assistirfilmes Chapter 105 105 Margrave of the North
Chapter 105 105 Margrave of the North
William immediately bowed.
"It would be my honor, Your Majesty."
This was not an offer to be refused.
Setting aside matters of political gain, William personally wanted to understand this man better.
As the allied forces—now under the Emperor's watchful presence—resumed their march toward the border, William found himself riding beside the Emperor at the very front.
And for the first time, the two spoke alone.
"I have heard much about you, William. Even at just sixteen, the rumors of your achievements are impressive."
William chuckled lightly. "I fear those rumors have been exaggerated, Your Majesty."
"Ah, humility. First, you insist my gratitude is excessive, and now you claim your own deeds are undeserved. Are you certain you aren't trying to outdo me in modesty?"
The Emperor laughed, clearly enjoying the exchange.
His initial interest in William had now turned into undeniable favor.
But as the Horsen River came into view, and the prying eyes of the nobles began to drift away, the Emperor's tone suddenly lowered.
"...Tell me, William. Do you have any interest in leading a noble house?"
William stiffened. "Your Majesty, with all due respect, the affairs of my family are—"
He trailed off, uncertain. Even the Emperor could not meddle in the succession of the Hern House.
The Emperor raised both hands in a placating gesture.
"Ah, no. I do not mean the Grand Duke's seat. I have no intention of interfering in Hern's succession."
William frowned. "Then what are you referring to?"
A knowing smile crept onto the Emperor's face.
"What if I were to offer you a new title—one of your own? A chance to establish a new noble house, as its very first ruler."
William's eyes widened.
A Margraviate. A border lordship of his own.
The Emperor was offering him a territory to rule.
A margrave, of all titles...
William's mind raced.
"Indeed. Two things, actually."
"If I may ask, what are they?"
The Emperor's gaze sharpened.
"The North has grown... unstable."
William's eyes widened slightly.
He knew what that meant.
His maternal family, the Dukes of Grimaldi, hailed from the North—a land long estranged from Imperial control.
The Emperor nodded, confirming William's thoughts before continuing.
"The North has always been difficult for the Empire to govern. It is distant, harsh, and fiercely warlike. But until now, we have maintained peace—by allowing them to operate with relative autonomy."
William didn't respond.
Because he knew the real reason behind that so-called peace.
The Emperor had wisely chosen not to meddle too much, and the Northern Lords had quietly accepted their place in the Empire.
But that fragile balance was now crumbling.
"With external threats rising around the Empire, the North has been drawn into the chaos. As our focus has shifted elsewhere, the lords of the North have begun warring amongst themselves, seeking to expand their territories."
William grimaced.
The Imperial Court loathed internal wars between lords.
Because no matter who won, the victor would emerge stronger, potentially powerful enough to challenge the Empire itself.
That was why Imperial policy had always been to suppress noble conflicts before they could escalate.
"And yet, the current situation prevents us from intervening." The Emperor's voice was calm, but William could sense the weight behind his words. "If we take the wrong approach, it may backfire, pushing the North further from our grasp."
William's sharp mind immediately caught on to what the Emperor was implying.
"...You want me to take control of the North in your stead."
The Emperor's lips curled into a knowing smile.
"That's correct."
He locked eyes with William.
"Your mother's family, the House of Grimaldi, was once royalty in the North. A house older than even the Imperial Dynasty."