The Youngest Prince Of The English Royalty House [EN]: Chapter 97

Opening (1)

—French Territory, Blois Estate—

Two of the most influential royals from the Angevin dynasty paid a visit to the French Kingdom.

Of course, the mere visit of the English princes would be a noteworthy event, but it wouldn’t garner this much attention on its own.

Firstly, the visitors were Henry, who now officially preferred the title of Duke of Aquitaine over the young King Henry, and Geoffrey, the Duke of Brittany, known for his strategic mind.

And their destination was the County of ‘Blois,’ where Princess Alix resided.

However, today, these esteemed visitors from the highest ranks of the Angevin family bowed their heads in greeting.

“Sister, thank you for granting us this meeting.”

“I echo my brother’s sentiments. Thank you for your hospitality.”

The woman who received their greetings, Princess Alix, a noblewoman who, aside from a few wrinkles resembling her mother, still maintained a vibrant ‘youthfulness,’ spoke.

“Oh my, I didn’t expect my younger brothers to come.”

Indeed, these half-siblings, with different fathers but the same mother, did not have a warm first encounter.

“How amusing.”

That didn’t happen. Princess Alix’s expression wasn’t particularly pleasant.

She spoke bluntly with a cold expression.

“While I’m not displeased that you sought out your sister, I have no interest in the Angevin family’s internal strife. I never particularly liked you two, to begin with, being of different blood!”

However, Duke Henry of Aquitaine replied nonchalantly.

“I anticipated my sister’s reaction.”

“Yes, you would have. So, what does the esteemed Duke of Aquitaine… desire?”

No one present believed that this awkward meeting with the half-siblings would end well.

Therefore, the Dukes of Aquitaine and Brittany had long anticipated their sister’s ‘harsh words.’

Thus, the two brothers did not lose their smiles.

And now, it was time to show a ‘real’ smile.

“Perhaps a non-aggression pact between you and me, Sister?”

At that moment.

“Is that so?”

Princess Alix, with a sly smile, ordered her chamberlain.

“Bring out the dishes, François.”

“Yes, Madam.”

In other words, she would treat them as guests, not unwelcome intruders. Soon, a large table was filled with delicious dishes.

“Let’s eat, then. You are, after all, my dear brothers, and I must treat you as a sister should.”

France, a nation renowned for its gastronomy even since the ancient Romans. The banquet prepared at the Blois estate was well-suited to the two princes’ palates.

As soon as the meal ended, Alix, having finished cleansing her palate with wine, spoke to her half-brother.

“Henry, did you say a non-aggression pact?”

“I see you’re interested?”

“Oh my, isn’t that something you should be saying to Philippe [King of France]?”

“Sister, I already know that you are the balancing force in the French Kingdom.”

Princess Alix mentioned her half-brother Philippe’s name, likening herself to a balancing force.

“Is that so? You speak kindly of your sister. But I don’t think I have that authority.”

“Surely… I am well aware of your power, Sister. That’s why Geoffrey and I came to this potentially ‘hostile territory.'”

Henry wasn’t just flattering her.

Princess Alix, belonging to the pro-Philippe faction in the French political landscape, indeed played a crucial role.

“So, what can our princes offer this person? Duke of Aquitaine, Your Highness?”

Princess Alix, her tone softening again, emphasized the title ‘Aquitaine’ and asked again. Her expression had changed from before.

Then, Duke Henry of Aquitaine replied to his sister’s question with a voice full of confidence.

“I will make Blois great again.”

“Even so, it won’t be greater than Aquitaine, will it? And stop with the flattery. We have no intention of lending you a path for your ambitions.”

Princess Alix retorted sharply. But Henry answered confidently.

“Sister, we don’t want that much from the Holy Roman Empire or France. However…”

Henry trailed off, looking at his brother.

“The rest, you cunning one, explain it, Geoffrey.”

“Then… I shall speak.”

“Oh ho, it’s Prince Geoffrey’s turn to step up.”

As Princess Alix showed interest, Duke Geoffrey of Brittany spoke to his half-sister about the thoughts of them, the ‘rightful heirs of Anjou,’ without hesitation.

