Interlude 7 - A Lifelong Rival
The Crown Prince’s office in the royal capital was enveloped in silence, broken only by the sound of the First Prince’s pen scratching across parchment.
As he processed the numerous documents requiring his approval or judgment, his thoughts drifted back to the recent campaign. What had he accomplished, and what kind of victory had he truly achieved as a result? It would take years, at the very least, for the full impact of his actions to become clear.
For now, his reputation rested on bringing the war to an early conclusion. Those who observed his actions and approved the terms of the peace talks—the King and the high-ranking nobles who attended the morning council—were aware of his foresight. They were deeply satisfied with his cunning strategies, which had led them to appoint him as the Crown Prince. Yet, he himself felt a lingering unease. It was as if his plans had been preordained, as though someone had been guiding him all along.
Looking back, it seemed as though everything had been meticulously arranged. As he attended to his duties in the office, the First Prince reflected on his role in the recent campaign.
―――――
When the First Prince arrived at the northern commercial city, the dignitaries of the northern nations had already concluded their meetings with the key figures on the other side. The negotiations proceeded without difficulty, and under the First Prince’s leadership, the royal families of the small northern nations formed a loose alliance to stand against the empire. Or rather, it could be said that he had subtly compelled them to do so.
Furthermore, the army of a nation that had suffered the massacre of its royal family volunteered to serve as the core force of the alliance. This army was designated as the Alliance’s Mobile Force and they were maneuvered into joining forces with the many small nations that were idle in the face of domestic turmoil. The dignitaries of the smaller nations seemed to welcome this arrangement. Over time, the loose alliance could solidify into a strong union, and perhaps even a federation.
To ensure the kingdom’s influence in such a scenario, the First Prince honed his negotiation skills to perfection, earning him the reputation of an outstanding figure among the kingdom’s upper echelons. In anything, ending something was far more challenging than starting one. While military force could provoke unwanted resistance, the First Prince promised economic support to the alliance, carefully avoiding any mention of stationing troops.
Interfering in your internal affairs would make us no different from the empire. It is best for your nations to govern themselves according to your own decisions. We will spare no effort in providing assistance and support. First, let us focus on rebuilding the trade routes. The journey ahead will be arduous. Do you agree?
The dignitaries of the small northern countries rejoiced at these words. They had gained the backing of a powerful kingdom, one that explicitly promised not to interfere politically. The negotiations progressed smoothly. However, the dignitaries failed to notice the subtle, shadowy intentions behind the First Prince’s words—or rather, they had been led not to notice. The King and the royal cabinet, though aware, showed no outward reaction. To them, the First Prince’s actions were simply what was expected of a future king. No one, save for the grand ducal lady, truly understood his heart. The words often whispered to him during his princely education echoed in his mind: “A royal has no true friend.”
Thus, the First Prince’s heart grew heavy.
Yet, he also sighed deeply, accepting this as the fate of one born as the prince of this country.
―――
A cheerful greeting broke the silence as the royal guard staff officer entered the Crown Prince’s office. The First Prince had not seen him for some time, having been preoccupied with his duties. He had simply been waiting for the man’s return. And now he had come back. The staff officer’s nonchalant demeanor, as though he had done nothing wrong, irked the First Prince. Yet, he also felt that whatever the man had been up to was necessary.
“Your Highness, my apologies for my absence. ...I was caught by the old fox of the palace, you see.”
“The Prime Minister... That troublesome man has his eye on you, it seems.”
“Hahaha! You catch on quickly. Well, I was dragged around on various inspections... mostly in the north. Now, I have a report for you.”
“Go on.”
“I’ve been considering a match for the head of the high comital family in the northern frontier. Specifically, the knightly family’s second son who distinguished himself in the recent campaign. I have consulted this with the Prime Minister and obtained the King’s approval. That family... with this, they’ve officially joined the ranks of the high-ranking nobles (through marriage). It will be after they formally enter the Minister of War’s family registry, of course. Quite the achievement, wouldn’t you say?”
“...Was this your scheme?”
“You could say it was the Prime Minister’s as well. Though there’s still a bit more to be done.”
“What do you mean?”
“There’s a rather important surveillance target who can’t be brought into the palace. We’ve been struggling to decide who should keep an eye on him.”
