Reincarnated as the third son of the Duke

174 Playing with Fire and Crowns

The 𝘮ost uptodat𝑒 novels are pub𝙡ished on freeweɓnovēl.coɱ.

If The Emperor’s Red Wing Knights wasn’t careful, he might end up with nothing but the title of owner, forced to watch as his so-called inheritance was parceled out to others.

"You’re right," he admitted. "We’ll burn it all."

"But, Master—these records belong to you."

"It doesn’t matter. There’s nothing useful here anyway. My ancestors won’t be complaining, now that I’ve claimed the key."

To be honest, he felt no particular attachment to the journals of his forebears. Most of them were filled with the ramblings of men who refused to let go of the past, drowning in despair and regret.

Only his grandfather had left behind anything of value. The others? They had wasted their lives chasing after a throne that would never be theirs.

If even one of them had thought to record what lay beneath the throne, or how to access it, perhaps he would have saved a few of these books. But they hadn’t, so there was no reason to keep them.

With a flick of his wrist, he tossed a lit torch onto the pile.

The dry pages ignited instantly, flames consuming centuries of delusions in mere moments. In the end, all that remained was ash.

William watched the embers fade, his gaze gleaming.

With his grandfather’s inheritance now in his hands, only one task remained.

"You intend to summon the Northern lords to Asagrim?"

"That’s right."

Glenn, fresh from his survey of the local towns, blinked at William’s unexpected proposal.

Setting aside the question of intent, they hadn’t even reached Asagrim yet. And he was already talking about invitations?

"Your Highness, forgive me if this is impolite, but… how do you plan to fund this gathering?"

"I intend to request support from His Majesty."

Glenn’s expression froze.

Was he serious? Inviting guests to a gathering and expecting the Emperor—who wasn’t even the host—to foot the bill?

But William continued, undeterred.

"I would also like him to provide elite troops and knights. Not an army, just a temporary deployment for a few months. A margrave should at least have a force capable of displaying his authority. Besides, I need time to consolidate my position after the inauguration."

"Your Highness, this is an excessive request. His Majesty has already provided ample support—"

"In return, I will formally declare my support for the First Prince."

Glenn stiffened.

He had known all along that the Emperor’s generosity came with expectations. The purpose of all this support was to secure William’s allegiance for the First Prince.

However, he hadn’t expected William to declare his loyalty so soon.

The current plan had been to let him settle into the North first, to give him time before he was forced to take sides. But now, before he had even arrived in Asagrim, he was already making a public stand.

"Do you understand what you’re saying?" Glenn asked carefully.

"Of course."

William grinned, watching the older man’s discomfort with amusement.

"This is the first time I am acknowledging the Imperial throne as a possibility. The moment I make this statement, all eyes in the Empire will turn to me. At worst, it will impact my standing in the Hern succession. And who knows? I might even gain political enemies in the capital."

"You’re aware of the risks… and yet you’re doing this anyway? When your foundation is still unstable?"

"Isn’t this exactly what the Imperial Family wants?" William’s voice was smooth, confident. "The heir of Grimaldi and the lord of Asagrim, standing in full support of the First Prince. The North has remained neutral in the succession struggle, but with my backing, it will naturally lean in his favor."

Glenn hesitated, unable to deny the logic in William’s words.

He had told William there was no rush—that he could pledge his allegiance at a later time. But in reality, the sooner he did it, the better.

Once the declaration was made, there was no taking it back. And more importantly, it would send a message.

The First Prince already had support.

And the North—whether it liked it or not—would follow.

It was, without a doubt, an enticing proposal.

Glenn knew he should accept immediately and report back to His Majesty. And yet, he couldn’t shake the nagging sense of unease creeping through his thoughts.

William had proven his loyalty to the Emperor time and time again—even throwing himself into danger to protect the First Prince. Glenn personally liked the young lord, and there was no denying that the abilities he had displayed at such a young age were nothing short of remarkable.

But William was also ambitious. And he was no blind, self-sacrificing loyalist willing to throw away his life for the Emperor without question.

There had to be something in it for him.

The problem was, Glenn couldn’t discern what that was.

Why would William make such an offer? On the surface, it was an obvious win for the Imperial Family—while he, personally, had nothing to gain. If anything, it would cost him.

As Glenn hesitated, William offered him a reassuring smile.

"Sir Glenn, you seem troubled. But for now, why not simply report this to His Majesty? He will be the one to decide in the end, won’t he? If he refuses, I won’t press the matter further."

"Hmm… very well."

Glenn nodded heavily.

He was, first and foremost, a knight. He lacked the ability to decipher hidden motives, and he had no intention of making wild guesses only to be led astray. Better to let the Emperor judge the situation himself.

"Give me a day. I will report this to His Majesty and return with his answer."

Back in his quarters, Glenn placed a red stone at the center of his desk and carefully activated a series of soundproofing artifacts around the room.

Once the preparations were complete, he reached out and pressed his fingers against the stone. A faint vibration ran through it before it flared with crimson light.

Minutes passed. Then, with a final pulse of energy, the light expanded into a hazy projection above the stone.

— Sir Glenn? What is it?