The Male Lead I Raised Is Obsessed With Me

At the Emperor’s words, I had to grit my teeth to avoid screaming.

No matter how much I tried to dig up information about the Grand Five Meeting, nothing came up.

That meant the security was truly kept tightly.

The first to respond to the Emperor’s shocking statement was Duke Summerhield.

“I thought I sensed that Marquis Reholas had been suspicious lately, but this was what you’ve been preparing. In the thousand-year history of the empire, there has never been a change of duchy.”

Duker Summerhield looked at Marquis Reholas in disdain, but the Marquis smiled calmly.

“But it does not mean that it is illegal under the national law. The four great duchy exist solely to protect the empire. Isn’t it stated that if you fail to fulfil your duty, you will be demoted from the dukedom and make another legitimate nobleman the duke?”

“Did you know that you need the consent of three votes from His Majesty and the four great dukes?”

The Emperor intervened between the two and spoke.

“Is that not why I call you together like this? To vote for or against the seizing of the Valfurga’s title as the duke.”

The Emperor looked around his entourage with an arrogant face and raised his hand.

“Of course, I approve.”

“Duke of Summerhield is against it.”

Duke Summerhild gritted his teeth and said.

“The Duke of Iswed agrees according to His Majesty’s wishes.”

“A bird-brained that doesn’t decide on anything with its own head, and only follows His Majesty all the time.”

When the Duke of Summerhield sneered, the Duke of Iswed replied calmly.

“I don’t believe it is disparaging to be loyal to His Majesty.”

“Certainly the Duke of Valfurga would oppose it, right? Then, all that’s left is you.”

The Emperor’s gaze turned towards Duke Menisd of the West.

Duke Menisd, who had returned after emptying his stomach, collapsed on the desk.

“I will put it on hold for now……”

I couldn’t stay still like this.

I carefully opened my mouth.

“I don’t agree with the statement that the Duke of Valfurga has abandoned his duty to defend the empire. The Duchy of Valfurga organises a subjugation party every year to deal with the monsters that comes out of the Demon King’s corpse.”

“That’s right! Thanks to that, there were no words that monsters had crossed over from the North! Isn’t the Valfurga Duchy’s duty to subdue monsters and protect the empire in the first place?”

Duke Summerhield said, striking the desk strongly

“Well, that is correct.”

The Emperor nodded his head, then turned his gaze towards Marquis Reholas.

“What do you think, Marquis?”

Marquis Reholas placed a hand on his chest and bowed respectfully.

“But Your Majesty, the Valfurga has been a laughing stock of many people for not showing the dignity of a duke. The Valfurga has already lost its prestige as the four great dukes, so I think it is time for His Majesty to make a decision.”

“It is different now. We’ve solved all our financial problems, and we recently won the territorial war against Viscount Schtrim. The Valfurga can regain its former glory.”

“Hmm.”

The Emperor looked down at us with a bored look.

Gnashing my teeth inwardly, I hurled all kinds of curses at the Marquis Reholas.

‘Marquis Reholas must have instigated something. He has a bad relationship with us from the beginning.’

Even so, I didn’t know he could influence the Emperor so well, who had been hostile with each other.

Then, Duke Iswed, who had been silent, opened his mouth.

“Then, why not put it to the test?”

At Duke Iswed’s words, the Emperor’s blue eyes shone again.

TheEemperor must have known it would come to this anyway.

Until now, it had just been a trailer to bring this up.

Duke Iswed’s golden eyes stared at us.

“The Duchy of Valfurga was originally the sword of the empire. It would be good to test whether the lord has the power to grow the ducal family. If he passes the test, he may keep the title of Duke Valfurga. If he fails,”

His gaze turned to the Marquis Reholas.

“It will turn into the Duke of Reholas.”

As soon as Duke Iswed’s words ended, Marquis Reholas spoke as though he had prepared it in advance.

“Then, how about this? There have been rumours saying that monsters have appeared in the Chaot territory and children are disappearing. Why don’t we let Duke Valfurga take care of this matter?”

“Excellent. That’s a splendid idea.”

The Emperor clapped his hands in joy and continued.

“Then, Duke Valfurga, go defeat those monsters alone and return.”

“No, what are you making a child who is only 10 years old do!”

Duke Summerhield eventually could not stand it and sprung up from his seat.

The Emperor spoke with a calm expression, not understanding what was the problem.

“He is the Duke of Valfurga before he is 10 year old child.”

