Chapter 39

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After the parade ended and before the night party, Olivia and Cyllas, having no plans, decided to stroll through the garden and returned to the castle.

It was autumn, but it was still too early for the leaves to change color, and the trees in the Filarus Castle garden were still lush with green leaves.

Sitting on a bench in front of a flower bed where autumn flowers were blooming, Olivia and Cyllas were chatting when they saw King Wilson walking through the garden. Perhaps he was tired from the parade and was walking to clear his mind.

Not wanting to disturb him, they didn't call out, but King Wilson noticed them and walked over. When Olivia and Cyllas stood up, Wilson smiled and gestured for them to sit, saying, "You don't have to stand."

"The queen is busy preparing for the party. She kicked me out of the room, saying I was in the way. Well, you shouldn't interfere with a woman's preparations, ha ha ha ha."

King Jules and Queen Barbara have separate rooms, but I've heard that King Wilson and Queen Rezabella share the same room. It seems he was kicked out and decided to walk around to pass the time. Wilson sat down on the bench next to them.

(Since this is a good opportunity... should I ask about the selection ceremony?)

It's not often that they get a chance to talk with King Wilson. It would be rude to go to him just to satisfy her curiosity, but the atmosphere seemed right to ask now.

"Your Majesty..."

As she had told Edouard, she mentioned that she had learned about the selection ceremony in the town before coming here and was curious. King Wilson's eyes widened.

"You're interested in an old ceremony, huh?"

"Olivia is more drawn to old things."

Cyllas laughed, and Wilson nodded, saying, "I see." Then, with a distant look, he murmured, "It's better to have you around, I think." When Olivia and Cyllas looked at him in confusion, Wilson smiled.

"The selection ceremony was a tradition up until my grandfather's time. It was discontinued in my father's time because he was the only prince. Simply put, it's a treasure hunt."

This was the same as what Edouard had told her.

"When a king ascends the throne, there is a tradition of passing down the short dagger used by the first king, Batisse I. The dagger is hidden in a certain place in the castle. The hiding place is always the same, and the princes with the right to succession, along with their helpers, search for it. The prince who finds the dagger first is designated as the next king, hence the name 'selection ceremony.'"

"Such a ceremony existed?"

"Yes. According to one theory, it was a peaceful solution proposed by Batisse I's queen when the princes almost went to war over the succession after Batisse I's death without naming an heir. It seems to be a very innovative method, testing not only knowledge but also trust and leadership."

The hiding place of the selection dagger must be a place that requires solving a puzzle. It makes sense that trust and leadership are tested, as Wilson mentioned earlier that the princes work with helpers.

"There's another good thing about this ceremony. For some reason, even if the princes had a strained relationship, by the end of the ceremony, their relationship would improve. Perhaps it's because they recognize each other's abilities."

"Does that mean you recommend the ceremony, Your Majesty?"

"Hmm? Yes, I do. If I had many sons, I might have held the ceremony."

"But in Filarus, the right to succession is given regardless of gender, right?"

"You're talking about Eugenia. Yes, if Eugenia wanted the throne, I would have considered it. But when I asked her when she came of age, she said Edouard would be better suited for the throne. She said she wasn't the right person for it. That's why we didn't hold the ceremony."

"Eugenia, the princess...?"

From what Edouard had said, it seemed Eugenia and Edouard didn't get along well. It was hard to believe that Eugenia would say something that acknowledged her brother. However, Olivia didn't know Eugenia well. She hadn't had deep conversations with her and didn't know much about the relationship between Edouard and Eugenia. It was best to discard any preconceived notions.

"You mentioned earlier that the hiding place is the same. Is that passed down through generations?"

Cyllas asked, and Wilson nodded vigorously.

"Yes. You naturally learn it when you hold the ceremony... I learned it from my father when I inherited the sword. I didn't even realize the castle had such a secret until then. It was quite interesting. I was disappointed that the ceremony wasn't held when my sister wanted the throne. I really wanted to do it."

Wilson closed one eye, saying, "A treasure hunt is so romantic." Olivia and Cyllas laughed but didn't respond. A treasure hunt alone might have been enjoyable, but with the throne at stake, it would be hard to enjoy it. Still, Wilson's desire to do it suggested he might have a competitive side despite his gentle appearance.

"The selection ceremony's sword is in the treasury. If you want to see it, I can show you. What do you think?"

Olivia's face lit up.

"Would that be all right? I'd love to!"

It belonged to the first king, Batisse I, and was over six hundred years old. Its historical value was immeasurable. There was no way she wouldn't want to see it. When Olivia eagerly agreed, Wilson said, "Then let's set a time for tomorrow."

"It's about time my wife finishes preparing, so I'll head back. See you at the party."

Wilson stood up, waved, and walked back to the castle.