Chapter 27: Go Earn Money (3) |
Vol 2 Chapter 27. Go Earn Money (3)
Anxiety.
There aren't many cards better than this to shake crowd psychology.
In the first place, the citizens of the Schneider Duchy currently feel great pride and satisfaction with their country's situation.
National power is the strongest on the continent.
The status of the nation is above an empire.
The monarch, Grand Duke Schneider, is a pusho.... no, a sage king, and under him, the subjects are capable people doing their best passionately in their assigned positions.
However, thinking conversely, since it is such an optimal situation, the citizens want the current situation to continue in the future.
But an element of anxiety has arisen there.
"Uh... Come to think of it, there hasn't been anyone after the Grand Young Master, right?"
"It's not that the relationship between the couple is bad, right?"
"Absolutely not."
"True, there is no one who doesn't know how much Grand Duke, His Highness, cherishes the Grand Duchess."
"Then really...."
Ava Schneider's infertility.
The shaking brought by this anxiety element was greater than expected.
"Then what if. If Grand Duke, His Highness passes away like this without a next successor, what happens to the Duchy?"
"That, of course, the Grand Young Master will inherit."
"Isn't that Grand Young Master not showing himself for over 5 years?"
"That is because he is under treatment for the aftereffects from the Outer God War."
"Until when?"
"That is...."
The group conversing in the tavern became quiet. Meanwhile, someone among them said carefully.
"Per.... Perhaps."
"Perhaps what?"
"If the Grand Young Master doesn't return like this, how will our country...."
"What, you punk?"
"What did you say just now?"
"Say it. Try babbling it out."
The men in the entire tavern stood up and glared as if to eat the man who brought it up alive.
"No. No, I just... tried thinking about it."
"......."
"......."
The man denying while sweating profusely.
But others couldn't press such a man further.
Because the thought that perhaps such a worst-case scenario could happen also crossed their minds.
Patrick is the only successor to the Grand Duke couple, but that Patrick has not shown himself for several years.
Above all, that Patrick has three wives, but there is not a single child under his knee. So if things go wrong like this....
'No.'
'It shouldn't be. It must not be.'
'It shouldn't be, but....'
Anxiety spread sneakily among the citizens.
***
"The Magellan Kingdom also uses quite cute tricks."
Duke Alexander Krupa.
As the Prime Minister of the Schneider Duchy, he oversees the domestic affairs of the state.
To his eyes, it was obvious what kind of tricks the Magellan Kingdom was playing.
"Trying to pressure the Grand Duke Family by shaking it from the roots. It is a petty method, but... certainly, this will work."
Given Grand Duke Schneider's personality of thinking of the citizens more than anyone, stimulating the citizens' anxiety was a move that would certainly work.
Usually, such tricks.
Catching and smashing them at the attempting stage is what he should do. However....
"I will let it slide for now."
Because what the Magellan Kingdom is doing right now aligns with the interests of what Duke Krupa intends to do.
Although it was not intended.
Rather, he had to utilize this opportunity to drive a wedge into the objective. Now, he came to find someone to do that.
"Please inform inside. Duke Alexander Krupa has come to see Grand Duchess, Her Highness."
The person he came to find was Grand Duchess Ava.
After sending the message inside, permission to enter was given a short while later.
Entering inside, he bowed politely to Ava and said,
"Subject Alexander Krupa greets Grand Duchess, Her Highness."
"Raise your head and be at ease."
As the kind and soft voice permitted, Duke Krupa's head rose slowly.
Then, what was visible to his eyes was a beautiful noblewoman who looked like elegance molded into human form.
'Truly.... Who would believe this person is of commoner origin?'
Although Duke Krupa has seen countless noblewomen and royal women for a long time, he swore he had never seen a woman more elegant and noble than the woman in front of his eyes.
It is not trivial elements like the level of etiquette or sophistication of vocabulary.
Just the naturally exuding atmosphere itself was beyond elegant, almost holy.
'Since she is such a person, the Grand Duke loves her and the Grand Young Master also respects her.'
Duke Krupa firmly steeled his heart which was about to soften gently.
Because the reason he came here now is to drive a nail into her heart.
"I came like this because I have something to tell Grand Duchess, Her Highness."
"Please speak."
"Do you know about the state marriage letter sent from the Magellan Kingdom recently?"
