In the throne room, high-ranking officials and the emperor's children had gathered.
Among them, Leo reported on the recent events. I was also kneeling behind Leo, but I didn't speak.
"After the sea dragon was defeated, the Principality of Albatro and the Principality of Rondine reaffirmed their alliance. I believe there won't be any battles in the south for a while."
"Hmm. You've done well. The task I gave you was more difficult than I thought, but you handled it splendidly."
"Thank you."
Father, who was praising Leo, looked satisfied.
Of course, it was to be expected.
We won't be drawn into the southern war, and the empire's reputation has improved due to the sea dragon's defeat. The Principality of Albatro has officially expressed its desire to establish diplomatic relations with the empire. This incident has been nothing but beneficial, and it is all thanks to Leo.
"I must give you a reward. Leonardo, do you have any wishes? I could even offer you a ministerial position, you know?"
At that moment, the faces of the ministers and my older siblings froze.
Only Eriq, among the royal family, holds a ministerial position. Father was offering Leo a position of equal standing.
Of course, the ministers representing various factions, including Gordon and Zandra, wouldn't be pleased.
Eriq, as always, didn't change his expression, but his gaze behind his glasses was colder than usual.
However, obtaining partial power might make it difficult to move freely and could invite concentrated attacks from others.
The Minister of Public Works is already on our side, so there's no need to seek a ministerial position. Leo and I have already discussed this.
"Thank you for your kind words, but I am not yet capable of handling a ministerial position."
"I see. Then do you have any other wishes?"
Father couldn't let Leo go unrewarded.
If Leo went unrewarded, it would set a precedent for not rewarding future achievements. Leo also needs to accept a reward to avoid setting a bad example for others.
"Yes. Actually, before I left as an ambassador, a girl from the south pleaded with me to solve a problem in her village. I told her it was impossible at the moment because of my duties, but now that I've returned safely, I want to help her."
"Hmm? So you're taking on more work after completing your task. You're a diligent one, aren't you? What do you think, Arnolt?"
"Yes. I can't even compare to him."
"Haha, that might be true. So, what is the problem?"
"It's about kidnappings."
"Why did she come to you instead of the lord?"
"…Because it's a village of refugees, and the lord didn't respond."
"What!?"
The emperor's face, which had been in a good mood, suddenly turned stern.
Eleven years ago, Father, in negotiations with the Socal Empire, declared that all refugees would be recognized as citizens of the empire. This meant that all refugee villages existing at that time were considered part of the empire.
"How long has this village existed?"
"The girl said it has existed since before she was born, so it must have been there eleven years ago."
"Don't mock me! Do you think my words are meaningless!?"
The enraged emperor stood up from his throne.
Everyone in the room knelt and bowed to the emperor.
Then, Franz, the prime minister, spoke up on behalf of everyone.
"Please calm down, Your Majesty."
"Can I remain calm! Eleven years ago, I issued an order to all lords! All refugees are citizens of the empire! This order has not been followed! Disregarding this order is the same as disregarding me!"
"It's not decided yet. That's why Prince Leonardo wants to investigate."
"No! I will investigate myself and behead the lord if it's true!"
"The empire cannot function if the emperor intervenes in every border issue. This should be left to Prince Leonardo."
Thanks to Franz's advice, Father seemed to calm down, though he was still irritated as he sat back on the throne.
I thought the meeting would end with Leo being ordered to investigate the south, but two people stepped forward unnecessarily.
"Your Majesty, Leonardo has just completed his mission. Please let me handle it."
"No, Your Majesty. Not Leonardo, who has just completed his mission, or Zandra, a woman, but I want to go. I've been feeling sluggish lately. I'll show them the empire's laws."
The first to volunteer was Zandra. It was natural. The south is a region where Zandra's mother's family has influence. Any issues in the south would be a significant blow to Zandra's faction.
Gordon, who followed, probably wanted to earn some merit. As a general, Gordon can't earn military achievements without a war.
However, both should have seen Father's mood and advised accordingly.
"You two! Do you intend to use this issue as a tool in the imperial succession struggle!"
Father became enraged again.
They were too eager for merit. The refugee issue is a source of concern for Father.
Just because the emperor declared it doesn't mean all refugees are recognized as citizens. While the capital and its surroundings are different, discrimination against refugees in the border regions is still strong, and stories like Linfia's village are not uncommon.
What was unusual this time was that Linfia came all the way to the capital. She must have believed that bringing the issue to the royal family would help.
Indeed, it was a smart move. For Father, this is a matter of face, and if those involved in the succession struggle solve it, it would improve his impression of them.
"This is not your problem, but mine! I won't let it be used as a tool in the succession struggle! Fools! Zandra! Your mother is from the south! You might be deeply involved in this! Show some restraint! Gordon! I can't entrust a delicate matter to someone who always relies on force! Both of you, use your heads!"
The two, reprimanded, stepped back in unison.
After venting his anger on them, Father exhaled and looked at Leo with a calm face.
"Leonardo, I appoint you as an inspector. Thoroughly investigate the issues in the southern border."
"Yes!"
"I will not tolerate any compromise. Reveal all the crimes. Kidnapping is a serious crime in the empire, and overlooking it is also a serious crime. Show no mercy to those involved."
Father ordered Leo in a stern tone.
Glancing at Zandra, I saw a look of anxiety on her face.
From her reaction, it seems her mother's family is also involved. If Linfia's story is true and the lord is involved in the kidnappings, and if Zandra's mother's family is behind it, this will be a very difficult issue. However, solving it would deal a strong blow to Zandra.
I hope they regret not crushing Leo's faction while we were away.
This incident has made Leo a legitimate candidate in the imperial succession struggle. More people will likely support him. It's no longer easy to crush him.
His foundation is solidifying. This is where the real battle begins.
"The meeting is over. Everyone, you may leave."
As Father said this, I was about to leave.
However,
"Arnolt, stay a moment."
"Yes?"
"Stay."
"Yes..."
Why just me...
While thinking this, I remained in the room.
In the throne room, only Father, Prime Minister Franz, and I were left.
I wondered what Father would say, but he hesitated several times before finally giving up and passing it to Franz.
"I leave it to you, Franz!"
"But you said you would say it yourself."
"Just say it!"
"Ah... Prince Arnolt. The reason you were asked to stay is about the First Princess, who is stationed at the eastern border."
"What about her?"
"Actually... a marriage proposal has come in."
"I decline."
I immediately declined, and Father and Franz looked disappointed.
Really. If you only saw their expressions, no one would think they were the emperor and the prime minister.
"Please don't say that... Your Majesty has three daughters. Princess Krista is still young, and Princess Zandra has refused to marry."
"Even so, it's ridiculous to propose a marriage for my sister. She commands the entire eastern border army. She is one of only three marshals in the empire, and only you can command her."
"Then why don't you tell her yourself?"
"I've sent many letters! And she's refused them all! She even said she'd leave the royal family if she had to get married! That ungrateful daughter!"
"If she doesn't want to, then it's fine, isn't it?"
"I am her father! I have the duty to worry about my daughter's future! Arnolt, you are close to Krista, and she likes you. Try to convince her to come to the capital by letter. If that doesn't work, go to the eastern border yourself!"
This was an unreasonable order.
If he wanted her to come, he could just order her to do so.
I know why he doesn't. He doesn't want to be disliked.
The eldest sister and Krista are the daughters of the second empress, whom Father loved the most. Especially the eldest sister, who looks exactly like the second empress, makes it hard for Father to be strict.