Mysterious Job Called Oda n.o.bunaga
Chapter 40 The Crown Prince and the Retainer"s Grat.i.tude
And then, around the time I became the father of two kids, there was also a big change in the political scenario.
Ha.s.se from the royal family was found. He came to my castle.
Appearing in front of me, Ha.s.se had discontent written on his face.
He"s a bit older than me in terms of age, being 25 years old but he looks far older than that.
The reason behind it is simple.
Ha.s.se doesn"t have a count rank.
Normally, as he is the king"s cousin, he would have been given the duke"s rank and a really high posting job, but as the present king, Paffus the 6th, has deemed him a criminal, he has lost all rank.
From Paffus the 6th"s perspective, getting rid of his cousin"s bloodline would guarantee that only his own lineage will be able to become king.
Of course, Ha.s.se too isn"t such an easy mark to kill, even after being declared a criminal.
Ha.s.se"s father, the previous king, Grandra the 3rd, was attacked by his nephew, Paffus, and was driven out of the capital 12 years ago. And as such, that would mean that Ha.s.se has been wandering for just about 12 years too. Grandra the 3rd had died from illness 3 years after being driven out from the capital.
"Count Fordnelia, I heard that you are willing to support me, and for that reason, I have come to this land but… is that true?"
"Rather, I would like to hear your reasons for doubting it. Why would I deceive the "Crown Prince"?"
I intentionally used "Crown Prince" here.
"Crown Prince? Me?"
"Yes, of course. Just think about it. It has been more than 10 years of the current king"s rule but was there even a single period of peace? There"s only fighting everywhere. So much that it"s a miracle the capital still hasn"t turned into a burnt land."
It is a fact that the country was disordered. I could bring up as many faults as I wished.
"Even in the capital, the fight over power has continued — the prime minister is being changed every so often, the cabinet ministers are being a.s.sa.s.sinated. This is all proof that everyone under the king has been trying to extend their authority and that they do not care about the people. Even if you build a hut using rotten trees, the hut will eventually break down. You just have to rebuild it. If so–"
I gave a sharp glance towards Ha.s.se.
"–There"s no one who can become king other than the crown prince. Please claim the king"s rank to rebuild Sarwiel kingdom. I, Alsrod Neivul, shall give away my life for you."
I could understand that Ha.s.se"s spirit had been rekindled.
This man has also surely dreamt of being the king. It isn"t a difficult task to rekindle that.
No matter how much the king"s rank can sway, there aren"t many who do not think of becoming the king.
"I understand. I also can"t endure the present king"s way of doing things. I will definitely rebuild Sarwiel kingdom myself after becoming the king!"
"That"s the spirit. Then let us immediately make it known that you are the crown prince."
"What do you mean?"
"If we get all the dukes of different areas gather here under your name, it will demonstrate your power even more."
"I see!"
And finally, Ha.s.se"s eyes flared up.
He has surely been spending days not knowing what will happen the next day. And if so, there"s no mistake that he will be glad to govern the dukes.
"First, let"s send letters to the dukes to come greet you here at Maust castle. I will also send an accompanying note with it."
And not to mention, if all the dukes gather here at Maust castle, it will also demonstrate my power. At the very least, they will think that I will get the regent post if we are able to take back the capital.