Published: August 15, 2025
The day rewound just a little.
I had come to the royal palace for my father’s state funeral.
Normally, I don’t like coming here much. Many Dilz people detest those with foreign blood. It only gets worse when those people become nobles or members of the royal family.
“—That being said, the title and lands of Duke Granado shall be inherited by the eldest son, Cyrus, according to Alfred Granado’s will.”
At the conclave where the kingdom’s top nobility gather, King Roy declared this.
“Furthermore, the financial conglomerate known as the Granado Trading Company will continue to be operated by Cyrus Granado. That means his current assets, the count title, the public offices of the royal capital’s Central Market administration, the canal administration, as well as the associated income, shall continue. On the final day of the state funeral, following the investiture ceremony, the dukedom’s assets and authorities will be conferred. This includes the lands in the southern kingdom, the port town, the fees for the trading port, the coastal shipping taxes, tariffs, and—”
As His Majesty the King read through the increasing list of possessions now belonging to Cyrus, the nobles’ faces grew tighter and tenser. I remained silent, kneeling before His Majesty with my head bowed.
...Honestly, it’s tough. Not just the grave responsibility as duke’s successor, but this atmosphere is unsettling. More than half is hatred and envy; the other half, calculating how to ingratiate themselves while watching my face carefully. Staring at the floor, I quietly sighed.
If they envy me that much, I almost wanted to say, “Fine, take it all.”
As for the property I earned myself and the count title, I wouldn’t mind. If there were a more suitable successor than me for the dukedom, I wouldn’t object to passing it on. But since there isn’t, that’s why Father Alfred chose his illegitimate son as heir. I’ve understood, accepted, and steeled myself for that since I was four.
Fine, whatever. Hate me as much as you want. Curse me all you like.
No matter how much the conclave or court circles whisper behind my back, it doesn’t affect me. I have a castle where I can relax.
Deep inside my mind, near the core of my brain, a baby’s voice lingers. It’s hardly a beautiful tone, but to me, it’s the most comforting sound. Holding and soothing my crying daughter is my healing time. Speaking of healing, there’s my wife Marie. Even when I’m weary from the poisonous stares at the palace, hearing her clear voice cleanses me. However exhausted from official duties and business, even if I don’t sleep, holding my wife and child fills my heart.
I want to go home soon—hold my wife and daughter, lift them up and swing them around high in the air...
“—Ku... Kyuro—Cyrus…”
...I need to buy Lisa another souvenir...a corundum brooch shaped like a rose...feed Marie baby food and change her diaper...
“—Ku, Cyrus-kun. Cyrus-kun!”
Damn it, if only I had two bodies…!
“Cyrus-kun! How long are you going to just sit there? It’s over!”
A sharp male voice jolted me awake. I hurriedly lifted my head, but His Majesty the King was gone, and the nobles had mostly dispersed. Before me stood the Third Prince... Ruifeng Sandalqia Dilz, arms crossed, looking down at me kneeling with a smile.
“Haha, what a sight. Since you’re here, why not swear loyalty to me?”
“Swear loyalty? No way!”
I shouted, standing up. Damn, I apparently dozed off in front of His Majesty. Embarrassed, I scratched the back of my head. Ruifeng smirked.
“I’d love to tease you endlessly, but for Marie-chan and Lisa-chan’s sake, I’ll let it go. Good job, Dad.”
“You’re teasing, aren’t you?”
“Don’t be mad. You’re heading back to the castle soon, right? I’ll send you. War chariots are fast and the roads are clear.”
“You’re so bossy. You’ll get assassinated in a coup someday.”
Ruifeng laughed cheerfully and started walking. I silently followed behind him.