Chapter 186: Conditions for Becoming a Ducal House

(Note: This time is from Eddie’s perspective.)

Will and his companions held back the massive horde of monsters, and the Fairchild Margrave Family Knight Order and the Sheffield Ducal Knight Order annihilated them. Father and I somehow managed to defeat the Magic Tiger that was the enemy leader.

It was the result of various strokes of luck piling up, but His Majesty told us he would promote the Fairchild Margrave family. Indeed, if we become a Ducal house, Father won’t have to deploy troops prepared to face punishment like this time; we can openly go to the aid of other noble territories attacked by monsters.

For generations, our Fairchild Margrave family has fought the monsters of the Sea of Trees to protect the people, and we have never turned our weapons against other nobles. If that has led to His Majesty’s trust, then it is the result of what our ancestors have built up, and I feel proud.

Until now, only two Ducal houses existed, in the North and South. However, since the threat of monsters was realized through this invasion, placing a Ducal house in the West as a Guardian against the Sea of Trees—the Albion Kingdom‘s greatest demon realm—will likely gain the understanding of other noble houses.

Besides, Will‘s talent and achievements are simply too great. So much so that the Northern Empire said they definitely wanted to welcome him as the Imperial Princess’s groom.

He prevented famine, stopped infectious diseases, achieved results as an Enchanter, and this time led a small group of companions to stop a massive monster horde. No one looks down on the Production Skill anymore.

Due to those achievements, Will is scheduled to establish a new house eventually. However, in the noble sense, Will is also a member of the Fairchild Margrave family, so it is natural to reward the Fairchild Margrave family as well.

Of course, Father didn’t establish the workshop with Will as its representative aiming for that, but if the Kingdom does not practice strict fairness in rewards and punishments, trust in the Royal Family will waver.

However, there is one problem. A Ducal house must have a blood relationship with the Royal Family. That is also the basis for a Ducal house’s great discretion.

A Ducal house can freely deploy troops to other noble territories, and in times of emergency, is allowed to command the soldiers of other noble houses. That means acting as a proxy for the Royal Family in military matters.

In addition, they are granted great discretion regarding the administration of their assigned region, such as maintaining roads and building new towns. They can also act as His Majesty’s plenipotentiary in negotiations with foreign countries, exercising a part of Royal authority in both domestic and foreign affairs.

It would seem good if the Fairchild family became related to the Royal Family through Will marrying Her Highness Flora, but since it has been decided that Will will establish a new noble house and become an Earl, that won’t happen.

In that case, since the elder two of the four Royal Princesses are already married, me marrying Her Highness Elizabeth, the Third Princess, becomes the option.

Her Highness Elizabeth, who is also the Student Council President of the Royal Academy, is a trustworthy person with high ability as a swordswoman, and a woman I can respect.

However, although the President accepts that she may have a political marriage as a member of the Royal Family, I know that she actually aims to become the Knight Commander of the Royal Knights as a swordswoman. If she becomes a Duchess, she will no longer be able to pursue that dream.

Personally, I want the President to chase her dream. So, while I am proud of the promotion to a Ducal house, I was also troubled.

As I sat in the Royal Academy cafe feeling a bit melancholic, an acquaintance approached. “Eddie-senpai, you look down. Even though it seems you will be promoted.”

“Ah, Lady Francois. The promotion is something to be grateful for, but there are conditions to becoming a Ducal house.”

I used to call her the Daughter of the Siltikheim Duke house or the Duke’s daughter, but since this clear-headed junior student gets grumpy when I call her that, I’ve recently been calling her by name.

“What you are worried about is the President’s dream, isn’t it? That is just like you, kind Senpai.” “As expected, you saw right through me.” “Yes. I also want the President to chase her dream.”

Lady Francois sat next to me. “Eddie-senpai, are you not aware that there is a way to fulfill the condition of becoming a Ducal house other than marrying the President?”

For some reason, she looked slightly dissatisfied. “No… Will is engaged to Her Highness Flora, but he is decided to establish a new house…”

“I am not asking about such obvious things. Daughters of Royal blood are not limited to Princesses, you know.” Eh? I was momentarily bewildered.

But, it is certainly as my junior, the Student Council Secretary, says. A Princess married into the Southern Ducal house, which was originally an independent Principality, but the King’s niece married into the Northern Ducal house. And speaking of the current King’s niece…

“Could it be… you?” “Senpai, you are too dense. Have you forgotten that my mother is His Majesty’s sister?” “I see… now that you mention it, I am ashamed. However, if that is the case…”

“Senpai, it is cruel to stammer there. Could it be that you dislike me?” “No, no, that’s not it. I know that Lady Francois is clear-headed enough to rank at the top of her grades even after skipping a grade, and that while you seem cool, you are actually kind.”

“You also have high ability as a mage. Besides, for some reason, I feel energized when I see your smile.” My junior, a rare genius woman, blushed unusually.

“S-Senpai, I am troubled if you praise me so suddenly.” “Ah, sorry. I just wanted to convey that I think you are a wonderful woman.”

“It is embarrassing, but I am happy, Senpai.” Lady Francois, showing an unusually shy expression, was cute.

“Then, may we proceed with the talk?” Lady Francois is smart, so she often skips explanations. By “proceed with the talk,” she probably means proceeding with our engagement.

This girl is respected even by the current Duke Siltikheim, who is said to be shrewd. So she has the capability to lay the groundwork for her own marriage herself. And His Majesty, who wants to avoid using the Princess as a pawn for political marriage, will likely agree to this proposal. He must have heard from the President that this excellent Student Council Secretary and I get along well.

No, perhaps His Majesty thought of this from the beginning? As I was pondering, Lady Francois showed a dissatisfied, anxious expression. This won’t do. I voiced the answer to her question.

“Yes, please proceed with it. I will devote myself to becoming a man worthy of you.”