Chapter 69: The Duke’s Return

Though Duke Alençon’s fiefdom lay far on the northern frontier, his family possessed a private residence within the Imperial City. It was a vast estate, indeed, befitting his esteemed status.

Most regional nobles, possessing both status and wealth, invested in property within the Imperial City.

The Imperial City served as the empire’s political and economic heart, its most thriving metropolis. It also housed the finest educational institutions. Thus, a place to reside was essential, whether for holding office or for children attending school.

Moreover, regardless of country or era, owning property in a major city was always a symbol of status and prosperity.

Jeanne returned to the estate, passing through the main hall’s living room, intending to change in her own room.

Suddenly, an unpleasant voice called out, stopping her. “Hey, Jeanne! Have you forgotten how to greet someone when you enter?”

Jeanne turned, surprised, only then noticing a figure sprawled on the living room’s long bench.

It was Pierre, Duke Alençon’s son, and Jeanne’s nominal older brother.

He rose unsteadily, and even from several paces away, Jeanne could smell the distinct scent of alcohol wafting from him.

“Brother, have you been drinking?” Jeanne’s eyes widened.

“What, do you have a problem with that?” Pierre retorted, pointing at Jeanne and shouting without reservation.

“But, Father today—” Jeanne attempted to warn her brother.

Duke Alençon had rarely left his territory to visit the Imperial Capital. If the stern Duke were to see Pierre in such an unseemly state, a lecture would be unavoidable.

However, her words only enraged the inebriated Pierre. “Don’t you dare use Father to pressure me! Who do you think you are? You’re just a commoner adopted into our family. It’s not your place to lecture me, is it? Huh?”

Caught off guard by his inexplicable outburst, Jeanne found herself unable to finish her sentence.

Ever since Jeanne became Duke Alençon’s adopted daughter, Pierre had harbored a persistent hostility towards her.

The strict Duke Alençon consistently admired Jeanne while disdaining his own unambitious son. This disparity in treatment naturally bred jealousy in Pierre.

He frequently sought to provoke Jeanne, emphasizing her humble origins and asserting his own position as the legitimate heir of the Alençon family. He repeatedly demanded that Jeanne show him deference and obedience.

Jeanne could only endure and avoid him as much as possible. She understood precisely where Pierre’s animosity stemmed from and knew that she and her brother were not alike.

Pierre had also attended the Cathedral Academy, though not through conventional admission. Duchess Alençon had secured the most convenient path for him: first, obtaining a military title, then using connections to gain a recommendation for a military study placement.

With the family’s resources poured into him, Pierre had at least managed to cross the threshold of the Ivory Tower. He became a Blessed One of the ‘Bishop’ path, albeit only at the lowest rank of ‘Preacher’.

At the academy, he joined an old aristocratic club frequented by young noblemen. He spent his days attending parties and carousing with other wastrels in the Imperial City’s entertainment venues, indulging in drink and lavish pleasures.

The club had a notorious reputation. During their gatherings, they would gather young girls for companionship. Rumor had it that these parties sometimes involved rather scandalous activities. While some girls might have been willing to climb the social ladder, there were also whispers that these young lords had more than once intoxicated unwitting girls and forced them into these ‘games,’ subsequently using their family’s influence to cover it up.

As the sole heir to a great Northern Lord, Pierre’s standing within this club was by no means low.

Jeanne said nothing more, knowing that further counsel would only escalate the conflict.

Moreover, his level of intoxication was beyond concealment; speaking further would be useless. Jeanne was merely surprised that Pierre seemed unaware of their father’s impending visit to the Imperial Capital.

It appeared Duke Alençon had only informed Jeanne via letter, showing little concern for his son.

“I say, ever since you returned from that small town, your attitude seems to have swelled quite a bit,” Pierre grumbled on, then sneered. “No wonder, your reputation has certainly grown. My friends have mentioned you, saying you’ve recently caught the eye of several high-ranking church figures… Heh, not bad. When you eventually use our family as a stepping stone to become someone important, you probably won’t even spare us a glance, will you?”

“I have never harbored such thoughts. The Alençon family’s kindness is always etched in my heart,” Jeanne replied, neither subservient nor arrogant.

“Hmph, that’s for the best,” Pierre snorted.

“Brother, please rest. I’ll return to my room now.” Jeanne wished to avoid further entanglement with him, yet seized the opportunity to add, “Also, Father said he would be arriving today. Please try to tidy yourself up a bit.”

“Huh?” The drunken Pierre frowned at Jeanne. “It’s not a festival requiring an audience, why would he come to the Imperial City? Don’t lie to me!”

“She is not lying to you,” a majestic voice suddenly echoed from the entrance.

Both froze, Pierre stiffening entirely as half his drunkenness instantly vanished.

Accompanied by heavy footsteps, the great Lord of the North, the empire’s heroic general, Duke Alençon, strode into his own living room.

The moment he entered, he frowned at the lingering smell of alcohol. It was only when his gaze fell upon Jeanne that the expression on his face softened slightly.

“Father,” Jeanne lowered her head slightly.

She hadn’t anticipated such a coincidence—she had just arrived home, and Duke Alençon followed right behind her.

“I had planned to return a day earlier, but some matters delayed me. Thanks to that, my trip was somewhat in vain,” Duke Alençon said, a faint smile touching his lips. “I had hoped to personally preside over your promotion ceremony, though I knew you would certainly succeed.”

Pierre, who had been left aside, widened his eyes at this. It was the first time he had heard of Jeanne’s second promotion.

“You’re too kind to trouble yourself,” Jeanne replied respectfully.

“Count Dunois mentioned in his letter that the Church now has a proposal to select probationary saints or saintesses from among the youth to be promotional figures for the Grand Cathedral. You’ve become the top candidate!” Duke Alençon chuckled. “Just as expected of you! I am truly proud of you!”

Pierre’s heart sank with a ‘thump’.

‘Why are you always so happy about this commoner girl’s achievements, Father? She isn’t even part of our family!’

“It’s merely an honorary title,” Jeanne humbly responded.

“This is no mere title, but a genuine honor! Mediocre individuals don’t get the chance to participate in such a selection, nor would the Church allow those they put forward to be overlooked. Your future will be boundless. Today is truly a day worth celebrating!” Duke Alençon laughed heartily.