“A, together?”
Ariadne was taken aback when Alfonso suggested that they go to Trevero together.
“How do you go abroad?”
It was a perfectly reasonable statement that he should be in the country since he was the heir to the throne. However, Alfonso questioned it as if it were nothing.
“When have I never been abroad?”
Alfonso, who had been talking up to that point, smiled, revealing his pure white teeth.
“Who else can protect you abroad as well as I can?”
If Ariadne went, he had to go too. This trip to Trevero was a journey with a very clear purpose.
Alfonso hugged Ariadne tightly and remembered the private meeting he had had with Leo III a few days earlier.
When Alfonso came to the King the day before yesterday to grant Ariadne's request, Leo III, as expected, wanted something in return.
“It’s a free city...”
He stroked his white beard and sighed. Alfonso pretended not to notice his father's reluctance and explained the matter in his usual tone.
“Yes, Your Majesty. The city of merchants, Unaisola, no longer needs the protection of outside lords.”
The island floating in the middle of the swamp was as far removed from the castle walls built by the lord as the density of the mud that filled the swamp.
Internal affairs were handled by a 'Committee of Seven' elected from among the merchants.
A committee of seven, comprised of prominent merchants who settled in Unaisola, took charge of administration, including installing water and sewer systems and roads, and building hospitals and schools, and collected taxes to support these efforts.
“Why should they be bound by feudal obligations to the lord when there are no benefits the lord can provide?”
Prince Alfonso said blandly.
“Taxes can be paid directly to the central government.”
This was a trap of conversion thrown at Leo III. The goal of the current King's life was to reduce the power of the Barons and enrich the central power.
But the cunning old rabbit was not easily persuaded. Leo III asked Alfonso as if he had not heard anything just now.
“Yeah, have you thought about what I told you?”
“If you say story...”
Suddenly, the conversation changed the subject. It was away from the story of Unaisola and the merchants' autonomy.
“I’m going to Trevero.”
Leo III asked with a pretended, detailed tone, but he could not hide the anticipation in his tone.
“Didn’t you have some time to think after that?”
Leo III could not ignore the bait offered by Pope Louis.
He was constantly mulling over the rainbow blueprints he had drawn in his head about what the Etruscan kingdom might gain by responding to Pope Louis's summons.
"Ah."
Alfonso pretended not to hear his father's words, reflecting Leo III's speech like a mirror.
“Come to think of it, Father.”
The Prince asked about the weather and the King's well-being as if nothing had happened.
There was talk of the fruit being delicious and of the King's horse growing up healthy.
It was not polite to return to the topic from before.
Leo III also smoothly transitioned into the new topic presented by Alfonso without any awkwardness.
But the King never forgot his purpose.
When the conversation was over and the Prince asked if he could stand up, the King smiled with deep crow's feet around his eyes.
“Trevero. Think about it.”
Alfonso bowed his head with a casual smile and greeted his father before leaving the King's audience room.
But the smile on his face did not reflect his true feelings.
The old rabbit was never an easy opponent.
Alfonso knew that his father would haggle, but he did not know that he would forcefully give him what he wanted without any conditions.
Leo III's words ultimately meant that if Unaisola's autonomy was necessary, Alfonso should go to Trevero instead of Leo III.
The problem was that Leo III did not promise to grant Unaisola autonomy if he only visited Trevero.
According to this structure, when the King washed his mouth, the Prince could not claim anything.
“Ha...”
His mouth was watering. He would have stopped going to Trevero if he had. But he couldn't move.
In fact, when he thought about going to Trevero, a feeling of rejection began to creep up from deep within his heart.
'Is this a danger signal from instinct?'
Alfonso continued to ponder why he was reluctant to leave San Carlo.
But as soon as the words 'I must go to Trevero too' came out of Ariadne's mouth in his arms, he decided to go to Trevero without a moment's hesitation.
'Actually, I.'
It wasn't that he hated the Trevero trip. It wasn't that he was tired of traveling abroad, nor was it that he was afraid of traveling outside the border.
'I didn't want to be separated from Ari.'
In fact, it would be a lie to say that there was no fear. There was a different kind of fear than that of being adrift in an unfamiliar land with nowhere to lean on.
He was afraid of losing sight of her by going on an indefinite trip abroad.
He was afraid that she would take another man's hand while he was unable to make any promises to her.
