The Founding Monarch Became the Mastermind

Chapter 32

When Si-on first descended to his fief after being granted the land, it was a small estate with a population of less than 20,000.

Of course, more than half of the existing estates had populations around 20,000, so one might argue that wasn’t particularly small.

However, unlike the average estate, which was usually the size of a South Korean town or, at best, a county, the Valenbria region granted to Si-on was exceptionally vast.

Although not exact, Si-on estimated its size to be three to four times that of Jeju Island or roughly the combined area of southern Gyeonggi Province and Seoul.

In simple terms, it was larger than half of most provinces.

In Si-on’s mind, having fewer than 20,000 people in such a large estate was incomprehensible.

Therefore, the most crucial task Si-on focused on as a lord was increasing the population.

Si-on’s efforts over nearly 20 years were rewarded when the population reached 80,000 by the time he left the duchy.

Under the rule of his son Theo and grandson Byron, who were thoroughly educated by Si-on, the population eventually surpassed 200,000.

Moreover, unlike when Si-on first arrived, when most of the population lived near the baronial castle, people were now spread throughout the vast duchy.

Villages with ten households became substantial settlements of 50 or 60 households, while places that could barely be called villages grew into large towns or even small cities with shops and markets.

As a result, Paloma, a small fishing village about 50 kilometers from the baronial castle where around 50 households lived, became one of the top three port cities in the Si-on Duchy.

To reiterate, in this world, a city with a population exceeding 100,000 was considered a capital-level metropolis.

Therefore, including the surrounding population, Paloma’s nearly 40,000 residents made it a proud city.

It was only natural for Byron’s second son, Gede, to be appointed governor of this place.

This decision wasn’t just about favoring family members.

– The head of one administrative district and its officials cannot interfere in another district’s affairs.

Exceptions are made only when the head of the other district requests it first or by the duke’s direct command.

Thus, appointing Gede as the governor of Paloma was a decision to prevent relatives from privately meddling in the core affairs of the Si-on Duchy.

As a result, neither Gede nor Yonas could represent the Si-on Duchy.

* * *

“Though not yet confirmed by His Majesty the King, I understand that Baron Blint Si-on, the direct descendant of the late Duke Brian, will succeed as the duke. Does that mean you came here with Baron Blint Si-on’s approval?”

“…”

At Si-on’s pointed question, Yonas gritted his teeth, unable to respond.

He had underestimated him.

Who would have thought he’d be so well-informed about the internal matters of the ducal family?

‘No, this was something that could have been discovered with a little digging. We were too lax.’

They had assumed he was just another collateral of the numerous royal family members.

They thought they could butt into someone else’s family affairs and walk away with some spoils, but they were gravely mistaken.

“It seems that’s not the case. Well, I understand. Even a prestigious family like the Si-on Ducal Family must be somewhat disoriented, given how suddenly the previous duke passed.”

A veiled criticism that roughly translates to, ‘Your house is a mess. Is this really a top-ranking noble family?’

Hearing an outsider criticize his family, Yonas clenched his fists, feeling a mix of anger and shame.

But he realized that his opponent wasn’t saying this to mock him or the ducal family.

“It seems we’ve had some confusion due to unprecedented events. We appreciate your understanding.”

“These things happen even in the royal family. I say this again; I understand completely. So, let’s leave the matter of the August Estate to be discussed at the baronial castle. For now, shall we address other matters?”

Yonas, understanding the implication—‘Let’s end this topic here and move on’—took a deep breath and nodded.

“That seems best. Then, regarding this young man, Piotr Kilburn…”

“Piotr Si-on Kilburn.”

“…Right. Piotr Si-on Kilburn. Anyway, is he truly Lady Maria’s grandson? Didn’t Lady Maria have an unfortunate departure from the ducal family…?”

Swoosh.

“What… is this?”

“These are letters from Lady Maria’s father, His Grace, the first Duke Si-on, addressed to his daughter Lady Maria. They bear the Duke’s seal, so there’s no need to question their authenticity.”

“…!!!”

Seeing the nearly tattered old envelope spread on the table, Yonas’s eyes widened like saucers.

Though the seal was broken and the envelope was already opened, the intact seal on the neatly folded envelope unmistakably bore the emblem of Jang Si-on, the founding patriarch of the Si-on family.

‘Damn it.’

Yonas cursed inwardly as he carefully opened the envelope with trembling hands and read the letter.

The father’s affectionate and worried words to his daughter were clearly written in the founding patriarch’s handwriting, and his seal was stamped at the bottom.

This was irrefutable.

‘Should I… just…’

A fleeting, irrational thought crossed Yonas’s mind to tear and burn the letter, destroying the evidence.

“There are more. I’m not sure what you meant earlier by unfortunate, but His Grace seemed to deeply love his daughter.”

