Chapter 56: The Seeds of the Future

“You all arrived before me.”

As Rohan sat in his seat, Isabel nudged his forearm with her elbow.

She meant for him to look beside him.

“Hm.”

In the direction she turned her gaze stood Elliot.

In the past, Elliot would have greeted him with a bright smile, waving first and calling, “Brother!”

But things were different now.

Elliot rose carefully from his seat and bowed his head as he spoke.

“Greetings to Your Highness the Crown Prince.”

The boy was offering an excessively formal greeting.

Rohan nodded, keeping his face expressionless, but deep inside, he felt an icy chill growing.

‘He has no life in him.’

Isabel’s words came to mind.

These days, Elliot was both training and under surveillance, even his expressions were being controlled.

From his seat, Rohan gazed at his younger brother’s profile.

Elliot’s hands were interlaced neatly on his knees, his gaze unwavering.

Most of all, there was not a hint of expression on his face.

‘He’s still just a child…’

Even the chair was so tall his feet didn’t touch the floor.

A child like him, who should be busy just running around and playing all day, now looked as lifeless as an old man who’d seen all there was to see.

‘For now… Let’s focus on the State Council meeting today.’

Rohan turned his gaze to the center of the grand assembly hall.

His fist, resting on his knee, clenched tightly.

“His Majesty the Emperor arrives!”

With that, Beltar appeared, and everyone in the hall stood to show their respect.

Beltar sat at the head of the table and quietly surveyed the assembly.

Fatigue was etched deeply into his face, and he frowned slightly, as if stifling several coughs.

Nevertheless, his gaze had lost none of its majesty.

“Let us begin the State Council.”

At Beltar’s words, the Minister of Palace Affairs bowed and signaled with his hand.

“It has now been 1,200 years since our great Schubert Empire, built upon the foundation laid by our ancestors, was established…”

As the meeting began, the Minister of Palace Affairs recited the set introductory remarks, then slowly read out the agenda items for the council.

“There are five items on the agenda for this State Council.”

He unfolded a large, luxurious piece of parchment as he spoke.

“First, the proposal to revise the property tax rates on inherited noble lands. Due to increasing land monopolies among nobles in recent years, this amendment proposes a progressive tax on lands exceeding a certain standard upon inheritance. The Laurence family and twelve other families have submitted this proposal.”

As this item was read, several high-ranking nobles seated at the head table exchanged glances.

Since it was a matter directly tied to inheritance, controversy seemed inevitable.

“Second, the introduction of an ‘Imperial Law Supremacy Clause’ within the empire. This clause guarantees the precedence of imperial law over local noble autonomy statutes, to ensure consistency in the governance system and to prevent abuses of private rulings within noble territories. This proposal comes from the Guardians of Balance.”

At this, several provincial nobles, whose regions enjoyed significant autonomy, openly frowned. If this bill passed, their ‘little empires’ would no longer be able to avoid imperial control within the larger framework.

“Third is the reorganization of the defensive lines in response to frequent pirate clashes reported along the southern coastline. Proposed by the Imperial Defense Bureau.”

Military nobles nodded, and some exchanged opinions in low voices.

“Fourth, a pilot policy for improving public security and providing livelihood support in the densely populated slum areas of the capital. This was proposed by His Highness the Crown Prince, and involves redirecting a portion of the current imperial reserve funds.”

“The last item is an amendment to the imperial succession requirements. This aims to overhaul the existing bloodline-centered succession system, shifting it to one based on practical ability and support. The Fabian family and thirty-nine other families have joined in this proposal.”

A loud murmur spread through the room.

“With these five agenda items, we shall commence the State Council.”

A page entered, carrying a piece of parchment as large as himself, and unrolled it down below.

Written there was the topic of the first agenda item.

The Minister of Palace Affairs looked solemnly around the hall and spoke sternly.

“Representatives and ministers of each family, please remember that this is not a place for selfish ambition, but a forum for offering future-oriented and healthy opinions for the empire’s progress.”

And thus…

The State Council took its first step into the prelude of a true war.

---

The workshop of Lucretia, one of the capital’s most renowned custom tailors, was bustling as always.

“Please narrow the knees a bit more. The waist… let’s make it half a size larger than last time. Hah, why did I gain weight?”

“Miss Finch, you never disappoint. Your touch is truly remarkable.”

“It’s embarrassing to hear such praise.”

Even amid refined manners and gentle speech, Lucretia’s eyes darted busily as ever.

Her gaze was composed, but in one corner of her mind, a completely different thought arose.

‘It’s probably about time to give this up, too…’

She had opened this shop for revenge.

She aimed to build connections among the nobility and strengthen her intelligence network to bring down the Marquis.

Her status as a tailor made such things a bit easier.

But things were different now.

The Crown Prince was accomplishing more than she’d imagined.

She was preparing to overhaul her secret intelligence organization, “The Embroiderers,” in earnest.

They embroidered the hems of noblemen’s robes, but were also infiltrators who pierced the empire’s underbelly.

And this organization was the strongest card she could offer Rohan at this moment.

“Sigh, the State Council should be starting about now.”

Because of today’s meeting, she had decided to close her shop early.

On such an important day, she couldn’t just keep serving customers as usual.

“This is nerve-wracking. I’m getting nervous myself.”

