This Villain Is Mine Now

Chapter 72

“In the name of His Imperial Majesty, I command: Lyle Grant, step forward!”

At the steward’s resonant voice, an eerie silence fell over the central square. Step by step, the sound of a lone man’s footsteps cut through the silence.

But the silence was short-lived. When the figure with black hair appeared at the top of the stairs, a thunderous cheer erupted throughout the square.

“Grant! Grant! Grant!”

The name of House Grant was chanted endlessly. Someone began stomping their feet, and soon the excitement and fervor spread until the entire central square seemed to shake.

Perhaps it was because of his dusky skin, but his presence on the platform stood out more than anyone else. Elaina looked at him with a pleased expression.

“It suits him well, doesn’t it?”

“Yes.”

Diane, who was beside Elaina, nodded with a joyful expression.

As soon as they returned to the capital, letters from Madam Marbella began arriving almost daily. She pleaded that she wanted to make Lyle’s attire for the victory ceremony. Her enthusiasm was palpable as she emphasized their connection and explained the colors and styles she envisioned for Lyle.

“Madam Marbella, I’m sorry, but this time it can’t be just Lyle’s outfit. During the victory ceremony, the entire Grant Knight Order will be receiving commendations from His Imperial Majesty, so we need uniforms for all of them.”

Elaina explained the situation to Madam Marbella, who had come all the way to the Grant Archducal Mansion. Making twenty outfits in such a short time was a tall order, especially for Madam Marbella, who specialized in creating high-quality garments for the nobility.

Instead, Elaina promised that Madam Marbella could design the dress she would wear to the ball after the victory ceremony. Madam Marbella, however, clasped Elaina’s hands and pleaded even more fervently.

“The uniform for the Grant Knight Order! Your Grace, this is something I can truly excel at. I want to do this. Please, allow me!”

Elaina knew better than anyone the skill Madam Marbella possessed. She made the most delicate and elaborate clothing, but that also meant it took her a long time to complete a single garment. Many nobles coveted the clothes from Salon Marbella, but getting an appointment alone was difficult for that very reason.

Madam Marbella, however, argued that the functional knight uniforms were far simpler than making women’s attire, and she convinced Elaina that she could complete all twenty outfits in time.

In the end, Elaina brought the knights to Salon Marbella.

“Thank you for entrusting me with the most brilliant day of your lives. I will make uniforms that are comfortable and dashing for each of you.”

From that day on, Madam Marbella and her assistants worked tirelessly, staying up through the nights. The result was the uniform for the Grant Knight Order.

The dark blue uniform represented the color of the Mabel dragon. The cuffs and pant hems were trimmed with black leather, symbolizing the archduke’s black hair.

“Knight uniforms are formal wear, but the cuffs and hems wear out easily. Adding leather makes them last longer.”

Madam Marbella’s knight uniforms were more than just practical. To avoid them looking too plain, she added golden buttons for a touch of grandeur. The epaulettes were red, representing the distinctive red eyes of the Grant Archducal family.

The uniforms that Madam Marbella created with her name and pride on the line were nothing short of works of art. Maybe it was because the colors matched his eyes and hair, but Lyle looked incredibly impressive in his knight uniform—enough to move those who saw him.

Lyle ascended the platform and walked slowly toward the emperor. As he approached, the tumultuous cheers chanting the name of Grant subsided, and a chilling silence descended over the central square.

With everyone holding their breath, Lyle knelt on one knee before the emperor. The emperor, who stood before him, tapped Lyle’s head and both shoulders with a gem-studded sword.

The elderly emperor’s hair was white, yet his posture remained upright, and his arms and legs were still vigorous despite his age. His always-smiling eyes were framed by fine lines, earning him the affectionate moniker “The Happy Emperor” among the people.

However, this was a sentiment born out of the distance between him and the populace; those who were close enough to deal with him knew otherwise. His eyes may have smiled, but the depth within them was unreadable, leaving those before him feeling intimidated.

Then the steward read the imperial decree aloud, “To commend the merits of Lyle Grant, the taxes of House Grant will be exempted for the next five years. Additionally, Lyle Grant will receive an annual stipend of one million gold. Furthermore, the fiefs of Gran, Prix, and Pendita are hereby bestowed upon the Grant Archducal family.”

Elaina’s expression froze for a moment. She felt confused, wondering if she had misheard.

Gran, Prix, and Pendita.