“Sister Alix, my brother and I…”

Princess Alix listened carefully to his earnest explanation.

—Clap.

She clapped her hands.

“Well, I’ve heard enough. Baron Montmorency, come out now.”

“Yes, Your Highness Princess Alix.”

Unlike before, she decided to take it seriously. After all, the Angevin family’s infighting was a game she, from the (Capetian) royal family, could easily exploit.

* * *

—1190, Ireland—

The Byzantine Empire had its governors starting a power struggle.

The Holy Roman Empire was in the midst of factional strife, like the Joseon Dynasty’s literati [scholars] in Korea.

And our Angevin family, true to its reputation as a dysfunctional household, was slowly starting to emit a savory smell.

The increasing number of letters from that taciturn Richard, guarding Normandy, was not a good sign.

Indeed, the world is a kaleidoscope. It’s truly astonishing.

“Yes, this is our Europe.”

Compared to the peaceful East, Europe was constantly engaged in wars, like a Champions League, eventually overwhelming the East with imperialism.

The reunion of our dysfunctional family unfolding now was one such instance.

Our accomplished eldest brother, Henry, officially discarded the meaningless titles of ‘Co-King’ or ‘Young King’ that Father Henry II had thrown at him, and from the moment he officially took the title of Duke of Aquitaine, there were signs.

‘Huh? Why is the Co-King claiming to be a Duke?’ You might ask, but this is medieval feudal Europe. The estate of Aquitaine, the alpha and omega of our Angevin family, is like an imperial seal, more valuable than a powerless co-king.

‘Well, I expected it.’

Even before that, I and the true heroes of England had anticipated it. When our eldest brother had a daughter instead of a son, we knew something big would happen.

It’s said that frustration breeds heroes, but the important fact is that our brothers’ grandmother, Princess Matilda, couldn’t become ‘Queen’ simply because she was a princess, not a prince.

Ah, of course, it’s a completely different situation from the cases of Mary I and Elizabeth I of the Tudor dynasty in England in the distant future. The England of that time and the England of now are completely different, so a female successor is impossible.

Perhaps our eldest brother felt impatient due to the birth of his daughter and the aging reality of the couple. He might even offer Geoffrey the bait of ‘brotherly inheritance’ or plan a ‘Habsburg’-style marriage [strategic marriage alliances].

Anyway, Henry, having solidified his title as Duke of Aquitaine, immediately showed an unexpected move.

He visited his half-sister Alix in the County of Blois.

The relationship between the half-siblings was lukewarm at best.

Moreover, weren’t our half-sisters, born to our mother from her first husband, Louis VII, princesses of France, not England?

The sight of Geoffrey and Henry contacting Alix, the second daughter Eleanor had with Louis VII, was not just heartwarming.

“I sense it, the aura of conspiracy!”

“This… this is definitely a conspiracy.”

“Just a conspiracy?”

This family reunion was terrifying enough to send shivers down my and Godfrey’s spines.

Didn’t Mary emphasize last time that one shouldn’t underestimate the political power of a princess-born mistress? Henry used ‘forgiveness and reconciliation’?

Spain knows, England knows, the Holy Roman Empire knows, and even that Philippe of the French Kingdom knows the answer. This is slowly preparing for…

‘I am inheriting the throne, Father.’

Anyway, after hearing the news of the family reunion, my uncle, the Earl of Surrey, one of the seven great nobles, said to me with a very cold face.

“Anjou will soon be divided.”

“I know, Uncle.”

“The great rebellion might turn into a fight that’s no child’s play.”

“I know that too well. Why are there so many who love to fight? I just want to dance like David [biblical king known for dancing before the Ark of the Covenant]…”

“…”

Anyway, after talking with my uncle like that.

“Peter, I’m sorry, but it seems like we’ll have a lot more to worry about.”

I entrusted the work to my most trusted vassal.

* * *

Peter.

The man formerly known as Pierre had many worries.

Now, Peter was also the head of a household. He became a father of beloved ‘Timothy.’

But before that, he was a long-time vassal of Prince John. Therefore, there was so much to think about. What he should do for the path of the lord he had served for so long.

‘The Prince trusts me.’

