Chapter 374 – 37. One Maxim (4)
Holy Gaul, the kingdom that the heavenly gods were personally watching over, is now at risk of disappearing into the back of history. This is because the hierarchical culture unique to feudal society pushed even the family that had ruled this land for a long time into a crisis that was tantamount to extinction.
The weak are bound to be eliminated.
The city that was once considered a symbol of prosperity in the Western Continent is no exception. The liveliness of Lumiere, the dazzling royal capital, is clearly not what it used to be. This fact is supported by the turbulent atmosphere caused by the successive incidents that put the previous king’s reign to shame.
“The king’s job is quite cruel in some ways.”
That was the reason why the man with a group of attendants behind him prepared this place today in the palace garden bathed in warm sunlight. It was Alphonse who boasted a unique dignity with a solemn expression and restrained movements.
A loser who took the legitimacy of this country with a crown decorated with brilliant jewels, a cape richly embroidered with the double-headed eagle, the national bird of Gaul, and a scepter in his hand!
The so-called wise king, who carries the name of the nation, stood under the shadow of a flourishing giant tree and opened his mouth. I glanced briefly at the refreshments set up on the nice table, then took turns looking at the men and women who had not even touched their lips despite the fragrant teacups and delicious snacks in front of them.
“You make it difficult for blood relatives to even have an opportunity like this. Even so, my sister, I didn’t know that you would readily accept such an invitation. In that sense, today is truly a monumental day.”
Princess Marian, who captivated the eyes of all lustful people with her sensual attire and coquettish gestures. The deposed prince, Jacques, has a neat and tidy demeanor and a spirit full of ambition. The three siblings who were fighting over the throne of this kingdom all gathered together.
“Oh my, I didn’t know that His Majesty, our youngest, would care so much. As a sister, I am deeply moved. It’s to the point where I don’t know what to do with myself.”
“Avoid useless rituals and small talk. “It would only end up being wasted if we try to see each other in a firm and different position.”
It is a time of bloody war, both inside and outside. These three people were too foolish to simply pursue power and ignore the concerns of the people. Also, it is a fact that many people overlook, but the children of Eugène and Jeanne Sosaeng were truly brilliant people.
Isn’t that the reason why this battle for the throne broke out in the first place? It is a political conflict that arose when three unrivaled heirs attempted to continue their lives with different beliefs. Of course, there was no incompetence or indifference like any other power struggle.
“Okay, then let’s have an honest conversation as you suggested.”
Alphonse gestured to his subjects who were following behind him. I checked on those who had retreated to a distance and pulled out a chair to sit down. Considering the strict rules of court etiquette and protocol, this was something that could never have happened.
Regardless of whether he loses power or not, the first thing that comes to mind is that the person wearing the crown sits in the same seat as two people who often make false claims and challenges.
But what else can you do? Despite threats of assassination from numerous political opponents, the deposed prince was accompanied only by swordsman Duotman as a guard. He was a princess who knowingly went to the main body even though she could have occupied a safe position by herself by sending an identical doll as an alter ego.
‘Of course, Jacques’s guards are Oliver, a funny strong sword, and Claire, who specializes in healing arts. Marian wouldn’t have entered the palace without any measures, so it’s actually impossible for her to detain them. Aside from everyone else, Jim has no intention of taking such a hard line…’
What is important is that the two people in charge of protecting the retired prince are waiting far away. No matter what preparations were made, the fact is that Princess Jang was born as her true self. How easy would it be to act like this when you don’t know what the organizers of the discussion will do?
This is something that is beyond the reach of ordinary courage.
To that extent, Jacques and Marian were clearly facing the king’s duties. It was also a very embarrassing situation for Alphonse. If only I had been greedy for an incompetent subject, I would have been able to get rid of him by any means necessary.
“I will begin, the discourse of those who truly dream of reigning.”
Alphonse, who was seated upright, made eye contact with the two people. Do you think it would be difficult for you to be in this body when you have proven your courageous qualifications? As if shouting like that, I sent away as many of my people as I did with Jacques and got to the point.
“Soon, you too will feel something. The peaceful era is coming to an end. Conflicts, big and small, are never ending due to ugly human greed. “My Gaul is in a more precarious situation than ever before.”
“Foolish younger brother, malice is rampant regardless of time and place. Why don’t you know that the peace you talk about has been a failure ever since we used our poor father as our rock? Eugene was an incompetent libertine. His failure was almost predicted.”
“Sure enough, is this a petty orthodoxy debate? I had high expectations, but I was very disappointed. Needless to say, it would be obvious that my brother would mention his mother’s name and say that he should take care of her upkeep. “I don’t think he ever particularly wanted something like continental unification.”
