The Founding Monarch Became the Mastermind

Chapter 14

The next morning, Si-on was a little surprised to hear that Baron Kilburn had decided to accept his proposal.

“I didn’t expect you’d make a decision so quickly.”

“Is that so?”

“…I must apologize. It was rude of me to try and test you, Lord.”

Si-on smiled at Baron Kilburn, who chuckled softly.

Seeing his reaction, Baron Kilburn flinched slightly and stared at Si-on in silence for a moment.

Just as Si-on was inwardly puzzled by his inexplicable reaction, the baron spoke up.

“I’ve been curious for a while… do you usually look at people like that?”

“Pardon?”

What is this now? How have I been looking at people?

“I didn’t notice it at first. It just felt a bit unsettling. But as I thought about it, there was no reason for me to feel uncomfortable, right? It wasn’t hostility; in fact, it felt more like kindness.”

“What do you mean…?”

“The expression and look in Sir Salen’s eyes when you see me. It’s quite similar to how my biological father and my foster father, the former Lord, used to look at me when I was young.”

“…!”

“After thinking about it, I realized that it’s something I haven’t experienced since I was old enough to think for myself, so it was unfamiliar and unsettling. Isn’t it? No grown adult feels comfortable being looked at like a child by someone, no matter who it is.”

“Uh… that was never my intention, but if that’s how you felt, I sincerely apologize.”

Si-on bowed his head hastily, feeling a cold sweat run down his back.

The grandson, who took after his daughter, was just as perceptive.

No, this was his own mistake.

He should have controlled his expressions better.

What was he doing making a man in his fifties, and a lord at that, feel that way?

‘I almost got into big trouble. I must be careful from now on.’

Unexpectedly meeting his blood relatives after so long, Si-on had slipped up.

“Ah, it’s fine. As I said, it was out of goodwill. Besides, it seems Piotr likes you quite a bit, so I’m just asking you to look after him.”

“You need not worry about that. I don’t know how you’ll take this, but I’ve never broken a promise. So, what I’ve promised you, Lord, will definitely be fulfilled.”

“Heh… I see.”

It was strange.

Though Si-on seemed to be only about half his age, Baron Kilburn felt deep trust in his words.

Moreover, the confidence and undefined maturity Si-on exuded were qualities not even found in his eldest and second sons, who were both over thirty.

‘What a peculiar man. If he were a direct heir instead of a collateral branch, the issue of succession would be even more troublesome than it is now.’

As he entertained thoughts he couldn’t and shouldn’t voice aloud, Baron Kilburn extended his hand to Si-on.

“Then, stay healthy until we meet again.”

“You too, Lord… I wish you a long, healthy life.”

Though the farewell was odd, the sincerity Si-on conveyed made the baron smile gently as they shook hands.

* * *

“Did you say your goodbyes properly?”

“Yes. I kept it simple since I’ll be back within a few years anyway.”

Hearing Piotr’s words, Si-on clicked his tongue inwardly.

“A few years… Sorry, but that might be a bit difficult.”

Even if you’re not here, I, your grandfather, will do my best to ensure your father’s territory runs smoothly without any problems.

“By the way, why aren’t you married yet at your age?”

In this world, one usually became an adult at fifteen, akin to middle or high school in Korea, and got married before turning twenty.

It was somewhat unusual that Piotr, who was twenty, was still unmarried.

“I was engaged, but things fell apart because I couldn’t become Master Lycas’s disciple.”

“Oh dear. So, did you officially break off the engagement?”

“Not really, but her family wasn’t pleased with me, and we haven’t discussed the wedding for years. So, I suppose it’s practically over.”

“I see. That’s unfortunate.”

“It’s fine. I wasn’t that interested anyway, and she only recently had her coming-of-age ceremony this year. She’s too childish for my taste.”

‘So the girl’s only fourteen? You almost ended up marrying a middle schooler.’

The culture of early marriage here was something else.

Given the shorter average lifespan, early marriages were understandable, but even so, marrying a child was going too far.

In the Si-on Duchy, thankfully, regardless of status, both men and women were required to have their coming-of-age ceremony before marrying.

“And I’m the youngest, so I don’t need to inherit the family line. I’m quite comfortable as I am.”

“I see.”

I see, my foot.

Contrary to his words, Si-on secretly let out a sly smile.

Since discovering that Baron Kilburn was his grandson, Si-on had already adjusted part of his plans.

‘You’ll have plenty to do when you get there. You’ll be staying a while, so this old man will introduce you to a fine lady.’

Though marriages between fourth cousins were common in this world, personally, even that felt a bit much. Sixth cousins would be genetically safe, so it should be fine.

If that still felt uncomfortable, they could pick someone from the grandson’s or great-grandson’s spouse’s family.

‘Wasn’t it Eleanor? That girl’s family should be a good match.’

The family of Eleanor, who had been paired with great-grandson Brian, would make a fine family for a prospective bride.

The grandson of the youngest daughter of the first Duke Si-on, linked to the family of the previous duke’s spouse.

‘Perfectly legitimate. It wouldn’t be enough to claim succession, but it’s perfect for stirring things up.’

Si-on had left all his children equal shares of his wealth except for Theo, who inherited the title, and Maria, who had run away and borne children.

So, if Maria’s direct descendants showed up and made their voices heard, there would be no grounds, legally or morally, to deny them.

Above all, Si-on had left behind a will, stating that any descendants of Maria who returned should be well received and granted their due rights.

Would anyone dare defy the will of the founder who built the duchy from nothing?

That would mean death.

“By the way, I was wondering….”

“Yes?”

