Chapter 147
Alter was strolling around the inner castle with Brillie.
He still felt some aversion to the cold, but it had become somewhat familiar by now.
No matter how much he tried to deny it, his own bloodline was deeply etched within him.
'He said he would use me... Is that really alright?'
Alter couldn't help but harbor some doubts about his father's plan.
It was a kind of trick, but it certainly allowed him to gauge the intentions of his children.
Perhaps, given what had happened at the imperial palace, his father wanted to make a more careful judgment.
'I do understand. No side would benefit if a civil war broke out.'
Alter had cooperated in the rebellion against the current Emperor and had been treated as a meritorious subject.
From his own perspective, it had been a reasonable choice, but in the end, someone had to be purged.
In truth, rebellion itself inevitably led to unavoidable losses.
'The losses could have been worse, but... in the end, many other members of the imperial family and nobles were slaughtered.'
Having usurped the throne through rebellion, they had given the other imperial family members an excuse as well.
Their use of force to topple the imperial household and then ascending as the new Emperor was proof enough.
As a result, the current Emperor's siblings staged a treason, but before long, they were arrested and executed.
'Father's idea might be right. It needs to be stopped before the damage grows.'
As their father, he couldn't simply stand by while his children slaughtered each other over the title of Northern Grand Duke.
Moreover, if they were to be pushed aside without being able to respond, it would only end in utter misery.
Rather than let that happen, he likely wanted to display strict authority as the Northern Grand Duke.
'Things might end quietly. Perhaps it's best just to watch for now....'
"Are they butchering the meat right now?"
"Yes. It looks like they caught it outside the castle,"
Alter answered calmly, following Brillie's gesture.
Residents had gathered around the body of a deer, moving busily.
As they dismembered the carcass, every part was sorted in order according to the sacks.
"Do they process everything themselves?"
"Normally, you wouldn't let someone else do it. They learn butchering from childhood."
"From childhood? Is it because fresh supplies are lacking?"
"You can't really get fresh meat from supply rations, can you? At best, you might get jerky or salted fish. That's why they hunt animals themselves and then butcher them."
"But aren't they likely to run into monsters? Oh, and weren't there barbarians, too?"
"Monsters and barbarians rarely show up around here. That's why people hunt close by, or sometimes they catch animals that stay within the border."
"Ah, right. That way they can focus on hunting."
Brillie belatedly nodded in understanding and watched the butchering process attentively.
In the capital, it was almost impossible to see anyone taking apart a carcass.
That only made her even more curious, and she couldn't help but watch.
"It looks complicated. If they didn't do all that, they couldn't eat it, right?"
"I suppose you could eat it, but wouldn't the taste suffer? There'd be blood, and it'd reek of fishiness."
"Hmm... have you eaten anything like that yourself?"
"I've only ever been inside the castle. I've never hunted, so I can only tell you about what I've seen and heard."
"Even if they sort it all, not every part is edible, right?"
"Meat can be eaten one way or another. Often it's roasted, but sometimes it's used for stew. Occasionally, they even eat it raw..."
"Raw? They eat it as is—without cooking at all?"
"Yes. There isn't always fire available, you see."
"And that's okay?"
"Sometimes people end up bedridden, but for the most part, they're fine."
"If it can make you bedridden, shouldn't they not eat it?"
"They've lived that way for a long time, so it's not something I can tell them to stop now."
"......"
Brillie fell silent, watching the residents.
For her, it was hard to accept the existence of uncooked food.
Without even condiments or spices, how could someone just consume the ingredient as is?
"This one's just been caught. Would you like to try some?"
One of the inner castle's servants recognized them and approached first.
On the tray, thinly sliced raw meat was laid out.
Brillie flinched for a moment, then looked at Alter.
"I don't think I can eat it. What about you, lady Brillie?"
"I doubt I could, either."
"We appreciate your offer, but we'll pass."
The servant bowed lightly and turned away.
Brillie unconsciously paid attention to the servant, but was left feeling strangely out of place.
"Alter, you don't eat it much either, do you?"
"I never had the urge, so I've never tasted it until now."
"Yes... Cooked food is better than raw, after all."
Brillie smiled awkwardly but felt secretly relieved.
If she outright refused, it might seem rude.
At least since Alter responded first, she thought the situation had been smoothed over.
"Hmm... People won't think it's strange if I can't eat raw food, will they?"
"There are others who don't eat raw meat besides myself. Since you're from the capital, lady Brillie, no one would force you."
"Right? I was just making sure."
Brillie murmured absentmindedly and turned her gaze again.
Most of the residents were helping with the butchering, each holding a dagger.
Why did not only soldiers, but also servants, carry daggers?
"Everyone uses a dagger, I see?"
"They often need to break or chop things. For butchery, you need something sharp."
"True."
"You can't leave all the work to just one person, so everyone lends a hand by grabbing a dagger. If you were butchering outside the castle in a hurry, what would you do?"
