The Extra Wants To Live

Chapter 205: Unexpected Betrayal[3]

Another day passed. Carl was too busy and too rational to spend his time cooped up in his room.

"It's late, but thank you."

The first person Carl went to after leaving the room was Aric. Without his help, Lilly would have been buried in the Himmeln Cemetery rather than the Imperial Mausoleum.

"Okay. Isn't it true that we can't even do this much?"

Aric was acting quite emotional, unlike his usual indifferent demeanor. If we were to summarize in words the criticism and backlash that Lilly received in one day over the incident of placing her in the imperial tomb, it would easily fill a book, but he just let it go.

Aric had previously thought of Carl as a man who would become a strong pillar of the empire. But as they shared many things, he came to regard this charming and wise young archduke as a true younger brother.

"I know you've suffered a lot, brother. I'll definitely repay you later."

"Didn't I say that it was okay? Rather than that, I think it would be better to calm down a bit."

"If not me, who will maintain the Laurel Union? Can't we leave everything up to the nobles?"

"Umm… … ."

Aric could not refute Carl's words. He couldn't even say, 'I think it would be better to rest.'

The Laurel Alliance, which unites the eastern part of the empire, possesses power beyond imagination. It was Carl who created it.

The 4th Prince of the Empire, the Grand Duke without a territory, the one who will take command of the military in the eastern part of the Empire in times of war and lead the war against Tumaris. It is all thanks to Carl that the Laurel Union is maintained.

Although he is a member of the royal family, he does not have any real vested interests.

He does not even have a small manor or building. Such a noble and upright Carl was concerned about the safety of the empire and created the Laurel Union.

If Carl were to be absent for a long time, his position would naturally be taken by nobles seeking great power.

The master of the great alliance that binds territories is the master of another territory?

Absolutely, no matter what happens, Carl can never leave this alone.

The Laurel Union was built on solid trust under Carl, but without Carl, it would crumble like spring snow.

One wrong move could lead to a large-scale territorial war, and in the worst-case scenario, the one who holds the alliance could rebel or claim independence.

Carl must return as soon as possible to stabilize the Laurel Union and restore order.

"I feel like I'm putting too much of a burden on you."

After a long moment of agonizing, Aric spoke heavily in a slightly subdued voice.

"You don't have to worry about that. My brother will receive payment after he becomes emperor."

Carl said with a bitter smile on his face.

"Is there anything you want?"

Aric asked, puzzled. Although Carl had gained immense power by seizing military power in the eastern part of the empire through a secret agreement with Aric, he was far from having the power to actually use it.

What can you do if you have power?

Carl neither ran a business nor owned any land. The Laurel Union is also for the purpose of keeping Tumaria in check and protecting the imperial territory, so it cannot act for Carl's personal goals.

All Carl got was honor. So, that was what Carl was saying, just looking at what Aric could see.

"When I get married and have children, I should have something to leave them, right? If you have any remaining land in a quiet place, please give me one. I've done enough while I was young, so I should live a life of leisure."

"… you are not even twenty yet, but you speaks well."

Aric smiled faintly, knowing that Carl was joking. But, really, he couldn't continue living like this without a map.

"Once the Laurel Union is stabilized, I'll select a good place among the imperial territories. Even if it's a small county, it wouldn't be a problem to call it a duchy."

It would be better to give them direct imperial control and establish them firmly. Even though it is a small county to be called a duchy, it is a large fiefdom that includes several baronies. It is quite good.

"I don't want to go to Palton. It's disgusting," Carl smiled slightly and waved his hand.

There is the problem of heresy, but Charles will have problems governing because he has killed so many people.

"Think about it carefully."

"Later, after you become emperor."

Of course, Aric will never become emperor. Aric must hold Adrian's ankle and die.

Carl greeted Aric and went out. Then, together with Harmon, he left the palace and headed to the temple of the Duren cult in Himmeln.

The priests of the religious order and the secular aristocracy maintain a fine line and are in an inviolable realm.

Even though Carl is the Grand Duke of the Empire, he cannot just suddenly come and meet Gilius like this.

"Your Highness, welcome."

That's what it was like originally.

"Archbishop Gilius, I apologize for coming here so suddenly without saying hello."

After waiting for about ten minutes, Carl was guided by the priests of the temple and was able to meet Archbishop Gilius. Gilius greeted Carl with a gentle smile and served him tea himself.

"It's a tea that calms the mind."

"Thank you."

The two enjoyed their morning tea time quietly for a while.

"I would like to express my gratitude for your generous support."

Carl puts down his teacup and speaks quietly. Gilius also smiles and puts down his teacup. From now on, he acts as Gilius the politician, not Gilius the believer.

"Thank you? It was the right thing to do."

"It was a very important matter to me. I feel bad about just letting it go."

"If you say so, my heart alone is enough."

"Archbishop, please don't say that. If there is anything I can do to help you, please feel free to tell me. How could I just ignore the great favor I have received from the Order of Düren?"

A conversation that fits perfectly, as if performing a play following a script. This is possible because both parties know what they want and are aware of the line that must be drawn to get what they want.

Carl, who is not even 20 years old, sees through the thoughts of the experienced Gilius accurately. While dealing with Gilius as a politician, Carl encouraged him to remain within the appropriate boundaries so that he could make decisions as a man of faith.

That is, since he already knows clearly what Gilius wants, he opens the door wide and makes a way for him.

Gilius was a little wary of this experienced and skilled young archduke, but he was also very comfortable with his way of speaking that scratched an itch. He felt confident that he could hold Carl's hand tightly.

"Well then, Your Highness, I have one concern."

"Just tell me. I will help you in any way I can."

As Gilius spoke carefully, as if he had been thinking hard, Carl accepted him gently.