The introduction is just an example. Zach, who was frowning slightly on the side wearing the eyepatch because his sunken eye sockets were throbbing, glared at his two younger brothers in turn. In the moment of silence, he read each and every detail with his animalistic sixth sense.
‘You idiot, I can clearly see the proposal you are making. As control over the West and South is being lost day by day, what is disappointing is…’
‘Talented, probably.’
Marian, who was squirming around with a lax expression and lewd finger gesture, also did not stay still. The sharp Jin-ui was hidden behind such tricks, and he countered his brother’s mind-reading skills. Because reading the enemy’s plans was not something that only Zhuangzi knew how to do.
‘Among the current royalists, there are only a handful of useful figures. First, the court wizard Alain Leclerc can only give advice. He is not in a position to be directly involved in politics. Wizards in this country have been prohibited from appearing in the forefront since ancient times.’
‘It’s a kind of custom that was created to prevent someone who knows how to manipulate magic from engaging in power abuse. Absolute power inevitably corrupts. It is obvious what happens when a squire who has mastered things like magic and alchemy colludes with the political world.’
‘I’m curious about Brother Jacques’ position. When I think about the little girl who only looks for her mother even at that age, which side will I take? This is precisely the twist and turns that healer Jeanne Dieudonne remained as a dear king or a supportive figure even though she was a vessel that would dominate the world…’
‘I also have no doubt that my mother’s status would have gone to a higher level if there had not been such a tradition. But if it weren’t for the discipline in question, we wouldn’t be able to sit down and face each other like this now. Moreover, even Jeanne Dieudonnet’s noble reputation would not have been preserved.’
Zach nodded with confident eyes. In fact, although the origins of evil are numerous, they are ultimately clear in Gaul of this era.
Joseph, the Sun King, what would it have been like if your grandfather had not had the custom of being wary of magical powers? He would have reigned as a formidable devil with Angelique Aquitaine on his back. Maybe he was the manifestation of a devil so absurd that even the Millennium Ball was considered an angel ball.
‘Therefore, Jacques de Gallia does not use the past as a standard. What this body desires and strives for is always the future. The key is what Alphonse really wants. My guess is that he wants to hide some rocks in the gravel field.’
‘Hiring new talent is not easy. Moreover, given that we have decided to keep war out of the question, making such a large-scale recommendation is a foolish dream. However, you can’t just suck your fingers and lose the throne…’
‘In many ways, you will want to fill the empty power by sharing it.’
‘In this case, the one who has the most advantage is Brother Jacques. Why would a nobleman who could ascend to the throne if he gave up his legitimacy so obediently accepted the dethronement? It was so that I could take responsibility for those who were loyal to me until the end. The loyalty of the abandoned prince’s faction is almost at the level of insanity…’
‘On the other hand, Alphonse, what about you? Since Marianne has Albert Monet as her confidant, it is not difficult to get people to use as her confidants. Because there is no race as obedient as those who are immersed in religion. But even if you come to an agreement with us and get a position to recommend, you will have to suffer constantly.’
‘It is the fate of feudal society, the fear that a servant who has bestowed kindness may strike at any moment. Unlike my brother’s people, who are willing to give up their lives, and my people, who are easy to rally around in the name of religion, you, well.’
There is one more thing that comes to those who control the commercial world other than money.
‘It’s a pity, but what can I do? It’s your fault for being enraged with the prince and believing in his unreasonable loyalty.’
It’s information.
‘In a way, it seems like the court bag has acted like a poison to you. Charles Dior, like Vincent Renoir, is not the type of person who gives away his liver and gall just because he has mixed up his body.’
Therefore, Princess Marian knows. This is true, even though Crown Prince Lung also achieved the right answer in her later years. She had known this for a particularly long time. This is why the wise king Alphonse did not go to great lengths to find the woman who would become his queen.
Vincent Renoir and Charles Dior!
The two handsome men had been close friends since Alphonse of Gaul was a humble prince. It was such a long and deep multi-party love relationship. It is true that the skills of the court encyclopedia and the princes were outstanding, but the secret to their being able to rise to the position they are today was to some extent the favor given by the wise king.
‘But then again, the men in my family are disgusting. From a playboy father to a pampered older brother to the youngest child who is a sodomite, there is no such thing as extreme indecency.’
‘Did they even sell their conscience to the princess who was known as a slut?’
‘As long as you’re a virgin, that’s enough. There’s no need to argue. In any case, Alphonse has a significant share of the blame for the loss of control over the south, so he will take a big part of it this time. I will take this opportunity to take away all tax collection authority… !’
‘There are exceptions, such as Baron Huchet and Baron Lan, and not all royalists feel the same way. Excluding Alain Leclerc, only Michel, Count of Beauharnais will take an active role. Naturally, there aren’t many people who can keep him in check. I give away my internal affairs with a happy heart. I will give a significant portion of the military power to my people.’
