Chapter: 725
As soon as I realized that Armein’s request wasn’t just some prince’s whim but the outcome of the swordsmith meeting, I headed straight to the storage room of our mansion.
‘This should do.’
I rummaged around and found a sword that was suitably fancy yet sturdy enough.
If it were an impulsive action by Rutis, maybe we could expect the King of Armein to mediate. But since it’s a swordsmith meeting result, even the King wouldn’t be able to stop it. Armein holds the swordsmith meeting in the highest regard. The outcomes of these meetings are practically national policy.
So, for the sake of friendly relations between the Empire and Armein, and for the mental well-being of the Emperor and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it’s best to just throw them what they want. Rejecting them would just lead to endless whining.
‘These madmen.’
I exhaled a sigh while inspecting the quality of the sword.
It was crazy. Absolutely insane. For just one sword, all the high-ranking officials and veterans of the Armein military gathered. I mean, seriously, who does that?
Of course, if I tried to understand forcedly, I might conclude that “even a merchant country has treasures, so naturally we, the Knight Kingdom, should have one too,” right? Armein fancies itself the ultimate martial nation. In a nation like that, it wouldn’t be surprising to covet a sword that cleaves the heavens.
Still, requesting that through official diplomatic channels is just hard to comprehend. I thought Villar was the average Armein noble, but it turns out the Armein average is closer to Rutis…
‘What a dreadful country.’
Suddenly, patriotism surged within me. Sure, I mutter about Black Nations internally, but the Empire is up there among the better countries on the continent. No doubt about it.
‘…Can I just give this?’
Just as I was about to leave the storage room with the sword, a small sense of unease crept in.
Thinking about the friendship between our two nations, it would be easier to just give them what they want. But if Armein throws a tantrum and sets a precedent, that could be problematic. If Armein continues to abuse these swordsmith meetings, other countries might be encouraged to follow suit, and the Empire could become one giant ATM for them. Just imagine; tap here and cash comes out—what a ridiculous situation!
That just won’t do. No matter how easy it might be to make, giving things away casually is a diplomatic no-no.
‘But not giving it is a tricky dilemma.’
I rubbed my chin in contemplation.
Simply handing it over would make the Empire look like a fool, which should be avoided. But outright refusing would trigger Armein’s rampage, so I had no choice but to navigate a way to present a gift while making it feel like a generous act from the Empire.
“Should a good event arise for the Emperor, then I will congratulate it as the advisor and student of the club.”
‘Ah.’
I recalled something I had said to Rutis out of courtesy earlier.
That’s a pretty decent rationale.
This time, I took the initiative to visit the Emperor.
“So, the swordsmith meeting occurred?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Since it was Prince Rutis who mentioned it, it must be true.”
Hearing my assured answer, the Emperor chuckled lightly and rubbed his forehead.
Yeah, this is the sort of reaction a sane person would have. While Erich scrunched his eyes in confusion, anyone like me or the Emperor who knew the significance of the swordsmith meeting couldn’t help but be bewildered.
“The last swordsmith meeting was held 25 years ago.”
“Yes. That’s what I remember too.”
“At that time, the main subject was a large-scale reorganization within the central military of Armein.”
“Indeed, Your Majesty.”
As the Emperor stated, the swordsmith meeting held 25 years ago led to substantial military reform.
The reason for that was a spicy punch from my father-in-law about 30 years ago. After tasting that sharp flavor, Armein felt disillusioned with its own structure and initiated a comprehensive purge of the radicals within its military to enhance its elite forces. The current Grand Marshal of Armein, Count Nerkaff, successfully concluded that purge, establishing himself as the undisputed leader of the Armein military.
And now, here we are, 25 years later, and what a sorry state it’s in. I wouldn’t be surprised if the King of Armein is chuckling bitterly at all this right about now.
Maybe the King is just like his people, eagerly awaiting a sword himself…
“Well, I guess we have to give something for this swordsmith meeting.”
The Emperor, still amused, muttered with a hint of annoyance.
Looks like he’s grappling with the same dilemma as I was in the storage room. He knows he has to give them something, but doing it easily feels like a hassle, and not giving it could offend Armein.
“Your Majesty, if we’re going to end up giving a gift anyway, why don’t we do it on a special occasion?”
“A special occasion?”
At my suggestion, the Emperor perked up a little from his slouched posture.
“Yes. Since my connection with Prince Rutis isn’t small, if he were to marry, it would be fitting to send a gift in celebration. Then it would be my personal gift, not the Empire’s.”
“A gift from the Minister personally.”
It seemed my proposal caught the Emperor’s interest because his expression brightened a bit.
