The Youngest Prince Of The English Royalty House [EN]: Chapter 21

[21. A Folk Game in a Certain Town]

A few days prior, Godfrey had an audience with Henry II.

The king’s favored bastard, meeting the King of England, who was both a father and yet difficult to approach, reflected on Henry II’s parting words.

[Sir Godfrey, be a strength to our youngest son, John.]

It was a statement filled with respect for a knight, but the warmth in the old king’s words was clearly directed towards his youngest son, John, not Godfrey himself.

Henry II subtly emphasized that supporting his youngest son, John, was the path Godfrey should follow.

“Huu…”

A deep sigh escaped him.

It was the question that had weighed heavily on his heart throughout his twenty years.

Why was I born?

A question common to all bastards.

The sorrow of illegitimate children who must endure difficult lives due to their fathers’ lack of restraint.

It was said that Godfrey was the best of the bastards, but in truth, Godfrey wasn’t so sure about that reputation.

Did people truly understand how cursed a bastard’s life was?

According to Catholic Church doctrine, they were considered ‘illegitimate children’ or ‘lives of little value.’

He harbored resentment towards England, his father’s kingdom, and a general dislike for the Plantagenet dynasty itself.

‘It’s not as if I asked to be born a bastard.’

He had earned the reputation of being the ‘best’ despite his illegitimate status, but that didn’t change the fundamental fact that he was a bastard.

Some believed Ikenai, an elite courtesan educated in the Eastern Roman Empire [Byzantine Empire], had seduced Henry II and given birth to him.

However, Godfrey knew the truth.

His real mother was not a courtesan but Adele, Eleanor’s longtime friend and lady-in-waiting.

Queen Eleanor despised him, feeling betrayed by both her closest friend and her most beloved husband.

Later, he came into contact with the Plantagenet princes.

The young King Henry, Duke Richard of Normandy, and Duke Geoffrey of Brittany were impressive men who resembled their father, Henry II.

They recognized that Godfrey was a useful bastard, born to a noble mother, not a common courtesan.

But they only sought to use Godfrey as a hunting dog.

They didn’t see him as a person, only as a mercenary to be exploited.

“Brother, are you dwelling on those tiresome old thoughts again?”

It was Peter, his half-brother, also a bastard son of Henry II from another mistress.

Of course, Peter’s idea of ‘tiresome’ was different from the usual meaning.

Compared to the legitimate children with their privileged lives, his own existence felt dull and uninteresting.

Godfrey adjusted his greatsword and replied to his brother.

“Yes… our lives are tiresome. No, they are *meant* to be tiresome.”

“Still, life isn’t so boring now that we’re serving Prince John.”

“Pierre, I didn’t realize you were so insistent on using the name Peter.”

“Since Prince John prefers the name Peter, I shall be Peter.”

After all, both Peter and Pierre referred to the Apostle Peter, a disciple of Christ.

“I’ve come to love Prince John’s England.”

“To hear you say you love England, even if it’s only in reference to Prince John’s territory…”

Peter clearly preferred the French name Pierre to the English name Peter.

Like Godfrey, Peter resented the King of England’s indiscretions that had made him a bastard.

But Peter had changed.

“What brought about this change of heart?”

“I’ve become certain that Prince John won’t abandon me in the end.”

“…”

Godfrey studied his brother in silence.

Among his numerous bastard siblings, Peter was the only one comparable to Godfrey himself.

And a brother with considerable ambition.

He understood why his brother had sought him out.

Though unspoken, Peter likely wanted him to become Prince John’s vassal.

Yes, Prince John was different.

After receiving Peter’s letter, he had visited the Mortain territory out of curiosity.

The John he met there was unlike other lords, and Godfrey’s heart had been deeply moved.

A lord whom Peter respected and revered so greatly.

And a lord who had tried to recruit him hundreds of times to become his vassal.

‘Of course, he is less capable than his other brothers.’

The young King Henry, Duke Richard of Normandy, and Duke Geoffrey of Brittany.

The three princes were powerful figures who even posed a threat to King Henry II.

They were too perfect, while Prince John seemed endlessly weak.

Yet Godfrey found himself drawn to Prince John.

“Heh, it seems I must abandon my pride for Prince John as well.”

“Brother Godfrey?”

Peter asked, surprised.

Godfrey sheathed his greatsword and declared.

“I’m ending my life as a wandering knight and mercenary. I will serve Prince John.”

“Brother… you’ve truly made a wise decision.”

Looking at Godfrey, Peter was deeply touched.

**

-Ireland, the Lord of Dublin’s Castle-

“Aboo!”

“You little rascal, do you love your father?”

These days, I’ve become completely absorbed in playing with James.

It’s incredibly endearing to see him touching me with his tiny hands and acting so cute.

‘He must become a ruler like James I. He must *not* become a failed ruler like James II!’

James I was a great monarch of the Stuart dynasty who successfully ruled the united kingdoms of England and Scotland.

But his grandson, James II, failed to govern effectively and was dishonorably dethroned in the ‘Glorious Revolution’ by his daughter and son-in-law, who allied with Parliament.

“Do you really like James that much?”

My wife emphasized the name James.

“I like you the most.”

“That’s not a compliment; it sounds like flattery. John, are you short on funds?”

Mary smiled brightly.

Just then.

“Pa.”

James.

My beloved son.

Called out to me.

“My son James~ Do you love me more than anyone~”

As I sang a little song for my son.

“Papa! Papa!”

He was touching my face, showing his affection.

In that moment, I couldn’t contain my joy and smiled broadly.

And hugged our adorable son tightly once more.

“Mary, did you hear? This child is calling for his father before his mother.”

“Both father and son are too much. Just wait until this little rascal grows up. This mother will ensure he receives proper Norman swordsmanship training.”