The wise king is anxious. In order to strengthen the foundation of the royal family, which is in jeopardy, we desperately need people who will agree with us even for a moment. Whether it’s a wandering barbarian in the West or a same-sex lover who may try to take his place at any time, it’s no longer difficult.
“The sound of heads rolling here and there is making my ears dizzy. As you said, we both know each other’s position, so let’s talk honestly. In a time when foreign forces are overwhelming, the gap between the West and the South is becoming increasingly painful. Therefore, I propose hiring a talented person who will be in charge of the next generation.”
“What that means is you’re asking us to take care of the situation while you replenish your power. If a fight over rice bowls breaks out even in this yard, the country might fall into the hands of a really foolish person. Great. “I agree in exchange for a position in the tax department.”
“The reason I gave up the throne yesterday was for today. Reinstate the positions of the loyalists who stood by this side. In particular, the conditions for obtaining my consent are to appoint all forcibly reassigned generals to the same corps and give up at least half of the positions related to logistics.”
Perseverance and ears pressed the gun. In the face of increasingly weakened royal power, all Alphonse de Gallia could do was to give up flesh in exchange for bones. Otherwise, why would a person who is a king in name and name go to such lengths to talk to a pretender challenger?
At this moment, Jacques and Marian were catfished.
It was a wild beast that would bite into every weak spot the youngest showed with its teeth and devour every last bit of flesh. Coincidentally, I returned to my dream for a moment because of Alphonse, who changed the mood by asking me what I was talking about.
“Why does Jim have to meet those conditions?”
“… ?”
“Stop bragging, there is no way you could comfortably recommend a talented person in this country, which is rife with unrest big and small, even with our checks in place.”
Why was firearms able to eventually ascend to the throne? It would be a prejudice to think that the quiet and thoughtful King Alphonse would be soft because he was a sodomite. In fact, if you think about it, he was also a man of perseverance and unwavering wisdom.
“I don’t like it. It would be impossible not to hand out government positions to the two factions. However, if the underlying conditions are not equal, Jim plans to use the last resort. It will never be pleasant for you.”
“Last resort? What is that?”
“Alfons, you can’t believe it…”
I worked so hard, but the country is in shambles. Talent is at an all-time low, and foreign powers are waiting for the moment to invade the country’s territory. Also, in such a situation, we have to deal with useless brothers and keep the West and South in check.
As always, there is only one answer.
“Okay, I’ll just give it to Baron Ardennes.”
“… Hey idiot! “Is there a king in the world who would hand over the tax collection authority of the capital, not even the territory he had bestowed on his vassals?”
“Did you drink opium? There are several vacant general positions in the kingdom’s army, and you’re handing them all over to Lumiere’s invincible knight! It’s an outrage that the country’s military power goes to one subordinate, but did that guy fly all the way and have ten bodies? Manage the territory and handle dozens of general-style tasks all by yourself? Are you trying to force the loyal subjects on your side to die from overwork?”
“Is there a law that says the capital’s tax collection rights cannot be handed over to a vassal? Is there a law that says a man can’t hold fifteen general positions? Death from overwork? Jim’s Romuald Arden? Sir Arden always gets it done? Oh, you two didn’t see the duel trial?”
“This, profit… !”
“N-no, shit… !”
“You think you can’t do it? So, shall we, the three siblings, make a bet with our lives for the first time in a long time? Why don’t you try laying a board like this? “Are we going to just divide the remaining officials into thirds and try to compete politically, or are we going to make a big deal out of the Baron and see him as a loser?”
“Alphonse, it’s sick of you to believe that way! Do you think she doesn’t know that Charles Dior got her butt fucked? If it’s because she drinks less of her mother’s milk like her brother Zach, then I don’t know! At the very least, you could have asked me for at least one ugly doll!”
“I’m sorry, but Jim is the one getting fucked from above. And I would rather have a prince as beautiful as Sa Gye-seok than be treated as an incestuous relative of my sister, who is a bitch.”
“Baron Ardennes is a direct descendant of Alexandre Dior! The government of darkness, the prince, and the three barons made the country look like this! Are you going to add to that? Isn’t he really afraid that his throne will be usurped?”
“Thousand-year-gong and Dark-dong are loyal subjects? Even the princes have a connection with me. Cutie Charles is a bit shy right now, but he will eventually come back to Jim’s side. And if the Baron was going to usurp the throne, don’t you think he would have done it a long time ago? If you can refute it, please try it.”
Still, there is what if. Jacques and Marian screamed like that.
“If you change where you stand, the view you see will also change!”
“What if he defected?”
This time too, the answer was simple.
“Then the country is ruined.”
Alphonse added with a grin.
“What is life?”
