The Youngest Prince Of The English Royalty House [EN]: Chapter 166

166. It Rains (2)

The Earl of Oxford.

He was one of the most important vassals in the English power structure, renowned for his unwavering loyalty and sacrifices for the prosperity of England.

He consistently prioritized the well-being of England over personal gain.

This was the defining characteristic of the Earl of Oxford, a man who dedicated himself to navigating the turbulent political landscape of England.

Of course, his dedication wasn’t always appreciated at home.

“If you had been more assertive, you could have surpassed the Seven Great Nobles. You hide behind the excuse of serving England, yet you’ve never sought higher office.”

The aging aristocrat chuckled at his wife’s complaints.

“Haha… Do you truly believe Henry [Henry II, King of England from 1154 to 1189] would have allowed it?”

“Now that you’re on your deathbed, you speak so casually of the retired monarch.”

“He was my sworn brother…”

The Earl of Oxford smiled, reminiscing about his younger days serving the ambitious Count of Anjou, Henry. They had saved each other’s lives and endured hardships together during the English civil war long ago.

“My dear, I believe my time is near. I can almost see the River Jordan now.”

“The River Jordan? I’ve faced death dozens of times bringing your children into this world.”

“…”

Her husband’s impending death was precisely why his wife was worried.

“You must live longer. Robert is still young and needs you.”

The old noblewoman knew her husband’s end was approaching, and she was concerned about their remaining son.

So, she voiced her concerns to her seemingly indifferent husband. However, he dismissed her worries without hesitation.

“That child will manage on his own. You know it well, don’t you? He will thrive in times of chaos, becoming a powerful figure. But when there’s a strong and wise monarch like now, he will be a loyal knight, just like me.”

“Goodness… you always have an answer for everything.”

“I’m… leaving now. Thank you for loving me all this time, my love.”

The Earl of Oxford, his face etched with wrinkles, smiled at his wife before turning his gaze to the sky.

“Queen Matilda… my true liege, I pledge my loyalty to you once more.”

Was he lost in memories of the past? Was he seeing someone he shouldn’t be seeing?

The old aristocrat passed away, his thoughts lingering on a figure who could have been the Duchess of Anjou but never achieved her ambition of becoming the ‘Queen’ of England.

“Even at the end, I can’t quite bring myself to like this man.”

Her husband, who had always prioritized England over his family, was gone.

The old noblewoman, clutching her husband’s cooling hand, muttered.

“Robert is different from you…”

The noblewoman, who had given birth to Robert late in life, shed tears—tears of love and resentment.

Her husband’s era had come to an end.

* * *

―1204, England, Rouen―

The death of the Earl of Oxford.

It sent ripples throughout England.

The old knight, Andrew, Earl of Oxford, had been a steadfast servant of England for many years. Though generally reserved, his political influence was considerable.

It was no surprise that my brother Richard had sought his support during the civil war.

‘Let us go forth and preach the word of the Lord, Amen in the name of Jesus.’

With the priest’s words, the Earl of Oxford’s funeral mass concluded.

Soon after, a shift occurred in the political landscape.

The new Earl of Oxford, Robert, stepped into the spotlight, actively consolidating his father’s vassals. Unlike his father’s more subtle approach, he was directly involved in political matters.

Of course, this also had implications for me.

‘Ha, how interesting.’

The new Earl of Oxford, having inherited his father’s title, extended an invitation to me for dinner.

In any culture, East or West, an invitation to dine signifies goodwill. Therefore, I accepted without hesitation.

“It is a great honor to meet you, Your Excellency, the Grand Secretary.”

The Earl of Oxford addressed me by my official title, “Prime Minister.” However, I wasn’t acting in that capacity here.

“I am here as the Duke of Normandy.”

I preferred to be acknowledged as the heir to the throne in this context.

“I understand. Forgive my oversight, Your Highness, the Duke of Normandy.”

Shortly after, dinner was served.

The food was exquisite, but my primary interest lay in getting to know the new Earl of Oxford, Robert, rather than savoring the meal.

‘To think such a talented individual exists among my peers.’

Earl of Oxford, Robert.

Whether by coincidence or fate, he was born in 1166, around the same time as me.

He possessed the striking good looks of a Hollywood actor and a physique honed by physical activity.

Moreover, he possessed an ‘intelligence’ recognized by many nobles, displaying a tact and skill that gave rise to rumors that he was the living embodiment of the Theodosian Walls of England [The Theodosian Walls were a series of defensive walls built to protect the city of Constantinople].

Until now, he had been primarily known as the son of Earl Andrew of Oxford. However, after my appointment as Duke of Aquitaine, he gradually began to showcase his talents. Upon becoming the new Earl of Oxford, he fully revealed his capabilities.

It was as if Safe John had emerged just as I was approaching the peak of power.

Anyway, after the formal meal, as we enjoyed wine, the Earl of Oxford spoke.

“I have admired the Grand Duke since I was a child.”

This was likely flattery, a superficial remark.

“Is that so?”

“Did you not create the greatest lyric poems of all time? I still remember those poems.”

“A long time ago, in a kingdom by the sea, lived a girl you may or may not know. Her name was Agnes – she loved me and refused to be loved by me, but it was for a heartbreaking reason~”

‘He remembers it all. Ha….’

It was a lyric poem I had written when I was rejected by Princess Agnes.

“That was a childish poem from my youth. There was no beauty like Princess Agnes at the time. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to meet Mary, a beauty just as captivating.”