As Mary grumbled with a sulky expression.

“Mama!”

“…”

As soon as the words ‘Norman swordsmanship training’ were uttered, James called for his mother.

“Oh my, you’re calling me because you want to start swordsmanship training right away, is that it?”

“You little rascal. Are you as cunning as Brother Geoffrey?”

Mary and I, momentarily speechless, couldn’t help but laugh in amusement.

While we were enjoying such happy days,

Good news arrived.

That the esteemed Godfrey had requested to become my vassal.

Shortly after, Godfrey, kneeling humbly before me, spoke.

“I request to become a vassal to the Duke.”

“…!”

Rothaire had been dropping hints since he became a priest attached to our territory in Ireland.

Was he worried there wouldn’t be an opportunity later?

Or had my sincerity finally gotten through?

Regardless of the reason, I felt a surge of satisfaction.

It was like a great beauty finally accepting a love confession after numerous rejections.

“You’ve made a wise decision.”

I immediately retrieved the Bible.

As always, after completing the abridged vassal oath,

I appointed Godfrey as the chief of my Palatine Guard [personal bodyguard unit].

And began to extensively organize the Irish territorial army.

Because the army was my spear and shield, essential for my protection.

**

One day, as I was settling into life in Ireland,

I summoned three ministers.

Peter.

Godfrey.

Rothaire.

Of course, Rothaire didn’t come solely at my request.

He had come to Ireland partly voluntarily and partly involuntarily.

But he faithfully served the people within Christ’s territory and worked diligently.

Anyway.

Simply looking at my subordinates like this filled me with a sense of warmth and contentment, like enjoying a bowl of hot soup.

‘Besides, all three of them are handsome.’

If I joined them, we’d be like the F4 [referencing a popular handsome boy band].

Having finished that thought, I addressed the only one among the three who appeared level-headed.

“Sir Rothaire.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

A prickly young clergyman who would become a Catholic hardliner in the future.

But I didn’t dislike him too much.

Perhaps because he hadn’t yet been corrupted by the world, I could see his genuine passion.

So I voiced my request.

“Rothaire, I would like to request more support from priests from the Papal States.”

His Holiness the Pope is my former tutor, so he will likely listen.

“…?”

Not fully understanding my words,

“Are you intending to expand the church’s influence?”

“Yes. I’m considering establishing more small communities.”

To outsiders, the church presence in Ireland might seem sufficient.

But there should be more churches here.

“I am striving to follow in the footsteps of Saint Patrick. To achieve that, we need more of the Lord’s servants to embrace the people.”

Catholic clergymen, known as priests, were integral to medieval European society.

The church served as a refuge for the people of the territory, and the priests provided comfort and guidance.

They were still human, so they weren’t without their flaws,

But they were essential and important figures.

“The only ones who can truly comfort the wounded are the servants of the Lord who serve our Lord Jesus Christ.”

“Your Highness…”

Rothaire didn’t seem particularly moved, but his expression was thoughtful, and he hesitated to speak.

But that silence was only temporary.

“I will do so.”

The reason why Ireland was in its current state was partly due to the mismanagement of previous lords.

But the most immediate cause of Ireland’s devastation was the English invasion decades ago, though I didn’t feel personally guilty since it was my father’s doing, not mine.

‘There are too many powerful aristocratic factions here. A balance is needed.’

What’s important now is to strengthen the church and cultivate the foundation for a future ‘university’.

**

-Eastern Roman Empire, Constantinople-

Emperor Alexios II’s palace coup was underway.

But that palace coup was unfolding in a way completely different from what Emperor Alexios II had intended.

It was not a grand compromise with the West, but a resurgence of animosity towards the West.

“Look at those English bastards.”

“Since when have these Germanic barbarians been allowed to run rampant?”

“Let’s expel the Westerners, as the Emperor desires!”

The commander was Renier of Montferrat, the husband of Emperor Alexios II’s sister, Maria Komnene.

He himself was a Westerner from the Italian peninsula.

It was ironic to see him expressing hatred towards his fellow Westerners.

But regardless, the justification for this coup resonated with many citizens.

However, the problem was that England and the Holy Roman Empire had seemingly joined forces, and Pope Pius II, an Englishman, had been enthroned.

Times like these bring out the opportunists.

“That’s right, how can we stand idly by while these fake Romans and fake Britons devour our empire?”

The Emperor’s uncle, Andronikos Komnenos, joined the rebellion.

The princess and the uncle, a temporary alliance of two powerful forces, and formidable soldiers!

Yes. Everything seemed to be in their favor.

All they had to do was remove Empress Dowager Maria of Antioch, the Emperor’s strong political backer.

A purely political coup to control Alexios II, who was still inexperienced in the ways of the world, was taking place.

But.

No one could foresee.

That in this altered timeline,

The emergence of a new force was signaling that the historical restoration could not occur.

The flag of the Komnenos dynasty, emblazoned with a double-headed eagle.

The flag of the Roman Empire, clutching Rome in its talons, fluttered proudly.

Suddenly, elite legions appeared, waving the two flags and guarding the palace.

“This is not the will of His Majesty the Emperor.”

“Now is the time to contain the Seljuk Turks, not the West.”

“We cannot surrender the capital of the world to traitors!”

“The princess and uncle who deceived the Emperor must be brought to justice!”

“Roma Invicta [Unconquered Rome]!”

-Roma Invicta!

In the original timeline,

General Andronikos Kontostephanos would have sided with Andronikos Komnenos and ensured the rebellion’s success.

But at this moment, he raised the hand of the young Emperor Alexios II.

Those in this changed history were unaware.

That all these changes were the result of a peaceful lord’s life in the Safe Zone.

A Touching Mother and Son Reunion (1)