Interlude: Kingdom of Menexes (2)
(Continental Calendar Year 578, Season of Water)
After witnessing the damage from the torrential rains that struck the eastern region three years ago in spring, the lords of territories with large rivers began to take countermeasures.
Among them, the one who undertook the most innovative measures was Margrave Soshure, whose territory lies across a mountain from the neighboring Kingdom of Lizmoni.
Three years ago, when his daughter and son were enrolled in the Magic Academy, he had heard about flood control works that were starting to become popular in that country, and had reported that he would incorporate them into his lands. Now, news has come that the project has been completed, and I decided to go inspect it.
"Flood control works, aside from building bridges and embankments, are there other methods?"
"Indeed. They say they have constructed something called a dam, and I intend to go see it. If it proves replicable in other regions of our country, it could prevent flooding in territories with many rivers and solve water shortages in places without rivers."
"Such a type of construction exists!? I would like to see it as well, but as expected, I cannot leave the castle unattended for too long."
The Crown Prince Gritzini is now twenty-eight years old and has accumulated various achievements. The succession ceremony for the throne is scheduled for next year.
During the few years before his son was born, he traveled around the country's territories, striving to solve various issues, earning him the deep trust not only of the nobles who manage those lands but also of the commoners living there.
I had considered sending Gritzini for this inspection, but since it seems that Musette shows signs of pregnancy, I decided it would be best for him to stay behind.
Although the inspection is scheduled for about two months, just traveling one way will take a full month, and it would be irresponsible to leave behind a wife who is heavily pregnant.
"The inspection will take time, but I will send letters via the guild. If it seems the construction can be replicated elsewhere, please contact the lords of the eastern region.
I have also heard that an epidemic has broken out recently in the southern region.
Although I am not particularly worried, as both Count Bremer and Duke Raftera, who had gone to see their grandchildren, reported that it has already been contained, I have instructed them to investigate the source. There might be communications regarding that matter as well."
"Understood. I wonder if there was some specific cure for the epidemic.
If it had weak contagiousness and could be healed with ordinary recovery medicine, that would be ideal. I will confirm that as well.
Conveniently, Orhide is currently in the southwest with the knights on a monster subjugation mission, so I shall send a letter asking them to check on that matter too.
Oh, Father, you are going to the western frontier this time, aren't you?
At the border gate in Planert to the north, it seems an adventurer believed to be Filehien has completed entry procedures. Why not extend your trip a little and visit him?
I, too, would like to reunite with the younger brother I haven't seen since infancy, so please tell him to show his face at the royal castle."
Hm? Filehien has returned to the country?
Up to now, we had only received letters a few times a year—letters confirming his survival and describing his current situation—delivered through the Margrave who raised him, but if he is within the country, perhaps I can see him in person.
"Indeed. Since he is an adventurer, he may not stay in one place long, but if he is within the country, he may linger for a while.
Yes, after the inspection is over, I shall visit the city of Planert.
It would be too much to demand he come to the castle, but, Lionel, would that be acceptable?"
"Of course. Though the Third Prince was raised at the frontier to avoid involvement in the struggle for the throne, he bears the violet eyes that are the symbol of our royal family.
I am aware that His Majesty, despite the pain in his heart, acted to save him from the plots of his foolish elder brother. I will make arrangements so that you can meet."
The child born to Anju, who was considerably younger than my father and Duke Raftera, had hair of ashen gray and violet-colored eyes.
At that time, the First Prince with violet eyes and the Second Prince with deep purple eyes were already years older, and since the First Prince had already begun his education as the Crown Prince, Anju, seeing her son's violet eyes, reportedly became terrified.
Succession disputes can divide an entire country.
Anju, who had gotten along well with both older princes, was particularly afraid that her child might be used by Duke Raftera to stake a claim to the throne.
Because of this, when the child was three years old, he was entrusted to Margrave Tormare, Anju’s family.
When he enrolled in the Magic Academy, he used a magic tool to change his eye color, preventing him from being suspected of royal lineage.
The Margrave and Marchioness Tormare once told him that he was the Third Prince, but according to a report, before entering the Academy, he said:
"Since neither of my parents ever came to see me, they must have made up these impossible parents to comfort a child who had been abandoned."
Even now, I do not expect to be able to meet him as his parent during this inspection.
Merely by chance, during the inspection, if I visit the town where my son happens to be, I wish to see how much he has grown.
If, by any chance, he has achieved some remarkable accomplishments, then perhaps that could be a reason to call him to the castle.
What do you think about this chapter?
