Chapter 12

The scene shifts to the king's office, where Rakwell and the king sat facing each other.

"Really, you haven't changed a bit, Rakwell."

"I can't breathe if you don't allow me this much. This is the kind of place for that, isn't it, brother?"

"Indeed."

Rakwell had already explained the reason for his late arrival at lunch, and the king had reluctantly agreed with a wry smile.

Rakwell and the king were brothers with a four-year age gap. Rakwell had lived in the castle until he got married and occasionally spent time alone with the king like this.

"So... is the matter about the usual thing?"

"The maids are four, and the valet. A total of five. Will you approve them?"

Rakwell took out a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it over. It was a list with names and profiles of the staff, all of whom were servants of the Belfias Duke's household. Moreover, they all knew Alvis well.

"What about the valet, Edward Haswork?"

"He was Alvis's valet before joining the knights. He graduated from the academy four years before Alvis and is a distant relative of the Gilsweet Earl's family. Recently, he has been one of my aides. He has also given his consent."

"You mean he is compatible and knowledgeable?"

"Yes. More importantly, he knows Alvis well and can discipline him. Such a person is necessary for the boy."

"...Understood. I will approve it. What about the others?"

"Mostly..."

Among them were Alvis's former wet nurse and his foster siblings, ranging from those close to his age to those who were older. They were selected because they had some connection to Alvis. They had all given their consent and were already waiting at the mansion in the capital.

"I can bring them at any time. They are all concerned about Alvis."

"I see... Tomorrow is the ceremony for the designation of the crown prince. It would be better after that."

"Tomorrow, you say. Understood. I will bring them by mid-afternoon tomorrow."

"I will keep this. Please come and see me again tomorrow."

"Yes, that's fine."

With this, all the matters that needed to be decided were concluded. Rakwell had not expected the approval to be denied, so his declaration was more of a formality.

"However, I didn't think you would be this overprotective."

"...I won't deny it. But no matter how capable a person is, if they are suddenly told, 'You are the king from today,' they can't adapt immediately. Especially since he has been skipped in the line of succession. He is practically unprepared."

"You're right."

"Alvis is generally calm. I have never seen him lose his composure. I often prioritized my eldest son, so I left some of the responsibilities for Alvis to Edward... He has never been capricious. That's why I am worried."

It is not unusual for a noble head to prioritize the eldest son, who is the heir. The second son is the backup, a spare in case of any unforeseen circumstances. They receive similar education and are not neglected. The parents do not treat them indifferently, and Rakwell tried to treat both sons equally. However, Alvis always deferred to his brother and kept a step back. While his character played a role, Rakwell had often been concerned about this behavior.

"I see... Indeed, I have never seen it myself."

"That's right. Well, it might be my overthinking. Therefore, as a parent, it is my role to create an environment where Alvis can be comfortable."

"...Rakwell."

"I will not object to your decision as king, but I cannot forgive involving Alvis. ...Gerald can be kept alive without a title, neither dead nor alive. As a parent, I understand not wanting to see your child die."

When Rakwell suggested disposing of Gerald, the king averted his eyes. Being unable to make such a ruthless decision was one of the king's weaknesses.

"Brother... If you are going to make Alvis the king, please do so after resolving all the concerns."

"Rakwell... But the queen—"

"If the queen cannot bear it, it would be better for her to leave. Otherwise, someday, there will be people who will push Gerald forward. If you truly care for the country, make the decision. Otherwise, brother... I want you to abdicate immediately."

"...Rakwell. You are always like this. Sigh... Understood. No, I understood it all along. But the queen's face keeps coming to mind."

The king smiled weakly, almost self-deprecatingly. A mother's love for her son is often deeper than a father's. It is only natural to be conflicted.

"Then, how about summoning the daughter of the Lithaard Duke as a companion for the queen?"

"Elina? ...Indeed, it might help the queen."

"Then, brother."

"Yes. As soon as the ceremony is over, I will have Gerald transferred to the tower."

The tower the king referred to was a place in the history of the Rubelia Kingdom where royal family members or high-ranking nobles who committed crimes were confined. Those who entered would spend their entire lives there. They would be provided with food, but they would never leave. It was a place like a prison.