@Rin2k
I definitely agree with you, but I think in the context of the story and the kind of governing system it uses, this is for the best. There’s no guarantee that whoever is “qualified” to govern the area maintains the status quo that has been created. Specifically, the local laws that seem to be against racial discrimination against the demihumans... since the one that made those laws seems to be the odd one out. His wife had to leave him so he could keep his position or connections or whatever.
Kid’s terribly unprepared for this job, but on an emotional and ethical level, he’ll have his father there to teach him. Additionally, to my understanding, it’s actually somewhat common for a minor noble’s house head to be replaced by an teenage heir, or alternatively, a close relative, which he probably doesn’t have, or doesn’t share the father’s inclinations.