After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 189
Chapter 189: The Nobles Cause an Uproar
One week later. We were once again summoned to the royal palace, to the grand hall. The prominent nobles and knights of the kingdom had gathered for a general assembly.
As predicted by Her Majesty, the nobles who had learned of Luize’s baptism result had been seeking an audience with Her Majesty one after another, passionately arguing for a reconsideration of the heir. Even though their intentions were obvious, they pretended to speak out of concern for the future of the kingdom. Since it was in the interest of the kingdom’s future, Her Majesty couldn’t easily dismiss them. In response to their pressure, Her Majesty promised to provide another opportunity for the nobles to voice their opinions in front of all the officials, and this meeting was the result.
“…As I was saying, there are many dangerous elements that threaten the future of the kingdom. While the interference from the Empire has been repelled by Her Majesty’s authority, the threat from the western heathens is growing, and the number of monsters spilling out from the ‘Wicked Forest’ has also been increasing in recent years. Considering the uncertain future, the kingdom is in need of a strong leader!”
The count, who was rumored to be a sycophant of the prime minister, was passionately presenting his opinion. Of course, his argument was just a voice for his boss, the prime minister. It seemed the prime minister had educated him well, as a murmur of agreement spread among the nobles. I see, this is the atmosphere of the royal palace. It’s no wonder Her Majesty often complains about how difficult it is to make her intentions heard.
“Hmm. So… when you say ‘strong leader,’ who exactly are you referring to?”
“Ah, with permission, I will speak. Her Highness Princess Luize, who was recently born, possesses two magical attributes, just like the legendary great sages. With her powerful abilities, she will surely protect the kingdom and lead the people forward!”
I see. It’s true that someone with two magical attributes is rare. If you fuse gold and light attributes, it seems you could create magnificent magic that one attribute alone wouldn’t allow. But whether that will help protect the country, I’m not so sure. Moreover, based on what I saw at the baptism, Luize’s magical power is class A, which isn’t exceptional among royalty. And let’s not forget that the gold attribute is more suited for crafting magic—it’s unlikely to be useful for leading in war.
The count, spreading such a flawed logic, spoke with a voice that was clear and well-pronounced, like an actor, and many nobles, likely influenced by the prime minister, chimed in with supportive comments. The grand hall was gradually being taken over by the theory of the ‘great sage, Queen Luize.’
“I see, so you’re advocating that Luize should be the future queen. That is one perspective. But Luize is still an infant. To have the qualities required of a ruler, it will take at least a decade or more. Who do you suggest should lead the kingdom until then?”
At Her Majesty’s words, I could feel the nobles around us holding their breath. This was exactly the timing the prime minister’s faction had been waiting for.
“Of course, the one who should lead until then is Her Highness Princess Clara, the mother of Princess Luize! The tradition of primogeniture on this continent suggests that the crown should pass from Princess Clara to Princess Luize, which would naturally be accepted by the people!”
“I see. I understand your point. However, I have already designated my second daughter, Beatrix, as the crown princess and given her the title of future queen. Are you suggesting that I should reverse my decision?”
“Ah, your earlier decree was made before it could have been expected that a child with such extraordinary potential as Princess Luize would be born into the royal family. However, with Princess Luize’s birth, the circumstances have completely changed. I believe it would be appropriate to reconsider the kingdom’s future now.”
The sycophantic count pressed his point, as if to say, “Now is the time to reconsider. The nobles won’t criticize the queen, so if you’re going to back down, now’s the time, Your Majesty.”
“Hmm, I cannot decide this matter alone. Beatrix, though some of my vassals say such things… what do you think?”
From an outside perspective, it seemed like a rather malicious question. It’s like when a boss asks a department head, “How do you feel about a subordinate suggesting you be demoted?” There’s no way the department head would be happy about that. But of course, this exchange was part of the plan.
“The decision of the heir is the prerogative of Her Majesty… my mother. If the various circumstances of the kingdom change and Her Majesty judges that it would be appropriate to change the crown princess to Clara, I would have no objection.”
Beatrix responded calmly, as usual, with her emotionless, porcelain doll face. A murmur of approval rose from the nobles. After all, there were nobles who supported Beatrix as well, and if she rebelled, it could lead to turmoil.
“I see. Beatrix hasn’t shown much interest in the throne. Well then, let’s ask the other concerned party. Clara, there seem to be many nobles who want to push for you as the next queen. How do you feel about that?”
Clara, who had been gazing down wistfully until now, suddenly widened her eyes. She lifted her head and took a step forward.