"I heard the story."
"I spoke to Grand Duke, His Highness, but he intends to refuse."
"......."
"The reason is that Grand Duke, His Highness cherishes and loves Grand Duchess, Her Highness more than anyone. Even I, regarding the deep love and devotion of the two...."
"Duke."
"...Please speak."
"Please state the main point briefly. Directly, that is."
"...Yes."
Sometimes he forgets, but this elegant and beautiful woman is the woman who gave birth to and raised that Patrick Schneider.
Duke Krupa cleared his throat for a moment and said,
"I hope Grand Duchess, Her Highness will persuade Grand Duke, His Highness."
"......."
"It is a task only Grand Duchess, Her Highness can do."
"You are telling me to persuade my husband to take another woman as a wife."
There was not a hint of reproach in Ava's soft voice.
Yet, Duke Krupa felt a chill running down his spine. But even amidst that, he said everything he had to say.
"That is correct."
"Why should I do that?"
"Grand Duchess, Her Highness. Everything is for the future of the Grand Duke Family, and further, for the future of the Schneider Duchy."
"......."
"The Schneider Duchy is just beginning. The world says now is the golden age, but rather, now is not the golden age but a time to continue developing in full swing, and the true golden age will continue over the next 100, no, 200 years. This country is currently in such a position."
Duke Krupa was extremely excited.
At first, he transferred seeing the possibility of Patrick alone. But even the Duke Krupa of that time did not think the Schneider Duchy would reach a future like the present.
Status and national power surpassing the ancient superpower Roman Empire.
Being able to lead such a country was the greatest honor and opportunity for a politician.
He wanted to make this Schneider Duchy his masterpiece even if he poured out all of his remaining life.
For that....
"Not even a tiny gap must be shown. The larger the dam, the more it collapses from a small hole."
"......."
"Please make the future of the Grand Duke Family solid. The existence of the Grand Duke Family is still absolutely necessary for the Schneider Duchy."
At Duke Krupa's desperate words, Ava organized her thoughts for a moment and said,
"Does the Duke not trust my son?"
"Trusting or not trusting has no meaning to me."
"......."
"Of course, I hope the Grand Young Master returns. He is the most perfect successor whom no one in the world can replace. However...."
"......."
"I must assume the worst situation and prepare accordingly. That is my role."
He said everything he had to say.
Duke Krupa waited for Ava's words, trying to be calm.
No matter what she says here, the answer to counter is already prepared.
But even so, his heart was uncomfortable.
The fact itself that he had to argue with her felt like violating a taboo that shouldn't be done.
And after a slight silence, Ava spoke.
"Go back for now."
"......."
"I also need time to think."
Duke Krupa exhaled a sigh of relief.
At least it's not the worst.
In the first place, he didn't even think he could get permission immediately on such an issue.
Since words of immediate denial did not come out of the Grand Duchess' mouth, this was the best result among the expected outcomes.
"I beg for a wise decision."
Duke Krupa added that one sentence and bowed extremely politely.
And immediately after going out the door....
Swiiiik! Puok!
A sharp longsword flew, passed right by Duke Krupa's face, and embedded into the wall.
In an instant, even the bold Duke Krupa's knees buckled.
It was amazing that he didn't collapse.
Because the person who threw the sword at him just now is the figure called the strongest second-in-command across the entire continent.
April Schneider.
She is the protagonist who threw the longsword at Duke Krupa. And behind her, Isabella and Elione were glaring at him with cold eyes.
"...I greet the Grand Young Duchesses."
He, desperately holding his knees that were about to collapse, greeted with his best effort.
Then April spoke as if to chew him up.
"How dare...."
It is rare for April to get angry like this.
Since she is indifferent to everything in the world unless it involves Patrick.
But there are people whom she cares about next to Patrick.
Exactly Patrick's parents.
Especially Ava is like a mother to her, having raised her like a daughter since childhood.
To such Ava, Duke Krupa did something he shouldn't have done.
If he were a figure from another country, her sword would have been embedded in Duke Krupa's glabella, not the wall.
She spoke towards Duke Krupa.
"Kneel and apologize to the Grand Duchess right now. Otherwise...."
At April's threat, Duke Krupa flinched for a moment. But he gritted his teeth and said, "I cannot do that."