These were some of the most valuable lands originally held by House Grant. The tax exemption alone was a substantial reward, but this exceeded anything she could have imagined.

“Goodness…”

Elaina covered her mouth, but she couldn’t help her gaze from drifting toward Marquis Redwood. He was biting his lip, glaring at the platform. The lands of Gran, Prix, and Pendita had all belonged to Marquis Redwood until just the day before.

The victory ceremony continued. Leo Bonaparte, the commander of the Grant Knight Order, was granted a barony and an annual stipend of five hundred thousand gold. Though no lands were bestowed, it was clear this was in preparation for him to become the next commander of the Imperial Guard.

The vice-commander, Colin, was granted the title of a baronet. The other knights also received appropriate rewards.

The names of the twenty knights echoed one after another across the square. The sight of the entire Grant Knight Order, lined up in their uniforms, was magnificent.

As they saluted the crowd and descended from the platform, their faces were filled with pride and satisfaction. Applause and cheers poured out for them, and Elaina joined in, clapping until her hands hurt.

***

“Your Majesty!”

Someone called out urgently to the emperor as he was about to board his carriage. The emperor turned to look—it was Marquis Redwood.

“Why, why was I not informed of today’s decision…”

“Marquis, step back. This is highly improper!”

The steward’s voice was harsh as he warned the marquis, but the emperor shook his head, signaling for silence.

“I understand your disappointment, Marquis. But what can be done? Lyle Grant, the Archduke of Grant, has achieved accomplishments that deserve recognition.”

“But even so…!”

“Just as you did, Marquis.”

At the emperor’s words, Marquis Redwood fell silent.

Indeed, apart from the individuals involved, the situation was not so different from ten years ago. Back then, a mere baron had been elevated to a marquis, receiving lands and wealth originally belonging to the archducal family—all because of his achievements, just like Lyle Grant now.

The emperor smiled benevolently. Though the steward mistrusted Marquis Redwood, seeing him as a cunning schemer, the emperor didn’t particularly dislike him. The marquis was quick-witted and understood the emperor’s unspoken words.

“To fully honor the archduke’s achievements, even more land would not suffice. You should be thankful that it ended at this, Marquis.”

Even after receiving the northern archducal lands, Marquis Redwood had neglected them. He simply collected the taxes and harvests from the land, leaving the local lords—appointed by the former archduke—to continue ruling without change.

Naturally, problems arose. Perhaps if House Grant had still been in decline, it wouldn’t have mattered, but with Lyle Grant’s recent accomplishments, the lords had petitioned to return to House Grant’s authority.

In the collective appeal they submitted to the emperor, they detailed Marquis Redwood’s negligence in governing the northern territories.

“Don’t give me cause to regret the excessive rewards I once granted you, Marquis.”

The emperor spoke to Marquis Redwood with a kind face, causing the marquis to tremble slightly. The emperor’s smile grew wider at the marquis’s fearful reaction.

“Oh, my. Why are you so startled? As a baron, you had no experience governing lands, so I wonder if perhaps awarding you so much territory was more of a burden than a blessing.”

Though Gran, Prix, and Pendita were large cities in the north, several years of poor harvests and famine had plagued the area due to mismanagement. Instead of investing in the welfare of his people, Marquis Redwood had turned a blind eye, exacerbating the suffering.

“My principles are simple: I reward loyalty and punish those who disrupt my empire.”

The marquis finally nodded at the emperor’s words. “Your Majesty is… absolutely right.”

“I do like you, Marquis, especially that clever mind of yours.”

With that, the emperor patted Marquis Redwood on the shoulder before boarding the carriage.

Inside, the emperor leaned back in his seat and quietly closed his eyes. Pressing his temples, it was clear that he was tired, and it was a moment to remain silent. Yet after a moment’s hesitation, the steward spoke.

“Your Majesty.”

“You should learn from Marquis Redwood. Did I not tell you to be quiet?”

At the emperor’s playful remark, the steward clamped his mouth shut, only to open it again.

“I don’t like that man. There are still unresolved questions about what happened ten years ago.”

The steward’s voice rose slightly in frustration as he continued, “Even now, it would be better to conduct a thorough investigation—”

“Why should I?”

“…Pardon?”

The emperor smiled faintly. “I know very well that Marquis Redwood is a cunning wolf. I also know there was likely something more to the incident ten years ago.”

An unexpected and surprising answer came back from the Emperor.