Chapter 89

"Indeed. Life on the frontier is quite different from the capital. The distance between the lord and the commoners is very close. I must admit, it's somewhat enviable."

"Yes, that's true. In the capital—the royal city—there are many nobles, so the opportunities for the royal family or high-ranking nobles to directly interact with commoners are very few. In comparison, on the frontier, due to the smaller number of nobles, we, as the lord's family, naturally have more frequent opportunities to converse directly with them. Honestly, it can be quite challenging, but it's also a very stimulating and meaningful experience."

After that, the 'arranged meeting' between Zenjirou and Lucinda Gazier continued in a much more amicable manner than anyone had expected.

If asked whose contribution this was, it would undoubtedly be Lucinda's.

Lucinda, who could reasonably guess the purpose of this setting, was convinced that there was no future for her and Zenjirou to be together.

Therefore, even in this one-on-one conversation with Zenjirou, she showed no hint of eagerness. Instead, her stance was to cooperate as much as possible to ensure a peaceful and smooth cancellation of the arrangement, without causing any harm to the royal family and to avoid any repercussions for her family.

As a result, Lucinda did not even hint at any romantic conversation. She simply interpreted Zenjirou's interest in her at face value and limited herself to amusingly talking about her recent life and daily routines in her homeland.

"The commoners I usually converse with are mostly the craftsmen in the backyard. Their conversations are indeed very interesting."

"Outstanding craftsmen surpass magic in many ways. Some craftsmen have even established techniques that combine their skills with magic."

"Their existence is a treasure of the country. It would be ideal to protect and nurture them, and to create a system to pass their skills down to future generations."

"I generally agree. However, if we focus too much on preserving current techniques, it could stifle the soil for the creation of new techniques in the long term, which is a dilemma."

"Indeed. But considering not only the inheritance of existing techniques but also the protection of the soil for technical development, it's not something that can be handled by individual discretion. All I can do is report to His Majesty Aura. However, I believe His Majesty has already taken action."

"Yes, I only know from rumors since I spent my time on the frontier, but I've heard that His Majesty Aura is very understanding of the importance of craftsmen."

"Is that so? It's a relief to hear that His Majesty's reputation has reached the frontier. I want to continue supporting such a ruler."

"…That is a noble resolve."

Zenjirou, who seemed pleased to praise his wife Aura, puffed out his chest. Lucinda narrowed her eyes as if looking at something cute and smiled softly in return.

Considering the purpose of this setting—to meet a candidate for a concubine—the fact that Zenjirou was so enthusiastic about talking about Aura might have been a bit insensitive. Fortunately, Lucinda did not seem to feel any discomfort with Zenjirou's attitude.

"Zenjirou-sama's presence is a great help to His Majesty Aura. I can say that with certainty."

Although Lucinda had only been in the capital for a few days, she had been informed by the head maid, Amanda, about some neutral information regarding Zenjirou and Aura.

By comparing this information with Zenjirou's words here, it was clear that the man sitting in front of her was a very strong support to the queen.

This was an extremely rare quality in the country.

Lucinda, being a typical noble from the frontier, prioritized her own territory. However, she also understood that the stability and prosperity of her territory were better served by the stability of the country as a whole.

From this perspective, Zenjirou's presence was very beneficial to the frontier nobles as well.

"Maintaining a good relationship between Zenjirou-sama and His Majesty Aura is essential for the stability of this country. I believe that, in turn, it will contribute to the stability of the Gazier frontier."

The eldest daughter of the Gazier frontier house, who saw significant value in this 'arranged meeting' for information gathering, narrowed her eyes and smiled gracefully.

"Zenjirou-sama's way of supporting His Majesty Aura is the best. It is also the best choice for the entire Kingdom of Carpia. Although it might seem belated, I would like to express my gratitude again. The benefits Zenjirou-sama brings to our country may not be immediately apparent, but they are the most important for the country's 'stability.'"

"That's nothing. I'm just acting as I wish."

Lucinda's words made Zenjirou smile.

Reflecting on it, this might have been the first time someone had fully endorsed his relationship with Aura.

Many people who accepted the position of supporting the queen from behind felt emotional resentment. Even those who didn't feel such resentment often suggested that it was time for him to take a concubine. This was true even for Queen Aura herself.

However, Lucinda fully endorsed Zenjirou's way of being.

She understood that the country was so stable, despite the queen being a woman, precisely because Zenjirou, as the queen's companion, did not feel any stress in his role. He supported the queen from behind, loved her, and was loved by her.

