I Picked Up My Father Who Left Home 124
The statement made by Lia was highly reasonable.
No one opposed her words.
The priority was resolving the situation. The effort to identify the cause was also for that purpose.
However, as it was challenging to immediately determine the cause, it was more efficient to think about how to handle the situation rather than fixating on the cause.
Meanwhile, the Emperor, observing the flow of the meeting, was deeply impressed.
It was remarkable that Lia had researched such a vast amount of data for the meeting and organized it so clearly. Moreover, the way she conducted the meeting was exceptionally skillful.
It was as if she had gone through countless meetings before.
But this was undoubtedly her first time.
At first, the Emperor had thought that if Lia could simply keep up with the content of this meeting, she would have demonstrated a certain level of qualification.
However, that was clearly an underestimation on his part.
Although she didn’t yet hold the level of influence that the former Duke Sithran had, Lia was executing her role admirably.
Before anyone realized it, the nobles were already following her lead without questioning it.
The leadership of the meeting had shifted to Lia, and she was guiding it with ease.
There was no need for the Emperor to step in at all.
While the Emperor continued to be amazed, the meeting under Lia’s leadership was progressing actively.
“First of all, regarding the subjugation of demons, I would like to request the cooperation of people with abilities. I would be more than willing to assist in any way I can, but there are limits to what I can do. I understand that even now, people with abilites are doing their utmost to fulfill their duties, and I’m grateful for that. However, given the severity of the situation, I would appreciate it if you could pay even closer attention to carrying out your responsibilities. Please ensure that no sacrifices or damage occur. And of course, people with abilites must not be harmed while fulfilling their duties.”
This cautious and respectful request was readily accepted by the heads of people with abilities families. There was not a hint of displeasure in their response.
After all, it was their natural duty.
The responsibility for subjugating demons rested entirely with people with abilites.
Even so, Lia’s gratitude toward them and her apologetic attitude for having to leave everything to them inevitably improved her image.
Especially considering she was not a person with abilities herself.
Most people without abilities tended to disregard them and failed to properly recognize their efforts.
But she was different. Even though she was the youngest among the nobles present at the meeting.
This naturally led to admiration, with thoughts like, ‘Indeed, she carries the Sithran bloodline.’
She was truly upholding the legacy of the former Duke Sithran.
“And… for the other family heads who are not abilities people, you must also do what you can for this matter. You need to provide the necessary support to ensure that people with abilities can fulfill their duties in subjugating the demons. You must cooperate with them. Moreover, if an attack by demons occurs, please follow their instructions carefully. This is our duty.”
Even if the duty of subjugating demons solely belonged to people with abilites, how could they be entirely burdened with it?
The issue of demons was not exclusive to people with abilites.
The threat posed by demons was the same for everyone.
Therefore, as much as possible, everyone had to join forces and make an effort.
Using the same polite and cautious tone as she had with the heads of people with abilities, Lia addressed the heads of non-abilities people. While they weren’t entirely pleased, they nodded in agreement.
They didn’t want to oppose her words, having naturally been overwhelmed by her leadership during the meeting.
There was nothing wrong with what she said.
If they were displeased with her request, it was due to their personal feelings toward people with abilites, not dissatisfaction with Lia herself.
Moreover, they had to some extent acknowledged that the Empire’s current safety from demon attacks was ultimately thanks to people with abilites.
The meeting seemed to be wrapping up more smoothly than expected.
The initial tension between the heads of people with abilites and non-abilites did not flare up again under Lia’s leadership, and both sides accepted her suggestions without resistance.
However, just when the meeting seemed to be concluding without any issues, a tense atmosphere reemerged. This was due to a discontented remark from one of the nobles.
“How is it possible for the Grand Duke to be absent from such an important discussion?”
It was, in a way, a valid complaint.
Considering the weight of the title ‘Grand Duke,’ it made the situation even more questionable.
Especially since the topic of this meeting was none other than the issue of demons.
As such, it was only natural that the Grand Duke, who played the role of leader among people with abilites, should have been present to propose solutions and guide the meeting.
After all, for the head of non-abilities people with little to no experience in demon subjugation, providing an opinion on the best course of action was impossible.
Fortunately, Lia, the Duke of Sithran, had stepped up to conduct the meeting successfully and brought it to a satisfactory conclusion. However, the absence of a clear resolution on certain issues left room for disappointment.
Other nobles silently agreed with the disgruntled remark.
