Published: January 4, 2026
After Noah left, the emperor summoned his longtime confidant, the First Prime Minister.
The emperor always acted or consulted immediately after seeking Noah’s opinion.
Because of this, the First Prime Minister, who was waiting in advance, arrived at the emperor’s study in less than five minutes.
“Congratulations.”
After bowing according to protocol, the First Prime Minister casually uttered those words.
Even the emperor was puzzled by this.
“What is there to congratulate?”
“I observed that your heavenly face is unusually radiant. I presume something very pleasing has occurred.”
“Hmph, it shows on my face as well, huh?”
The emperor smiled even more happily.
“Noah is becoming increasingly remarkable.”
“Oh? I’d very much like to hear about that.”
Showing interest, the First Prime Minister listened intently as the emperor proudly, like a father boasting about his child, recounted the interaction he just had with Noah.
The First Prime Minister nodded along and, after hearing it all, said.
“As expected. To move strictly according to the logic of nobility… among Your Majesty’s sons, only prince wise your highness possesses that.”
“Hmm.”
“Truly the child of the royal family.”
“That’s right. We will use Rice Cake to suppress the rebellion. I’m sorry for Henry, but I don’t want to entrust military power now.”
“Understood. I will proceed accordingly.”
“...Also.”
The emperor paused for a moment, pinching his chin thoughtfully.
This thoughtful expression closely resembled Noah’s, and the First Prime Minister secretly thought, “They are truly father and son.”
After a while, the emperor raised his face and said.
“Gather young people who have potential and add them to Rice Cake’s suppression forces.”
“Understood. For what purpose?”
The First Prime Minister asked again carefully.
Because the choice of people would vary greatly depending on the purpose, it was important to grasp it properly.
“As long as they have potential, that’s fine. Also, they must not be retainers of anyone.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Hmph, your face says, ‘Why such a thing?’”
“...Ah.”
The First Prime Minister blushed slightly, looking a bit embarrassed.
“I want to nurture young people who belong to no one yet, know soldiers, and have combat experience. So that whoever becomes the next emperor can use these unaffiliated people.”
“I see!”
An emperor rarely favors retainers of other princes, whether for ease of use or simple favoritism.
They inevitably rely on their own retainers.
The emperor holds onto military power and never lets go.
Therefore, prince retainers rarely get real combat experience.
The emperor wants to prepare neutral people who can be used by the next emperor.
That way of thinking is very similar to Noah’s.
And the First Prime Minister wondered how Noah would have done it.
“One more thing. An important matter.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“I shall become the retired emperor.”
“――!!”
Like a bolt from the blue.
The First Prime Minister was visibly shocked.
“W-what does this mean?”
“Don’t panic. This is a continuation of what I said before. Secure prosperity for three generations with a good grandson. That hasn’t changed.”
“Yes...”
The First Prime Minister felt somewhat relieved.
“But I am human. Though I can still manage now, aging will degrade my judgment. Thus, before my judgment declines, it’s better for the empire to pass the imperial throne firmly.”
The emperor grinned.
“Recently, I realized that watching my son thrive as emperor while I’m retired might not be so bad after all.”
“Is that so?”
The First Prime Minister nodded knowingly and bowed deeply.
Lowering his face, he showed clear surprise.
(As expected of Lord Noah—he’s even changed His Majesty’s life...)
The First Prime Minister was far from dull.
In fact, the main role of a prime minister is to mediate between the emperor and his ministers.
Therefore, many are adept at sensing subtle human emotions.