462 An Unexpected Visit by the Austrian King

Henrietta sat in her class with a bored expression on her pretty pink lips. As for every youth in Austria, education was compulsory. However, because Berengar wanted her to understand the plight of the common people, the Princess of Austria attended public school. 

Gone were the days were Henrietta was friendless and shy. Now she was a social butterfly, and the most popular girl in her school. Whether it was because of her position as a Princess, her stunning looks, or simply the fact that she had a good nature personality, the kids in the High School Henrietta attended flocked to her side in an attempt to establish a connection with her. 

Under current Austrian Law, Middle and High School were segregated based upon gender, thus Henrietta attended an all girls' school. She was currently dressed in a school uniform that was similar in design to that which was issued in Asian nations, like Korea and Japan, during Berengar's past life. Currently, the young princess was twirling her pencil in her fingers as she listened to the lecture that was currently being taught by the Teacher. 

However, in the next moment something unexpected happened, a resounded from the door to the classroom, causing the lesson to be interrupted. The teacher had a bitter expression on her face as she ceased her lecture and approached the door. One could tell by a single glance she was about to rip the intruder into a new one. However, when she opened the door, her expression changed real quickly, as she bowed her head with reverence and spoke the words that caught the attention of the entire class. 

"Your Majesty, this is a welcomed surprise. What can this humble servant do for you?"

When the girls in the class heard these words, they looked over to the entrance, hoping to get a look at who they expected to be the King of their nation. Henrietta bit her lip, afraid that her brother would embarrass her. In the next moment, words were exchanged in whispers between the unexpected guest and the teacher, where shortly thereafter Berengar appeared in the room with a wide smile on his face. 

The teenage girls in the class practically swooned as they witnessed the handsome young King of their nation standing before them. Meanwhile, Henrietta wished she was dead as she buried her face in her arms. If her brother was here to visit her during class, his reasoning was not anything good for her. Berengar waved to the class of high school girls with a charming smile as he introduced himself to them all.

"Hello everyone, my name is Berengar von Kufstein, and my reason for visiting today is actually selfish. I just wanted to see how effective my educational reforms were in person, and perhaps answer questions you all might have for me. The reason that I chose this class is simply because I am very familiar with one student in this class."

The moment Berengar said this, all eyes fell upon Henrietta, as it was obvious the King was referring to his little sister. The young Princess of Austria truly wished she had never been born at this point. Though she was used to the attention of the other girls, for whatever reason, it became dreadfully embarrassing when her big brother was around. After all the girls in the class had calmed themselves, Berengar spoke once more..

"By all means, I will allow the teacher to continue her lecture, and at the end of class, if you all wish to stick around, you can ask me questions you might be curious about." 

After saying this, Berengar moved to the back of class out of sight, where he watched the teacher give her lecture about history to the various young girls who were the students of her class. The curriculum was tailored to make Germany look good when compared to their neighbors, but ultimately, Berengar was satisfied by the results. 

At the end of class, the bell rang, signalling that it was time for lunch, however, despite this not a single girl in the class left the room, instead they all sat patiently as Berengar took his spot at the head of the class where he spoke to the students. 

"Your teacher is doing a good job, so show her the proper respect that she deserves. As for what I said earlier, I live by my promises, so if you girls have questions to ask me, perhaps about the history of my family, or what I do in my work as King, etc. feel free to ask, after all, there are no foolish questions in this world."

Upon saying this, there was utter silence for a few moments before one girl raised her hand. Upon seeing this, Berengar smiled and nodded his head before calling on the girl.

"Yes, you, start by introducing yourself, and then you may ask any question you have for me."

The girl blushed as she realized that the King had called upon her, and it took her a few seconds to gather her thoughts.

"Your Majesty, it is my honor to meet you in person. My name is Maren and I am sixteen years old this year. I was just wondering... Well... How do you choose your wives?"

Berengar nearly choked upon hearing this question. He had not expected the girls to ask about his personal affairs. When he looked over at Henrietta for aid, she had a cruel smirk on her face. As if she was telling him 

"you reap what you sow..."

Because of this, Berengar realized he had opened a can of worms, he probably shouldn't have. He cleared his head before answering in a dignified response that would put him in a good light in the minds of Austria's youth. 

"More than anything, I look for a woman that I have good chemistry with. If I don't get along with her, no matter how pretty she might be, or much value she may provide, then I have no interest in being with her.

With the laws I have put in place, a man may have up to five wives, and no more. Naturally, I am not above the law, so I have to consider carefully for each prospective candidate who wishes to be my Queen."

The girl names Maren blushed as she heard Berengar say this before sitting back down. The king's response to her question opened up the floor for the other girls to pry into his personal life. Another one quickly raised her hand, and when called upon, blurted out the first thought in her mind.

"Do you only marry princesses, or would you be willing to marry a commoner?"

Berengar felt himself being put into a difficult position as he heard this question. Nevertheless, he answered it with confidence. 

"Personally, I have nothing against the idea of marrying a commoner. In fact, if I were to fall in love with one, perhaps I would marry her. However, as King, my marriages have strong ties to politics, and I not only have to think about our happiness as a couple, but the effects such a marriage will have on the Kingdom, and the people of Austria. 

So answering this question, I would have to say in theory yes I would marry a commoner, however, in all practicality the probability is slim." 

Henrietta struggled to contain her laughter when she heard her brother answering such ridiculous questions. Of course, he would never marry a commoner. He is a king, and a king marries princesses or other high noble ladies. No matter what bullshit he may say to look good in front of these young maidens, she knew the truth. 

After answering a few more questions about his personal life by the girls in the class, one girl stood out among all others. She had large glasses and frizzled hair. In her hands was a book about her next class's subject. Throughout the entire questioning session, she had ignored the gossip that the girls inquired about and instead focused on her schoolwork.

"I have a question, your majesty!"

Berengar nodded his head and sighed heavily, expecting it to be another question about his romantic life, however to a pleasant surprise, the girl asked him about something useful instead. 

"Hello your majesty, my name is Dorethe and my question is regarding the Austrian Government. Is there any place for women in your administration, or is it only men who are allowed to take government jobs?"

Berengar nodded his head with a smile as he heard this question before answering the girl. 

"The Austrian government is a meritocracy. This means that the most talented individual will rise through the ranks based upon their merit. While it is my belief that women are happier at home with their families rather than in the workplace. There is no law that prohibits a talented woman from working for the Austrian Government, nor from rising through the ranks of her chosen department.

Though I can't name any individuals because of the classified nature of their work, I can assure you that in certain departments, women not only thrive but also hold high-ranking positions, to the point where they personally report to me on the matters they are entrusted with handling.

So, if for whatever reason you feel you are unsuitable for the role of a homemaker, which, mind you, is a very important role in our society, then I might suggest after you graduate to pursue a role in Austrian Royal Intelligence. There are plenty of women in that department who are doing well for themselves."

After saying this, Berengar looked at the clock on the wall and nodded his head. After doing so, he addressed the class once more.

"Well, that is all the time I have to speak with you all today. I hope that you all continue with your studies, and I wish you all outstanding success in whatever you choose to do with your lives."

After saying this, Berengar departed from the room. It was only when he was out of earshot that the girls broke out into giggles and began gossiping about Berengar behind his back. As for Dorethe, she was reviewing what Berengar had said in her head, and had taken his suggestion seriously. Perhaps one day she could be a talented field agent.