The Youngest Prince Of The English Royalty House [EN]: Chapter 102

Normandy (2)

—Kingdom of Spain—

After the Third Crusade.

The Iberian nations, having suddenly united due to aligned interests, still had much to resolve. This emerging superpower had numerous tasks to mitigate the side effects of unification, but the chaos soon subsided.

While the new King Ferdinand I and Queen Eleanor wisely managed the aftermath, it was also because King Henry II’s son-in-law, Ferdinand I’s military power, deterred any ‘rebellion.’

‘It is time we observe the situation in Europe.’

Following King Ferdinand I’s declaration, Spain, having stabilized domestically, turned its attention overseas.

As it was unified by various interests from the start, Spain, essentially an Iberian confederate kingdom, needed recognition from ‘neighboring countries’ and began to increase exchanges.

Around that time, chaos erupted in England.

Henry II collapsed while disgracefully enjoying the company of a young lady. The young King Henry, calling himself the Duke of Aquitaine, raised an army.

The conflict in England, largely divided into two factions, soon turned into a family feud (civil war) within the Angevin dynasty. Contrary to expectations, Spain did not involve itself in this noisy family squabble.

Rather, Queen Eleanor, who shared the same lineage as the Angevin princes, stated:

[I am not a legitimate daughter of the Angevin family but the Queen of the Kingdom of Spain. Everything will be decided by His Majesty the King.]

She drew a line, stating that all matters concerning the Angevin family were to be decided by King Ferdinand I of Spain and his vassals, as if the Angevin family’s problems were irrelevant.

However, the great nobles of Spain did not take her words at face value. Instead, they knew that by distancing herself from the Angevin family’s issues, Eleanor could move more ‘freely’ politically.

As she said.

Eleanor, the second daughter of the Angevin family, began to focus more on the Angevin family’s problems after drawing the line, using various people in the process.

She intended to consider her husband Ferdinand I’s interests and gain appropriate benefits as the second daughter of the Angevin family.

Of course, Eleanor never outwardly took the lead. She merely quietly supported her husband, who had changed his title to Ferdinand, from the sidelines.

Around that time, Prince John’s diplomatic envoy arrived in Spain.

Carrying a letter.

Eleanor was puzzled by the letter.

She had already received letters from Henry, Geoffrey, and Richard, who had many expectations from Spain, but Prince John’s letter had arrived at a truly ambiguous time.

“So… this is a letter from John, that child?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Eleanor, who had become the Queen of Spain and was virtually the Queen of Iberia, began to read the playful youngest John’s letter.

[To my sister, the mistress of the kingdom where the sun never sets… the youngest brother humbly sends this letter.]

“He certainly knows how to use amusing words.”

Eleanor read the letter with a serious expression.

Starting with stories about their mother, the great Queen Eleanor, John wrote about tightening his belt and living in poverty.

Eleanor scoffed at John’s whining.

‘Our John is being funny. The reason he’s saving the budget is ultimately for the civil war, isn’t it?’

But soon, Eleanor raised the corners of her lips.

‘Oh?’

The last part of the letter contained a story about [The Glory of Carthage], which none of his brothers had mentioned.

Furthermore, there was a brief discourse on [Introduction to Slavery], which contained the traditions and secrets of Ireland.

That short letter contained John’s ‘imperialistic ingenuity,’ reduced and condensed like coffee beans. Interestingly, many parts were deliberately omitted to make it more enticing.

Seeing this, Eleanor felt a surge of pride in the Angevin family.

“Our family is truly amazing. Even this youngest one.”

Eleanor stroked her chin at her youngest brother’s unexpected words.

“But… there’s much to consider.”

Eleanor did not think about this issue alone. She was born as a princess of England, but now she had to think as the Queen of Spain.

“My Queen, what is the matter?”

The King of Spain, intrigued by his wife’s unusual demeanor, spoke with a confident voice.

“It concerns your family. Did you receive a letter from your youngest brother?”

“Yes, that’s right. A letter has come from our John.”

“John…”

The couple was of one mind, and Ferdinand I was also a shrewd figure. He was well aware of how the Angevin family’s infighting was unfolding.

Thinking about this, Ferdinand I had many concerns. The Angevin conflict was a major event that would change the political landscape of Western Europe, and Spain needed to exploit this situation for its benefit.

Moreover, Spain could freely provoke or support both Brittany and Aquitaine whenever it pleased.

Eleanor said to her husband, who was showing interest.

“Darling, what do you think about this matter?”

“Hmm…”

After pondering for a moment, Ferdinand I said with a benevolent expression.

“Do as you wish, my Queen.”

“Isn’t Your Majesty’s will my will?”

“Then I must send a reply to my youngest brother.”

* * *

—Mortain—

Peaceful as always, but bustling Mortain.

As my, Safe John’s, French stronghold, this place was where a practical logistics base was built. Therefore, it was stockpiling and producing many supplies.

The supply troops, consisting of mercenaries and volunteers, were continuously increasing the standing forces.

The knight who came as a liaison officer bowed and said.

“Your Highness, the Queen of Spain has sent a reply.”

“Thank you for your hard work.”

The knight who had been sent to Spain brought back the reply written by my sister Eleanor.

[John, do not worry. We are busy with internal affairs. Surely, this sister of yours would not interfere in the battles of men?]

It meant that she would not take sides. Anyway, I was pleased to receive a reply from my sister Eleanor that she would never interfere.

The fact that she sent it back immediately without dragging her feet meant that she was cooperating with me.

