Chapter 32: The Harbinger of the Storm
“Enough! I don’t care about Mother anymore!”
“I’m going back to take care of Rest!”
With those loud exclamations, Viola and Primula stormed out of the parlor.
The remaining parents fell into a brief silence, but soon Albert broke it.
“…They’re quite determined to push their agenda, aren’t they? That’s unusual.”
The discussion revolved around whether to appoint additional wives for Rest beyond the third wife. Should he be given a mistress or a concubine solely for the purpose of bearing children?
The heated debate reached an impasse. While it was decided that Viola and Primula would marry Rest, the matter of a third wife or additional lovers was left unresolved. Airish managed to negotiate a temporary compromise, ensuring that no woman other than those recognized by her daughters would be wed to Rest without her consent.
“There’s nothing unusual about it. I’m a forceful and terrible mother, after all.”
“That’s hardly true. It’s rare for you to disregard Viola and Primula’s opinions in favor of the family’s advancement.”
Airish was known for her strong-willed nature, yet she seldom imposed her will upon her children. Despite appearances, she was a nurturing mother. Normally, she would never consider pairing her daughters’ future husband with another woman.
“Is this related to your own health issues?”
“…Oh, you’ve seen through me.”
“I’m your husband. Has something happened in the neighboring kingdom?”
During the earlier confrontation between Rest and Airish, Albert had sensed something amiss with his wife’s condition. Her movements were sluggish, and the flow of her magical power seemed obstructed. He suspected she might be unwell.
“…It seems the world’s situation is shifting rapidly.”
“…………?”
“It’s not something that will resolve itself quickly. However… in ten or twenty years, war will likely break out between our kingdom and the neighboring one.”
“What?!”
That was unthinkable. The relationship between Aiwood Kingdom and Geisel Empire was amicable. They had been long-time allies, united against the common enemy of the northern barbarians. The reigning Emperor was known for his moderate temperament and had played the role of mediator to maintain peace among surrounding nations.
“That only holds true as long as the current Emperor remains alive, doesn’t it?”
“What…?”
“It appears that His Majesty the Emperor is afflicted by illness. He may have only five years left.”
“…………!”
“If the Emperor passes away, a struggle for succession will ensue. The next ruler may not be as moderate.”
If a warlike individual were to ascend the throne, they might declare war on neighboring countries. The northern tribes would likely be the first target, but there was no guarantee that Aiwood Kingdom would remain safe.
“Even if we don’t face direct conflict, the weakening of the Empire could prompt other nations to act. Our kingdom has maintained peace along its borders precisely because of our alliance with the Empire.”
“So our kingdom isn’t safe either…”
“The northern tribes have been showing suspicious movements in recent years. Moreover, our own land is rife with fools. There are even those who wish to elevate that foolish prince.”
“Internal troubles and external threats… I see. So that’s why you were considering giving Rest a mistress for the next generation…”
“There’s no guarantee that a war will end in ten or twenty years. It would be wise to have as many potential heroes for the next generation as possible.”
“…………”
Albert fell silent. He didn’t necessarily agree with his wife’s methods, but there was no denying that the world’s situation was deteriorating. A great storm that could engulf the continent was drawing near.
(A rare talent like Rest’s emergence is a sign of what’s to come. The arrival of an outlier who will stand at the center of the impending chaos… Surely, that’s just an overblown thought.)
It felt like something out of a hero’s tale. Albert dismissed the absurd notion that had flitted through his mind and turned his thoughts to the path that the Rosemary Marquis House should take.