At dinner time, Ron originally planned to stay at the hotpot restaurant with Lyle, have a few drinks, eat hotpot and barbecue, and relive the leisurely days of the past.
But before the hotpot was even served, a palace guard walked in and respectfully bowed before him:
"Your Highness Ron André, His Majesty Emperor André III invites you to dine at the palace."
Ron raised an eyebrow, immediately understanding the reason.
That morning's court session had already confirmed the announcement—he would be granted the title of territorial count in mid-April.
His "father" was clearly calling him in to discuss this matter.
With a hint of regret, Ron turned to Lyle.
"Looks like we can't have dinner together today."
And given how busy he'd been lately, there was no guarantee he'd find time to meet Lyle again before he left.
Lyle had already selected the staff who would accompany him to the Western Region—he would likely depart within the next couple of days.
"No problem. We'll drink again when I'm back from the West," Lyle said heartily, standing to see him off.
Ron grabbed a portion of barbecue from the restaurant, said his farewells, and boarded the carriage.
Turning to the guard, he said, "I'll make a quick stop by Moonview Street first. That's alright?"
"Of course," the guard replied respectfully.
The carriage first stopped at the tournament venue on Moonview Street.
Ron headed up to the fourth-floor control room and pushed the door open.
He handed the barbecue to Nora.
"Make sure you eat. I've got to head to the palace tonight. I'll come pick you up afterward."
"Mm." Nora nodded obediently, setting aside her work and opening the wrapped barbecue.
Seeing how well-behaved she was, Ron couldn't help but pinch her cheek.
"Wow, that smells amazing!" Mia's voice came from outside as her head popped in.
"Ron! You really didn't bring me anything to eat?!" she puffed her cheeks in protest. "Hmph! You forgot your own sister now that you have Nora!"
Ron glanced at her calmly.
"Soren."
The moment she heard that name, Mia stiffened instantly and raised her hands in surrender.
"Okay, okay, I'll stop! I'm leaving! Eileen, let's go eat!"
Before Ron could say anything else, Mia dragged Eileen away in a panic, afraid he'd assign her something again.
Ron shook his head with a chuckle.
After saying goodbye to Nora, he headed downstairs and boarded the carriage toward the palace.
After the winter war ended, a massive purge swept through the military.
And Ron had been the spark that ignited it.
This purge affected forces across every level of the Empire.
With it, Emperor André III once again suppressed the rising power of various noble factions.
The military's overwhelming strength reminded everyone—after years of peace—who truly ruled the Empire.
And throughout it all, Emperor André III never made any direct statement.
As if it were nothing more than a trivial matter.
Ron didn't know the details of the purge.
Although Sylvie had delivered reports collected by the Goddess of Harvest — Hervesta's church, reading through those dry documents was… not appealing.
He skimmed them briefly and moved on.
To him, things like the Magic Duel tournament and the private laboratory were far more important.
Soon, the carriage entered a side palace.
Guided by a maid, Ron arrived once again at the spacious and familiar dining hall.
He took his seat to the right of Emperor André III.
They began eating, exchanging light, inconsequential conversation.
During the meal, Ron occasionally glanced at the emperor's hair.
Compared to last time, the white strands had clearly increased.
Only then did Ron recall—
Emperor André III was already over seventy years old.
Though as a seventh-tier legendary warrior, seventy should only be equivalent to middle age for a normal person.
Still…
Ron looked at the white hair again, then said nothing and continued eating.
After the meal ended, Emperor André III finally brought up the main topic.
He wiped his mouth with a napkin, took a sip of coffee, and said calmly:
"In mid-April, you will be granted the title of territorial count. You're aware of this, I assume?"
"Yes."
"At that time, delegations from various races will be visiting the Royal Capital. The ceremony will be part of their tour."
"Don't embarrass yourself."
"I'll keep that in mind."
"Someone will arrange a rehearsal beforehand. Cooperate with them."
"Understood."
"The ceremony itself isn't important," the emperor continued. "Have you decided where to establish your territory?"
"Not yet. I'm still considering."
At that, Emperor André III smiled faintly.
"I imagine quite a few people are eager to take you in?"
Ron lowered his head with a light smile.
"That's why I'm still considering."
"I look forward to your choice," the emperor chuckled.
The granting of this title had, in truth, been something Ron simply went along with.
Some factions had pushed for it to suppress him—hoping he'd struggle when choosing a territory.
But once it was finalized, others quickly extended olive branches.
Behind them stood at least one count or marquis.
They were willing to offer Ron fertile land within their domains—hoping he would join their faction.
In other words—
Those once united against him had already begun to split internally.
The factions aligned with the First, Second, or Fourth Prince would never show him favor.
But those left out of early alliances had recognized his potential.
After the discussion, they chose to bet on him.
The situation had already begun to reverse.
Ron had taken note of every faction that approached him.
Even though he already had his own target for territory—
These people might become valuable allies when Tansen City needs development in the future.
"I have a question," Ron suddenly said.
"The Empire's history is only a little over a century. Why were most lands already divided among territorial nobles so quickly?"
Emperor André III took a sip of coffee and replied calmly:
"Historical reasons."
"In the early days of the Empire—and during André II's war against the dwarves—a large number of territorial nobles were granted lands."
"Especially at the founding."
"The Dukes of the North, East, and South were the Empire's original three generals. They fought alongside Emperor André I."
Their relationship was like brothers. Granting them ducal titles was only natural."
"As for the many marquis titles—those were granted to stabilize the Empire in its early years."
He paused briefly before continuing:
"By now, most of those original nobles are already gone."