If I send it under my name, it gives the pretense of congratulating a friend on a joyous event, and it wouldn’t be seen as the Empire officially responding to Armein’s demands. This way, we could avert being treated like an ATM.
Plus, the sword that Jerano holds isn’t one given by the Empire but one I personally gifted. If some receive it from the Empire and some from me, it would be an odd situation.
“But when will they get married?”
“That’s something Armein will have to manage. If they want it to happen fast, they’ll push things along; if they’re relaxed, then it’ll take time.”
The Emperor let out a chuckle at that. Basically saying he’d shove the decision-making onto Armein instead of the Empire.
“Sounds good, but it’s difficult to say officially. I’ll convey it through Baron Hardiner.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I will do that.”
It’s definitely a strange sentiment to officially say, “If your prince marries, I’ll send you a gift.” It’s better to convey it unofficially through Erich.
‘Well done, little brother.’
Unknowingly, my lips curled into a smile. A brother who can contact royalty directly and serve diplomatically? What more could I ask for?
He even represented me in the Empire’s council and handled diplomatic activities that would be awkward for me to engage in. Giving Erich a marquis title for the Leon Kingdom was definitely the right choice. A multi-talented noble like him deserves at least that.
“By the way, Minister?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“If you send a gift to Armein, make sure it differs from the one given to Jerano. If it’s the same, won’t Jerano feel slighted?”
“I will take that to heart.”
That made sense, so I nodded readily. Just within the category of swords, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of types. Since we’re giving a gift, it’s better to give something new.
I gave Princess Alice a standard one-handed sword, so maybe I should send Rutis a great sword instead.
*
Erich suddenly mentioned something curious.
– I heard when you get married, your brother will send a sword as a gift.
“That sounds like delightful news! Are you saying he’ll give me a national treasure?”
That’s right, a sword signed by the continent’s finest. I’d be lying if that didn’t make me giddy.
Besides, it’s essentially a statement that they’re looking to gift the sword they’ve been eyeing ever since holding the swordsmith meeting. Although there’s a small condition of marriage attached, that’s merely a courtesy to seem like a proper occasion. In truth, it’s hardly a concern.
So I shared this uplifting news with the Emperor and my uncle.
“I shouldn’t have mentioned it after all.”
Right after that, subtle pressure began to pile up.
“Now that you’re twenty-two, don’t you think it’s time? Two of your classmates are already married; isn’t it about time you followed suit?”
The Emperor’s demands for marriage had become more intense than before.
“Your Majesty. While enjoying my freedom is important, establishing a family is also an aspect of a man’s happiness. There are things you can only see and feel as the head of a family.”
The sudden shift in my uncle’s stance—who previously said one should leave marriage up to the individual.
“I will respect your choice, Your Majesty.”
Even Villar, looking worn out from all the recent tasks, voiced in support.
Recalling all that happened over the past few days brought a wry smile to my face. Thanks to my royal marriage being held hostage, everyone seemed eager for me to settle down.
‘This is unbearable.’
No matter how much of a prince I am, this level of widespread pressure is hard to bear. The outcome of the swordsmith meeting is something the Emperor can’t defy either; how would I, the third prince, resist?
However, getting married isn’t something one can just do on a whim. You need to meet the right person, prepare a fitting venue, and coordinate a suitable time for the guests. Even if I were to start preparing now, it would likely be next year at the earliest.
Though in the current situation, even mentioning next year will probably land me locked up in the palace dungeons.
‘…If I were to marry…’
I scratched the back of my neck and glanced at Lady Perosa, who was training in the corner of the hall.
If there were one woman I’d choose who I feel closest to, it would be Lady Perosa. Since Louise, no one has drawn this much of my interest.
‘Hmm.’
She has a personality and tastes similar to mine, and a burning passion for swords, to boot.
She’s Lady Villar’s daughter and a member of the prestigious Ganeli family, having even risen to the vice-captain of the royal knight order.
‘There’s no one else quite like Lady Perosa.’
Suddenly, Villar’s words came to mind. He said he’d respect my choice, huh?
‘Looks like he’s feeling the pressure too.’
Thinking back, ever since graduating from the academy, I’ve been spending a lot of time with Lady Perosa under the pretext of sparring. So, everyone would probably be aware that I have some closeness with her.
This means that Lady Villar has likely been put under all sorts of subtle pressure. They’d be urging him to convince me to marry quickly, knowing I’d eventually find someone to tie the knot with soon enough anyway.
‘Sorry about that, Lady Perosa.’
I didn’t mean to put her in such a predicament.
*
Word came that Rutis is likely to be getting married around next summer.
The engagement is set to happen a few weeks from now, but they inquired if I could send the sword at that time.
‘What the heck is this?’
To think they’d fabricate a marriage announcement just for a sword. Incredible.
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