"Simply put, the Court Duke is an Earl who oversees the empire’s legal affairs and wields immense judicial power."

Lodbrok’s eyes gleamed with faint interest at the explanation.

Even with considerable judicial authority, it seemed unlikely that a mere earl could wield such influence as to steer an entire nation.

"It’s possible to unify court factions and consolidate political opinions," Theo continued, "but controlling the imperial family is an entirely different matter."

"Indeed," Lodbrok agreed.

Even a noble household, a microcosm of the nation, would require exceptional skill to challenge the authority of its head. Yet the Court Duke lacked the necessary qualifications—a mere nobleman wielding no inherent legitimacy.

The empire undoubtedly harbored shadow organizations loyal to the imperial family, protecting its dignity and countering any threats from figures like the Court Duke. Such groups existed universally, much like two sides of the same coin.