Night.
The sky was shrouded in darkness, and a few candles illuminated the dim room.
I was visiting my father’s room.
“Oh… is that so?”
I reported to my father, without concealing anything, about what had happened with Prince Zeke during the hunt. After all, I didn’t want to be suspected of betrayal.
“The fifth prince, huh… It seems that even among the Crown Prince’s faction, he’s considered quite problematic.”
“Is that so?”
At a glance, he didn’t seem to have a problematic personality… Ah, I see. It must be an issue because he has such charisma, despite being the fifth son and born to a concubine.
My father took a sip of wine and began explaining.
“It seems even the Crown Prince has trouble dealing with him. Because of his formidable strength and charisma, he’s difficult to control.”
“Wouldn’t it be an option to send him to a branch family?”
If he’s that troublesome, exiling him somewhere might be a solution.
But my father responded to my question with a wicked smile.
“That’s impossible. The Crown Prince is afraid of repeating past mistakes.”
I understood with my father’s explanation.
The Grand Duke faction had once been pushed far away, resulting in them slipping out of control and becoming the catalyst for the current rebellion. The Crown Prince is terrified that Prince Zeke might do the same as the Grand Duke faction.
So, he wants to keep him within reach to monitor him, but he struggles to manage him… Even though the Crown Prince has publicly declared his intention to let the First Prince inherit the throne, I wonder what Prince Zeke’s future plans are.
“We’ll leave the capital tomorrow. There’s no way to predict what will happen, and right now, I don’t feel any benefit or room for involvement.”
“Well… that’s true. By the way, Father, how was your meeting with the Crown Prince?”
My father drained his glass of wine and once again flashed that wicked smile.
“He expressed his approval of our control over the Silria region and is allowing us to subdue the noble families forming a coalition around it.”
“He didn’t demand any compensation?”
From the Crown Prince’s perspective, that seems overly generous.
“It appears he wants to prioritize his connection with us. In fact, his approval of our control over the Silria region is merely an acknowledgment of the existing reality. As for the noble families in the coalition, he likely allowed it because he lacks the power to help them. From his perspective, it’s not worth demanding compensation.”
Indeed.
It felt as if he was bestowing favors through his choice of words, but in reality, it’s something we’ve already secured; he’s just saying ‘do as you wish’ because he can’t extend his influence that far. Changing how things are phrased certainly changes the impression.
It’s self-serving and arrogant… but perhaps that’s just the nature of royalty, preserving their authority.
“When you put it like that, it seems the political situation hasn’t changed much.”
“Yes, exactly. At the very least, he’s just ensuring a minimal connection.”
“Was there any mention of a marriage alliance?”
Of course, my father would never form a practically meaningless marriage alliance, but the Crown Prince, wanting to assert his power, must have been eager to secure influence through marriage.
At my question, my father’s face twisted as though he’d swallowed something bitter.
“Oh, there was. He asked if we would consider the youngest princess, who’s twelve, but I told him we’re already allied with the Duke of Baltia, who shares royal blood, so we’re not interested.”
My father’s expression made it clear that he was exasperated by the persistent offers despite his refusals.
“Well, since we’re setting off tomorrow morning, get some rest and prepare for the journey.”
“Understood, Father.”
I bowed to my father, then left the room and headed toward my own chamber.