No one could be a more suitable companion for the queen than Zenjirou, who did not feel any stress in his role.

"Because of that, Zenjirou-sama's way of being is noble. As a subject, I hope that you will maintain this relationship with His Majesty for a long time without forgetting your current feelings."

Lucinda, still with a modest smile, bowed her head slightly.

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆

After successfully completing the 'arranged meeting' with Zenjirou, Lucinda Gazier was not yet allowed to leave the palace.

She headed to another room in the palace.

After announcing her arrival to the guards at the entrance, she was soon granted permission to enter.

"Thank you for coming. It was a great help to have you accompany my husband's whims. Please, sit down."

"Yes, Your Majesty Aura."

The person waiting for Lucinda in the room was none other than the wife of the man she had just been talking to—Queen Aura herself.

Talking to a married man alone and then being questioned by his wife.

In the modern world, this situation might evoke the three words 'hellish scene.' However, in the noble society of the southern continent, it was not particularly unusual.

Still, it was a matter of emotions between men and women.

In the Kingdom of Carpia, when a wife called a potential concubine, it was often to 'set the rules' or, in the worst case, to 'declare war.'

Therefore, Lucinda, who was called, was somewhat tense under her calm expression. She felt a cold sweat on her palms, which she had neatly placed under the table.

"Your Majesty Aura. From what I've heard from my father and the information I've gathered, you are a very rational person. I believe there will be no problem, but..."

Still, Lucinda tightened her resolve, knowing that complacency was forbidden.

Even a person who is extremely calm and capable in politics and military affairs can lose emotional control when it comes to matters of the heart, which Lucinda had learned from her life experiences.

Unaware of Lucinda's inner thoughts, the queen, with her usual dignified smile, began to speak.

"You might be nervous to be called to such a place, but let me assure you that there is no need for such worry. No matter what you say here, it will not bring any disadvantage to you or the Gazier frontier house. Therefore, I would like you to answer my questions."

"Yes, I understand."

Lucinda bowed her head slightly, but she did not take the queen's words at face value.

Aura was a relatively honest ruler, but it was impossible for a person involved in politics to be entirely honest, which Lucinda knew from her life experiences.

Moreover, if she offended the queen, it would be a significant disadvantage, regardless of Aura's intention to keep her promise. Even if Aura consciously wanted to keep her promise, if she harbored a subconscious dislike, she would unconsciously avoid the person.

Even at an unconscious level, being kept at a distance by the queen would bring significant disadvantages.

"Very well, then I will be direct. What did you talk about with Zenjirou, and what was his attitude?"

"Yes. Zenjirou-sama, out of respect, expressed interest in me, so I mainly talked about my daily life in the Gazier frontier. Based on my personal impression, I believe he enjoyed it."

"Hmm..."

The queen, raising an eyebrow, continued to listen as the eldest daughter of the Gazier frontier house maintained her calm smile.

"I also had a very pleasant time. Since I will be busy with my sister's sudden marriage arrangements in the future, I don't think I will have the opportunity to thank Zenjirou-sama again, so please convey my gratitude to him from you, Your Majesty."

"..."

Lucinda's somewhat blunt words made the queen, who did not change her expression, fall into an unnatural silence.

Asking the queen to convey a message was, strictly speaking, a bit impolite. Of course, Lucinda was not unaware of such common courtesy.

After all, Lucinda was from the Gazier frontier house, a high-ranking noble. If she wanted to thank Zenjirou, she could easily arrange another meeting with him through formal procedures.

By deliberately asking the queen to convey a message in a somewhat impolite manner, Lucinda was signaling that she had no intention of deepening her relationship with Zenjirou.

"Hmm..."

Aura pondered for a moment.

Lucinda's attitude was somewhat unexpected for Aura.

To put it bluntly, Aura did not think that a noblewoman in her mid-twenties who was still unmarried would decline the opportunity to become a royal concubine.

(Moreover, she even mentioned her 'sudden sister's marriage.' Could she have deduced the reason behind my husband's interest in her?)

Even if that was an overreaction, it was clear that Lucinda was cautious, keeping her distance from Zenjirou and trying to get through this meeting with polite words.

"Lucinda, I believe you have noticed, but the purpose of this meeting was to develop a relationship between you and Zenjirou. What do you think about that?"

Seeing that beating around the bush would not lead anywhere, the queen cut straight to the point.

Lucinda, who seemed surprised for a moment, quickly regained her gentle smile and replied.

"It is a great honor. However, I am not worthy of such a high position. I am sure Zenjirou-sama will find a more suitable, younger, and charming woman soon."

