In the Name of Empress-Chapter 403 - 284: So That’s How It Is?

To help Sif accept better, Rupert started telling the story of a rebel friend.

This Duke Ricken was also an unfortunate fellow.

Strictly speaking, he wasn’t a rebel at all; he was rather a loyalist.

It’s just that his loyalty was to Prince Feino.

This man was skilled in army warfare, and although his family’s discipline wasn’t strict—some years ago, he was ridiculed harshly by the nobility for his daughter’s chaotic private life—his abilities were unquestionable.

If this were the world line where Prince Feino ascended the throne, his future position would be Minister of the Army.

Feino is a prince, the Emperor’s designated successor. Duke Ricken, not integrated into the old Emperor’s circle and unwilling to retire from politics, what’s wrong with befriending the prince?

His problem wasn’t with him but with Feino.

Feino died, and so the Prince Faction lost its foundation.

But the Prince Faction was merely scattered, not dead; they still existed, and their political resources did too.

They were terrified and helpless, afraid of being purged, yet unwilling to move away from the power center.

After hearing Rupert’s story, Sif remained calm and did not respond immediately.

She couldn’t give them what they wanted, because she also had close subordinates. Should she have Roland and Ados step aside for Ricken?

The most mercy she could offer was ensuring these Prince Faction members landed safely and withdrew from the political arena.

Choosing the wrong side and being able to safeguard family and property is already a blessing; to expect much more would be impolite.

Power is finite; if some people have more, others will have less. It’s a standard zero-sum game, unresolvable unless new power can be conjured out of thin air.

Like the Jin Yuan Kingdom establishing more provinces overseas to create positions for these people?

Sif didn’t think that was a good choice.

Having overwhelming overseas forces is not a good thing.

She could use the Imperial Family’s influence and overseas troops to successfully seize power, but who could guarantee there wouldn’t be a second such event in the future?

Therefore, her stance towards the Prince Faction was very firm: either voluntarily exit the historical stage with dignity or be dignified by others.

Of course, to show her magnanimity, she would symbolically offer a few bowls of soup to the Prince Faction so they wouldn’t feel too downcast.

After all, don’t expect to eat meat; at most, drink a little soup.

Rupert’s mention of the Prince Faction also made Sif alert. She asked quietly:

"What does your friend want?"

Rupert smilingly explained, "He once wanted to join the Cabinet to serve the country, but recently, his secret lover died. He’s somewhat disheartened, now just wanting to live comfortably in his territory."

If Sif had heard Rupert’s words a few years ago, she might have gossiped about why a dignified duke would be disheartened over a secret lover; was it true love?

But now she could understand the hidden meaning.

The secret lover Rupert mentioned wasn’t a secret lover but a reference to Prince Feino.

Hearing Rupert’s words, Sif felt somewhat relieved; it seemed this Duke Ricken was still quite sensible.

Nodding satisfied, she smiled and said, "No need to be so disheartened. The times have changed; the Cabinet’s previous job settings don’t match the new era. I intend to revamp the Cabinet. If Duke Ricken can be loyal to the country, there might be opportunities."

Making a promise first and then figuring out how to deliver is better than rejecting outright.

If Alben could witness this scene, what would he feel?

Rupert understood Sif’s words, and his eyes brightened.

He thanked Sif and, after a few more discussions, turned and left.

The newsboy walked out of the Earl’s Mansion, his eyes momentarily dazed, then returned to calm.

He felt a blankness in his mind, as if some memory had been tampered with. He seemed to recall needing to deliver a newspaper—where was it?

Looking down at his empty hands, a voice deep in his mind reminded him that the task was complete.

Though he couldn’t remember the details, accomplishing the mission was enough.

The newsboy thought clearly—since it’s a power beyond comprehension, it’s best to act as if he doesn’t know.

He quickly left, planning to return to the newspaper office to pick up another batch of papers for sale.

This month, he still aimed to be the top seller! He wanted to become the best newsboy at the Sun Society, then take a position in administration, eventually becoming a shareholder manager, marrying a beautiful wife, and reaching life’s pinnacle.

Watching the newsboy "Rupert" leave, Sif turned back to Roland, somewhat embarrassed, and softly explained:

"There was an outsider just now, so I had to decide it myself."

"Believe in yourself; I’m not necessarily better than you," Roland casually responded, offering Sif a compliment.

Encouragement is effective, but constant support has a more motivating effect.

Everyone knows that children who frequently hear praise not only perform better academically but are also mentally healthier than those who constantly face verbal abuse.

Sif certainly wasn’t a child, but who doesn’t like to hear praise?

Biting her lip, Sif softly asked, "Roland, are you really unwilling to help me? I mean, if the position is high and not too busy, you still wouldn’t?"

Roland couldn’t refuse Sif’s expectant gaze, and smiling, he nodded, "Alright, as long as I don’t have to handle daily affairs, I’d certainly be willing."

"Great, you can be Caesar!" Sif grabbed Roland’s sleeve, drawing closer, her eyelashes trembling slightly, her eyes as bright as the moon.

Caesar?

Roland was stunned for quite some time before realizing—wasn’t this the Vice Emperor of the Magic Empire? Did Sussex have such a position?

Seeing his bewildered expression, Sif laughed with joy.

"Sussex didn’t have Left and Right Ministers before; isn’t there now? People must learn to embrace new things."

Is this a new thing? This is clearly an antiquated arrangement.

Though very touched, Roland still refused.

"No."

"Why?" Sif’s smile froze, her mood visibly dropping, and her voice instantly weakened.

"Don’t overthink it. If you have problems, how can I stay out of it? But setting a precedent for a Caesar cannot happen. In the Magic Empire’s history, how much turmoil was caused by setting a Vice Emperor? Once it’s started, ambitious people will surely aspire to be the new Caesar. Left and Right Ministers share the Prime Minister’s power, while Caesar divides the Emperor’s power—that’s absolutely unacceptable."

Roland had long considered Sif as his future wife; the Empire belonged to him and her descendants. How could he dig a hole for his descendants over a petty title?

He only refused the title of Caesar, not the assistance to Sif.

This is her Empire and his Empire; there’s no need to delineate so clearly.

Sif accepted his explanation and suddenly remembered what her teacher mentioned before leaving about how to position Roland in the future.

At the time, she thought the teacher meant to grant Roland the title of Grand Duke, but now it seems like the Grand Duke was the least desirable choice.

Roland would never harm him, and the first generation of descendants probably wouldn’t either, but over time, would the later generations remember the events of the past? 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Having Grand Duke’s power and territories without any connection to the Emperor, that’s the source of turmoil.

She instantly grasped her teacher’s ancient advice.

It turned out her teacher wasn’t referring to a Grand Duke but a Prince.

Thinking of this, Sif’s cheeks reddened, and her heartbeat quickened slightly.

Teacher, you truly see... so far into the future.