The one opposing my baron promotion boldly continued to speak.
"A man must marry and establish a family to become an adult. However, Baron Medici is still unmarried, isn't he? Until now, his numerous accomplishments might have warranted a title even for a child."
It might sound ridiculous, but in pre-modern societies, no matter how old a man was, if he remained unmarried, he wasn't considered an adult in the village.
During village meetings, a married 15-year-old could participate, but a 30-year-old unmarried man could not.
This was because one had to take responsibility for a household to be legally and morally regarded as an adult.
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"The responsibilities of a baron and a baronet differ."
The most straightforward difference comes into play when a war breaks out, and enemies invade their territory.
Baronets must gather soldiers and respond to summonses from nobles of the baron rank or higher when war occurs.
On the other hand, barons might need to summon all available soldiers in their region to fight.
They have to take on the role of commander.
'Additionally, the weight of the obligations differs.'
"Your Majesty, I do not intend to belittle the accomplishments of Baronets. However, it seems that marriage should take precedence."
Looking closely at the person speaking those words...
He was a legal noble belonging to the Sforza Duke faction.
He was attempting to maintain the balance of power against the Visconti Duke's influence and prevent the scales from tipping.
It takes some skill to oppose the Emperor while not inciting his anger.
I couldn't help but wonder if he was practicing on a wooden horse every day at home.
'But why on earth is the Emperor smiling?'
"The Minister of Justice makes a valid point. Though Baron Medici's achievements are significant, we cannot disregard the traditions that have been passed down through generations."
Why does the Minister of Justice look so pleased even after opposing?
And perhaps it's just my imagination, but it seems the Emperor is licking his lips while looking at me.
I need to see a doctor after this matter is settled; I need sufficient rest.
I should refrain from any vigorous exercise at night.
'Chloe might dislike it, but I need to live a long life.'
"Very well, overseeing noble marriages is also my duty. I shall select a suitable noble lady for marriage, and after the wedding ceremony, I will grant him the title. Yes, while rewarding accomplishments is important, adhering to precedents is crucial as well."
Upon hearing this, the Minister of Justice clenched his fist and looked pleased.
That guy seems intent on postponing the title grant while discussing it with the duke.
Although becoming a baron is a bit delayed, there's nothing I can do about it.
I hope they can limit their jealousy to a reasonable level.
As one rises in rank, the number of envious people inevitably increases.
"I will postpone the grant of the title for now."
Although the Emperor said this, I could clearly foresee what would happen next.
The Minister of Justice would report directly to Duke Sforza.
Upon hearing this, the duke would likely say that while marriage is fine, it would be wise to refrain from elevating the Medici family to the rank of baron out of consideration for their dignity.
Then, the Visconti Duke and the Sforza Duke would end up in a verbal dispute...
‘Things might get dragged out indefinitely.’
As the discussions began to settle, the Visconti Duke spoke up.
"I also resonate with what the Minister of Justice said. As stated, titles come with responsibilities, and to bear those responsibilities, one must naturally become an 'adult.'"
Today, I desperately wanted to return home.
I felt a strong urge to find Chloe, who would be waiting in my room, studying, and to indulge in her affection.
I felt anxious and worried.
Whenever that gentleman wore such an expression, it usually meant something good was happening for me.
But it also brought forth something shocking and terrifying.
What on earth was this gentleman, akin to Cthulhu or the deities of the outer cosmos, planning this time?
"My granddaughter, Erica, has just turned 15. Though she has not yet undergone her coming-of-age ceremony, she is certainly old enough for marriage."
The Emperor's previously joyful expression immediately vanished, replaced by a frown.
Though he didn't show open hostility toward the duke...
‘How dare he touch my beloved Fabio?’
Such nuances were clearly conveyed in his gaze.
No, I am not your possession; I am merely subordinate A.
I am not some displayed merchandise, so why this uproar?
When his treasured object was suddenly threatened to be taken away, the Emperor, flustered, responded,
"Isn't it the case that Erica and our Baron Medici are mismatched in status? She should at least marry a count."
As the Emperor pointed out, the daughter of a duke's legal wife usually marries a count unless there are glaring issues.
