Circumstances of a Fallen Lord

Chapter 108

  Im sorry, what matters did you want to discuss?

  The political situation at the capital. I want to know about the current status of the royal family or any of the nobles movements. You must have investigated, yes?

  Yes, we have been investigating as per the generals order, but Why are you curious about that?

  Its my job to meet the prince or the other noblesI shouldnt make any mistakes.

  An incredibly normal answerthe deputy chancellor felt even more as if he had fallen into an alternate reality. Theres no way an idiot like him would say something so common sensical.

  The deputy chancellors bewilderment was almost unnoticeable, hidden by the deep exhaustion that lined his face. So, without much further thought, Luisen asked, Tell me about the royal family first. How is his majesty doing? I had only heard that there was an emergency.

  I believe its likely that hes still alive as there have been no messengers sent to the duchy.

  Likely, hmm. Do you not know the exact happenings within the castle?

  Yes. When the first prince seized control of the palace, the internal personnel employed there changed a lot. Our informants planted there seem to have been dealt with.

  Is that so I expected the first prince and the nobles who supported him to gain the upper hand. Then, there must be disadvantages to our side, yes?

  Thats likely the case But, if they dont want to turn the South into an enemy, they wont be able to directly persecute us.

  The conversation seemed to flow naturally, but the deputy chancellor was surprised every time Luisen opened his mouth. This was something someone would say if they were interested in the worlds political state and happenings, but the person speaking was Luisen!

  Am I really talking about politics so ordinarily with my Duke? Is this really reality? he thought.

  Luisen had always taken for granted everything the vassals had taken care of; for his entire life, he had ignored disputes that had taken place right next to him, in neighboring districts, as if they were someone elses business. He was so passive that others often cut him out of the process, nor did he ever ask questions or try to learn more.

  This person is he really the duke I know?

  The deputy chancellor examined Luisens face. He had served the meritorious ducal family for years, and his forefathers had served the family for generations. He originally had worked in the duchy before following Luisen when the young lord came to the capital. The deputy chancellor had watched the young lord closely all his life; the beautiful face that others couldnt help but revere seemed almost ordinary to him at this point. The young lords delicate appearance, which looked somewhat nobly arrogant, was the same as it had been a few months ago.

  However, something about Luisens face felt unfamiliar. Ever since yesterday, when Luisen appeared on horseback and approached them, this feeling hadnt disappeared.

  The deputy chancellor soon realized why that was the case: Luisens aura was completely different.

  Previously, Luisen was lethargic and listless, as if he had no expectations in life. There were many people who admired that aura, as it exuded an almost unrealistically noble demeanor, but, from a vassals viewpoint, that sort of attitude wasnt reliable nor satisfactory.

  As the owner of the golden fields, he should exude steadfastness, an unshakeable sense of stability. He should be like a tree standing tall upon this earth, providing merciful shade from the cruel, hot sun. The vassals of the Anies duchy could believe in *that* Luisen and follow him anywhere. What could the vassals strive for with a listless lord?

  However, Luisens current appearance was exactly the opposite of the Luisen the deputy chancellor remembered. Luisens two pupils sparkled vividly with passion, and his expression was lively. His gaze was direct, and his words were filled with strength, conveying a strong sense of self-confidence within. There was some nervousness about his current situation, but he was not afraid; rather, he was confident, as if he knew what needed to be done.

  How could a person become so different in just a few months?

  Its not a Duke; Hes a different personNo, thats impossible. The deputy chancellor quickly retracted his momentary doubts.

  A face like Luisens could not have a twin in this world. The deputy chancellor, who often lamented Luisens folly, had to acknowledge the young lords face.

  If hes not another person, then hes really changed

  The deputy chancellor had heard what had happened in the duchy. In fact, the general sent a letter, which declared that the young lord had changed; the old man made a fuss like a normal elderly person boasting about his grandchildren. Furthermore, the deputy chancellor had also heard rumors that Luisen helped the people of this land by posing as a pilgrim.

  The deputy chancellor had not believed any of it. Although the general deserved respect for his shrewdness and competence, the older man tended to overestimate the young lords strengths and magnify his good qualities. Just like a parent would with their unruly child.

  And, rumors were historically unreliable, and the deputy chancellor thought the duchy may have exaggerated the news for positive propaganda. Above all, the deputy chancellor was privy to Luisens scoundrel days; the young lord was too chaotic for him to believe in such hearsay.

  However, if he carefully observed the young lords behavior since he returned to the mansion, he couldnt help but admit that the young lord was almost unrecognizable from his old, trashy self.

  The old Luisen would never have gathered the household staff and treated them to dinner and consoled them for the hardships that they had suffered. Similarly, he would have never sought the office and been curious about the current political situation. In the past, it would have been unimaginable to even think that Luisen would think for himself and make any effort.

  Mmm Fine. Hes changed, somewhat.

  The deputy chancellor still did not believe that Luisen could have accomplished so much by himself, but he had to admit that so many things had happened.

  I guess it was time for this rascal to come to his senses. Im just glad he wont cause any more accidents in the future.

  The deputy chancellors impression of the young lords change amounted to about that much.

  People dont change easily, and their determination can quickly weaken. Although the young lord showed a different side of himself upon returning home, he could still revert to his old ways.

