Chapter 44

Chapter 44: Royal Decree

After concluding the meeting and finalizing the signing of the peace agreement, Rocha officially became a vassal of the Nonette Kingdom. In other words, the Rocha region was replaced.

Having completed such a ceremony, I returned to the Nonette Kingdom with Familis and Princess Parvela.

Soon after, I had an audience with King Chorlex.

During the audience, strangely, other princes and princesses—my siblings—were present.

Despite the strangeness, I reported the situation, and King Chorlex responded sternly, "The conclusion of the peace negotiations was a significant accomplishment. Nevertheless, returning with the entire Rocha country as compensation is quite the feat."

"I must admit that being cornered into such a deal was my own failing."

I honestly explained, but the response was a bitter smile.

"Having achieved such a feat, you harbor dissatisfaction?"

"The economic scale of the Rocha region is ten times that of the Nonette Kingdom itself. As it stands, there's a risk that the tenant we've accommodated on the porch might take over the main house."

"Indeed, that is a concern. However, if you were to dispatch someone to oversee that tenant, wouldn't the main house be secure?"

"That might indeed be a solution."

That overseer would have to handle a lot of challenges, though.

But with this report, my involvement with the Rocha region came to an end. I could return to my everyday life as a marshal. I felt sorry for the person selected as the overseer, though.

Just as I was feeling at ease, King Chorlex issued a royal decree.

"My child, Milimos Nonette. In the name of King Chorlex, I command you. Relinquish the title of marshal."

It was an unexpected order, but since the negotiations had failed, it was only natural for me to lose my position.

I lowered my head and removed the marshal's insignia from my chest, then raised it before me.

"Yes. At this moment, I relinquish the title of marshal."

I presented the insignia, and Duke Avkolo, the prime minister, approached and took it.

At that moment, one of my brothers, Sarkajimo, had a look on his face that made me want to punch him.

Thinking that my brother was quite malicious, even for him, King Chorlex issued another royal decree.

"Once again, I command you. Appoint you as the lord of the Rocha region, entrusting you with all matters pertaining to that area. Strive to pacify and develop the land."

For a moment, I didn't understand what I had been told.

So, even though I knew it was impolite, a question slipped out of my mouth.

"Am I to become the lord of the Rocha region?"

"What's this? Do you have an objection to the king's command?"

"...With due disrespect, wouldn't it be more appropriate for Lord Futtero, who is more intelligent than me, known in foreign diplomacy, and well-received in many countries, to take on this role? He would be a more suitable lord for a large territory than me."

My thinking was that Futtero, who was smarter than me in my previous life and well-known in foreign diplomacy, would be more cooperative and suitable for the position of a lord in a larger territory than our homeland. Besides, in the future, if Futtero were to become king and the capital of the Nonette Kingdom were to be moved to the expansive Rocha region, having experience as the lord of that land might make it easier for the residents to accept.

However, my expectations were negated by Futtero himself.

"I am a prince who fled from that country. If someone like me were to take charge, the retainers from Rocha might look down upon us, making governance difficult. In contrast, Milimos, even at the age of twelve, battled the former Rocha country's army. If someone like him were to become the lord, the retainers should hold him in high regard."

"That's the reasoning. Are you satisfied?"

At the question posed by King Cholex, I had no choice but to agree.

"Yes. I humbly accept the position of Lord of the Rocha Region."

"Very well. From this moment forth, Milimos Nonette shall become a Duke. Endeavor to conduct yourself in a manner befitting such a status."

Once again, an unexpected command, but this time I won't resist.

"Yes. I shall engrave your words in my heart and devote myself to this task."

And so, my report and appointment to lordship concluded.

Just when I thought the audience was over, the conversation continued.

The topic shifted to the marshal position I had relinquished, and King Cholex began to speak.

"Our army has suffered greatly in two battles. It is not desirable for the position of marshal to remain vacant during efforts to replenish and rebuild our forces. However, placing commoners at the helm in this dire situation is also not an option. Just recently, a report came in about someone obtaining a position through a wager."

Sentis. King Cholex is criticizing you. Well, I'm the one who submitted the report, though.

That's why it's essential for one of my children to take on the role of marshal. Of course, Futtero, who is occupied with diplomacy, and Milimos, who has become the Lord of Rocha, are exempt."

In response to that declaration, Sarcajimo stepped forward with determination.

"In that case, leave it to me! I'll prove I can fulfill the role of marshal even better than Milimos!"

While nodding, King Cholex turned his gaze to the twin sisters Gante and Carino, and to my older brother Vishika.

"Sarcajimo speaks these words, but what do the three of you think?"

"We know little about military matters, Carino."

"That's right, Gante. It's better not to meddle in things we don't understand."

The twin sisters gently declined the appointment of marshal.

In this situation, it would be Vishika's opinion that would decide whether Sarcajimo would become the next marshal.

Curious to see how this would play out, I watched as Vishika turned to King Cholex and spoke.

"The one suited for the position of the next marshal is me, not my brother Sarcajimo."

His clear statement surprised everyone present.

Even I, who had always known the quiet Vishika, was taken aback by his bold declaration.

King Cholex quickly defused the situation.

"Well then, we have two candidates. We must decide through some means."

As King Cholex began to contemplate the selection process, Sarcajimo confronted Vishika.

"Hey, back down right now. You're not fit to be marshal."

"No way, Sarcajimo. I won't give up on becoming a marshal."

"You're so arrogant! Just hand it over!"

"I won't allow Sarcajimo to cool down the seat that Milimos warmed for me."

In an unusual choice of words, Vishika made it clear that Sarcajimo wasn't suitable for the position of marshal.

It seemed that Sarcajimo himself acknowledged this fact.

"What are you saying! Even Milimos managed to become a marshal! There's no way I can't do it!"

"No, it's precisely because it was Milimos that it worked. Sarcajimo, who doesn't understand that, should step back."

Vishika's assessment of me was rather impressive.

But, really, am I that remarkable?

Leaving me in bewilderment, Sarcajimo and Vishika's argument intensified.

King Cholex's stern words intervened, dispelling the heat.

"That's enough from both of you. I understand your enthusiasm for the marshal position. Therefore, I shall subject you both to the same trial. Only the one who succeeds shall be appointed as the next marshal. And if both of you succeed, I promise to appoint Sarcajimo as marshal and Vishika as general."

King Cholex's decision seemed somewhat favorable to Sarcajimo.

Well, he's the second son, and it feels like a parental desire to give him some merit at this point.

Sarcajimo appeared to understand this too, as he wore a smug expression.

"It's practically decided who the next marshal will be. How about giving up?"

"If there's a chance, I'll accomplish it. Besides, if Sarcajimo flees from training, I'm certain to become the next marshal."

Between the two glaring at each other, sparks seemed to fly.

I could only hope that they would fulfill the royal decree and achieve their tasks as a healthy competition, rather than engage in a clandestine struggle for the position of marshal.