Returning to the Office, I Retrieve a Letter from My Pocket.
The letter had a plain appearance, lacking the royal family’s crest on the wax seal. It seemed that, due to the weak position of the Fifth Prince, he was not permitted to use the royal emblem, as it would signify it as an official communication from the royal family.
I broke the seal and pulled out the contents of the letter. Inside was a single sheet of paper. I skimmed through the content.
The letter began with greetings, followed by congratulations on the victory in the recent fortress defense battle. Despite being surrounded by nobles loyal to the opposing faction, information seemed to have reached him through merchants or the church. However, while he was aware of the victory, it appeared he did not know the details. His curiosity was evident in his question, “How exactly did you achieve such a splendid victory?”
Even from the letter, I could vividly recall his demeanor when we had met in person.
As I continued reading, the letter described his current circumstances. It seemed the Crown Prince was determined, engaging in repeated clashes with the Grand Duke’s faction. However, as always, there was no resolution, and the situation remained a quagmire.
Amidst such chaos, the Fifth Prince, Sieg, had been entrusted with a separate force, engaging in battles against smaller nobles of the Grand Duke’s faction and defeating them. He even boasted in the letter, expressing a desire to face more formidable opponents.
The placement of the Fifth Prince in a separate force was likely a deliberate move by the Crown Prince. If Sieg were assigned to the main force and achieved significant accomplishments, it might sway some nobles to his side. This would not be favorable for either the Crown Prince or the First Prince. Thus, placing him in a separate force with fewer opportunities to attract attention ensured that any achievements would be suppressed. The Crown Prince seemed to be struggling with the Fifth Prince’s potential—too strong to ignore, yet too troublesome to manage.
However, the serious tone of the letter ended there. Toward the end, Sieg wrote about his wife, Lady Carla. He praised her adorable, tsundere attitude, how she cared for him with a sigh when he was drunk, and how her blushing reaction when hugged was utterly endearing.
Is this a love letter or bragging?
The letter concluded with words of encouragement, acknowledging the difficulties they both faced: “Let’s keep doing our best despite the challenges. Take care, as the northern cold wave might arrive earlier this year.” It was signed: Sieg von Gellam Osenheim.
I returned the letter to the envelope.
“Erich.”
I called out to Erich, who was working nearby. As he approached, I handed him the letter.
“Make a copy of this and deliver it to my father.”
“At once, Your Grace.”
Information like this must be shared transparently with my father. Receiving a letter from the royal family and failing to report it could lead to suspicions of rebellion. Facing Count Kastaren in front while being abandoned by my father from behind would be disastrous. This approach to my father should be the correct one.
The problem now was how to deal with Fifth Prince Sieg.
Although we had only a brief interaction during my time in the capital, we spoke more with each other than with anyone else. The parting atmosphere had been somewhat indescribable, but he didn’t seem to mind, considering he sent me this letter.
What is his aim? To strengthen our personal relationship?
Suddenly, I recalled the final line of the letter: Take care, as the northern cold wave might arrive earlier this year. Could this be referring to the Northern Bear, the Gustav Warrior Corps? I had assumed they were still conducting their ritual to select a new leader, but has it already concluded?
If they begin to move, the political landscape could shift unpredictably.
“Erich. Add a note suggesting that my father should pay attention to the north.”
“…Understood, Your Grace.”
A sigh escaped my lips.
Dealing with Count Kastaren is already challenging, and now I must also keep an eye on the north… Well, so be it.
I pulled out a blank sheet of paper from my desk and began drafting a reply. I outlined the highlights of the battle Sieg was curious about, omitting any mention of gunpowder.
To wrap things up, I couldn’t resist retaliating by boasting about Leila’s cuteness.