If the duke personally takes action, it is entirely possible to arrange for her to marry a direct royal family member or even the imperial consort.
'Moreover, being a duke essentially makes you a relative of the emperor, right?'
Isn't that a bit of an overreach?
"I have been watching Fabio since he was just the second son of a baron, the Medici Baron, who was nothing more than a mere baron's son."
Thinking back, it has already been over three years since I got to know the duke.
"He discovered the eastern herb, seaweed, boldly faced the risk of losing everything to resolve military supply corruption, and even cared for His Majesty’s soldiers. This time, he solved the gunpowder problem that had plagued the empire for a lifetime. Perhaps that is why I sometimes feel ashamed of myself when I see this young man."
Duke, do you hold a grudge against me?
Why do you keep trying to arrange an unintended marriage for me?
Furthermore, the praise sounds genuinely chilling to hear.
While it might not be an issue with other nobles, if the duke goes that far, and I refuse to accept a son-in-law...
‘I would likely face very sad consequences.’
"And he is also a remarkably excellent young man personally. Despite achieving the title of baron at such a young age, he shows no signs of arrogance. From what I hear, he cherishes his maid as if she were family."
The Emperor's expression began to change in real-time.
Just moments ago, he had shown signs of resentment,
but now, his eyes were wide open in astonishment, as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"Right now, Fabio only lacks the title. In every other aspect, his abilities and character are perfect. As a grandfather, I want to find the best husband for my granddaughter's happiness, Your Majesty."
Even a duke holds back from rashly wielding a sword against the emperor for reasons other than 'treason.'
Because under the duke, there are several marquises and earls, and beneath them, there are dozens of baron families combined.
If the emperor oppresses them without proper grounds, they might seek independence.
In the histories of our Toscana Empire, the Kingdom of Lyon, and the Milanese Grand Duchy, the roots of their independence often trace back to the dukes.
And besides, this situation has turned out remarkably well.
The duke's human aspect of thinking about his granddaughter's happiness, the willingness to 'suffer losses' to marry her off to a talented future candidate, etc.
If the emperor had previously mentioned marrying off a princess, it might have been a different story.
This is a compelling justification that even the emperor cannot refute.
"Alfred also mentioned that considering Fabio's character and abilities, he would find it suitable to give his daughter to him. Therefore, how about granting Fabio a title and holding the wedding ceremony as soon as possible?"
Upon hearing this, the Emperor nodded.
"Let it be so. But are you really okay with this, duke? After all, Fabio is only a baron."
"In just three years, he has risen from the second son of a baron to formally receiving the title of baron. When evaluating a person, one should look at their potential, not their status or wealth, right?"
What kind of democracy are these nobles spouting?
"If that is the duke's intention, then I shall accept it. I will grant the title of baron to Fabio de Medici. Moreover, his title ceremony will be held after his marriage to the Visconti Duke's granddaughter, Erica de Visconti."
The Emperor let out a deep sigh and declared the meeting closed.
I couldn't accept this absurd situation.
When I sent the small duke Alfred to my side for the journey to Nador, it was only strange.
What on earth is happening here?
I wished for success, but is this the monkey's paw of the gods?
Are they really sending a duke's daughter to a mere baron?
It was only written in the imperial law that it was possible; it's an unprecedented situation.
The duke continued to pat my shoulder, which felt like it had lost its soul.
"Are you so happy that you're out of your mind? I called for over five minutes, but there was no response."
"I apologize, Your Grace."
The duke spent nearly an hour lavishing praise on how much he cherished me.
However, my dazed mind couldn't process what he was saying at all.
It seemed the duke himself didn't expect me to take the praise meaningfully...
'Perhaps he knows I'm out of my mind and is keeping an eye on those around him.'
Finally, he whispered,
"Our granddaughter is prettier than your maid. This is just an objective fact."
No one in this world dislikes money or beautiful women.
Perhaps that’s why my senses suddenly returned.
"Last year, when Alfred took Erica to the Kingdom of Lyon, the second prince reportedly proposed to her on the spot."
...This matter could potentially lead to diplomatic issues.
If the second prince would go that far, how incredibly beautiful must he be?