Chapter 1 - Hey, How About a Two-Front War?
A gentle breeze brushed across the plains, and verdant, young leaves swayed in reply. The sun shone brightly, and no one would have ever guessed the land had been blanketed in silvery snow until just recently.
It was spring.
Although a bit delayed compared to the southern nations, the Kingdom of Natra finally overcame the long winter and welcomed its first new buds.
“Ahhh, what perfect riding weather.”
A young man rode on horseback through a fresh meadow. He was Wein Salema Arbalest, the crown prince of Natra.
“Yes. Such fine days are rare, even this time of year.”
A young woman kept pace just behind Wein on her steed. Her name was Ninym Ralei. Her distinctive white hair and red eyes marked her as Flahm, and she served Wein as an aide.
“We finally caught a break. Better enjoy it while we can.”
Wein flopped against his horse’s back. The beast looked somewhat annoyed but continued lugging its human burden.
“Don’t get too comfortable. Remember, we’re not alone.”
Ninym glanced behind at several guards following on their own mounts. Ninym wished Wein would maintain a more dignified appearance, given his position.
“Yeah, I know. My vassals are already super pissed at me.”
“…True.” Ninym sighed. “Inevitably, that is also the reason for this vacation.”
“C’mon, Ninym. Are you still upset?”
“Of course I am. This was indirectly my fault.” She sighed again, more deeply this time. “Now that you’re Agata’s adopted son, there’s sure to be retaliation…”
“Your Highness, please be more aware of your position!”
Several days ago, Wein’s chief vassals derided him.
“You are the crown prince of the Natran royal family, a monarchy that has reigned for the last two centuries! Moreover, Your Highness is a descendant of Levetia’s lead disciple, Galeus! No bloodline on this entire continent is more precious!”
The vassals’ pleas were earnest, yet theatrical. Perhaps that’s why Ninym, who stood by Wein’s side, watched them with concern while the prince listened.
“And yet you’ve been adopted by some foreigner! What in the world were you thinking?!”
A nation known as the Ulbeth Alliance sat in the farthest reaches of the West. Its leader, Agata, invited Wein to visit in the winter, and after a series of twists and turns, he adopted the prince as his son.
Adopted. In other words, Wein was legally Agata’s child.
Naturally, this announcement rattled Natra’s royal palace. Nobles within the country often loaned their children to one another as adoptees, and princesses were commonly married off to sovereigns abroad. However, Wein was a crown prince. He was destined to lead Natra someday, and his adoption by a foreign nation was unprecedented.
What about his right to the throne? Was such a thing even allowed? The vassals debated these questions day and night.
“Don’t get so upset. I realize I went too far this time,” Wein said in an attempt to pacify the vassals. “Besides, you already ensured I didn’t break any laws, right?”
“This isn’t about the law!”
Unfortunately, Wein’s comments only fueled the fire, and a man slammed the desk.
It was clear the vassals wished to avoid the trouble of deciding Wein’s punishment should the law fail to save him. Thus, they went to great lengths to ensure he was in the clear.
“Your Highness, although you are only one man, you are also the symbol of Natra! Your lineage is the pride of every citizen! To make light of that fact is to mock Natra! None may disparage Your Highness. Not even yourself!”
“I get what you’re saying, but…”
“I am not the only one who feels this way! I believe I speak for all who serve our great nation!”
“I understand that. However—”
“As our crown prince, Your Highness is too quick to act! I recognize the importance of foreign relations, but there is no need for you to bear everything alone! You should depend more on your vassals!”
“…”
Wein fell silent and turned to Ninym beside him for help. She shook her head in regret, powerless to do anything.
The vassals lectured Wein for several more hours. Then, after determining overwork and excessive responsibility had sparked the crown prince’s recent outburst, they vowed to take his duties upon themselves. The mountain of paperwork on Wein’s desk decreased significantly, and he suddenly found himself with unexpected free time.
Now, let us return to the present.
“Yep, they are not happy campers.” Wein sat down in the meadow and chuckled at the memory.
“This is no laughing matter. The whole palace is on edge.”
Ninym alighted from her horse, and the pair unpacked a picnic set containing a blanket, tea utensils, and simple lunchboxes.
