Sylas was born into the General's household of Lyonesse and had been immersed in matters of estate management since childhood.
Furthermore, he had been raised to become a primary consort. Once married, he would be expected to immediately take charge of domestic affairs.
Managing a household was, for him, his primary vocation.
The personnel structure of the Marquess's manor was simple. Victoria currently had few relatives, so there were naturally no complicating influences.
Sylas, having received her granted authority, found things much easier to handle.
In a single day, relying on the ring she had given him, Sylas thoroughly reorganized the staff of the Marquess's manor.
Those who slacked off or were deceitful were expelled. Those who were diligent and hardworking were rewarded.
Expel one group, win over another.
Holding great power, with both rewards and punishments at his disposal, people would obey.
Governing a nation and managing a household followed the same principles.
By the afternoon, the Marquess's manor had emerged from its state of chaos.
People began cleaning and maintaining the property in an orderly manner. Hot water was available inside the rooms. The water vats in the courtyard were filled with fresh water.
Most importantly, Sylas had his own small courtyard and room. The room was sparsely furnished, but he was in no hurry to decorate it.
He simply sat quietly on the new bed in his new home, his mind calm for the first time in ages.
Next, he would find an opportunity to rescue his mother and sister.
Sylas no longer dwelled on whether he could succeed.
He was already at the lowest point of his life; any move he made would be upward.
...
Imperial Study, The Palace.
Isolde, who had spent the night adjusting her mood, received a neatly dressed Victoria.
The usually dissolute and unkempt single woman had undergone an immediate change now that she had a man.
A springtime softness lingered in her eyes; even with a serious expression, she occasionally exuded a touch of gentleness.
The twenty-seven-year-old Victoria had finally become a complete woman.
She was beginning to cultivate the tenderness of a matron.
But seeing her like this caused an inexplicable bitterness in Isolde's heart.
She told herself over and over again.
He was just a man she had discarded. She must not yearn for the past.
And besides, that little wretch was truly fickle.
Whoever slept with him, he agreed?
Hmph.
How could you stand to go near Victoria with her heavy smell?
This kind of man is not worth having!
While rationalizing her feelings, Isolde joked with Victoria: "Marshal Victoria, you seem much more spirited today."
Naturally, Victoria smiled at this: "Just some help from my husband. Otherwise, I wouldn't be dressed and groomed like this."
There was even a hint of pride in her words.
It was clear she quite liked Sylas.
Then she steered the conversation toward official matters.
After all, looking at Victoria's happy expression just filled her with fury.
"Your Majesty," Victoria said, "This subject believes the world is now divided into three.
In terms of military strength, our Aethelred is the strongest.
But in terms of administration, our Aethelred is the most chaotic.
Laws are incomplete, rewards and punishments are unclear, the nobility in court are tax-exempt, and the common people are displaced and homeless.
Continuing like this will damage the nation's foundation.
But if we can implement reforms now, there is still room for recovery.
This subject is willing to spend three years rectifying the administration. "
Victoria spoke with conviction.
Isolde's mind, however, was still on how Sylas had behaved last night.
Seeing Victoria like this, she asked absently: "Three years... what will it be like in three years?"
In three years, would Sylas be tamed?
But... he might have a child with Victoria by then...
Have a child? Not that!
"In three years, our national power will surely be strong and prosperous. By then, Your Majesty can advance west into the central lands, sweep across the southeast, and unify the realm..."
Victoria's eyes shone as she spoke with great fervor!
This was her life's pursuit.
To realize her own value, to win glory for posterity, even if it meant being smashed to pieces!
"By then, we can capture a few pretty prisoners and exchange them with Victoria... then Sylas can come back..." Isolde kept nodding as she watched Victoria's expression.
Thinking what she said was quite good.
Well then... let's start striving!
"Your words are extremely apt, dear subject. Witnessing the court's chaos, I too have intended to enact reforms."
Isolde slowly rose.
Victoria stood respectfully to the side.
Then, she heard Isolde's support.
"I appoint you as Chancellor of the Right, Grand Marshal, Governor of Heartland Province, with Authority Equal to the Three Councils!"
"..."
Isolde's voice was not loud.
But in Victoria's ears, it was like a spring clap of thunder.
She momentarily forgetting even to kowtow and give thanks.
By bestowing these titles, Isolde was essentially entrusting Aethelred's future entirely to her!
She stared blankly at Isolde, unable to believe her happiness had arrived so suddenly.
She called out bewildered, "Your Majesty..."
Isolde bent down, reached out, held her shoulders, her eyes filled with determination: "My dear Victoria, do not fail my high hopes!"
"Your Majesty!"
Tears streamed down Victoria's face.
Isolde's mind wandered again.
She looked at Victoria, but her thoughts were: "If you establish your own administration, won't you be away from home?"
...
The change in Victoria's official position caused an uproar in the court and the country.
The Empress was making it explicitly clear that henceforth, she would heavily rely on Victoria.
The extent of this reliance had even surpassed that placed on The Duchess of Arbor, Celeste.
One must remember, Celeste, as the heir apparent, did not even have the authority to establish her own administration.
Yet Victoria could now set up a parallel system of officials outside the main court bureaucracy.
This indicated that from now on, Victoria would face no obstacles in her work.
Her officials would be chosen by herself, and all her advisors would answer to her alone.
The stage had been set for her.
It remained to be seen how she intended to perform.
Full of ambition and resolve, Victoria did not return home by carriage until night had fallen.
Her heart swelled with emotion throughout the journey.
From this day forward, she would burn herself out for Aethelred. Even if it meant being utterly destroyed in the end.
Her Majesty's recognition and favor were simply too great.
Before returning, she couldn't resist having a few drinks to steady her nerves.
When the carriage arrived at her doorstep, she suddenly sensed a different atmosphere.
The former Marquess Manor had been dark at the entrance, its main gate tightly shut. But now, several maids stood at the door, and lanterns hung high.
Victoria was quite surprised. Was this really her home?
Her carriage entered through the side gate. Expecting it to be like usual, with no one paying attention.
But a group of maids and older serving women were already waiting near the stables, smiling as they came forward to greet her.
"The Master of the house has returned."
Someone went inside to announce her arrival. The others helped her down from the carriage.
Victoria couldn't help but smile and ask, "This is a novelty. Who instructed you to wait here for me?"
After all, these people usually slacked off and began slacking the moment night fell. She couldn't be bothered to deal with them.
"Master, it was Lord Sylas's requirement."
Victoria's heart skipped a beat. She asked softly, "Where is he?"
"Lord Sylas is in the kitchen, preparing a meal for you, Master."