Axel

Chapter 398: Count Mecklenburg

Added 2025-04-22 15:08:01 +0000 UTC

Charlot publicly announced his allegiance to Earl Bretagne, alongside the Southern Seraph theater, the Principality of Behemoth, and the Red Dragon theater. The announcement caused a massive stir, with repercussions far exceeding his expectations.

Following Charlot's declaration, hundreds of nobles pledged their allegiance to Earl Bretagne in rapid succession.

Within two weeks, of the twenty-eight imperial districts, 2,136 noble territories, sixteen autonomous regions, and 250 overseas dominions under the Fars Empire, over fifteen districts and 322 noble territories and autonomous regions declared allegiance to Earl Bretagne. As for the overseas territories and dominions, their distance precluded immediate responses, though these regions already held limited sway under imperial rule. Among them, 30% acknowledged Earl Bretagne’s claim to the throne.

The most pivotal development came when Grand Duke Robin and Count Soumet, who had long remained silent, proposed a condition: the throne of Fars must pass to Axel's descendants. If Earl Bretagne agreed to eventually transfer the throne to Antonio, they, too, would pledge allegiance.

Earl Bretagne accepted their terms, and these two highly influential nobles swore their oaths soon after.

Thus, Earl Bretagne secured the recognition of the empire's most powerful factions and officially announced his coronation in three months.

Charlot himself was surprised by the impact of his initial allegiance. He admitted his lack of political acumen but took solace in having chosen the right side this time.

Following Grand Duke Robin and Count Soumet’s pledges, Earl Bretagne summoned Charlot for the first time. The meeting was held at 58 Elysée Avenue in Val-de-Vas.

This time, Charlot wasn’t the only guest; several of the earliest supporters of Earl Bretagne, including Saint-rank knights, were also present.

Though still weary, Earl Bretagne appeared much improved. His voice, tinged with fatigue, carried a solemn tone as he spoke:
“My lords, tomorrow I shall lay Antonio and Annie’s mother to rest in the family crypt.”

Antonio, overwhelmed with grief, whispered, “Father, please take heart.”

Earl Bretagne replied calmly, “I’ve already sent for Annie. She will arrive in Strasbourg tonight.”

Charlot nearly rose from his seat but quickly restrained himself to avoid disrupting the solemn atmosphere. He whispered, “I will meet her.”

The Earl nodded. “Antonio will accompany you.”

After announcing these plans, Earl Bretagne fell silent for a long moment before continuing, “You all have shown unwavering loyalty to the Bretagne family. I cannot let such faith go unrewarded.”

Turning to Charlot, he declared:
“Charlot Mecklenburg! Throughout these events, you have stood steadfastly by Annie and me. As Maclaine Bretagne, Emperor of Fars, I hereby confer upon you the title of Count Mecklenburg! As for your fief...”

“Let it be South Seraph!”

“The Principality of Behemoth is too close to Strasbourg for further noble partitions. It shall be restructured into a directly governed imperial district. The Red Dragon theater must also be relinquished, but I will ensure appropriate compensation.”

Charlot quickly replied, “Charlot Mecklenburg pledges eternal loyalty to Your Majesty!”

The Earl rested a hand on Charlot’s shoulder before turning to Antonio. “From this day forward, you are Earl Bretagne.”

Antonio, visibly conflicted, pledged, “I swear my undying loyalty to Your Majesty.”

The Earl then granted titles and fiefs to the other knights present, though these Saint-rank knights received only baronies.

After completing the enfeoffments, Emperor Maclaine Bretagne announced:
“Charlot and Antonio, remain with me for a while. The rest of you may leave. Your titles and fief ceremonies will coincide with my coronation.”

As the others departed, Clair Bretagne and Ebner Soumet patted Charlot’s back and nodded approvingly. Though Clair was a direct descendant of the Bretagne family and Ebner closely allied, neither were part of Earl Bretagne’s original faction. Surprisingly, their gestures reflected solidarity with Charlot rather than Antonio. Thus, a small group formed among the twelve Saint-rank knights.

Once the chamber was empty save for Charlot, Antonio, and Maclaine Bretagne, the Emperor seemed to collapse under the weight of his grief. In a mournful tone, he asked, “Has Annie truly left me forever?”

Charlot dared not speak. No words could suit the moment.

Antonio knelt and embraced his father’s legs, whispering, “Be strong, Father. Mother wouldn’t want this.”

For the first—and perhaps only—time, Charlot witnessed the empire’s strongest warrior, the future Emperor Maclaine Bretagne, shed tears.

The Earl had not cried earlier, not for lack of sorrow, but because his grief had been too profound to express.

To share tears with the future Emperor was a great honor. Yet Charlot’s thoughts were resolute:
“Annie will never have fewer than two Saint-rank protectors by her side again.”

Earl Bretagne’s late wife had been guarded by Saint-rank knights, yet Midaphis Axel, a warrior second only to Antonio, had slain them with a single strike. Truthfully, only Maclaine Bretagne himself or Antonio could have withstood Midaphis.

As night fell, Charlot reminded gently, “Antonio and I must leave to meet Annie.”

The Emperor wiped his tears and replied softly, “Go.”

As Charlot and Antonio were about to depart, the Emperor’s voice rang out—calm yet commanding:
“Never betray Annie.”

Charlot knelt, his voice firm. “Do not doubt my singular devotion to Annie.”

The Emperor sighed. “I doubted you before, but you’ve dispelled all doubts. I’m simply reluctant to part with her.”

“I’ve reached agreements with Byron, Ingrima, and the Lionheart Empire. After my coronation, we will form an alliance to divide the Black Phoenix Dynasty.”

“The lands seized in this division, combined with South Seraph, shall be your fief as Count Mecklenburg. Is this compensation satisfactory, Lord Mecklenburg?”

Charlot replied resolutely, “It is not!”

“You have forgotten to grant me the world’s most precious treasure.”

“I would trade all wealth, land, and titles for your greatest jewel—Princess Annie.”