"Then... everyone would use daggers to finish quickly."
"If you had to eat on the spot, could you carry tableware everywhere?"
"That would be a bit of a hassle."
"So daggers take the place of a knife and fork."
"So... you cut with the dagger and stick the meat in your mouth with it?"
"That's right, usually that's how they do it."
"So they just use the dagger when pressed for time?"
"To be exact, they handle all sorts of chores with a single dagger. Better than having to prepare equipment every time."
"Whether they're fighting enemies or breaking something frozen?"
"It might be tough, but you can solve most things with just a dagger."
"Hmm... I suppose so."
Brillie thought it over and finally accepted it.
Unlike the capital, the northern territory harbored harsh environments and formidable foes.
Danger lurked everywhere, so the dagger served as an all-purpose weapon and tool.
"They're burying some in the snow?"
"That keeps the meat from spoiling—while also aging it."
"Ah... so you can eat it like that, too?"
"The flavor's different. Would you like to try it sometime?"
"Not raw, I hope?"
"Usually, aged meat is used for cooked dishes. You can eat it as is, but it's just one method."
"Then I suppose I should give it a try at least."
Brillie murmured cautiously and looked around.
Soldiers and servants were bustling about, each performing their duties.
Life in the northern territory seemed far more complicated than she had expected.
"I heard people drink strong liquor to chase off the cold... is that true?"
"The stronger it is, the warmer you get. Even those who like alcohol often enjoy it."
"But I don't see anyone drunk."
"No one wants to be punished. Drinking is permitted, but getting drunk is strictly forbidden."
"It's definitely different from the capital. Not easy at all."
"As long as you're healthy, you can manage. In comparison to the capital, the pay is higher."
"You need money to survive in the capital. But if you were rich, you'd have no reason to come here."
"... Father asked me whether I wanted to become the Northern Grand Duke."
Alter took a step forward and spoke in a low voice.
Brillie quickly followed, soon walking shoulder to shoulder with Alter.
"And? How did you answer?"
"I told him I wouldn't. He seemed understanding."
"Does that mean it's decided?"
"He said there's something he needs to confirm. He asked for my help."
"You're not going to become the Northern Grand Duke, are you?"
"He's already excluded me. He just wants help."
"So what do you have to do?"
Alter hesitated briefly, then met Brillie's gaze.
If nothing happened, they would move to the next step.
But he felt that if either of them stumbled, the decision would be made immediately.
"We have to deceive everyone. And then see if the person is truly qualified."
* * *
Zair summoned all his children to the office.
He had already finished speaking with Alter, so there was no reason to hesitate any longer.
However, in order to choose the successor, he had to scrutinize the ability of each more meticulously.
"Are you all here? I am going to decide the next head of our house. The wives weren't invited on purpose... so you'd do well to restrain yourselves."
Zair glanced among his children, making eye contact with Brillie.
Since she had married the youngest son as the next head of Duke Illenat's house, she was qualified to attend.
If she had heard everything from her husband, she would likely act accordingly.
"This is a conclusion I came to after a long time of thought. So I'd like you all to respect my wishes."
"......"
But no one dared to speak up.
Surely he wouldn't choose the third daughter in the capital.
It was certain that one of the three here would inherit the power of the Northern Grand Duke.
"I will make Alter my successor."
"What?"
"You're naming Alter? What about me and my brother?"
"I've already made my decision. The soldiers look up to Alter. My advisors and staff also rated his ability highly. Isn't that enough?"
"But still, this is..."
"Wait a second. Isn't this out of order?"
Unperturbed, Zair turned his head.
Brillie was glaring coldly, openly objecting.
Alter just quietly watched, not daring to step in.
"What do you mean?"
"According to the customs of the Agnes Empire, a couple cannot both hold a title. I'm already set to become the next head, so why are you naming my husband as your successor?"
"I've already discussed it with Duke Illenat. This has nothing to do with you."
"It does concern me. Do you think I'll give up my position just because you say so?"
"Are you saying you'll defy my wishes? You are just Alter's wife!"
"Yet I'm also the next head of Duke Illenat's house. If you won't withdraw, I'll leave with my husband for the capital."
Brillie gripped Alter's wrist tightly and tried to leave the office.
Alter glanced at Zair, then reluctantly let himself be dragged along.
Zair, watching the two of them, seemed rather satisfied.
'Is my daughter-in-law playing along first? If she heads outside the castle as is, it'll set the stage nicely. And after that...'
Zair was deliberately creating the conditions for a rebellion.
If he kept up his strict attitude, everyone would believe the succession was settled.
In the meantime, with Sword Flower and the next great mage absent, wouldn't any gaps just invite trouble?
'Rozandion, Marchen. Don't be swayed. If you falter here, you'll lose your claim to the title. Don't betray my expectations.'