“......Who handled it before?”
“The high countess. I believe she acted on the grand ducal lady’s orders. However, this individual’s importance has increased due to their role in the recent campaign. The Prime Minister wanted to bring them into the fold. The marriage between the high countess and the second son of the knight family has tied that house to the central nobility, but... well, the target is someone else entirely.”
“......My fiancée (grand ducal lady) mentioned this. If you’re referring to that person, he should have a friend from their days at the Magic Academy. The second son of the high comital family, if I recall correctly. Isn’t he currently...”
“Ah, so you’ve heard. Indeed, we’ve taken some steps, but he’s been keeping a low profile. It might be worth asking that person for advice on how to find him. He might come up with some ingenious plan. Oh, and regarding the second son of the Minister of Magic, there’s another matter I’d like to inquire about. With the Prime Minister’s approval, his crimes have been pardoned, but... it seems the message hasn’t reached him. In any case, we’re currently searching for him as well.”
“I see... A friend, you say... That has a pleasant ring to it.”
“It’s something a royal like yourself can only dream of.”
“The King has the Prime Minister.”
“Those two? That’s nothing short of a miracle. Both of them are the type to turn any fall into an opportunity. Their thoughts and intentions are beyond the comprehension of someone like me. But yes, there is indeed a firm friendship between them.”
“A firm friendship, you say... Well, that’s good. The royal court’s old fox has taken a liking to you. You’ll become a young fox in due time. I’ll be counting on you from now on.”
“...I am the heir and successor of the Minister of War’s family, you know?”
“The Minister of War’s family has off-shoots, doesn’t it? Though his honor has been tarnished, your twin older brother is still around. That old fox... once he sinks his teeth into something, he doesn’t let go.”
“...I suppose so. I had a feeling that might happen ever since I was ordered to accompany him on that covert mission...”
The staff officer’s face twisted in genuine displeasure. With a dark smile that seemed to come from the depths of his heart, the First Prince fixed his gaze on him. So this is the man the King and Prime Minister want by my side... The Prince sighed inwardly. Yet, he knew that without this man’s help, ruling the kingdom would remain a distant dream.
His expression grew even darker. As the weight of his thoughts and responsibilities reached its peak, the First Prince—no, the Crown Prince—let out a loud laugh, the first in a long time, and addressed the staff officer.
“Hahaha!! Your escape route has already been cut off. Give up. Serve me. I’ll work you to the bone.”
“Oh, how terrifying. You sound just like the Prime Minister. But don’t underestimate the education of the Minister of War’ family. Be careful, Your Highness, or you might find yourself becoming the hound instead of the one holding the leash.”
“You’ve got quite the mouth on you. But I like it. Be warned. Will you hold the reins, or will they be around your neck...? This is going to be interesting. It’s going to get even more interesting. I see. ...How about I appoint you as my chief aide?”
“Oh no... That’s a bit too much. If you truly wish for that, you’ll need a decree from the King.”
“You’re a tough one. Fine. For now, I’ll use you as the royal guard staff officer. You can pretend to be a civil official, can’t you?”
“Well, I can manage that...”
“Good. ...I’ll leave the matter of the surveillance target and his watcher to you. Devise a plan and make it happen.”
“Understood... I must say, I didn’t expect you to be such an eccentric, Your Highness. This changes my perception of you. It’s undoubtedly a good thing for the kingdom.”
“This is the first time I’ve shown my true self and been spoken to like this.”
“Indeed, you are the jewel in the palm of the king. You’ve received the finest guidance, training, and discipline, and the time you’ve spent honing yourself has borne fruit. I am truly impressed, Your Highness.”
“I still have a long way to go. I’m not yet ready to ascend to the highest throne. Lend me your strength to bear the kingdom and bring peace to its people. This is a request, not an order.”
“Understood. Your request is duly noted.”
―――――
The history books of later generations would recount this period, when the fervor of victory over the northern empire had yet to cool, as the time when the wise and virtuous First Prince found his lifelong friend. By the side of the King and Queen, who showered their people with compassion and love, stood a cold and calculating Prime Minister, the two forming the twin wheels that steered the kingdom toward peace.
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This concludes the final interlude following Part Two.
Part Two, Act One, is currently in the works! Please look forward to it. Your author is working hard!
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