the opportunity to choose for oneself seemed like a misfortune, yet he was planning to take Viola and Primula as his wives. This level of constraint was something he could gladly accept.
(And… if I acquire my own territory and status, I can pave the way for the future of any children I may have. In that case, I should be grateful for the opportunity to rise in status.)
Rest nodded decisively, convincing himself of this.
“I accept. I will gladly join the subjugation of the rebel.”