New Embers (2)
After the banquet, Paris waited for a guest at his palace. He hadn’t taken off the white uniform he had worn for the banquet.
“You’re here.”
When a man entered upon the servant’s word, Paris stood up politely. It was unusual for him. Marquis Fortrus came in under the servant’s guidance. Paris specially invited him, who couldn’t attend the banquet due to his late arrival, to serve him tea. This was the Emperor’s instruction and originally Petra’s idea. Marquis Fortrus was one of the wealthiest and most powerful men in the Empire. Raised and called to serve the military from generation to generation, he boasted a formidable political influence in Emperor Sheng and Emperor Gaius’ reigns. In the past, it was also the previous Marquis Fortrus that Gaius had worked the hardest to bring on his side once he ascended the throne. Since he had the strongest private in the Empire at that time, he supported Gaius at a high price and played a major role in the power shift. His son, Gabriel Fortrus, had succeeded his throne about three years ago. Unlike his predecessors, he maintained a close relationship with the Emperor and Paris but didn’t give his full support as if taking a step back and observing them. Neither the Emperor nor Petra found it difficult to pressure him. They just wanted to capture Gabriel Fortrus as a complete ally so Paris felt the need to give him special treatment. Such judgment was also attributed to the fact that some of the important aristocrats who had been the Emperor’s close aides weren’t responsible for performing their duties recently due to excessive corruption.
“I’ve been waiting for you.”
“Thank you for welcoming me at this late hour, Your Highness.”
Characterized by his strong jawline and dark eyebrows, the Marquis still looked young for a forty-year-old. His well-trimmed beard also made him look strong and masculine. Marquis Fortrus slightly lowered his head. It was a much lighter bow compared to the other nobles, although he didn’t seem to antagonize him on purpose. He seemed to know well that Paris, who was troubled by Caelion, needed his influence.
“I’ve been wanting to meet you once you visit the Capital,” Paris said cheerfully and offered him a seat.
“Congratulations on your victory.”
He made a short greeting and slumped on the sofa. Perhaps he hadn’t been able to refuse the prince’s favor, but he already looked a bit exhausted. Paris didn’t seem to recognize this and offered him tea.
“I’m sorry about this. Your Majesty, the Crown Prince, himself——-”
“Make sure to stop by often. You’re important in this Empire, Marquis. I hope there will be more things to see in the future.” He spoke as Petra advised beforehand. “I heard you enjoy hunting. There’s no place for the rare game to pile up like a mountain.”
“It’s embarrassing, but it’s true. It’s a pleasure of mine to own and collect beautiful things.” Marquis Fortrus replied with a smile.
In fact, he loved their beauty to the point of obsession. He had caught and tamed a silver-horned deer and a golden horse that was treated as a god. If a wild animal couldn’t be tamed, he killed it and stuffed it.
“Someday, I will invite you to a hunting ground the royal family owns.”
“I’ll be honored once you do so.” They chatted for about an hour. Their private conversations, which showed no genuine affinity for each other, were strictly about business, meaningless praises, and subtle bragging.
When Paris judged that the atmosphere was somewhat ripe, he began. “Actually, I called you because I had a proposition.”
The Marquis, who was leaning on the sofa, leaned forward as if he didn’t want to miss a thing.
“You already know that being the head of the Imperial Knights is such an honorable position.”
The Marquis grinned. Was this the hidden card that the crown prince wanted to play?
“I’m going to reserve that position soon.”
“Count Bronen currently holds that position, right?”
“He can no longer work there due to excessive neglect.” Paris said while shaking his head. This was an open fact. Count Bronen, one of the royal aides, became the captain of the Royal Knights because he was capable. He was also the emperor’s comrade in the past. However, his position went unstable recently due to the allegations that he received a large number of bribes and even put his friend’s son in the Order.
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