"Duke, does it look like I am asking right now?"
"I asserted what I intended to assert for the sake of the country. Yet you tell me to succumb to threats and take it back?"
"How can this...."
"In the first place!"
Duke Krupa shouted abruptly.
"The Grand Young Duchesses also bear responsibility for the problem escalating to this point."
"What do you mean?"
"Do you know how much time has already passed since the three of you married Young Master Schneider? Yet none of the three has conceived."
"......."
"......."
In an instant, April and the other two were also flustered.
And Duke Krupa ground his teeth and said,
"If even one person.... If even one of the three had birthed a successor, I wouldn't do this crazy thing either."
"......."
"......."
"I know all three of you are devoting yourselves to necessary work in key positions of the state. But did you not know what the first thing to do for the country is?"
Duke Krupa poured out a passionate speech without breathing and got angry.
"At the very least, you should have had a child before the Grand Young Master left. If not that, you should have stopped him from leaving altogether. But is there anyone who did so?"
They couldn't say anything.
At least for this moment, Duke Krupa's force as a politician overwhelmed them.
Duke Krupa looked straight at them and said, "I am only doing what is necessary for the future of the Schneider Duchy. If you do not like that, then cut me down instead."
They couldn't say anything.
Even April dropped her sword powerlessly and turned her head away.
And Duke Krupa passed between them and walked away as he was.
After walking for a long time and leaving the place.
"I have also become very weak."
Duke Krupa exhaled a sigh.
In the first place, he wasn't a soft human to the extent of choosing means for his purpose.
When he was the Prime Minister of the Harbor Kingdom, this level of stratagem was daily life.
To the extent that even that Patrick had trouble with Duke Krupa's stratagems. However....
"Tsk, I lived too peacefully."
The fact that he attacked by stabbing the weaknesses of the Grand Duchess and Grand Young Duchesses was making his conscience feel remorse.
The words themselves weren't wrong, but to touch the women's pride like that....
"No, let's stop."
Duke Krupa shook his head and erased the distracting thoughts.
Now is not the time to have a weak heart.
'If a villain is needed for the country, I will willingly take it upon myself.'
***
Looking at the daughters-in-law hesitating in front of her, Ava smiled gently.
And the first thing she said was....
"I have hurt your hearts because of me."
It was a calm consolation.
At that one word, they waved their hands and were flustered.
"That is not it."
"Yes. Absolutely not. The bad one is that human Duke Krupa."
"Even now if you say the word, I will grab him by the collar and drag him here."
Ava held each of their hands, stroked them gently, and said, "Don't worry too much. I have a thought too, so...."
"What do you intend to do?"
At April's worried question, Ava said,
"There is nothing wrong in Duke Krupa's words."
"That is...."
"He is also just doing what he has to do for the country. So...."
Ava spoke as if she had decided on something.
"I will also just break through this problem head-on."
Seeing her resolute face, the three women couldn't say anything.
***
"Prime Minister. Is this really alright?"
"It cannot be helped."
"But Grand Duke, His Highness is like that...."
"......."
Duke Krupa held his head as if it was throbbing. Since that day.
Ava completely cut off connection with the outside and shut herself in the inner palace.
As if she would withdraw from this problem. And perhaps Grand Duke's feelings were hurt by such Ava's behavior, he became thinner and thinner.
When seen at the grand audience today, the Grand Duke's appearance, haggard like a refugee who hadn't eaten or drunk for days, was....
"How much must he have been worried...."
"It's the Grand Duke, His Highness, after all? Since he is a person who loves Grand Duchess, Her Highness so much, how bad must it be?"
"Huuu...."
The staff of the Grand Duke's ministry couldn't help but sigh, perhaps pitying such an appearance of the Grand Duke.
And Duke Krupa also felt sympathy for such an appearance of the Grand Duke. However....
'Everything is for the country.'
If he is a monarch responsible for the country, he must know how to give up his happiness for the future of the country.
Duke Krupa steeled his heart.
"The envoy of the Magellan Kingdom will arrive soon. Do your best so there is no lack in preparation."
"Yes. I understand."
While doing so, Duke Krupa thought.
It is he who made an unreasonable request to the Grand Duchess and pushed for this marriage.
So he will also handle the aftermath perfectly.
