After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 149

Episode 149: Invitation to the Capital

“A founding anniversary ceremony, huh…”

Gretel and I stood somewhat perplexed before the invitation, adorned with heavy paper and lavish decorations. Ayaka-san stood a few steps back, quietly listening to our conversation.

“For local nobles like us, it’s just an annoying event, isn’t it? But for Lutz, who just received his title last year and is positioned as the next prince consort, it’s a time he can’t afford to skip if he wants to make a name for himself.”

I sighed at Gretel’s calmly sensible thoughts, devoid of anger. Well, I guess I should listen and comply here.

In Berzenbrück, every spring during the peak crocus blooming season, the founding anniversary event is held. About 1300 years ago, according to legend, the ancestors of Her Majesty the Queen came from the north and defeated a giant turtle monster to establish the kingdom here. It’s probably a mythological tale spun from a war with indigenous people who worshipped turtles as gods.

Throughout the week of the ceremony, the streets of major cities bustle with festivities. Men pull floats resembling wagons with wooden turtles mounted on them, while young women who have come of age bravely ride atop. It’s become a symbol of spring. During this time, the main streets of the capital are closed to carriages, transforming into spaces where people dance to lively music and enjoy food and drink from various stalls. Last year’s event was when I also ventured into the city and thoroughly enjoyed the festive atmosphere.

But this year, I’m not in such a carefree position. Thanks to the royal family’s overly embellished propaganda, I’ve been reluctantly treated as a hero. Now, I’ve become someone who should smile and wave to the people from the stands.

That’s still bearable, but the problem lies in the daily social interactions among the nobility that will undoubtedly occur. Even local nobles who usually confine themselves to their territories come up to the capital to promote their faces and the specialties of their lands. And it’s during these times that high-ranking nobles stir, trying to draw as many of these people into their factions as possible… Whether it’s daytime tea parties or evening dance parties, beneath the smiling exchanges, there are hidden struggles where knives aren’t used but might as well be. It’s something I can’t handle.

Well, Beatrice doesn’t expect much from my social skills anyway. After all, she possesses the “Spirit Eyes” and can see through any hidden malice no matter how sweetly it’s wrapped.

“Besides… it’s been about four months since we last met, right? Beatrice-sama has been enduring pressure from the Prime Minister’s faction while pregnant. I should go and comfort her.”

Well, that’s how it’ll be. When I’m not around, Beatrice is truly the perfect princess… but she’s still just a seventeen-year-old girl. Even with her strong mentality, it’s impossible not to be hurt with her unique skill that reveals the malice held by those she faces… If I can heal her even a little by showing my face, talking, and touching her, then I’ll gladly do it.

“The founding anniversary festival is the biggest event of the royal family. It would be unthinkable not to have a man escorting the next queen. But… my territory will be empty again.”

“I think Max can handle it now. He’s better at managing the territory.”

Yes, my ambition, the “handing over the territory to the Imperial Prince” plan, is steadily progressing. He and his entourage, or rather his close male attendants, are indeed excellent. They manage not only the control and coordination of war slaves but also the maintenance of farmland, procurement of food, and negotiations with technicians and officials dispatched from the capital… They could probably take over the Baden territory right now if they wanted, but Max’s honesty is endorsed by Beatrice’s “Spirit Eyes.” I have no choice but to trust them completely now, that’s my conclusion.

“I see. Can I come with you too?”

I was a bit surprised by Gretel’s unexpected words. Normally, she’d say something like, “Of course I have to go with you!”

“Of course, but… is there any reason you’re hesitating?”

“Well… if I’m not there, the colonization will be significantly delayed, you know?”

Ah, right. The colonization of the ‘Demon Forest’ heavily relies on the magic silver axe wielded by Gretel. Without her, the speed of expanding the front lines, led by the top lumberjack and strongest warrior herself, would slow to a crawl.

“Yeah, Gretel’s power is incredible indeed. But thanks to your hard work this winter, we’ve expanded farmland and secured the mines safely. I think it’s okay to take a little break.”

“T-That’s true…”

It’s cute how she blushes so honestly when praised. Well, in reality, I think we’ve secured enough land to feed thirty thousand people. Gretel hasn’t been home for about half a year, and she probably wants to see her mother-in-law too.

“Forgive my intrusion, but I’d also like to ask Margarete-sama to accompany us.”

The calm and natural interruption came from Alt, of course, Ayaka-san’s doing. But, why?

“As I mentioned, the faction supporting Princess Clara is becoming impatient. They may resort to direct means. The primary target would be Princess Beatrice, but second would be Lord Lutz.”

“Why?”

“If they capture Lord Lutz and threaten him, the princess will undoubtedly abandon the throne.”

“Well, I highly doubt that…”

Before I could voice my disbelief, a girlish soprano cut in.

“Exactly as Ayaka says! So, I’ll just have to protect Lutz from being kidnapped!”

“Yes, since the enemy is likely aiming for abduction, you can rest assured with Margarete-sama’s prowess in close combat. I also wish to accompany Lord Lutz, but…”

“No way! What if something happens to the baby in your belly! Ayaka, you stay and watch over things, alright?”

And thus, with no one bothering to hear my opinion, I found myself heading to the capital with Gretel after a long time.