She deftly avoided the question.

"Indeed, many women are eager to sell themselves. But the one Zenjirou himself showed interest in was you."

"I heard from my father about the circumstances, but I believe it was just a passing interest. If he had known about the current busy period due to my sister's marriage to General Pujol, I doubt he would have said such a thing."

If it weren't for the marriage of Nilda and General Pujol, Zenjirou would not have shown interest in Lucinda.

From her words, the queen now confirmed her suspicion.

(Decided. This woman is certain that my husband's interest in her was due to my mistake.)

Aura, who now understood the essence of Lucinda Gazier, felt a slight interest in the woman in front of her.

"I see. I understand your stance. Then, as Zenjirou's concubine, what kind of woman do you think would be suitable?"

To emphasize that this was a casual conversation, the queen slightly relaxed her posture and asked the woman of her generation sitting across from her.

"That is not a matter I should speak about to Your Majesty."

"Come now, there's no need to be so formal. It's just out of curiosity. Fabio, you're interested too, right?"

"Yes, Your Majesty Aura."

The queen turned to the slender secretary standing diagonally behind her.

Although Fabio was the queen's secretary, he did not have the right to speak his own mind in formal settings. By including him in the conversation, the queen was emphasizing that this was a 'private chat.'

Lucinda, realizing she could not avoid the question, took a deep breath, slightly intensified her smile, and spoke.

"Understood. Then, I will share my personal opinion. Zenjirou-sama is best as he is now. The absence of a concubine is the best concubine for Zenjirou-sama."

Those words were quite unexpected, even for the queen. Rarely, Aura showed a genuine look of surprise in front of her subjects.

"No concubine... is needed?"

Lucinda, meeting the queen's surprised gaze, nodded slightly with a slightly more serious expression.

"Yes. The current stability of the kingdom, despite the short time since the war, is solely due to the power of Your Majesty Aura. The most important thing for the queen to fully exert her power is the stability of the royal family, which is a fact that no one would dispute. And in the current state of Your Majesty Aura and Zenjirou-sama, adding anyone else would, to some extent, undermine the stability of the royal family."

"But the domestic nobles will not remain silent. It is unprecedented for a male royal to have only one wife."

If anything, the previous king, Carlos II, remained single throughout his life, but that was only because he lost his reproductive ability due to an illness in his childhood. Even Carlos II, when rumors spread that he had a romantic relationship with a lady-in-waiting, people hoped he might have a child, showing how significant having children is for the royal family in the southern continent.

The queen's logical argument made the daughter of the frontier house frown slightly.

"That is true, but I think such a situation would be a great burden for Zenjirou-sama. I believe Zenjirou-sama is somewhat unique. Pardon me, but does Your Majesty know the marriage views of commoners?"

"Hmm? No, I don't. During the war, I did speak with some common soldiers, but I never had a deep conversation about such matters."

The queen, shaking her head, nodded as Lucinda continued.

"In that case, it might be difficult to understand. I am a woman from the frontier, so I have some interaction with commoners. Thus, I have heard some of these seemingly useless pieces of knowledge. In general, commoners believe that a man and a woman should be paired one-to-one, which is considered 'common sense.'"

"Ah, that makes sense. For a common man, it would be economically burdensome to have multiple wives."

Nodding, the queen listened as Lucinda continued.

"Yes, that's correct. But over generations, the one-to-one pairing of a man and a woman becomes a custom and common sense, not just for economic reasons."

In a typical rural village, having multiple wives is often limited to the village chief, advisor, or young leader. Even a skilled and fortunate hunter might have more economic freedom than the village chief, but if he takes a second wife, he might be labeled as 'unfaithful' or 'irresponsible.'

According to the kingdom's laws, a man can have multiple wives regardless of his status, as long as all parties agree. However, in reality, village customs are stronger than the kingdom's laws.

"Therefore, a common man raised with such values is generally confused when another woman approaches him after he has married his first wife. Especially if he is 'serious' and 'honest' and 'truly loves his first wife,' he finds the existence of the other woman truly bothersome."

"Indeed, that's an interesting point."

The queen, suppressing a smile, nodded.

A 'serious' and 'honest' man who 'truly loves his first wife.' The fact that Lucinda evaluated Zenjirou in such terms made Aura feel ticklish. It was embarrassing to have a third party point out her husband's love for her, even if she was aware of it.

The soft atmosphere between the two women was interrupted by the cold water from the slender middle-aged man.

"However, Lady Lucinda,