Chapter 139: The King and the Crown Prince in Distress
As Rest returned to the Rosemary Marquis House, the Kingdom Army, having quelled the rebellion, also made their triumphant return to the Royal Capital.
It had only been a few days since their deployment, yet the Kingdom Army returned with unexpected speed, welcomed as heroes, their faces greeted with smiles from the people.
Entering the Royal Castle were the Crown Prince and his retinue of soldiers. The Vice Commander, Marquis Cattleya, remained in the Aiger territory to handle the aftermath.
Crown Prince Richard Aiwood had returned ahead of the others to report to the King and to bring back “that.”
“You’ve done well, Richard,” the King said, his voice filled with warmth.
“I have returned, Father,” Richard replied, meeting his father’s gaze.
The King looked at his son, who had returned unscathed, and a deep sense of relief washed over him.
“The resolution came quicker than I imagined. Honestly, I didn’t think you would go this far.”
“It is not my achievement alone. It was thanks to Marquis Cattleya, the soldiers, and above all… ‘him.'”
“…I have received the report. It seems he exceeded expectations as well.”
The “him” referred to was none other than Viscount Rest Clover. Without a doubt, Rest was the greatest contributor on the battlefield.
As the First Charge, he had struck the enemy lines, defeating seven thousand soldiers. He had engaged in a one-on-one duel with Rodel, successfully repelling him back to their own territory. The royal family had intended to elevate Rest as a hero, but the results surpassed their expectations. His feats were not merely for show; they were the actions of a true hero.
“I understand that Viscount Clover has vanquished the Magical Beast Sabnock. However, it seems there was no exaggeration regarding his prowess.”
The King, who had been briefed beforehand, felt a renewed appreciation for Rest’s abilities as he listened to his son’s account. In this world, where Magical Power exists, it was not uncommon to find warriors or magicians capable of changing the tide of battle single-handedly. The Headmaster of the Royal Academy, Verloid Harn, and the sages of the Council of Sages were prime examples of such individuals. Rest Clover appeared to possess similar superhuman capabilities.
“…In that case, we must secure Viscount Clover’s allegiance more firmly.”
The King furrowed his brow in thought. Simply granting him a noble title and territory might not suffice. To strengthen ties with the royal family, it would be necessary to drive in additional “wedges.”
“If possible, I would like to marry one of the royal daughters to him…”
“…But I have neither sister nor brother,” Richard interjected.
The King’s musing was met with Richard’s unfortunate reminder. Currently, there were no princesses in the royal family available for a political marriage. The three children of the royal family were all princes, and one of them was already lost. While the King had sisters, they were either already married or too old to be suitable matches for Rest.
“My aunt is still unmarried, however…”
“Would you command me to marry a ‘princess’ over fifty? That would not only fail to secure Viscount Clover but could also incite rebellion.”
Unless Rest had a peculiar preference, it was unlikely anyone would be pleased to marry a woman nearly three times their age. Even the Marquis Rosemary, Rest’s guardian, would surely object, making a marriage with the King’s sister utterly impractical.
“That leaves us with the option of marrying him to the daughter of a family close to the royal family…”
“That seems to be the case…”
“…………”
The eyes of the King and Richard met at that moment. Standing quietly, having refrained from interrupting their conversation, was Duke Velios Crocus. The Crocus family had descended from the royal family, and while there were other ducal houses, they were merely nominal titles without any real power.
And, as if fate had conspired, the Crocus family had a daughter of the same age as Rest who was currently unengaged. She was the former fiancée of the rebel Rodel Aiwood—namely, Celestine Crocus.
“…I understand what you two are considering,” Duke Crocus said solemnly, meeting their gazes with a serious expression that rivaled that of Marquis Cattleya.
“Due to a magical contract established by the previous head, who was enamored with the Queen Dowager, my daughter was engaged to Prince Rodel. While there are ways to break the contract if one were to take drastic measures, I chose to leave the engagement intact to monitor the movements of the Queen Dowager Faction.”
“Chancellor…”
“I cannot, in good conscience, ask my daughter, who has been forced into an unwanted engagement for the sake of the royal family, to enter into another political marriage for the same reason. Even if it is the best decision for the country.”
Duke Crocus had devoted himself to the kingdom, sacrificing his own desires for the greater good. Perhaps this was the first time he had expressed such genuine feelings.
“…………”
“…………”
The weight of his words hung heavily in the air, causing both the King and the Crown Prince to swallow their responses.
“I will speak with my daughter. However, I ask that you do not force her through royal decree.”
Yet, Duke Crocus understood. His daughter, Celestine Crocus, was known for her strong sense of responsibility. He believed that if she were informed, she would willingly accept a political marriage. Thus, this was merely the Duke’s selfish wish to be a caring father.
“…You cannot mock Rosemary and Cattleya. You are a father as well.”
“…………”
The King’s words, laced with bitterness yet tinged with a hint of warmth, deepened Duke Crocus’s frown.
“Ahem… Now, while we are on the subject of Viscount Clover, there are other matters we must deliberate as well.”
Richard cleared his throat, shifting the conversation. What he was about to discuss was a bitter topic for him, one he had been reluctant to face but could no longer postpone. As Richard clapped his hands to signal, a knight entered, dragging along “that.”
“Let us deliberate on the fate of Rodel Aiwood… my foolish younger brother.”
“…………”
Brought in by the knight, who held him by both arms, was a man wrapped in bandages, injuries covering his body—Rodel Aiwood, the Third Prince.