Chapter 37

Even though we are brothers, we never really spent time together, so to me, Ignaz is more like a contemporary... what would you call it? Not a friend, but a relative I haven’t had much contact with, something like that?

But Ignaz is different. He sees me as a brother and wants to do more things together.

I wondered if he was lonely, but Ignaz, unlike me, had already made his debut at a tea party and had found potential attendants and fiancés there, so he should have people around him.

Actually,

"Ignaz, how are your attendants doing?"

In response to my question, Ignaz looked puzzled and compared me with Nebel and Fräulein Hilt.

"Attendants..."

Hmm? What’s with this reaction?

I couldn’t help but look at Ignaz’s servant, who was standing far away with my own servants.

When Ignaz rushed over to us, his servant, who was supposed to be his foster brother, just followed along without trying to stop him, looking flustered.

No matter what the reason, it’s strange that he couldn’t stop Ignaz in that state.

But this is Ignaz’s territory, and it’s not my place to comment. Still, this feeling is unsettling.

Should I report this to Her Majesty?

"Studying together, hmm, maybe language would be okay. Ignaz has received a different education from me, after all."

As the next king, he has been trained in various aspects.

"So, conversations in Diorash, the common language for diplomacy, should be fine, right? But swordsmanship, well, that’s definitely out of the question."

"Why not?"

"I haven’t learned swordsmanship. Besides, it’s not really my thing. Even if we spar with wooden swords, it won’t be the kind of training that would satisfy Ignaz."

Fayvalter said I’m better suited for long weapons, and my grandfather will assess this when he comes next.

Also, I think the swordsmanship I’ll learn will be more practical for fighting monsters, not the style taught in the knights’ order. As the administrator of the Unreturning Forest, I need to be able to hunt monsters first.

When Ignaz realized we couldn’t train in swordsmanship together, he visibly became dejected.

I think it would be better for Ignaz to be strong with a sword.

Currently, we are at peace with the neighboring countries, and even if a war breaks out, it’s rare for the king to wield a sword himself. Generally, the national army would handle it. Ignaz would only go to the front lines in extreme circumstances.

So, to be honest, Ignaz’s swordsmanship is more for self-defense. If his bodyguards are taken out, he needs to be able to protect himself until he can escape. It’s not like he needs to be a champion in the kingdom’s swordsmanship tournament.

The people around him probably want him to focus more on developing the skills needed as the next king.

As I was thinking this, Ignaz spoke softly.

"I thought that since you were going to be the crown prince and king, I could join the national army as a subject."

Ah, yeah, I’m sorry. Until four years ago, you were supposed to support me, as Her Majesty said.

"I prefer physical activities over mental ones, and I understand that the studies I’m doing now are necessary, so I attend classes, but I really want to do swordsmanship."

"Right, that’s true. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses."

You’re a good kid. You do what’s necessary, but you have something you really want to do.

I guess it’s like a sudden change in direction, and I felt bad about it. Then Ignaz muttered softly.

"Why..."

"Hmm?"

"Why don’t you want to be king?"

Oh no... the one thing I didn’t want to be asked.

"The crown prince is more suitable to be king."

"Yeah, probably. I think I can be a better king than Ignaz."

I think I can handle diplomacy with the neighboring countries.

"Then why not?"

"Because it’s important to him."

Does Ignaz realize what "it" refers to? Nebel might not, but Fräulein Hilt probably does. Her face is a bit pale.

"I don’t mean just important, but valuable. Something I want to protect. Anyway, it’s something very precious to him, and I can’t have it."

Thinking that I can protect what he values is a big mistake.

I’ll use any means necessary to protect the Marquess Malcossia family and the Furlftball territory. Even if it leads to the worst-case scenario, I won’t hesitate.

"I think it’s better for the Kingdom of Laave if I’m not the king."

I hope you can understand, even if you don’t agree.

The Kingdom of Laave will be better off with Ignaz as the king, for the sake of all its citizens.

I’m very sorry, but I won’t be responding to comments, so please refrain from leaving questions.

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