  Even if Luisen truly reflected on his past, he was still Luisen. Just because he was now a reformed rascal, it doesnt mean that all missteps he had made will disappear, nor does it make unfavorable circumstances suddenly become better. It does not wipe away the karma that had already accumulated. An incapable person who suddenly changes their mind wont gain newfound abilities.

  For those reasons, the deputy chancellor acknowledged the young lords changes but still held no expectations.

***

  After a long conversation with the deputy chancellor, Luisen went to meet Carlton. The mercenary was warming up by swinging his sword in the training field behind the mansion, sweating profusely despite the cold weather. Thanks to his excessive perspiration, his damp tunic clung to his body, revealing a well-muscled torso. The passing maids and Luisen paused, admiring the sight.

  My Duke! Carlton smiled brightly when he noticed Luisen. A sigh of admiration escaped from someone in the audience. Although the mercenary didnt often draw attention with his faceas his physique was so outstanding and his expression was so gruff; most people didnt realize, but Carlton was also a handsome man who could turn heads on the street.

  Are you done with your conversation?

  When Carlton ran to him like a water buffaloeyes focused only on himLuisen smiled, satisfied. Yes. At least, for now. According to the deputy chancellor, the duchys messenger is likely to arrive in the evening. Since the general must have prepared something, I decided to postpone our business until after receiving the messenger.

  Then, you have time to play with me, now? Carlton smiled gently as he took the young lords hands.

  Time? If Luisen didnt have any, he would have stolen hours from somewhere to make himself available. He nodded enthusiastically.

  Carlton quickly went to his room to wash off his sweat and change clothes. Since there was still time until lunch, Luisen held Carltons hand and wandered around the mansion. Thanks to the small number of staff working in the mansion, the corridors were empty, and the two of them were not disturbed wherever they went.

  Whenever Luisen discovered a room where precious items were stored, he picked the best trinket and placed it in Carltons pocket. A potion blessed by a fairy, a dagger said to be one of the last remaining works by a legendary blacksmith, a jeweled ring large enough to be used as a weapon, etc.

  The capital mansions warehouse overflowed with precious items, and there was no one to stop the out-of-control Luisen, who was in a rush to supply Carlton with anything good. Carlton played along for a bit, but he finally cried out when the young lord wasnt satisfied with filling the mercenarys pockets and was beginning to adorn his neck and arms with jewels. Stopthats enough. If you give me more than this, Ill have to carry them in a sack.

  Ahshould I call for a servant?

  Im saying, this is enough.

  What a shametheres still more warehouses and storage rooms left.

  Its really fine, so please rest. Carlton sat on a sofa in the hallway and dragged Luisen on top of his lap. Luisen didnt resist and snuggled into Carltons embrace.

  I dont think I could buy any of these things with money even if I wanted toare you sure you can just give me them all?

  Im merely giving you items I ownwho would say anything against that? Its not as if Im buying something new to give to you; were merely playing around in the warehouses. They all belong to you. Just by being in Carltons embrace, Luisen felt as if he could buy a mansion, but he tried to be nonchalant.

  Your duchy is amazing indeed. Honestly until now, I did wonder what made your household different from other nobles households, Carlton said.

  I told you, didnt I? Were experiencing a temporary setback right nowwell recover soon. I talked to the deputy chancellor, and our outlook is bright. Speaking of which, Luisen began to inform Carlton of his conversation with the deputy chancellor. Carlton may as well know what the situation inside the capital was like.

  I dont know about the first prince, but the nobles under his wing wont look favorably upon his once enemy, Duke Anies. Carlton sharply pointed out.

  Im sure my authority will be restrained, but they cant openly attack a Great Lords household and authority. The other Great Lords wouldnt just sit back and watchits in their best interests to uphold precedent for their authority and mine.

  I suppose that is true.

  But, theres something bothering me: Count Doubless.  I was informed that he was currently enjoying the highest prestige in the capital right now.

  The count himself wasnt a particularly impressive man in Luisens memory, but he loathed to let matter pass. After all, Cullen1 had met the demon worshiper in Count Doublesss territory, and it was there that Ruger took Luisen on the night of his ill-fated midnight escape.

  Luisen asked, The count has the full support of the first prince and was entrusted with all sorts of business. Hes apparently the de facto right-hand-man. Was their relationship always like that?

  No. Until I left the capital, he never held that kind of position. He had some reputation for being faithful but, as a noble from the South, it was difficult for him to obtain an important position.

  Carlton recalled how nobles from the South tended to be excluded from key positions, even if they were loyal and devoted to the first prince, since Luisen had openly sided with the second Prince.

  Thanks to that, the aristocrats from the South were generally united around Count Doubless; a few people wondered if he was aiming to become the leader of the Southern faction.

  Come to think of it, I heard a rumor before I left the duchy. Apparently, the Southern nobles at the capital were moving in some strange yet significant manner.

  Luisens ominous hunch that the Count was a demon worshiper was becoming more believable.

TL: Luisens really in his sugar-dad era isnt he?

1.   Cullen, if you remember, is the snake-monster-raising handyman Carlton and Luisen met aboard the ship on their way to the capital.