The prince and I were in the forest on the outskirts of the royal capital.
Of course, I had reported this to my father and obtained his permission. Werner, Herbert, and Prince Sieg’s guards were surrounding us at a safe distance.
An attack…seems unlikely. If the Crown Prince’s faction tried to assassinate me, it would spell the end of the amicable relationship with Count Vywarl and further diminish their authority.
The only ones who might attempt something would be the Grand Duke’s faction, but they’re likely busy with the unity party at the beginning of the year. The snow has just melted, marking the start of the new year, and it’s a relatively peaceful time within the kingdom.
Now, back to the matter at hand.
“This bird… its liver is delicious.”
“I’m surprised… that Lord Sieg would prepare it himself.”
“Well, you see. Being the fifth son born to a concubine, in times like these, I had to pick up survival skills. Though, to be honest, I just found it more enjoyable to be outdoors than cooped up in the castle.”
We came out hunting, but rather than competing to see who could hunt more, we started cooking.
For the record, I don’t have any talent with a bow. I don’t have much skill with sword or magic, either. I’ve learned a bit, so I can manage somewhat, but I’m pretty average at best.
As I was mulling over these thoughts, Prince Sieg handed me what appeared to be the liver of the bird he had skewered on a stick.
Can you even eat this raw…? What about campylobacter? Well, who knows if that even exists in this world.
But, I didn’t want to reject Prince Sieg’s goodwill, so I resolved myself and took a bite.
Huh? Surprisingly good.
It’s got a bit of a gamey taste, but the unique texture and flavor are nice.
“Tastes good, doesn’t it?”
“Yes. Very much so.”
Prince Sieg looked up at the sky as he continued carving up the bird.
“It’s a good time; why don’t we have lunch?”
Prince Sieg and I sat on logs in front of the fire.
He had, quite effortlessly, chopped down a thick tree and turned it into a log bench. Not something just anyone could do.
I had sensed it ever since our handshake; he’s quite capable.
“Lord Ainzich, are you returning tomorrow?”
“That’s the plan, yes.”
Prince Sieg merely replied, “I see,” while gazing at the fire.
“Lord Ainzich, what do you think of this world?”
I raised my guard to the maximum at Prince Sieg’s words.
I never expected such a question from him.
“No, that was vague. Let me rephrase. Why do you think this era of turmoil hasn’t settled?”
He wasn’t looking at me.
But I hesitated, unsure how to respond.
“…Sorry, it was a difficult question to answer.”
I couldn’t very well tell a member of the royal family that the succession issues and the Crown Prince’s obsession with the throne were the cause.
Well, it’s just a catalyst, and there are other reasons why the civil unrest hasn’t abated.
“…What I can say is that this problem has been inevitable since the founding of this kingdom.”
It was only then that Prince Sieg turned to look at me.
“And why do you think so?”
“The privileges of the nobility are the cause. Nobles hold the rights to taxation and military power. It’s more accurate to view this kingdom as a federation of multiple states rather than a single country. I think it stems from granting power and titles to local forces to unify the kingdom at its founding. Given the circumstances back then, there probably wasn’t any other choice…”
This was something I read in a history book about the Kingdom of Orland that I borrowed from the church.
Rather than suppressing weaker forces, the kingdom granted them titles and power due to the threats from neighboring countries. The kingdom likely didn’t have the means to quash each faction individually, so integrating them into a united kingdom was the only viable option.
“You are indeed an interesting person, Lord Ainzich.”
“…Do you think so?”
I questioned Prince Sieg’s remark.
He seemed to speak as if recalling a memory.
“Most nobles would answer that the royal succession issue is the cause. But you are the first to say it’s due to the system of noble privileges… I’m glad I met you in person rather than just hearing about you.”
“…You knew of me?”
Had he known about me from the start?
Perhaps through a spy? From where? Thoughts began swirling through my mind.
“No, don’t misunderstand. I heard about you from the church. About your efforts to protect the property of the people under your care.”
“…I see.”
Ah, that makes sense.
The religious organization has roots throughout the entire kingdom. Even in winter, they managed to convey that information… I may have been a bit careless.
“Lord Ainzich… if you don’t mind, would you consider joining me?”