Lucretia slapped her cheeks lightly with both hands to snap herself out of it.

Once all the reserved customers had left and the workshop grew empty, she finally relaxed her posture.

“Teacher! Thank you for your hard work!”

“I’ll be heading home now.”

“Yes, good job everyone.”

When the assistants and clerks finished up and left, it became Lucretia’s time.

“I wonder when it’ll be over.”

Her secret organization, “The Embroiderers,” was standing by in their respective positions, ready to gather information.

Just as she was about to hang the “Closed for Business” sign on the door—

Ding-a-ling!

Someone hurriedly pushed the door open.

“Huh? I’m afraid business is already over for the day…”

But then…

“Um… it’s me.”

Panting, the person who spoke was none other than—

“Secretary?”

Zenon Laurence, it was him.

“What brings you here so suddenly?”

Startled by his sudden appearance, Lucretia blinked rapidly.

“Clothes.”

“Clothes…?”

He struggled to catch his breath.

“I came… to get measured for clothes.”

Pushing his half-slipped glasses up, Zenon spoke.

His face, innocent and easy to read as ever, was blushing red.

He looked like someone who’d never carried a burden, the classic model student.

“I did say I’d make you a suit if you ever dropped by… but I didn’t expect you to just show up unannounced.”

Zenon looked embarrassed at her teasing tone.

“Well… come in for now.”

Lucretia flipped the sign to “Closed for Business” and drew the curtains.

“How far did you run…?”

“Whew, well, thanks to today’s State Council I was able to leave work early, but as I was coming, I noticed people streaming out and the clerks seemed to be leaving too.”

So that’s why he rushed over in such a hurry.

Lucretia smiled faintly at Zenon’s panting, rambling manner.

“That’s right. We’re closed now, but…”

How could she turn away someone who came all this way?

“Since you worked so hard to get here, I’ll do it. Shall we start with your measurements?”

At her question, Zenon swallowed nervously and nodded.

Lucretia smiled smoothly and led him into the fitting room.

She gestured at her worktable.

“Stand here, please. I need to take your measurements.”

Bolts of fabric were neatly lined on the shelves, and the distinct scent of textiles lingered gently in the air.

Lucretia opened her measurement notebook and pulled out a tape measure.

“Raise your arms. I’ll start with your shoulders.”

Zenon followed her instructions silently.

Her fingertips moved slowly along his arm.

“You have such fine hands. For a man, I mean.”

Lucretia spoke with a graceful smile.

“I realized while setting up the trade group that you’re extremely meticulous, Secretary. You really know a lot.”

“Our family has a merchant house too. I’ve helped my father a few times.”

“Doesn’t seem like ‘a few times’ to me.”

At her praise, Zenon simply touched the back of his neck.

Tiny beads of sweat had formed there.

“Oh my, is it hot in here?”

“No, it’s just…”

“Am I standing too close? Does it make you uncomfortable?”

Lucretia teased, and Zenon shook his head, looking away.

“N-no, it’s fine.”

The tips of his ears turned red.

Seeing this, she smiled even more softly.

Zenon was weak to compliments.

When he heard one, his ears flushed and he fidgeted, unsure what to do.

Lucretia had figured out that part of his personality from the very start.

“How did you come to know His Highness?”

“Uh… He suddenly showed up and handed me an assignment.”

“That’s just like him. He did the same to me.”

He’d sent her a letter out of nowhere, claiming to know her past and offering to help her with revenge.

A truly unique person.

“How about you, Miss Finch? How did you end up working under His Highness?”

“I…”

How should she put this?

Lucretia looked around for a moment.

“He’s handsome, has good manners, and is unexpectedly bold. I’m curious what he’ll be like as an adult.”

“…!”

Is that what she meant?!

Zenon’s face turned bright red.

“His Highness is certainly a charming person.”

“Pfft.”

Lucretia couldn’t hold back and burst into laughter.

“Wh-why are you laughing?”

“Oh, it’s just… I’ve never seen someone so stiff while being measured.”

“Really? To be honest, I’ve hardly ever had clothes custom-made…”

She understood immediately.

Count Laurence was a miser among misers.

Even the clothes Zenon wore now didn’t fit properly.

He probably wore off-the-rack or hand-me-downs.

Lucretia straightened up and wrapped the tape measure around Zenon’s waist.

He flinched slightly, but she calmly took his measurement.

“It’s funny, though. This is the first time we’ve had a long conversation alone, isn’t it?”

“…That’s true.”

They’d always exchanged only businesslike words.

After recording the last measurement, Lucretia folded up the pattern sheet.

“That’s all the measurements. Now we just need to choose fabric and design…”

“It’s fine.”

“Sorry?”

Zenon shook his hand.

“I’m hopeless when it comes to design and fabric. Please pick something appropriate, Miss Finch.”

He started to gather his coat and head out.

“Secretary.”

“Y-yes?”

“It’s too late.”

“Ah… I’m sorry. I should have come earlier.”

“That’s not what I mean.”

Lucretia sighed softly, then broke into a wide smile.

“Since you’re here, would you like to have lunch? I was so tense because of the State Council, I skipped breakfast and now I’m starving.”

“L-lunch, together?”

“I know a wonderful bakery that makes the best pain d’or.”

At her words, Zenon’s eyes grew wide with surprise.