“But shouldn’t you send at least one of his men?”

“Then the Valfurga will not be able to properly be recognised for its power as the duke.”

The Emperor’s creased face was like a child tearing off the wings of a dragonfly.

I knew the Emperor did not like the four great dukes, but I never thought it was to this point.

Just as he had sent Luc’s predecessors to catch dragons in the past, this time he ordered Luc to catch monsters.

Was there a scene like this in the original story?

Could it be that I twisted the original plot and brought Luc to his death?

I knew that Luc was a sword genius, but he was still very young.

In the previous territorial war, Luc was only giving orders and was accompanied by several people, so he didn’t need to swing his sword at all.

I held Luc’s hand tightly and said to the emperor.

“Then allow me to follow him.”

Because I have Blackie.

I had the ability to protect Luc, at least once.

“Oh? The Duchess?”

As expected, the Emperor showed interest.

I deliberately raised my arm, showing my pale and thin arm.

It was an arm that had never held a sword under the sun.

“I can’t swing a sword, but I still can’t let my husband go alone. Please allow me to go and take care of his meals.”

For the sake of his meals.

I looked at the Emperor with tears in my eyes.

But Luc, who was next to me, blocked me.

“No way! Sister, you have never held a sword before! I’d rather go alone!”

The Emperor’s eyes narrowed as though he was watching an interesting play.

“The Duchess’s love for her husband is so great that I can’t help but be moved. Yes, they say a couple is one in heart. I will allow the Duchess to accompany you.”

As soon as the meeting was over, Duke Summerhield approached us. 

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know the Emperor was plotting something like that.”

“No. Thank you for taking our side.”

Without Duke Summerhield, we would have been stripped out of our title.

I had one chance left, so I needed to make good use of it.

“Looking at that face, it seems like you are hiding something again this time. From what I heard, you always managed to accomplish what seemed impossible.”

I smiled quietly.

I was grateful to Duke Summerhield, but I could not reveal anything about Blackie yet.

“If you need anything, let me know. I will help you as much as I can.”

“Thank you.”

“Is this your husband?”

Duke Summerhield’s gaze turned towards Luc.

He took a closer look at Luc, who was sitting close to me, and bursted into laughter.

“You were very brave for protecting your wife. I think I know why she turned down my offer.”

Duke Summerhield left, and Luc didn’t say a word in the carriage heading back to the mansion in the capital.

In the end, it was me who opened my mouth first.

“Luc, are you angry?”

“No.”

“Then?”

“……I’m worried. You said you’ll follow me, but what if you get hurt by a monster! I can use my sword well! You don’t have to worry about that.”

Luc’c voice, which had been calm at first, gradually grew louder.

“I know.”

According to Logan’s report, Luc was much stronger than an average knight.

He mentioned that he had only just learned the sword, but this was a monstrous speed.

I held Luc’s small hand and met his eyes.

“But I’m worried about you too, Luc.”

Luc hugged me and buried his face in my arms.

“……I only have you, sister.”

I stroked Luc’s black hair.

“I will get rid of anyone who tries to harm sister. It doesn’t matter if it’s the Emperor or a God.”

“I didn’t know that Luc thought of me that way?”

“……I want to grow up quickly. Faster. I want to become stronger. I won’t let anyone harm sister.”

Luc whispered softly.

“Even if it risks my life, I won’t let sister get hurt.”

“Luc, I appreciate that you’ll protect me, but I want to live happily with you.”

“With me?”

“Mhmm. So don’t risk your life. I have Blackie. You know how strong divine beasts are, right? I’m going with you this time because I will have Blackie put a shield on you.”

“Blackie is still weak. You said he can only use the shield once a day.”

“Well, that’s true……”

I nodded at Luc’s words.

Even if Blackie had strong powers, it was currently sealed.

“If he could use the shield unlimitedly, I wouldn’t have to be worried about you. Besides, you said all he can do now is make a cup of water or ice.”

There was nothing to refute, so I nodded my head.

“So, can’t I just go alone this time?”

“But Luc, Blackie can grow stronger. Then, it will surely help you too.”

Luc looked at Blackie next to me with doubtful eyes.

“How? I’ve never heard of a divine beast growing up.”

The carriage stopped, indicating that we had arrived, and I got out of the carriage with a smile.

As we arrived at the capital, I looked at the large newly bought mansion and said.

“With money.”

If you had money to buy a house in the capital, surely you would have money to buy jewellery.