Chapter 45: Father-Daughter Conflict


    Count Merlin swiftly banished a fleeting absurd thought from his mind. Magic? How could that be possible?


    The churchs chatans always scared ordinary people with tales of evil wizards and witches, even establishing a tribunal for this purpose. Some of these chatans, on various pretexts, would wave around a broken stone, pretending to detect traces of magic or witchcraft.


    Due to their influence, the public, especially the lower sses, deeply believed these ims.


    However, to a few well-educated individuals, such tales of wizards and witches were nothing more than fabrications by the church to expand its influence.


    As time progressed, many mystical phenomena received rational exnations. For instance, the ghost lights seen in graveyards, once attributed by the church to evil spirits, wereter found by alchemists to be mere spontaneousbustion of a substance called phosphorus.


    With these lies exposed, the church looked unfavorably upon schrs who dared to explore the unknown, often persecuting them as witches.


    Yet, this did not curb peoples curiosity. Even within the church, factions arose advocating the exploration of the unknown and the study of nature to better understand and approach the divine, such as the renowned Society of Enlightenment.


    The church linked some inexplicable people and events to witchcraft or devilry, ying on peoples fears to reinforce dependency on the church. This notion had started to circte among the high nobility, who considered wizards and magic as mere tricks to fool the gullible.


    Count Merlin shared this view, although most nobles still preferred to err on the side of belief.


    Please continue the investigation, Lord Merlin. However, the reality of our food shortage remains unchanged, the king broke the silence in the study, addressing the most pressing issue.


    Princess Catherine, with furrowed brows, said, Father, I have already ordered the collection of provisions within the royalnds, but it will take some time.


    Even if we manage to gather some food, it wont be enough to sustain the army for a long campaign into the south.


    King Rodney XVI fell into a silence, eventually saying, We have no choice but to purchase from the lords who support the monarchy.


    The king should be self-sufficient was an unwritten rule in this world.


    Following the copse of the ancient Gubera Empire, numerous new governments emerged on its territory.


    These newborn countries frequently waged war, and their rulers,cking the vast territories of the Gubera Empire, couldnt afford to maintainrge standing armies with their wealth.


    To meet military needs, theymonly adopted two strategies.


    First, they maintained a small number of elite troops, like various orders of knights, supplementing them with mass conscription of civilians during wartime.


    Second, they implemented a feudal system. The king grantednds to meritorious nobles, making them lords of thends. These great lords could then give parts of theirnds to their vassals, who in turn could sub-feather to theirs, down to the knights.


    Lords had to raise military forces from their own revenues and were obligated to respond to their sovereigns call during wars, offering their military forces for use.


    Correspondingly, lords were not bound to pay taxes to their sovereign, or only did so symbolically. Royal households generally relied on ie from their directnds to meet their expenses.


    Therefore, King Rodney XVI could summon lords to bring their troops for the kings service, but he had no authority tomandeer the food stores from theirnds. Legally, he could issue such an order, but it would likely drive more lords to side with Jars.


    Catherine suggested, Lets have our royalmissioners, previously stationed, handle negotiations with the lords in their respective regions, trying to keep the prices as low as possible.


    The king agreed, and Count Merlin epted themand. The royalmissioners operations were under his intelligencework.


    He presented a second scroll to the king and princess, reporting, Theres another important piece of intelligence. Our investigation confirms that Jars is indeed backed by someone.


    The king and princess unrolled the scroll and read the report together. Catherine muttered, No wonder. A year ago, he didnt have sufficient strength, but now he confidently raises a banner of rebellion.


    Looking at the princess, the count said, Our analysis suggests that the support might being from that side, gesturing towards the east.


    The princess red at the count, Dont make baseless ims without irrefutable evidence!


    The count bowed his head, replying, Yes, Your Highness.


    The king suddenly said, Dont be so harsh. Rtions between countries are veryplicated, often with different faces shown in public and in private.


    The princess started to say something, But father but then hesitated.


    King Rodney XVI looked affectionately at his daughter, his greatest pride. Despite her young age, she was exceptionally outstanding, but still needed more experience in politics.


    He turned to Count Merlin, Alright, Lord Merlin, you may go and rest for now. Youve worked hard during this time.


    It is my duty, I dare not speak of hardship, the count bowed and left the study.


    Left alone, the father and daughter stood in the study. The king walked slowly to the window.


    Turning his back to the princess, he said, Catherine, theres something I need to tell you.


    The princess waited quietly for her fathers words, but what she heard left her utterly shocked.


    I n to marry your sister to Duke Viburen.


    The room fell into silence, punctuated only by the ticking of a grandfather clock. Catherine was speechless for a moment.


    Finally, she managed to ask, Why?


    Deep down, the princess knew the answer: Duke Viburen was the most powerful lord in the eastern territories of the kingdom, and among the lords who hadnt yet dered their allegiance in the current conflict, he was the strongest.


    The king didnt answer; he knew his daughter understood his intentions.


    Eileen is only 15 years old, has she agreed to this? The princesss tone became sharp.


    The king, still facing away, murmured, 15 is not so young but did not confirm whether Catherines sister had agreed.


    But Viburen is nearly 50! And with such a bad reputation! Youre actually willing to marry your own daughter to such a man!


    The princesss voice rose, almost to a shout.


    Enough! My mind is made up! Leave now.


    The king suddenly turned around, staring sternly at his daughter. His eyes, once gentle, now held a resolute determination.


    Understanding her fathers intent, Catherine looked at him coldly, As youmand, Your Majesty.


    She turned and walked out. The study door closed with a loud bang.


    King Rodney XVI stood motionless by the window. After a long while, he sighed, walked to his desk, and slumped into his chair, weakly.


    His daughter, he thought, was still too naive in matters of politics.