Reincarnated as the third son of the Duke-Chapter 206 - No Room for Dissent

206 No Room for Dissent

"I will be making a formal announcement regarding my new authority before I release the mage from the prison," he said. "As the Emperor's inspector, I ask that you serve as my witness."

William wasted no time in announcing the contents of the decree to the lords of Asagrim.

He had to ensure there would be no disputes over Colin's release.

Even with an imperial decree in hand, if William made the announcement alone, skeptics would inevitably emerge, accusing him of forgery.

'But if the Emperor's inspector publicly vouches for it, no one will dare object.'

As expected, the lords were shocked when the decree was revealed.

Some were outright unwilling to believe it.

"Not only did His Majesty grant a pardon, but he also authorized the mage's enlistment? Are you certain of this?"

"This must be a mistake. We do not doubt Your Highness, but perhaps there was an error in the process…"

Even those who had no enmity toward William hesitated to accept the news.

Glen stepped forward.

"I received this decree directly from His Majesty himself."

The room fell silent.

With just that single statement, all doubts evaporated.

Once the announcement was made, William immediately ordered Colin's release and had him escorted to a guest chamber.

Even as the servants led him away, Colin still looked dazed, as if struggling to believe what was happening.

Glen, watching the scene unfold, let out a heavy sigh.

"I believe that concludes my assistance to you, Your Highness."

William turned to face him.

"I appreciate all you've done," he said. "And I will never forget the kindness His Majesty has shown me."

Glen let out a breath of relief. "I am glad to hear that. Then, if you will excuse me, I must see to my own duties."

With that, Glen left to meet with his subordinates—the captain of the Blue Rose Knights, Gareth, and the commander of Asagrim's former garrison, Lottier.

When he informed them of his departure, Gareth accepted the news without protest.

Though his term of service under William was far from over, it was clear he had never expected much in the first place.

His agreement carried a faint hint of sarcasm.

"As expected," Gareth said flatly. "When would you like us to return?"

"I'm afraid that hasn't been decided yet," Glen admitted. "We need to observe the situation a little longer before making that decision."

"I see. Then I'll continue carrying out my duties here. You should return to Tivron, Inspector."

"Sir Gareth, I hope you don't misunderstand—this is not a slight against the Blue Rose Knights."

"Of course it isn't," Gareth replied, his tone unreadable.

Glen opened his mouth to say more but sighed instead.

There was no point in explaining further. Gareth wouldn't listen anyway.

At the very least, he wasn't raising complaints about his treatment, which was more than Glen could ask for.

Unlike Gareth, however, Lottier's reaction was far more volatile.

"What? You're telling us to stay?"

His voice rose in disbelief.

Unlike the knights, the city garrison's circumstances were entirely different.

"The defense force has no reason to remain here," Lottier argued. "Asagrim is no longer imperial land. What are we supposed to do now?"

"You don't need to do anything. Simply return home," Glen replied.

"You're telling us to march all the way back to Tivron without supplies? With no support?"

"Whether you travel together or split into smaller groups is up to you. Any costs incurred during your journey will be reimbursed later."

"This is ridiculous…!"

Lottier clenched his fists.

He hadn't expected them to be taken back through the dimensional gate, but this was beyond absurd.

The least the Empire could do was issue a decree requesting cooperation from the nearby lords or guarantee their safety under the imperial banner.

It would take nothing but a few words to ensure their protection, yet they were simply being abandoned.

"We served as the defense force for the Emperor's own territory! You cannot treat us like this!"

"I recognize your dedication," Glen said, his voice weary. "But the imperial court's hands are tied."

What kind of circumstances could prevent the Empire from doing something this simple?

Lottier's expression screamed that question, but Glen offered no further explanation.

In truth, Glen was just as frustrated.

'How could the Emperor issue a decree when he is barely clinging to life? The court is already overwhelmed dealing with the aftermath of Krefeld's rebellion.'

The Emperor was still breathing, but only barely.

With his condition worsening by the day, no one in the court dared to act without his direct orders.

And even if they could, the situation in the capital was far too chaotic.

Duke Siegmund's death had thrown the imperial forces into disarray, and the aftermath of the war had yet to settle.

There was simply no room to concern themselves with a now-irrelevant city garrison.

"I hope you understand," Glen said.

Lottier didn't reply.

Of course he didn't.

Glen could say nothing to ease his anger, so he turned away and left.

Glen departed that very night without waiting for a farewell.

When William attempted to see him off, he politely declined.

"I have to leave immediately," he said. "Forgive me, but I don't have the time to linger."

The words could have been considered rude, but William understood.

When emotions were heavy, no amount of pleasantries could make parting easier.

And so, Glen stepped outside Asagrim's borders, opened a dimensional gate, and disappeared.

With that matter settled, William made his way to Colin's guest chamber.

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"I'm coming in."

The door creaked open.

Colin sat inside, staring blankly at nothing.

His unfocused eyes blinked sluggishly, as if he were still disconnected from reality.

"Snap out of it," William said. "I understand how you feel, but you can't stay in a daze forever. Do you need me to slap you awake?"

Colin finally turned toward him, his voice hollow.

"…What happens to me now?"

William sighed.

This was worse than he thought.

Dragging a chair over, he sat down across from him.

"What do you think happens? You're officially enlisted under my command now."

"As what?"

William tilted his head. "Hmm… 'Royal Court Mage' sounds too formal, but 'Personal Mage' sounds too cheap. Maybe I'll just call you an advisor and leave it at that."

Colin didn't respond.