AWDC Chapter 32
by VolareA new character appears. The story gradually takes on a suspicious atmosphere.
Prince Michael became Crown Prince about six years ago. The former Lord Midland and the previous Lord Gregg strongly urged the decision, fearing that the country would be thrown into chaos if the King were to die unexpectedly without a designated successor.
The King himself had struggled after ascending the throne without being Crown Prince, so he reluctantly agreed. He was reluctant because he felt it would diminish his power; the King was unenthusiastic about transferring authority.
However, the reason the Prince was recommended as Crown Prince wasn’t simply because he was the eldest son and his mother’s family was of good standing. He was a capable individual befitting the title of Crown Prince. He seriously engaged in practical matters, listened carefully to the opinions of his subordinates, and made sound judgments.
Due to his position, the Crown Prince received many consultations from citizens and vassals alike and was deeply concerned about the current situation. He worried about the political turmoil caused by the King’s negligence in state affairs, and, above all, the fact that the potato crop, the staple food of the people, had been poor for the past few years, leaving many citizens on the brink of starvation. The Flandreuk Kingdom, with its cool climate, wasn’t incapable of producing wheat. However, yields varied from year to year, and potatoes, which yielded relatively well even in poor soil, were widely grown and had become the staple food. In recent years, potato blight had spread, causing a sharp drop in yields. This year, they managed to overcome the crisis by importing food from abroad, but if the poor harvest continued next year, the national treasury would be depleted, and relying on imports would reach its limit. The King had taken no measures to address this.
Three years ago, the King would have used every means possible to overcome this crisis. But now, the King’s attention was solely focused on Princess Riyuki and the newborn prince.
Furthermore, he couldn’t tolerate the fact that his younger brothers were not only indifferent to national affairs but were also chasing after vested interests.
He was deeply indignant at Prince Tzukira’s encroachment on the personnel authority of government officials.
“That idiot Tzukira, he’s become too pleased with himself since joining the Ministry of Central Affairs.”
Michael, as Crown Prince, didn’t even consider the eighth son, Tzukira, worth his attention. His rivals were his immediate younger brothers, whom he suspected of aiming for the throne. They were close in age, the second son’s mother was the daughter of a powerful noble, and the third son’s mother was the Queen. Their family standing was higher than the Crown Prince’s mother. However, the mothers of the fourth son and below were from lower-ranking noble families or even commoners, and considering their age and experience, he didn’t think they were aiming for the throne.
“He’s getting carried away, meddling in state affairs! How dare he!”
Prince Michael had always strived to handle state affairs fairly. He prided himself on making personnel decisions based on ability and experience. Therefore, he was indignant at Tzukira, who was manipulating personnel appointments with money.
“Until now, the position of Minister of War has been held by members of the Gregg family. However, due to the unfortunate accident involving Lord Gregg, there is no suitable candidate in the Gregg family,” the Crown Prince’s aide replied.
“So, you’re saying that Tzukira is aiming for the position of Minister of War?”
“I don’t think he’s considering taking the position directly, but he’s probably thinking of recommending someone close to him. He has already replaced many officials based on money.
The other day, Prince Tzukira suggested a certain approach to military affairs to His Majesty. I believe he was subtly indicating to His Majesty that he was interested in the Minister of War position.”
“How do you view his interest in the Minister of War position?”
“Perhaps he’s interested in the military budget.”
“Damn it, I’ll thwart his scheme at any cost. I will speak directly to His Majesty.”
Even for the Crown Prince to make a suggestion to the King, he had to go through a great deal of ceremony and formality.
(It’s utterly inefficient to go through such formalities.) The Crown Prince was frustrated that he couldn’t advise the King without going through an intermediary, even as Crown Prince. However, the Crown Prince was cautious and never showed his dissatisfaction.
After a long wait, he finally came face to face with the King.
“What business do you have with me?”
“Your Majesty, the people are suffering from a lack of food. I have come to ask for your consideration.”
“I am aware that the people are suffering. I have already issued instructions to the Minister of Internal Affairs.”
“However, the people’s hunger remains severe. The Minister of Internal Affairs is not acting appropriately. Also, with the Minister of War absent, military affairs are sluggish, and we cannot cope with the confusion.”
“Are you trying to interfere with my state affairs?”
“No, Your Majesty, I would never dare to do such a thing.” The Crown Prince hurriedly showed a respectful posture.
“Then say no more.”
Although his tone was not strong, the King did not hide his displeasure.
However, the King also refrained from scolding the Crown Prince any further. He seemed to regret his foolishness in becoming enraged with Lord Gregg and ordering him into confinement.
The younger princes, who were aiming for the throne, were coldly amused by this situation and offered their commentary.
“It is truly presumptuous to make a suggestion to His Majesty.”
“That’s right. The King’s authority must be absolute.”
This country had become a near-absolute monarchy due to the experience of the succession dispute thirty years ago.
Lord Midland and Lord Gregg had worked to enhance the King’s authority to strengthen the system.
The King used that authority to solidify the political system.
When he was young, the King was faithful to state affairs, listened carefully to the advice of his vassals, and governed well. As a result, the Flandreuk Kingdom greatly prospered, the population increased, the economy flourished, military power increased, and the territory expanded.
The population increased by 20% and the territory by nearly 30%.
Even so, the King did not only focus on expanding the territory but also paid attention to the lives of the people.
“It is useless to have military power if the people are starving.”
His words when he shook his head at vassals who insisted on marching into other countries were famous.
Supported by capable vassals (Lord Midland and Lord Gregg) and guided by a wise king, the reign lasted for thirty years.
It was a development that other countries envied.
Around the time the King’s authority reached its peak, the King became tired of state affairs.
During his long reign, the King became weary of the bundles of documents that were submitted to him every day by his vassals.
“Why must I look through such things?”
He came to find the state affairs that he had energetically carried out in his youth troublesome.
Perhaps it was merely the King’s true nature coming to the fore, but when he abandoned troublesome state affairs, he felt suddenly liberated.
At this time, unfortunately, the outspoken senior vassals had retired. Only a handful of vassals had the spirit to speak out.
Furthermore, after Lord Gregg was ordered into confinement, everyone had no choice but to close their mouths.
There was no one who would oppose the King’s authority.
The Crown Prince had the ambition to support the country. That is why he tried to speak directly to the King.
That backfired.
“It seems that the Crown Prince made a suggestion to His Majesty regarding the personnel appointment of the Minister of War.”
“Well, His Majesty didn’t seem as angry with the Crown Prince as he was with Lord Gregg, but he was certainly displeased.”
“Now, if you say anything to His Majesty, you have to be prepared to lose your head. If I were you, I would just say nothing.”
It could be said that this series of events was a trap set by the younger princes for the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince’s power, as the holder of the right to the throne, was incomparable to that of the other princes.
Therefore, the princes schemed to undermine the Crown Prince’s power by incurring the displeasure of His Majesty the King.
It can be said that this worked wonderfully.
However, looking at it calmly, the Crown Prince’s power was still rock-solid.
At this point, he controlled 70% of the power compared to the princes.
Therefore, there would have been no problem if the Crown Prince had not made a foolish mistake.