Reincarnated as the third son of the Duke

Chapter 106 106 Offer and Refusal

106 Offer and Refusal

"That house perished along with my grandfather, Your Majesty."

"Perhaps. But you, William, are his grandson."

The Emperor's voice was filled with undeniable certainty.

"As his descendant, you have the right to reclaim the authority of your bloodline. And the lords of the North cannot easily dismiss a claim made in Grimaldi's name."

William immediately saw the logic behind it.

If he assumed leadership over the North, the Imperial Court would breathe easier.

Unlike the other Northern nobles, William had far deeper ties to the Imperial Family than to his homeland.

And if the Emperor personally aided him in rebuilding House Grimaldi, it would only further ensure his loyalty to the throne.

A clever move.

But even knowing all of this, something still didn't add up.

The title of Margrave was still too much of a reward.

There had to be another reason.

"...I understand Your Majesty's intentions regarding the North," William said carefully. "But what is the second reason for this offer?"

For the first time, the Emperor hesitated.

William simply waited.

Finally, the Emperor exhaled and spoke.

"When you become Margrave... I would like you to formally declare your support for my son, Claude."

'I knew it.'

William smirked bitterly.

The North was a convenient justification, but the real goal was something else entirely.

The Emperor wanted to place a trusted ally close to Claude—a personal power base that would support his son's claim to the throne.

"I won't deny Claude has his flaws," the Emperor admitted. "But people grow. Given time, even a lowly snake may become a mighty dragon."

William chuckled. "That is an old saying from the North."

"A wise one," the Emperor agreed with a smile.

Of course, William knew the full meaning of that saying.

If you ignore a small snake, it may one day grow into a threat too large to control.

The Emperor let out a bitter laugh.

"I see your point."

For the first time, he looked tired—as if he had always known this answer, but had hoped for something different.

"Yes... you are right. What use is handing someone a sword if they refuse to wield it? I apologize. I may have spoken thoughtlessly."

Despite his words, the lingering desperation in his eyes was unmistakable.

He still hasn't given up on Claude.

"But even the smallest snake may grow into a mighty dragon, given enough time." The Emperor's voice was laced with an odd sense of longing.

"As you say, Your Majesty."

William smiled, but inwardly, he scoffed.

That Northern proverb was meant as a warning—not a message of hope.

If you ignore a weak threat for too long, it may one day become a disaster.

But there was no need to correct the Emperor.

He had already made his decision.

"This has been a most enlightening conversation," the Emperor said, a forced cheerfulness in his tone. "I hope we will have the chance to speak again. I trust you won't mind if I call upon you in the future?"

William bowed his head slightly.

"Of course, Your Majesty. It would be an honor."

The Emperor smiled.

It was a hollow victory—William had denied him what he truly wanted, but their relationship remained intact.

For now.

After ensuring the allied forces had reached safe territory, the Emperor once again summoned the noble lords.

"Now that the danger has passed, I shall return to the capital with my sons."

His sharp gaze swept across the gathered nobles.

"By tradition, you should all accompany me to the capital for formal commendations. However... I see no reason to delay your return home."

The lords exchanged knowing glances.

The battle had been too short for any major recognition.

And most of them had nothing to show but their defeat.

The only true achievement had been the rescue of the First Prince—but formally acknowledging that would only further expose Claude's incompetence.