Reincarnated as the third son of the Duke

Chapter 74 74 Pawn in the Emperor's Game

74 Pawn in the Emperor's Game

It was a logical assumption. A rebellion of this scale would require a noble coalition, and the one who commanded it had to be a figure of great trust, war experience, and undeniable authority. If the Emperor himself was not leading, the only rightful candidate was Duke Sigmund.

"No," Sigmund said. "It will not be me."

Jordi's eyes narrowed. "Then who?"

"The First Prince will lead the army."

The room fell into stunned silence before erupting into exclamations of disbelief. Even the wives turned toward the Duke in shock.

"The First Prince? He has authority, but he has no battlefield experience—!"

"If you are not advising him, then surely you will send one of your top generals—"

"No," Sigmund said. "The Emperor has requested that one of my sons serve under him instead."

The realization struck all at once.

This was not a military decision.

This was a political maneuver.

The Emperor wanted to force House Hern into an alliance with the First Prince, tying them together in the eyes of the nobility. It was a move meant to cement their loyalty—whether they wished it or not.

No one in the room wanted this.

The First Prince's incompetence was no secret. If any of them were sent to fight under him, it would be seen as an endorsement. It would bind them to a sinking ship.

Sigmund exhaled. "I'll ask only once. Do any of you volunteer?"

The silence was deafening.

Then, a voice broke through.

"Is there even a need to ask for volunteers?"

Veronica, with her fiery red hair—an unmistakable mark of her southern heritage—spoke without hesitation.

"What do you mean?" Sigmund asked, turning toward her.

Her eyes flickered to William.

And if that happened, it wouldn't just be a misunderstanding. The Emperor could try to influence Hern's succession, throwing external support behind Tristan's claim.

Sigmund clenched his jaw. He could push back, of course. He could correct the misunderstanding. But doing so might strain his relationship with the Emperor beyond repair.

"...It does make sense," Veronica pressed. "Send the third son instead."

"I... I also think William would be the best choice," one of the other wives hesitantly agreed.

"I concur," the last added quickly.

Sigmund's expression twisted in barely restrained frustration.

It was true that William was the most practical choice, but this had nothing to do with logic. It was obvious what was really happening.

They weren't just choosing William—they were trying to sabotage him.

This wasn't about safeguarding Tristan's position or avoiding Imperial entanglements. It was about sending William away, away from the family, away from Hern, and into a dangerous battlefield.

Sigmund's temper flared.

"You—!"

Before he could unleash his fury, another voice interrupted.

"You're absolutely right. Who else but me could take on this task? Please send me, Father!"

The room fell silent.

Every head turned toward William, eyes wide in disbelief.

Sigmund recovered first, staring at his son as if he had lost his mind.

"William, do you understand what you're saying?"

"Of course," William replied calmly. "You need someone to lead our forces and support the First Prince in suppressing the rebellion. I volunteer for that role."

"That's... well, yes, but—"

Sigmund faltered. There were plenty of reasons why sending William was a bad idea, but he was the one who had presented this dilemma in the first place. How could he now turn around and say no?

And beyond that—one of his sons had to go.

William smiled.