Steadfastness and uprightness were the very creed of the War Minister's family, and its members never hesitated to fight desperately at the rearguard to protect their comrades, which earned them the soldiers' respect and gave them formidable influence.
"The rumors are already everywhere. They say you might become the fourteenth prince."
"Really? Must be nice, having a prince for a brother-in-law."
"Father will be even happier than me. His nose is already so high in the air it won't come down."
Truth be told, everyone here was also saying in unison that I'd become the fourteenth prince, but there was wariness that the War Minister's family would grow stronger than necessary. My elevation would mean the breadth of military force they could mobilize had expanded.
And that could ultimately lead to the strengthening of royal authority.
Hmm, since I maintain friendly relations with the royal family, that's a fair point.
