Chapter 69: The Answer Is Already Decided (3)
On the night that Lieutenant Yaeger was summoned by the 5th Prince, in the Crown Prince’s office.
“So, Hendrik. Are you certain that Lieutenant Yaeger and my foolish younger brother truly had such a conversation?”
In that era, without devices for eavesdropping or recording, listening in on others’ conversations was risky and challenging.
Therefore, in politics, it was virtually impossible to discern what was discussed when two people conversed privately in a sealed room.
The fact that the Crown Prince, who knew this well, could speak as though he had heard the confidential exchange between the strictly guarded 5th Prince and Lieutenant Yaeger was because...
“Yes, Your Highness the Crown Prince. The information secretly overheard by Bacon, who began working as a trainee butler in the 5th Prince’s mansion a few months ago, aligns with the report from Lieutenant Yaeger. Therefore, I believe the contents of the letter sent by Lieutenant Yaeger can be trusted.”
Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince sighed with relief.
“If Lieutenant Yaeger had sided with that fool, it would have been troublesome for me. It’s a relief he didn’t side with him.”
Had it been any other subordinate or official, they would have responded to the Crown Prince’s statement in some form.
However, Hendrik’s role was to oversee spies. His duties were limited to conveying information rather than offering opinions.
Indeed, for a spy to propose something to their master would be overstepping their bounds.
The Crown Prince internally appreciated Hendrik’s steadfast silence.
“Then, proceed with your work. And ensure the girl mentioned by Lieutenant Yaeger is thoroughly protected. She might become a tool to weaken my idiotic brother’s political standing.”
As Hendrik vacated his seat, an unexpected figure entered the office.
Since the victory in the Bisochea War, this individual has proposed forming an alliance. He was the 4th Prince of the Reich Empire, Krieg von Reich.
To clarify, although termed an alliance, it was akin to an oath to serve under the Crown Prince.
“Your Highness, the Crown Prince.”
“Ah, Krieg! You arrived earlier than expected. Don’t stand. Please take a seat.”
Saying this, the Crown Prince personally placed a chair in front of the desk for Krieg.
To an outsider, this scene might have looked like two close siblings. But those who knew the truth were aware that, until recently, they had been competitors vying for the Emperor’s position.
It was not uncommon in politics for yesterday’s enemies to become today’s allies.
“Isn’t he a subject you cherish, brother? A man of unparalleled military talent who reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel at 21. Moreover, if you look at the contents written here, he swears allegiance to you as if he has stepped right out of a chivalric novel with all sorts of flowery expressions.”
At those words, the Crown Prince, who had been in a foul mood because of Jonas, smiled and replied.
“It’s indeed fortunate that Lieutenant Yaeger did not side with that fool. If he had just refused firmly, he could have evaded danger while leaving room to possibly join Jonas later. Even if I no longer doubted him, it would have been wrapped up better. Instead, he made Jonas look like a greedy villain who covets what belongs to others.”
“That’s right, Brother. And given that he boasts that his achievements are all because of you, when this story reaches other people... perhaps others will think that if they serve under you, they might rise even higher.”
Hearing that, the Crown Prince chuckled and said,
“Honestly, while it’s true Yaeger is talented enough to have reached his position at his age, he couldn’t have reached that position at that age without my support. For example, would I have given the majority of the command of an infantry battalion and then a Lieutenant Colonel position after winning a single mock battle?”
At this, the 4th Prince, Krieg, had an epiphany.
He now understood how he should act under the Crown Prince.
“‘How ideal is this relationship, little brother? A lord fully trusts his subordinate, and the subordinate flourishes under the protection of his lord. Since you, my brother Krieg, have decided to join me, I’m genuinely willing to love and embrace you as long as you serve me like Lieutenant Yaeger.”
Upon hearing this, Krieg stood up, bowed formally as he would when meeting the Crown Prince in an official setting, and said,
“Now that I have joined you, Brother, we may be blood, but our relationship is akin to that of a lord and his vassal. Thus, I will serve you with utmost loyalty.”
The Crown Prince then placed a book on the table in front of Krieg.
Upon opening it, Krieg found that it contained the conversations he had had with his vassals after deciding to join the Crown Prince.
“A few months before you came under me, Baron Drahim had already sworn to serve me. And this is what he has written. Since he promised to join me, he hasn’t budged, even when others tempted him with opportunities for betrayal. How commendable, my brother.”
Upon hearing this, the 4th Prince, Krieg, could not hide his shocked expression.
Because he thought that, at most, his faction was only slightly better than a mere Count, and he had taken good care of his vassals, he didn’t expect any of them to betray him.
It was utterly unbelievable that Baron Drahim, whom he secretly valued the most, had betrayed him.
“Ah, Baron Drahim is someone I’ve planted a long time ago. There’s no need to feel betrayed, my brother.”
“Is that so, Brother?”
The Crown Prince, with a smile, replied,
“Only look at me and be loyal to me. If you do so, I will grant you wealth and power beyond your imagination.”
