Chapter 21
21. My Achievements Are the Achievements of the Dian Viscount Family
The matter of the Dian Viscount family’s elevation in rank was proceeding smoothly.
At this rate, the Dian family would likely become a count’s household by the beginning of the new year.
It was Madam Laval who told me that I was partly responsible for this outcome.
“It was Lady Reisie of the Dian family who advised His Majesty the Emperor to delegate some of the duties he had been bearing alone. That was an extremely important change.”
“I only told His Majesty Aleksanteri that his health was important, and that it was not healthy for this country to depend entirely on a single person.”
“And that was precisely what needed to be said. His Majesty had taken every single duty upon himself and trusted no one else with them. That way, the nation could not function properly. For a country to thrive, others must also share in the responsibilities of governance. Otherwise, His Majesty’s reign could have easily turned into a dictatorship.”
Madam Laval went on to say that Emperor Aleksanteri had long been both feared and worried about by those around him. Especially among the vassal states, there were whispers of concern—that the Emperor’s personal power was becoming too great, that he was creating an autocratic rule by himself.
“At that rate, the vassal states might have risen in rebellion again. It was Your Highness who resolved that tension.”
“I was able to help so much?”
“Yes. Even though others had advised His Majesty before, he never listened. I believe he understood the logic of delegation, but because of his sense of responsibility—and his loneliness—he could never bring himself to entrust anyone else.”
Emperor Aleksanteri had been a lonely man.
It was inevitable, perhaps, for one who wore the crown—but he stood far too high above the rest.
Even his closest attendants, who had served him since childhood, had been kept at a distance. And since Cecil’s death, he had been unable to rely on anyone at all.
“The Chancellor himself was deeply worried about that. But now, His Majesty has begun to entrust work to the Chancellor, to his aides, and to the civil officials. Anything that does not require the Emperor’s direct judgment, he now delegates. The kings of the vassal states, who once feared his absolute rule, have realized that His Majesty does not seek dictatorship. They are even sending their own civil officials to the Imperial Court. It was you, Lady Reisie, who changed the Empire’s relationship with its vassal states.”
“To that extent?”
“Indeed. The people already praise you as the future Empress.”
I was astonished to learn that the advice I had given during tea with the Dowager Empress and Lord Julius had spread throughout the realm with such profound effect.
I had not foreseen anything like this—but if it reduced His Majesty’s burdens and improved relations with the vassal states, I was glad.
“I never considered the matter of the vassal states at all.”
“Then let us begin to study it now.”
Madam Laval began teaching me about the relationships between our empire and its vassal nations.
There were many such states, but not all followed the empire meekly. Some harbored resentment—like those who, twenty-two years ago, had sparked a coup d’état.
What the vassal states feared most was an emperor wielding too much power.
The late emperor, His Majesty Aleksanteri’s father, had been a strong ruler—perhaps too strong. That very strength had made the vassal states wary, fearing their customs and governance would be trampled underfoot.
In the end, that fear had led to the coup and to the assassination of the emperor himself.
Now, only a few royals were eligible to ascend the throne.
Chancellor Kajetan had renounced his claim, leaving his son Emeric, his daughter Teresa, and his younger son Augusta as candidates—but all of them were from a collateral branch.
Thus, His Majesty Aleksanteri needed a direct heir.
After finishing my consort education with Madam Laval, I ate lunch, spent an hour practicing piano and voice, and then worked on sewing wedding attire for my stuffed dolls before tea time.
Replicating every fine detail and embroidery was taking quite a while. My own wedding gown and His Majesty’s attire had taken nearly three months to complete, and making miniature versions of them naturally required even more delicate work.
When the hour for tea arrived, I paused my sewing and went to greet His Majesty.
As I approached, Emperor Aleksanteri came toward me and embraced me warmly.
Snowflakes clung to the shoulders of his wool coat—he must have just come in from outside.
When I brushed the snow away, His Majesty smiled softly and said,
“I’m home, Reisie.”
“Welcome back, Your Majesty.”
The greetings—“I’m home,” “Welcome back,” “I’m leaving,” and “Take care”—were precious promises once exchanged between Cecil and Gahne. I always made sure not to neglect them.
Being held in His Majesty’s arms, I caught the scent of his deep perfume.
I wore a faint fragrance made by my own perfumer, but when our scents mingled, it felt as though they blended into something even richer, even more beautiful.
When our embrace ended, His Majesty returned to his chambers to change, while I waited in the tearoom.
After he entered and we sat together on the sofa, tea poured into our cups, I asked:
“I heard that Your Majesty’s decision to delegate official duties has improved relations with the vassal states. Is that true?”
“It seems so. Until now, I stubbornly believed I had to do everything myself. Perhaps that attitude made others feel that I was becoming a tyrant.”
“Then I was truly of help to you, Your Majesty.”
“More than help. You showed the dignity befitting a future Empress. Your accomplishments are recognized as those of the Dian family as well. Your words at the Dowager Empress’s tea are counted among the merits supporting the family’s promotion.”
“Truly!?”
I had no idea that the words I spoke at that tea gathering would lead to something that could reshape the nation—and even influence my family’s elevation in rank.
If the Dian family became counts, we would gain more land, more income, and perhaps even build new factories to encourage women’s participation in society.
I had long wished for our family to become a count’s house.
“Viscount and Viscountess Dian have already agreed to accept the title, and all is proceeding well. After the New Year, we shall summon them—and Sophia as well—to the palace to bestow the title formally.”
“I am deeply grateful.”
“It is thanks to you, Reisie. You should take pride in that.”
“I don’t feel I’ve done anything so great, though.”
When I said that, His Majesty poked my cheek gently with his fingertip. Since coming to the Imperial Palace, I had filled out a little, and his finger left a tiny dent in my cheek.
“Reisie, you are working to fulfill Cecil’s dream—creating a society where women can work freely. The Dian family’s rise will allow that dream to spread to other territories. And you also taught me the importance of sharing my duties. Thanks to you, the vassal states now seek cooperation instead of fearing me. They’re even sending their officials to work with the Imperial Court.”
“All I did was speak my mind at the Dowager Empress’s tea. I never imagined it would become something so grand.”
“Your wisdom is what saved me—and this country. It is I who should thank you. Thank you, Reisie.”
His gentle smile and words of gratitude filled my heart with joy.
I had been able to help His Majesty Aleksanteri.
That thought alone made me feel proud beyond measure.