He was always busy, overwhelmed with work, and tired. But even so, Peter felt a sense of pride. His current position and the favor he received from his lord were all a great source of pride for Peter.

Despite being a vassal of a duchy, not a kingdom, Peter, after obtaining the seemingly impressive title of Chief Secretary of State by Prince John, received tremendous authority in internal affairs and honorably took charge of a pillar of Ireland’s future ‘internal affairs.’

Peter was originally a bastard.

A bastard who would end his career as a mere lower-ranking clergyman, let alone his birth mother or maternal family. But he was favored by Prince John and became an important figure.

‘Evil Lord said, nobles (literati) devote everything to those who recognize them.’

Peter, who now thoroughly learned English, Latin, and French, remembered the words he learned from Evil Lord, and he made the most of his abilities and worked for the future of his lord and territory.

‘The Prince is trying to become a small king if not a great noble.’

He knew well the ambition of his lord John, so he worked even more desperately. Of course, the work was extremely difficult.

There were many things to spend money on, but the budget was limited, so he had to create various sources of income.

Peter, who started to get close to Evil Lord and absorbed the Chinese-style ‘administration’ law, was also tasked with unconditionally accepting advanced civilizations with different political systems.

‘The administrative systems of the Byzantine Empire, China, and England must be loosely connected.’

“I wonder if this is enough.”

“Honey… aren’t you overdoing it?”

Then his wife came in with milk.

“Ann, don’t worry.”

“How can I not worry? You haven’t been able to sleep properly for the future of Ireland.”

At Ann’s words, Peter smiled.

“You have also been active under the Duchess’s command since recently.”

“It hasn’t been long since I served Lady Mary. But I have to do something. For you and Timothy.”

The two couples smiled at each other with tired faces.

As the saying goes, couples are one body, and they are people prepared for their respective ‘lords.’

“Mom… Dad… I love you. And Prince James too.”

Timothy, who was mumbling in his sleep over there, also.

* * *

The most famous monarch of Israel in the 21st century is Solomon, but it was David who actually created the Kingdom of Israel.

A munchkin king who conquered neighboring countries, laid the foundation for the Kingdom of Israel, and brought peace to the chaotic Israel! Of course, like the monarchs who live dramatic lives that could be the protagonists of historical dramas, he died miserably in his later years due to women and succession issues.

Anyway, apart from his abilities, looking at his background, David has a lot in common with me.

He is the youngest son of a dysfunctional family with older brothers and has suffered a lot from his cunning brothers.

But the most similar thing is that he is the youngest son with ‘ambition.’

“Your Highness, you must now prepare your heart.”

Peter said to me.

Yes, I need to properly prepare my heart to piss off my brothers.

“Summon the Safe Knights.”

I summoned the leaders of the Safe Knights, who were in charge of my army.

1st Commander, Godfrey.

2nd Commander, Charles.

3rd Commander, Robin.

4th Commander, Evil Lord.

Looking at the reliable commanders in front of me, I felt like I was a transcendent. It was as if I had become the villainous black magician from the game I used to play.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

—Thud thud thud thud.

The knights’ mobile training and…

—Phew phew phew.

The now-skilled longbowmen’s shooting training.

—Protect the Lord!

And the training of the infantrymen who are now guarding right in front of me was literally a waste of money.

‘But there’s no better show of force than this.’

There are many kinds of shows of force.

There is also the traditional English method of attacking the harbor.

The show of force I thought of was to show through training that our Ireland would not be taken lightly.

Sometimes, the training itself within the territory is a show of force in itself.

Because there are many ‘eyes’ and ‘ears’ here.

It was as if I could see a chessboard in front of me. Perhaps it was the ‘board’ that I, with a newfound determination, was imagining.

I moved the pawn towards it. The opening move.

My first move was the general mobilization training of Ireland.

As the training ended, I took a deep breath and spoke in a loud voice.

“Those who follow me… are you ready to face a new peace?”

To my question, wearing black armor.

All the troops looking at me said.

—Yes, we are!

The ragtag group from when I first came to Ireland was no longer here.

There was only the Safe John’s Legion.

The training was truly fruitful!

Perhaps my wicked brothers will slowly realize my presence?