“Hahaha, what are you saying? I admired Your Highness so much that I even considered joining the Crusades. However, I was not in good health at the time and could not attend. Also, I am the only son.”
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As the conversation progressed.

“Muskets are remarkable weapons. They are a new technology that gives our nobles much to consider.”

The topic of muskets arose.

The Earl of Oxford, a nobleman of my age, seemed to have already discerned my intentions regarding muskets.

“I’m not sure what the Earl of Oxford is implying, and you are also a nobleman.”

“Hahaha, but are you not the heir to the throne, Your Highness?”

“Well, there is much I could say about muskets, but it is growing late, so I must stop here. Your Highness, Duke of Normandy, I look forward to working with you in the future. While I may not share all the Grand Duke’s intentions, I am a nobleman who cares deeply about England.”

“I, too, look forward to working with you.”

I shook hands with the Earl of Oxford.

The Earl of Oxford felt colorless and odorless. It was as if he lacked any distinct characteristics.

He was a man who concealed himself, revealing no vulnerabilities. Yet, I didn’t dislike it; in fact, I found it appealing.

‘Yes, this is what I wanted.’

Such a noble with such an open mind in this medieval era.

He is a formidable man.

* * *

―England, Capital Rouen―

The Royal Advisory Council convened, and I attended as Prime Minister.

“Grand Secretary, what does England need in the future?”

At the king’s question, I confidently replied.

“It is to build a palace worthy of His Majesty and the new England.”

“…!”

My words drew surprised glances from everyone except my faction. In particular, the eyes of Count Angri of Champagne and Earl Robert of Oxford held a strange glint.

They must have expected me to immediately propose reforms.

While I value reform, I am not so naive as to introduce it right away. Even with my brother Richard’s support, persuading the nobles is essential.

In other words, a gradual approach is necessary before revealing all my plans.

First, I emphasized the importance of building a palace.

“Is there a need to build one? We already have a perfectly good inner castle in Normandy.”

In this era, while some monarchs had palaces, many did not consider it necessary to spend vast sums on constructing one.

Richard, my brother, who favored castles as functional fortresses over palaces exposed to the outside, was one of them.

But I had my reasons. Sweet John.

“A palace is essential. Since William the Great [William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy and King of England], is not His Majesty the greatest monarch in Rouen?”

Richard looked at me strangely, not expecting the palace to be my first priority.

Well, it will become my ‘palace’ later. It is necessary, and I am sincere now.

Was my sincerity conveyed? Among the nobles who were quietly observing, those who revealed their thoughts wore complicated expressions.

But one must listen to the end.

“However, to achieve this glorious architecture, there is something that needs to be resolved urgently.”

“What is it?”

At Richard’s question, I adopted a resentful expression and said.

“There is a significant problem with England’s taxation system.”

I calmly presented my long-considered opinion to the king. No, there was no need to overthink it. It was simply what England needed.

“There is a problem? Does that mean there are thieves among my agents?”

“That is correct.”

Unlike France and Spain, England had achieved a degree of centralization, at least in terms of ‘taxes,’ since William I, the first monarch of the Norman Dynasty, established guidelines for taxation in the Domesday Book [a comprehensive record of the lands and resources of England in 1086, commissioned by William the Conqueror].

In other words, the tax revenue of the Kingdom of England was the king’s prerogative and vital resource.

“Ha… these things.”

Richard was understandably angry, but he managed to maintain his composure. He asked me with a calm expression, as if reason outweighed emotion.

“Wait, do you have any evidence?”

Of course, the taxation issue was a surprise attack I had prepared for these rat-like individuals.

“I have secured substantial evidence in the meantime.”

Richard, after reviewing the evidence, was furious.

“Have you ever seen such murderers!”

He was shocked by the audacity of these tax collectors.

Even during King John’s reign, the tax collectors had squeezed the people of England dry, even hiding taxes from the foolish King John. Even now that I have altered history, such corrupt individuals persisted.

“Your Majesty, since assuming the role of Grand Secretary, I have investigated corruption among tax collectors and have been appalled by what I have discovered. The tax collectors have deceived Your Majesty.”

“I trusted them and delegated my work to them, only to be betrayed like this. They deserve to be executed.”

There were several reasons for the French royal family’s downfall in the late 18th century, one of which was the greed of the tax collectors. The existence of tax collectors who collect excessive taxes and embezzle funds can easily lead to a country’s decline.

First and foremost.

We must eliminate the nobles who are attempting to engage in illicit activities through the tax collectors.

I have dealt with the rats in my territory before, but these rats dared to deceive Richard.

“Those who deceived Your Majesty must be punished.”

“Hmm….”

‘Perhaps Richard is concerned about how far he should go.’

Richard, persuaded by my words, was contemplating the appropriate course of action.

“Your Majesty, as an honorable nobleman, I would like to assist the Grand Secretary.”

The Earl of Oxford intervened.

‘Ha… what is this person thinking?’

To be honest, I had expected the Earl of Oxford to oppose me. Instead, he was offering his support.

Of course, it couldn’t be purely out of goodwill, but what was he planning?

“So be it.”

The king decided.

* * *

In the end, the king accepted the opinion of Grand Secretary John.

And a whirlwind swept through England.

A man disguised as a beggar.

Holding a lion badge with three lions drawn on it, he shouted loudly.

―The Black Lion is crying!

“They are inspectors.”

At that moment, the ambushing soldiers moved.

“Arrest the corrupt tax collectors.”

The corrupt tax collectors became the target.