Si-on held up several more letters and waved them with a mocking smile, causing Yonas to feel utterly defeated.

‘Damn it. What now?’

Without realizing it, Yonas bit his lip slightly.

His current state of distress was evident to his opponent, revealing his inner turmoil.

The initial plan of rescuing the August Estate as an elder and utilizing this supposedly newfound relative (or so he claimed) in various ways had derailed from the start.

But that was now the least of his worries.

If this royal brat and the supposed relative went to the Si-on Duchy and discussed today’s events at the baronial castle?

‘That’s the end. Brother Gede might survive, but I’m finished.’

The blatant overreach would undoubtedly cause Blint, his supporting high nobles, and the baronial officials to rise against him.

They were already suspicious of Paloma’s actions and would never let this slide.

‘In this situation, my only option is…’

Desperate individuals often resort to extreme measures.

Yonas’s eyes briefly flashed with murderous intent.

However, recalling the mercenaries he saw while passing through the August Estate’s village, he shook his head inwardly.

Most mercenaries he knew were thugs; the rest were reckless fools living for today.

But the ones he saw today had equipment and discipline that belied their mercenary status. There were even more of them than his side.

He couldn’t see a scenario where he could defeat them without leaving a single survivor.

“It seems this matter is resolved now.”

Yonas snapped back to attention at the sound of Si-on’s voice.

“So, you must be tired from rushing out to escort your distant relative. How about resting first?”

“…!?”

“Hm? Why are you looking at me like that? You were just so surprised and delighted by the arrival of a blood relative that you rushed out without notifying the baronial castle, weren’t you?”

Si-on’s subtle tone and gaze made Yonas instinctively realize.

This royal brat, no, his current benefactor, was giving him a chance.

In other words:

– You’ll get in trouble if this comes out later, right? So let’s say you rushed out to welcome us. Okay?

“That’s… yes, just as Lord Salen said. I was a bit flustered. Ha, haha!”

– Deal. Thanks…

“I figured as much. Blood ties run deep, don’t they? I feel reassured knowing you came out to greet us so warmly. I was a little worried about whether I was on the right path, and what if the ducal family was displeased or ignored us?”

– Thanks. So let’s say you came to welcome us. Make sure to take good care of us until we reach the baronial castle, alright?

“Of course not. The Si-on family never turns its back on blood relatives.”

– Absolutely. Piotr is now our family for the day.

“As expected of a distinguished noble family, your magnanimity and kindness are remarkable. Then rest well. I considered preparing a banquet, but it would be better to hold it after we reach the baronial castle, wouldn’t it?”

– Just in case, I’ll keep your leash tight until we reach the baronial castle. It’d be a problem if you change your mind midway. All good?

“Certainly. I’ll send a message ahead to ensure it’s all arranged.”

– Yep. I’ll make sure they know you’re our guest starting today.

“That would be much appreciated. Rest well today and tomorrow; we’ll depart in two days.”

– I’ll keep an eye on you for these two days. Let’s do this right.

“Thank you for your hospitality.”

The icy atmosphere of their first meeting melted away as Si-on and Yonas exchanged pleasantries and shook hands.

Though Yonas was still sweating nervously inside, narrowly escaping disaster was a price worth enduring.

And amid it all, his wariness toward Si-on only grew.

‘Who is this guy, really? Was there such a figure among the royal collaterals? Ha! I’ve truly got my leash tightened now. But still…’

Although Yonas managed to catch his breath, his suspicions grew even stronger as he noticed something strange.

‘I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere before. Hmm.’

The thick beard covering his chin, the bushy mustache, and the long hair that obscured his cheeks had initially thrown him off.

But the piercing eyes and prominent nose felt oddly familiar.

‘Have I seen him before? Perhaps in the capital when I was younger?’

Yonas thought for a moment but then shook his head inwardly.

He had visited the royal capital of the Kingdom of Obla in his youth, but that was nearly 20 years ago.

The royal collateral in front of him would have been no more than ten at that time.

‘Maybe it’s just because he shares the Salen bloodline, much like Princess Maria.’

One of Princess Stella’s middle names before her marriage to the founding patriarch Duke Jang Si-on was Salen.

So it wouldn’t be strange if he bore a strong resemblance to her bloodline.

‘Still… this feels unsettling.’

Even though he hadn’t yet met Piotr, his actual relative, Yonas couldn’t help but feel a strange, uncomfortable familiarity when confronted with someone who seemed to resemble Si-on’s lineage.

“Hahaha…”

Yet he couldn’t let these thoughts show, so he had to keep smiling.

Unaware that the royal brat in front of him didn’t resemble his revered ancestor’s ‘consort’—it was actually he who resembled the brat.