“Well, can’t really say I blame ’em. After all, this was their big break,” Wein said, collapsing on the grass.
“Wein, come over here if you’re going to lie down.”
Ninym patted the blanket she’d laid out. Too lazy to get up, the prince rolled toward her with a deadpan “Wheeeee.”
“Can’t you behave for once? Well, never mind. More importantly, what did you mean?” Ninym asked while preparing tea.
“East or West, Natra has always given the lost a place to call home, right? Conversely, those who find opportunity elsewhere always hightail it out of here. In other words, anyone still in the country has nowhere else to go,” Wein replied.
“As usual, you don’t mince words… So what about it?”
“For those stuck here, the Natran royal family is a comfort. We’ve reigned for two hundred years, which is pretty rare when you look at history.”
Be it a ruler’s conceit, a foreign nation’s overwhelming might, or natural calamity, countries often collapsed within a couple of centuries. This was likely an inevitable consequence of trying to uphold a system that exceeded the human lifespan. It was also why the Natran royal family’s longevity was so notable.
“We’re the oldest monarchy on the continent, and Natra’s vassals were proud to serve us… But times have changed.”
Ninym finally understood what Wein was getting at.
“You mean because of your successes?”
“You got it.” Wein accepted a proffered cup of tea. “Natra’s been on the rise ever since I became regent. The royal family, whose only real pride was tradition, has gained considerable influence. Our little monarchy used to be a pebble on the road. Now other nations are treating us like a bona fide jewel.”
“Naturally, Natra’s vassals have been elevated as well. And not just in a monetary sense. They’ve earned the respect that comes with protecting said jewel.”
“Yep. For them, this is nothing less than a fabulous new golden era.” Wein grinned.
“And I just kicked our royal clout right in the face.”
“…No wonder they’re upset.”
Wein hadn’t merely rained on their parade. He’d thrown every last scrap of joy straight into a bonfire.
He followed this up with another one of his controversial opinions.
“Well, sovereign authority is a sham anyway, if you ask me.”
“Wein.” Ninym stuffed the bread she’d packed for lunch into his mouth.
“Hurrgh.”
“Don’t say anything problematic. You never know who’s listening,” she admonished.
“Hurrrrgh.” Wein wolfed down the bread and shrugged. “Yeah, but doesn’t everyone know the truth deep down? Anything can be valuable if enough people claim it is. Money is no different. A shared illusion can turn plain old hunks of metal into currency and decide which nobodies get to be aristocrats and royals.”
“…”
“But some will lay down their lives for that stuff. Isn’t it crazy, Ninym?”
“My position does not allow me to challenge royalty.”
“But we’re off duty right now.”
“…” Ninym fell silent, eventually sighing. “Yes, I’ve had similar thoughts. I also feel the veneration of lineages is altogether pointless. However, the truth is most people treasure those illusions. Against such opposition, we’re nothing more than leaves in a storm. In fact, your vassals’ dedication to their mirage is the very reason we’re now on this leisurely stroll.”
“Well, I’m cool with whatever if it means less work for me.”
“I thought you might say that,” Ninym replied through narrowed eyes. “But at this rate, the country will likely head in a direction that contradicts your plan. Aren’t you the least bit worried?”
“Yeah, it’s a legit concern,” Wein agreed despite his relaxed expression. “Still, I can’t help but wonder if they’ll even manage to get that far.”
“What do you mean?”
“Now that those guys have gotten a convenient taste of power, the world will be much better off if they have sufficient introspection to grow up and take responsibility.”
Ninym’s troubled expression exposed her worry. “I understand your point, but your method still feels excessively ruthless. Those people are still your vassals.”
“Call it ‘objectivity.’ I wouldn’t be surprised if a messenger showed up in the next few minutes and begged me to come back.”
“I should think they’d want to hold out a while longer.”
Wein paused, though only briefly. “Wanna bet on it? If I win, you have to end every sentence with meow.”
“Breaking out an old bit, I see.”
“Gotta give it some sunshine now and then, right?”
“Very well. Then if I win—”
“Your Highness!” Wein and Ninym turned around and saw a messenger galloping toward them from across the meadow. The two exchanged a glance.
“What was that about winning?”
“…Nothing, meow.” Ninym sighed in defeat.
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