At Piotr’s cautious tone, Si-on put his thoughts aside and turned to him.

“What kind of person is Master Blaho of the Si-on Duchy? Since I might be serving him soon, I thought I should know a bit about his personality or at least his disposition.”

“Oh….”

Si-on flinched slightly, but quickly started speaking with ease.

“He’s exactly like his swordsmanship. You know how they say you can tell a person’s character from their sword? He’s the knight that best fits that saying.”

“Oh… I see.”

Though he didn’t fully understand, Piotr nodded.

“Yes. You’ll like him once you meet him. Hahaha.”

He had to. You’ll be serving him whether you like it or not, so you better.

‘Hopefully, he didn’t take after his grandfather…. Well, it’ll work out somehow.’

Master Swordman Vederion Blaho of the Si-on Duchy.

Naturally, Si-on knew his grandfather well, but he didn’t know much about the man himself.

‘If it doesn’t work, you can always beat some sense into him.’

Come to think of it, his grandfather had quite the touch.

He sure had a knack for beating people.

As he entertained the unthinkable idea of having to beat up both grandfather and grandson, the old mastermind wore a contented smile and urged his horse forward.

* * *

“Welcome.”

“Yes, I’m here.”

Si-on entered the Burgos Information Guild Branch, greeted by Jenna, the branch manager, who bowed politely.

“It’s good to see you’ve found your companions. Congratulations.”

She didn’t bother with obvious remarks like, “I was worried something might have happened.”

As if anyone else needed to worry about Si-on.

“Well, yes. But you look a little pale. Has work been keeping you busy?”

“Ah, yes. Just a little….”

In fact, she had barely slept three to four hours a day while Si-on was away.

That’s how high Si-on’s demands were, and how much work there was to do.

But she couldn’t dare utter a word of complaint in front of the 100-year-old old mastermind.

“So, nothing major happened, right?”

“I’ve already sent messengers to request information from each branch. It might take some time to get the responses back, but I’ve ordered them to be as quick as possible.”

“I see. By the way, do the messengers have to return here to deliver the information?”

Quickly catching on that Si-on’s plans had shifted, Jenna responded without delay.

“No. If you send another messenger now, we can arrange for you to receive the information at your desired location. However, you’ll need to set the time and place, considering the messengers’ schedules and their tasks.”

“Okay. Then… one month from now, at the August Estate. Can that work?”

“It can.”

Si-on had initially allotted two months, accounting for the time it would take to return to Burgos, located in the northeastern corner of the Kingdom of Obla.

In contrast, August Estate, adjacent to the Si-on Duchy, was located in the middle of the Kingdom of Obla, though the duchy itself was at the southern end.

Though tight, one month was doable.

“Alright, let’s do that. By the way, how’s your successor situation? Has the head office sent any word?”

“Funny you ask, the head office contacted me just yesterday.”

“Oh, that’s quick.”

Information Guild’s urgency can be handy at times like this.

“Yes. It was faster than I expected, which surprised me. They must have made their decision the moment they received my message.”

“Of course, they would. It’s me, after all.”

Si-on shrugged, smirking arrogantly.

Though conceited, Jenna nodded as if it were the most natural thing.

One of the legendary six heroes, and a person who had lived nearly a hundred years without dying.

Anyone familiar with Si-on among the few higher-ups would have been shocked to their core.

“So, what did they say?”

“They said the decision on my successor was entirely up to me.”

“Just as I thought.”

Like her father before her, Jenna would now act as Si-on’s bridge to the Information Guild, which meant she would have to leave the Burgos branch.

Even though it was a remote area, they couldn’t just close down a branch that lay so close to the mysterious Dragon’s Wasteland.

That’s why Si-on had asked Jenna to let the Information Guild decide on her successor, and the guild had left it up to her judgment.

The guild’s central management, usually strict about personnel matters, rarely granted such autonomy to its staff—a special privilege of sorts.

“It might sound like meddling, but choose a suitable person as your successor.”

“I’ll gladly listen to your advice.”

Jenna immediately straightened up.

Leaving aside his status as a legendary hero, Si-on was also a brilliant leader who had transformed an average duchy into a vast territory with hundreds of thousands of residents.

Any advice Si-on could offer on personnel matters would be worth more than gold.

“First of all, don’t pick someone too clean. It’s better if they’re slightly corrupt.”

“Sorry…?”

“What I mean is, find someone who matches the level of Administrator Swart or other local officials around here. A squeaky-clean person won’t be able to handle them properly.”

“Oh! I get what you mean.”

“Good. The investment framework is already in place anyway, right? They should be competent enough to grease the wheels and pocket some money while they’re at it. Just enough to be seen as competent. Got it?”

“Yes, I’ve got just the right candidate in mind.”

“Good. Just remember, if that person does anything shady, you’ll be the one responsible.”

“Y-Yes, of course!”

Jenna almost hiccupped but managed to swallow it down.

Then, she subtly changed the subject.

“By the way, forgive my impertinence, but… it seems you’ve gained an extra companion since you left. Could he be from the Lagos Estate?”

“Yeah. He’s my grandson’s son.”

“….”

What kind of extraordinary, mind-blowing twist is this?

‘Should I report this to the head office? Better to keep it on hold for now? No, maybe I should handle it the way Dad used to with his reports… Ugh, my head feels like it’s about to split!’

“We leave in two days. Prepare well until then. And there’s more work ahead, so brace yourself. Push through. You got it?”

Si-on flashed a smile, and Jenna quickly snapped to attention, forcing a smile.

“Yes, sir. I’ll push through. Hehe.”

This was the path she had chosen.

Endure with sheer grit and determination.