'What the Magellan Kingdom bastards are thinking is obvious.'
They must be thinking of creating a successor of the Grand Duke Family to expand influence within the Grand Duchy and ultimately swallow the Grand Duke Family whole. However....
'Not a chance. Do you think I will let that happen?'
Understanding about accepting this marriage for the production of a successor aligns.
But he had no intention of allowing the impurity called Magellan Kingdom into the Schneider Duchy.
Once the Princess of the Magellan Kingdom comes and gives birth to a child, he won't let her even breathe afterwards, and the new Grand Young Master will be raised with a thorough sense of belonging to the Schneider Duchy.
He intended to take responsibility for that part thoroughly. That would be the minimum atonement....
"Prime Minister!"
It was then.
One subordinate ran panting into the Prime Minister's Ministry.
"What is it?"
"Th... That is, th...."
Perhaps because he ran too urgently, the subordinate couldn't even speak properly.
At that appearance, Duke Krupa frowned and said, "Speak clearly. Just what is the matter?"
"Th... That is...."
The moment he heard the subordinate's explanation that followed.
Duke Krupa's face changed drastically. And then....
"Right now.... No, no more importantly, where is it? Where are they?!"
Duke Krupa, who was cool-headed as if made of ice, shouted in great panic.
***
Grand Duke Schneider spoke with a trembling voice.
"Th... That is...."
In front of him, his beloved wife was smiling shyly. And she nodded and said,
"Yes. That's right."
"......."
"I'm pregnant. Honey."
"Oh... Ohhh.... Ava!"
Grand Duke Schneider hugged his beloved wife tightly. And seeing the two, the three daughters-in-law congratulated them with smiles mixed with relief and joy.
"Congratulations. Mother, Father."
"Really congratulations."
"It's really fortunate that the Elven secret art worked."
And Duke Krupa, who arrived running a beat late, said, "Y... Your Highness? Is it true? Really...."
"Shhh, be careful Duke."
"......."
Grand Duke Schneider hugged Ava as if she was lovely and said, "My wife is pregnant."
Hearing those words, Duke Krupa shouted an exclamation unconsciously.
"Ohhh. Oh Yupinel."
Duke Krupa's face brightened.
And in an instant, all information fitted together as one in his head.
The Grand Duchess who completely cut off external activities.
The Grand Duke who withered day by day looking like skin and bones.
And just a while ago, Grand Young Duchess Elione also mentioned the Elven secret art. That means....
"The Grand Duchess broke through this problem head-on."
He muttered the conclusion that came out unconsciously.
In the first place, all these problems arose from the absence of a successor and the anxiety caused by it.
Then the answer is simple.
'Just give birth to a successor.'
So Ava really tried hard.
Really really really tried hard.
To the extent that her husband, Grand Duke Schneider, was afraid seeing her.
On top of that, she received help from her daughter-in-law Elione and even mobilized the Elven secret art.
Actually, it seems that worked well.
Anyway, the result is exactly this.
'Wait, then if it becomes like this....'
The successor problem is resolved neatly. However....
"Duke Krupa."
"Shall we see you separately for a bit?"
"I think we have so much to talk about. Right?"
It's chilling.
The national crisis is resolved, but instead, an unprecedented crisis seems to have come to his life.
"Ahem, as all three of you know, I did it strictly for the country, th...."
"Hmm...."
"So?"
"Keep talking."
At the pressure of the three Grand Young Duchesses, Duke Krupa desperately defended himself and suddenly lay flat on the ground.
"Please spare me. I was wrong."
As expected, excellent political skill.
He knew well when he had to lie flat.
To such Duke Krupa, Isabella approached and said,
"Do not worry. We know the Duke did it for the country."
"Grand Young Duchess Isabella, Her Highness...."
"We will not inflict any punishment on you. I promise."
Duke Krupa was touched.
Indeed, Grand Young Duchess Isabella.
The royal bloodline of the historic Kingdom of Atronia had a reason. With such a broad mind....
"We will just tell Patrick exactly as it is when he returns. What the Duke said to Mother. And even to us, without missing a single syllable."
"......."
After a few seconds of silence.
"Rather kill me noooow!"
Duke Krupa's scream echoed widely.
Above was the daily life of the Schneider Duchy, peaceful in its own way even without Patrick.