Chapter 10
The butler quickly explained, seemingly aware of Richard’s concerns. Richard looked puzzled.
“It seems the appointment had been arranged through Baron Hans.”
“Haah, is this still happening?”
Baron Hans, who was imprisoned, had been taking bribes from the fief’s residents to adjust audience schedules or accept double bookings, which caused Richard considerable headaches for a while. Not only had the records not been properly kept, but even Hans himself couldn’t remember everything accurately.
However, he couldn’t just dismiss a resident who had come to the castle on the promised date to voice their grievances. Fortunately, Leonhart noticed the situation and gestured for him to go ahead.
“Brother, if you’ll excuse me for a moment.”
“Go ahead.”
The butler, relieved, quickly brought Richard’s coat.
“What is the reason for her visit?”
“She has come to offer the right of the first night to the lord tonight.”
“What?”
Richard paused, his expression turning serious as he put on his coat. The emperor, who was about to leave the banquet hall, also stopped.
“The first night?”
“She is getting married soon but can’t afford the marriage tax, so the groom wishes to substitute it with the right of the first night.”
“Hmm.”
Richard’s face showed a hint of discomfort. The right of the first night was an ancient custom that most fiefs no longer practiced. He had planned to abolish it when reforming the tax system but hadn’t rushed it, considering it a mere formality for tax collection.
“Has the right of the first night been exercised recently?”
“Yes, though not often, it was occasionally practiced under the former lord. The priests of the local temple are also familiar with acting as witnesses for the procedure.”
“From what I know, labor from the husband-to-be could also substitute for the tax.”
“His arm was injured recently, so he cannot perform labor.”
Richard’s expression tightened. Offering the first night of one’s bride to another man was outrageous. He could have postponed the marriage or waited until his arm healed, but instead, he chose this.
As he thought about various ways to resolve this situation, he even considered paying the tax himself. But that was not a simple matter. The resident had already entered through the castle gates, seen by several servants and guards. If word got out, who would pay taxes or follow the law in the future? This wasn’t merely about helping a poor resident in trouble.
“The right of the first night…”
Meanwhile, Emperor Leonhart, who had been about to leave the banquet hall, was now listening intently to this intriguing matter. Richard had always turned away from any beauty brought before him. If he were to experience the primal thrill of knowing a woman…
Leonhart’s eyes gleamed at the thought.
“Richard, exercise the right of the first night with this woman tonight.”
“…Brother!”
“The droit du seigneur is both a privilege and a duty of the lord. You must comply.”
The emperor turned his gaze to the butler.
“Have you been here since the time of the former lord?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. After those involved in corruption, including Baron Hans, were expelled, I remained by the grace of the new lord.”
“Who else remains?”
“The head maid also stayed.”
“Then there should be no problem. Notify the temple to send the priests who will act as witnesses. Ensure the procedure is thoroughly prepared according to past customs.”
“Yes, understood.”
“I can’t accept this!”
The emperor, about to leave the banquet hall, turned to Richard.
“It’s a law that’s about to be abolished. You agreed to this as well.”
“But it is still a law, and it must be followed. Even a day’s difference can determine the legality of an act. If we make exceptions like this, it will never end.”
“But, Brother…!”
“Moreover, you are the lord here. If you don’t set an example, who will follow you?”
“…”
“This is an imperial decree, Richard.”
The firm declaration and the subsequent silence made Richard realize that his brother was not going to change his mind. As the emperor turned and left the room with his aide, Richard bowed deeply.
“…I will obey Your Majesty’s order.”
“I’ve had too much wine, I should retire to my chambers. Have a good night, Richard.”
“Yes, Brother.”
Once Richard accepted the order, the emperor returned to his usual warm demeanor, though he did not look back as he left the room with his aide.
“Haah.”
Richard sighed deeply, knowing he couldn’t avoid spending the night with a woman he had never met due to the imperial decree. Back in his bedroom, he downed several more glasses of strong liquor, but it did little to soothe his restless heart.
‘Perhaps choosing Evron was a mistake…’
But he soon changed his mind. He suddenly remembered the girl he had seen on his first day in the market. Her delicate and pretty face, her clear green eyes, and the courage she showed when she threw herself in front of a sharp sword to save a child had left an indelible impression on him. He thought about her often, even after that day.
Initially, Richard hadn’t planned to stay long in the fief. He intended to temporarily stay to avoid his brother’s nagging about marriage, then volunteer to defend the borders or serve as a diplomatic envoy. He thought he would only stay long enough to rectify the former lord’s corruption and stabilize the area.
But witnessing the girl’s bravery sparked a growing affection for the place. He wanted to improve the lives of the impoverished residents and make Evron a better place to live.
Recalling her sunlit auburn hair, Richard lifted his glass and downed it silently.
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