AWDC Chapter 34
by VolareThe King himself showed interest in the popularity of letters.
“It seems that this interesting thing called ‘letters’ is all the rage.”
“Among the nobles, they are competing to show their high level of knowledge by exchanging letters.”
“I’m thinking of writing a letter myself, but is there any suitable topic?”
“Then, how about holding a garden party and sending the invitations by letter?”
“A garden party? I see, that’s interesting.
Riyuki also has a child now, and she can finally enjoy entertainment.
I shall definitely show Riyuki and the child my power.”
With a word from the King, the garden party was decided.
The garden party was to be held with a single word from the King.
The nobles who lived in the capital were surprised to see the letter from the King and were deeply moved by the invitation.
Previously, for such events, a page would usually convey the necessary information. However, even if a page visited without any prior notice, the head of the household might be absent, and there was often hesitation in replying.
Some were even able to politely decline participation by using their absence as an excuse.
However, with a letter signed by the King himself, such excuses were impossible. Moreover, for many nobles, there had been no exchange of letters with the King, and the reaction was tremendous.
“I must participate no matter what.”
“If I were to refrain from participating, it would be a disgrace to the family name.”
“No, what’s more, if my attire is more meager than other houses, I will be laughed at for generations to come.”
“Let’s have new formal wear made in time for the garden party.”
And so on, the nobles exaggerated the matter.
If this was the state of ordinary nobles, then the great nobles such as dukes and marquises were considering having new carriages made.
Prince Charles, the second son of the King, and Prince Rirudo, the third son, were competing to have new carriages made.
“This is an excellent opportunity to show His Majesty my loyalty.
Even if it means spending lavishly, I will have new clothes and a carriage made to pledge my allegiance to His Majesty.”
However, the Crown Prince was bitter about the King’s holding of the garden party.
“What on earth is the King thinking? The potato crop is poor again this year. If the disease spreads as it did last year, there will be a famine worse than last year.
The garden party will cost a great deal, depleting the national treasury and leaving no funds to import food. But if I don’t attend the garden party, I will displease the King.”
The serious Crown Prince was displeased with the King’s whim.
The heads of the Midland and Gregg Dukedoms have passed away, and they are planning to be absent due to being in mourning. It is said that the two families have ordered their people to prepare for a famine.
The Crown Prince had also instructed his direct vassals to prepare for the potato crop failure, but it had not reached the entire country.
In order to reduce expenses as much as possible, he had decided not to have new formal wear or a carriage made.
Three months later, the garden party hosted by the King was held. All the nobles dressed up on this day and headed to the garden party in high spirits.
Of course, the Crown Prince was also driving his carriage to the palace. However, the carriage broke down on the way.
“What happened?” the Prince asked his subordinate.
“I am very sorry. The axle is broken.” The subordinate’s face was pale.
“Have a replacement carriage brought out,” the Prince said calmly as he got out of the carriage and looked around.
The Crown Prince was not the type of person to scold his subordinates unnecessarily. If an accident occurred, he would choose the best possible course of action rather than blame the person in charge.
A spare carriage was quickly prepared and he was able to attend, but he was the last to arrive at the palace among the attendees.
At that time, the axles were usually made by inserting a metal rod into a metal ring, which meant that the metals rubbed against each other, causing severe wear and tear, and breakage was not uncommon.
The axle incorporating the bearing developed by Toma in previous years had little wear and tear and was much more durable. However, at this time, it had not yet been put on sale in the capital.
The production volume in Toriholi Village was still small, and it was being provided preferentially to Duke Midland and Earl Milona, who were close to the Robertson family.
If he had an axle with few breakdowns, the Crown Prince would not have been late, but in this case, it was all for naught.
The fact that the new axle had not spread. This led to an unexpected situation.
The King was satisfied with Riyuki by his side, whom he had made his consort.
“Behold, this is my power. Most of the royal family and nobles have gathered in response to my invitation.”
“Your Majesty’s power is great,” Riyuki said, not neglecting her flattery.
Her father was overjoyed because the children’s garden party had greatly profited his business.
However, he was displeased to see the late-arriving carriage.
“Isn’t that the Crown Prince’s carriage? It’s only natural for the Crown Prince to rush over first, so what’s with being late?”
In reality, he was not late, but he stood out compared to the many attendees who had gathered early.
“To be late for my garden party, does that mean you have some complaints?”
He summoned the Crown Prince and said in an accusatory tone.
“I apologize, the carriage broke down and I was changing to a replacement.”
“Considering that carriages can break down, you should have departed earlier in order to avoid such a situation.
Are you complacent in your position as Crown Prince? If that’s your attitude, I may have to reconsider.”
Even though he had dismissed others, this matter had spread.
The second and third sons saw that the Crown Prince’s position was not secure and were secretly pleased.
And this matter created a new spark.