#81
“As you might expect, Your Highness, we of Ruben have no particular reason to form an alliance with Shamier. We are not such a weak empire that we need to borrow strength from others to deal with the Monta and Baron alliance.”
“That may be true if you think about it simply. I also believe that Ruben is not lacking in its ability to deal with Monta and Baron. However, I cannot agree that there is no reason to form an alliance with Shamier. The Ruben Empire, which has been quiet for a long time, has now drawn its sword. For now, only Monta and Baron have raised their flags in opposition, but there’s a good chance that other countries, feeling threatened that they might be next, will join that alliance one by one. However, if Ruben forms an alliance with us, Shamier, it will make them think twice. At the very least, it will serve as an example that Ruben is still concerned with maintaining peace with other countries.”
Theovan’s eyes narrowed slightly. A faint smile appeared at the corners of his eyes.
“I won’t deny it. It’s also one of the things the Crown Prince said when persuading the Emperor and his ministers. I just want you to know that the Crown Prince is working hard for Shamier… and for you, Prince.”
“Are you saying that Anture specially included us in the alliance to distribute benefits to me and Shamier?”
Theovan smiled silently. It was an infuriatingly smug smile.
“You’re underestimating our Shamier too much.”
Enrique looked at Theovan with cold eyes.
Honestly, his pride was hurt. But he had to admit that what Theovan said was true. After all, Shamier would gain enormous benefits from this war with minimal losses.
“If I’ve offended you, I sincerely apologize. I just couldn’t help but say something because I felt sorry for our Crown Prince.”
“I accept your apology.”
Enrique picked up his milk glass without further argument on the matter. He had eaten dinner, but he felt a bit hungry. He had heard that morning sickness was common, but Enrique’s appetite had actually increased a bit.
“I heard you’re soon to be appointed as Crown Prince. Congratulations.”
“Thank you.”
“I’ve brought a quite skilled painter. I’d like to have him paint the scene of your appointment ceremony, if you’ll allow it.”
Enrique stared at Theovan, surprised by the unexpected request.
“The Crown Prince is very disappointed that he can’t see it with his own eyes. He said he wants to see it even if it’s just a painting.”
Enrique snorted softly. Despite leaving of his own accord, Anture was acting like a forcibly separated lover….
“Do as you wish.”
At Enrique’s curt response, Theovan smiled slightly.
“Then I’ll take my leave now. Thank you for serving tea despite how tired you must be. I hope you have a good night.”
Theovan bowed and withdrew. Enrique held the glass, still warm, in both hands. The warmth transmitted to his palms felt just like the heat from Anture’s hands.
“…He could have at least sent a letter.”
Enrique muttered to himself.
“Your Highness, you haven’t eaten properly, have you? It would be good to have a light meal and go straight to bed. Shall I have something brought?”
Pol asked considerately. Enrique nodded, feeling his hungry stomach. He needed to eat, sleep, regain his strength, and wake up early tomorrow to attend the meeting.
*
For several days, the royal palace was bustling with activity.
Along with fierce daily meetings, the entire palace was busy preparing for Enrique’s appointment ceremony.
Important nobles summoned by the King of Shamier arrived one after another to join the meetings.
Most were in favor of the war. However, some nobles with territories in the border regions expressed cautious and skeptical opinions. But their voices were so few that they couldn’t speak up much.
Those who could attend the meetings were all lords with their own territories. If the war ended smoothly and they absorbed Monta’s territory, they would be able to move to more prosperous lands or expand their territories. No one was refusing such a great benefit right in front of them.
The topic of the meetings had now moved on to how to pacify and absorb the people of Monta after acquiring it. Shamier had no experience in conquest wars, so they were close to novices in this area. In the end, they concluded that it would be best to send envoys and administrators to the Ruben Empire, which had abundant knowledge in this area, to learn from them.
While everyone tried to suppress their excitement and proceed with the work step by step, they couldn’t hide their occasional bewilderment.
