Who Did You Say My Father Is? - Chapter 41

Being a descendant of the Emperor didn’t mean much if one lacked personal merits. Toscur, who had nothing to his name except his royal bloodline, was no match for Karl.

By virtue of lineage alone, Grand Duke Albrecht was the rightful heir to the throne. Franz, being born to a concubine, had no original claim to the royal family, but was graciously acknowledged as a prince by the late Emperor.

A prince not born to the Empress cannot inherit the Albrecht surname. Franz, though granted the title of Grand Duke upon reaching adulthood, had to take a different surname, hence why he was known as Grand Duke Toscur, not Albrecht.

Moreover, his scandalous private life meant that if he ascended to the throne, it was likely that unknown children from across the nation would claim to be the Emperor’s offspring.

If things continued smoothly, the throne would naturally belong to Karl. At least that’s what Clovis and the others thought.

Only those nobles who weren’t in favor with Karl or those entangled in industries bequeathed by the previous Emperor to Toscur would wish for Franz’s ascension.

But now, in such an unstable political climate, Karl suddenly became a father. And the mother was from the Louijet family of the empire, wealthy and influential.

Although intertwining with the powerful Louijet family wasn’t bad – in fact, it could be a strong backing – the problem was that the Countess had been previously embroiled in rumors with Franz.
If this news were to be published and become public knowledge, the aftermath would be impossible to predict.

“Your Highness.”

Wondering if Karl was pondering similar thoughts, Clovis observed him staring out the carriage window as they headed to the ducal residence.

“What do you plan to do?”

It was a cautious question. Clovis knew Karl was not the kind to shirk his responsibilities, especially in a matter as grave as this.

“What do you mean ‘do’?”

“Are you asking about the cases I’m currently handling, my thoughts on the vacant throne, or how I intend to address this situation of being an unmarried father?”

“The last one, Your Highness, of course!” Clovis’s expression was more determined than ever.

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