Yet, because the matter concerned the Grand Duke, they were hesitant to voice their complaints openly.
The Grand Duke was known for his reckless personality, making every word exchanged feel like walking across a rickety bridge that could collapse at any moment.
Therefore, while many nobles shared the sentiment of the discontented noble, they refrained from expressing it outwardly.
Meanwhile, Lia was quietly flustered by the complaint.
She, too, regretted Cassian’s absence from the meeting.
If he had been present, he would have been able to propose more concrete and effective alternatives.
However, she couldn’t blame him entirely, as Lia knew the reason for his absence from the meeting.
She was aware of circumstances unknown to others.
Although the poison had been neutralized, it was uncertain whether he had fully recovered.
In particular, aside from the poison, there was an unresolved matter.
Until that issue was resolved, Cassian would have no choice but to remain hidden, even for his own safety.
Even though the current situation was dire, if Cassian were to face danger again and lose his life this time, it would lead to an even greater crisis.
Thus, Lia couldn’t hastily agree with the noble’s complaint or take sides.
As the one who had led the meeting and as the Duke of the Sithran family, she had to maintain a neutral stance.
In the tense and silent atmosphere, the Emperor finally spoke with a solemn expression.
“The Grand Duke is absent from this meeting due to certain circumstances, but he is aware of the current situation. As for the details concerning the demon subjugation, you will hear more directly from the Grand Duke’s household.”
As an emperor, he could not confirm whether Cassian was truly aware of the situation.
However, he believed that Cassian must have known.
While Cassian was hiding for personal reasons, he had not entirely abandoned his responsibilities within the Grand Duke’s household.
Had that been the case, there would have already been chaos in handling the demon subjugation.
If the Grand Duke was indeed aware of the situation, he would surely act to resolve it, though likely through others rather than in person due to his circumstances.
“What kind of situation could prevent him from attending the meeting despite being aware of the current crisis?”
The Emperor’s words seemed to fuel the noble’s frustration, and the voice of complaint grew louder.
“I am not privy to the exact details, I only know that there are reasons preventing his attendance. But all of you know, don’t you? Regardless of the Grand Duke’s personality, he has always fulfilled his duties diligently. Just because he isn’t present at this meeting doesn’t mean he is neglecting his responsibilities. News of any issues concerning the demons will undoubtedly reach him.”
This was why, despite their grievances about Cassian’s erratic behavior, the nobles hesitated to openly criticize him.
Despite his unpredictable movements, Cassian always fulfilled his obligations.
However, his efforts were not often reflected in public activities.
If Cassian were to truly abandon his duties, it would be catastrophic for everyone.
After all, he played a pivotal role in protecting the Empire from demons.
“…Ahem. If this crisis isn’t resolved properly, no matter how esteemed the Grand Duke may be, he won’t be able to avoid accountability.”
The Emperor’s reassurances calmed the noble’s frustration somewhat, but it didn’t fully dispel it.
“Of course,”
The Emperor agreed firmly.
Even for the Grand Duke, failing to fulfill his responsibilities could not be excused.
No exceptions could be made, regardless of the complexities of their relationship.
The Emperor subtly signaled Lia with his gaze.
Lia was the only one who could influence the Grand Duke at this point.
She was also the only one who could have a proper conversation with him.
Thus, the Emperor hoped that Lia would relay the developments of the meeting to Cassian.
He wanted her to ensure that Cassian fulfilled his duties.
So that he, the Emperor, wouldn’t have to personally reprimand him.
Surely, Lia didn’t wish for Cassian to face hardship either.
As someone quick-witted, Lia immediately understood the meaning behind the Emperor’s subtle gesture.
True to the Emperor’s expectations, Lia gave him a small nod as if to say, ‘Don’t worry.’ It was a cautious response only the Emperor could recognize.
With that, the long and arduous meeting finally came to an end.
As the Emperor announced the conclusion of the meeting, the nobles who had filled the conference room began leaving one by one.
The Emperor was the first to leave, and Lia was the last to step out.
Just as Lia exited the conference room, a noble stopped in front of her.
It was the Marquess of Lathsiron.
He stood waiting for her, as if he had something to discuss.
Beside him stood a few other nobles who supported the Marquess.
“It’s been a while.”
The Marquess greeted her warmly.
His greeting was exceptionally cordial.
However, Lia’s feelings upon receiving his greeting were far more complicated.
