Chapter 388: Writing His Beloved Girl Into History

When the Earl spoke these words, there was a faint hint of sourness in his tone.

Antonio, deeply resonating with his father’s emotions, thought to himself that if he could change his name, the eldest son of the Bretagne family would gladly rename himself: Antonio Bretagne "Also Jealous."

The life of Earl Bretagne was nothing short of legendary. He was recognized as the greatest warrior in the Fars Empire, a figure as stable and unshakeable as the empire’s foundation itself. He had contributed countless heroic deeds to the empire, becoming an unparalleled symbol of strength and loyalty.

However, the Earl's lifelong aspiration was to elevate his family to a new status: from Earl to Duke.

Unfortunately, reaching that pinnacle was an insurmountable challenge, more difficult than transcending the most rigid societal class barriers. Despite the family’s immense strength, the prospect of the Bretagne family becoming a ducal house remained a distant dream. It was uncertain when Emperor Julius VI would grant such a title, if ever.

Earl Bretagne even harbored the dark premonition that he would never live to see the day he became Duke Bretagne.

How could he not know of the emperor’s deep-seated wariness of him and his family?

The Bretagne family was undoubtedly powerful. They boasted over ten Saint-rank warriors, including the Earl himself, the empire’s foremost warrior. His eldest son was destined to be the strongest of the next generation. Even rising talents like Clair Bretagne added to the family's prominence. Their household even had a Dreamwalker of Saint rank, Grandma Saint Karen, who could lull children to sleep with dreamscapes. Conquering a small nation was not beyond their grasp; the difficulty lay in earning international recognition.

Take, for example, the Golden Rams Fleet commander Herolf, who had occupied Saint Michael Island for years. Yet not a single nation had ever acknowledged his claim.

Even in the case of the Red Dragon Emperor’s conquest of the three Ingrima Isles, Duke Robin of Ingrima never recognized the Guillaume family’s rule over the islands. The Robin family, an old noble house of the Ingrima Isles, still retained their ducal lands there. Generations of Guillaume emperors tacitly acknowledged this, a subtle arrangement born from old friendships and minor disputes.

For Charlot Mecklenburg to conquer Moldova, achieving recognition from the Lionheart Empire, the Byron people, and even Ingrima, was an extraordinary feat. Even Earl Bretagne admitted he could never have managed such a thing.

It was not a matter of pure strength alone.

Such an achievement required perfect timing, favorable circumstances, and harmonious relationships. Above all, it demanded the mastery of diplomacy—navigating the treacherous waters of international politics with unparalleled finesse.

The Earl suddenly recalled the day Charlot spoke passionately before him:

“In this world, even heroes grow old. Even emperors face decline. Unmatched power becomes hollow and unbearable. Boundless wealth inevitably leaves its owner. And treasures, no matter how precious, will one day lose their value.”

“But there is one thing that can last as long as humanity exists.”

“That is civilization.”

“I don’t know how long your name will endure in the annals of history, but I can assure you that Annie’s name will be remembered far longer than yours. Perhaps a hundred years from now, or maybe just fifty, when people mention your name, they will say: ‘Oh, we know him. He was Miss Annie Bretagne’s father.’”

“In my heart, no earthly treasure is worthy of Annie. Only an unshakable pillar of civilization and a place in everlasting history are deserving of Miss Annie Bretagne.”

At the time, the Earl had dismissed it as an elaborate string of nonsense, skillfully dressed up.

Never in his wildest dreams did Earl Bretagne imagine that this young man would actually accomplish it.

Even though the Earl deeply cherished his daughter Annie, he would never have dared claim that no material treasure could match her worth.

As for Charlot’s bold proclamation—that only eternal history could befit her—such a thought had never crossed the Earl’s mind.

And yet, the most audacious part wasn’t just the words—it was that the young man had indeed done it.

He had truly written the name of his beloved girl into history—not as a passing footnote, but as a resounding chapter.

Becoming a Duchess was not inherently remarkable; after all, Mesu was also a Duchess, yet her name would ultimately fade into obscurity. However, to be elevated to Grand Duchess by a lover’s efforts—that was a blazing legend.

Antonio pondered for a long time before turning to Earl Bretagne. “Father, have you verified that this isn’t some elaborate deception?”

The Earl replied with a calm expression, “If someone could forge the imperial decrees of three major empires, then perhaps it is a possibility.”

“Mm, and they would also have to bribe Princess Axo Axel.”

“Indeed, and persuade Crown Prince Baldwin Asa of the Lionheart Dynasty to cooperate.”

Antonio’s mind wrestled with conflicting thoughts. One part insisted that such a scenario was utterly impossible, while another reminded him how absurd it would be to fabricate imperial decrees, convince his aunt Axo, and gain the support of Crown Prince Baldwin Asa for such a farcical scheme.

After a long hesitation, he asked, “So it’s true that my sister has become Grand Duchess Bretagne?”

Earl Bretagne nodded and replied, “It took me several hours to convince myself that it wasn’t a dream.”

“It is indeed true.”

“I just don’t know how to explain this to your mother.”

Antonio asked, “Why? Isn’t this wonderful news?”

The Earl sighed, “It is, but I fear your mother will think I’ve gone mad.”

“She might believe that my obsession with the ducal title has driven me to delusion.”

“I have no wish to endure such humiliation.”

Antonio took a deep breath and suggested, “Why not have Mother visit the palace? If His Majesty explains it, she will believe it.”

The Earl nodded. What he didn’t say was this: Even if the Countess believes that Emperor Julius VI has lost his mind, it is still better than her thinking that I have.

If one of the two men—her husband or her emperor—must be insane, Earl Bretagne preferred to let his father-in-law take the fall.

Several days later, Charlot received the official decree from Ingrima. Along with it came a personal letter from the Red Dragon Emperor, written in an exuberant tone:

“Lord Mecklenburg! Well done!”

“I have officially recognized Miss Annie Bretagne as the new Duchess of Moldova. I’ve also issued decrees urging other nations across the continent to acknowledge her legitimate status. Rest assured, there is no need to worry about international opinion. However, this letter serves another purpose: to remind you of your promise.”

“Where is my new novel, The Red Dragon Emperor?”

“The first volume’s publication will not only come with the promised New Continent land grant, but I will also reward you with a plot of land on Goring Island.”

“As an author, you’ve been slacking! Your pace has slowed!”

“You owe your eager readers an explanation!”

“Lord Mecklenburg, keep up the good work!”

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