Of course, I didn’t have the naive belief that a few diplomatic documents would prevent other countries from attacking us. Ultimately, this reply could serve as a ‘justification,’ so it should be carefully preserved.

After that, if neighboring countries were to strike the rear of our English-held French territory, or more specifically, the army of the righteous John, I would trust in Europe’s long-standing mutual checks and balances, where the rear of the attacking country would be raided in return.

But what if they were tempted by the evil Geoffrey and dared to strike Safe John’s flank?

‘Then I’ll show my next move.’

I had already considered that as well. A grand strategy must always consider the worst-case scenario and be able to respond immediately to any variables.

Since the pro-Richard faction had won on the most important British Isles, I didn’t have to worry about being backstabbed.

Anyway, the flank issue was settled.

I showed the replies sent by threatening neighboring countries to Godfrey.

There were several, not just one, and the sealed crests were different.

“I didn’t expect Your Highness to receive so many replies so quickly.”

“It’s because my interests align with theirs. Read them first.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Godfrey carefully read the replies from various countries, including France, the Low Countries, Spain, the Holy Roman Empire, Denmark, and Poland.

“It’s astonishing. It’s hard to believe the words of monarchs, but at least they won’t do anything foolish.”

Of course, that foolish act would be to try and stab Safe John in the back.

I nodded in agreement with Godfrey’s words.

“Godfrey, is the issue of the rear resolved now?”

“It is.”

I spoke to Godfrey, who agreed with my words.

“Our next task has been decided, hasn’t it?”

“As Your Highness said, it is now time to meet Prince Richard.”

As I had easily concluded the diplomatic issues.

“I think so too.”

Now, the long-awaited next step had arrived. Joining the Normandy territory.

“Gentlemen.”

—Yes, Your Highness.

“We are going to Normandy.”

—Yes, we will follow your orders!

Normandy was the most sensitive military stronghold among the English-held French territories.

The Justice John’s corps went there today.

“Cromwell, let’s go to war.”

—Heeheeheehee.

The neighing of my beloved horse, as if it were about to behead a traitor at any moment, was so pleasing. This is why I ride expensive horses.

—Doo-doo-doo-doo.

Our great army immediately marched towards Normandy.

Looking anxiously at our retreating figures.

“Do not worry. Justice will prevail.”

If winning is justice, then there is already a possibility.

* * *

—Normandy—

“Your Highness, that castle is Normandy.”

“Indeed.”

A magnificent medieval fortress stood before my eyes.

Our army had safely arrived in the Norman territory. Normandy and Mortain were not far apart, and it was Richard’s territory where rebels could not run rampant.

I had already sent a letter before the departure, and because they had seen the flags of our army.

The castle gates quickly opened.

—Prince John, the Count of Mortain, Duke of Ireland, and Prince of England, has arrived.

After hearing the welcome from a knight, I immediately entered the castle.

“John, Duke of Ireland, greets you both. Thank you, Duke of Normandy and Duchess of Normandy, for personally coming out to greet me.”

I greeted Richard, who was riding a large black horse, and his wife, who was riding a white horse, who had come out to greet me.

I immediately dismounted from Cromwell and bowed respectfully to Richard.

Although I received such a warm welcome, I couldn’t just grin here. Hierarchy is important in the 21st century, but it must also be kept in mind in the 12th century, right?

“Welcome, my most beloved brother.”

He’s just a human weapon. I understand why the Middle Ages is called the age of the Lionheart. What’s really scary is that our Richard is not politically incompetent like Xiang Yu [a famous Chinese general known for his military prowess but political failings]. Richard’s real ‘power’ is that he is a brilliant general who is also good at politics.

“Welcome, brother-in-law.”

My sister-in-law was as beautiful as ever.

As a vassal of a force, not a brother, I showed courtesy. Foolish John didn’t know the ways of the world because Richard doted on him, but Safe John clearly distinguishes between public and private matters.

The more you are loved, the more you must keep the ‘line.’

Because of the situation, there was no banquet, and knights immediately gathered to prepare for the future.

Richard, wearing armor, and several knights. The commanders of the righteous allied forces were all gathered.

Of course, because it was the Angevin England era, the proportion of English and French knights was the highest.

“Your Highness, first of all, the battle must have a goal.”

“A goal, then tell me.”

With the lord’s permission, the Count of Champagne, who could be said to be Richard’s chief aide, stood before the commanders.

—A plan to lure the enemies to Anjou.

—A plan to cleanly destroy Brittany first.

—A plan to aim for Aquitaine through a grand advance.

There were only three, but the commanders agreed that the plans proposed by the Count of Champagne were all timely.

Except for one person.

“Those are quite interesting perspectives. But do we really need to move?”

Richard, famous as a cheat-like character. The man who will be called Lionheart in the future. He had already predicted the enemies’ actions.

“Maine… what we will aim for is Maine. And that place will be Hastings.”

—Yes, Your Highness!

Richard’s voice was so firm.

The Battle of Hastings.

Wasn’t that the battle where our grandmother Matilda’s true ancestor, William the Conqueror, defeated all rivals and ‘ascended’ to the throne?

Richard is preparing to hold a coronation in Maine.

“Your Highness, are they really coming?”

“They are coming.”

The Lionheart’s expression was very serious now.

“Your Highness, the rebels are flocking to Normandy. Waving the three-lion flag of the Angevin family.”

That meant that the rebels were gathering, waving the Angevin family’s flag with three lions drawn on it.

Pretending to make a decision to save the country.

Evil Geoffrey!