Dealing with the alliance of both Monta and Baron simultaneously would certainly not be an easy task. However, with the strength of the Ruben Empire, victory could be confidently expected. But it was hard to understand, from a common sense perspective, why Ruben would make such a good proposal to Shamier, which was close to being militarily weak. If it weren’t for the marriage between Anture and Enrique, or the child between them, this situation might have been suspected as some kind of trap.
Honestly, even Enrique had his doubts.
He didn’t doubt Anture’s feelings for him. But it was possible that Anture might decide to completely destroy Shamier itself in order to fully possess him.
Enrique agonized over these doubts every night.
The destruction of Shamier would mean the destruction of Enrique’s very reason for existence. Anture knew very well about Enrique’s infinite love and sense of duty towards Shamier. Enrique wanted to believe that Anture wouldn’t do something so cruel to him.
As the busy days passed, the day of Enrique’s Crown Prince appointment ceremony finally dawned.
Enrique woke up early in the morning, had a light breakfast, and took a bath. After drying and arranging his hair, he stood in place as attendants began to dress him in the much more splendid Crown Prince attire than usual.
The blue uniform with intricate gold embroidery fit him well. The waist was loose enough that his slightly swollen belly wasn’t too noticeable. A sash with Shamier’s emblem embroidered on it was draped diagonally across his shoulder, and a splendid cape was placed over it.
“Your Highness, you look so majestic and handsome.”
Pol exclaimed in admiration as he carefully adjusted Enrique’s attire. Enrique silently smiled, lifting the corners of his mouth. His reflection in the mirror looked quite dignified and elegant, as Pol had said. It was the appropriate appearance for the appointment ceremony.
As he was moistening his throat after finishing preparations, an attendant came to announce that the appointment ceremony was about to begin. Enrique left his quarters with a calm mind. As he moved, the knights who had been waiting fell in line behind him. Each step along the corridor was imbued with various emotions.
When he finally reached the entrance of the central hall, Enrique took a deep breath.
Until now, Enrique had been known as the next heir. But being officially appointed as Crown Prince was a different story.
The attendants slowly opened the large doors.
“Prince Enrique enters!”
A loud voice echoed through the central hall.
People were lined up on both sides, leaving the center empty. At the end of the long red carpet, the King of Shamier stood, looking at Enrique.
Solemn music played. Enrique walked steadily, keeping his gaze fixed straight ahead instead of looking around. After being appointed as Crown Prince in this place today, Enrique would completely lose his choice about the future. Only Shamier would become Enrique’s destiny and future. That was exactly what Enrique wanted.
Finally reaching his father, Enrique knelt down on one knee, lowering his body. Considering Enrique’s pregnancy, the King of Shamier finished his congratulatory speech briefly and carefully placed the Crown Prince’s crown on Enrique’s head.
Cheers and applause like thunder began to pour from those filling the central hall. Enrique stood up, taking his father’s hand.
“Here stands our Crown Prince and Crown Prince’s child, who will shoulder the future of our Shamier.”
The King of Shamier declared, embracing Enrique’s shoulder as they stood side by side. The applause grew even louder.
A satisfied smile spread across the face of the King of Shamier as he surveyed the cheering people while proudly embracing Enrique’s shoulder. The King soon sat on his throne and had Enrique sit right next to him.
Enrique did not refuse and sat in the Crown Prince’s seat, one step below the King’s throne. Previously, he always had to stand by his father’s side. But now it was different. Enrique could proudly take his place next to his father as the rightful heir. This was true even in front of foreign envoys.
“Now, let’s begin the celebratory banquet!”
The King of Shamier exclaimed, raising his wine glass. Enrique smiled slightly as he raised his glass of grape juice.
The celebratory banquet was splendid and boisterous. As it was a grand event held after a long time, everyone was dressed in incredibly lavish attire and enjoying themselves to the fullest. Everyone present was of high enough status to be invited to the palace event, so although they didn’t speak it aloud, they all knew about the war and alliance. This excited them even more.