He was terrified that when he returned, he would see her smiling brightly, covered in a white veil, in the arms of someone he did not know—or did know.
'I will make sure that no one dares to approach.'
This was an ambiguous statement. No man would be able to lie down beside her, for Alfonso was determined not to leave Ariadne alone.
At the same time, Alfonso was determined not to allow Ariadne's safety to be threatened abroad.
Under his command is the Black Helmet Knights, the most elite force in the Central Continent.
The Knights Templar were a corps designed for battle on the plains, but they could also serve as both a cavalry and an escort, and they did so very well.
'I won't let either Ludovico or Gallico raise a finger.'
Alfonso began to estimate the number of knights he would send on his expedition to Trevero.
But all circumstances change, and the position of envoy to Trevero on behalf of Leo III was not reserved for Alfonso alone.
“Your Majesty, the King.”
Cesare, Duke of Pisano, spoke to Leo III with his usual cheerful smile during the light ride he took.
“I heard that you are having difficulty in appointing a representative to send to Trevero.”
His smile deepened a little.
“Well, even children can’t do as they please.”
Leo III was very happy with the position Cesare had given him. The King poured out his dissatisfaction with his legitimate son to Cesare without any filtering.
Ariadne was taken aback when Alfonso suggested that they go to Trevero together.
“How do you go abroad?”
It was a perfectly reasonable statement that he should be in the country since he was the heir to the throne. However, Alfonso questioned it as if it were nothing.
“When have I never been abroad?”
Alfonso, who had been talking up to that point, smiled, revealing his pure white teeth.
“Who else can protect you abroad as well as I can?”
If Ariadne went, he had to go too. This trip to Trevero was a journey with a very clear purpose.
Alfonso hugged Ariadne tightly and remembered the private meeting he had had with Leo III a few days earlier.
***
When Alfonso came to the King the day before yesterday to grant Ariadne's request, Leo III, as expected, wanted something in return.
“It’s a free city...”
He stroked his white beard and sighed. Alfonso pretended not to notice his father's reluctance and explained the matter in his usual tone.
“Yes, Your Majesty. The city of merchants, Unaisola, no longer needs the protection of outside lords.”
The island floating in the middle of the swamp was as far removed from the castle walls built by the lord as the density of the mud that filled the swamp.
Internal affairs were handled by a 'Committee of Seven' elected from among the merchants.
A committee of seven, comprised of prominent merchants who settled in Unaisola, took charge of administration, including installing water and sewer systems and roads, and building hospitals and schools, and collected taxes to support these efforts.
“Why should they be bound by feudal obligations to the lord when there are no benefits the lord can provide?”
Prince Alfonso said blandly.
“Taxes can be paid directly to the central government.”
This was a trap of conversion thrown at Leo III. The goal of the current King's life was to reduce the power of the Barons and enrich the central power.
But the cunning old rabbit was not easily persuaded. Leo III asked Alfonso as if he had not heard anything just now.
“Yeah, have you thought about what I told you?”
“If you say story...”
Suddenly, the conversation changed the subject. It was away from the story of Unaisola and the merchants' autonomy.
“I’m going to Trevero.”
Leo III asked with a pretended, detailed tone, but he could not hide the anticipation in his tone.
“Didn’t you have some time to think after that?”
Leo III could not ignore the bait offered by Pope Louis.
He was constantly mulling over the rainbow blueprints he had drawn in his head about what the Etruscan kingdom might gain by responding to Pope Louis's summons.
"Ah."
Alfonso pretended not to hear his father's words, reflecting Leo III's speech like a mirror.
“Come to think of it, Father.”
The Prince asked about the weather and the King's well-being as if nothing had happened.
There was talk of the fruit being delicious and of the King's horse growing up healthy.
It was not polite to return to the topic from before.
Leo III also smoothly transitioned into the new topic presented by Alfonso without any awkwardness.
But the King never forgot his purpose.
When the conversation was over and the Prince asked if he could stand up, the King smiled with deep crow's feet around his eyes.
“Trevero. Think about it.”
Alfonso bowed his head with a casual smile and greeted his father before leaving the King's audience room.
But the smile on his face did not reflect his true feelings.
The old rabbit was never an easy opponent.
Alfonso knew that his father would haggle, but he did not know that he would forcefully give him what he wanted without any conditions.
Leo III's words ultimately meant that if Unaisola's autonomy was necessary, Alfonso should go to Trevero instead of Leo III.
The problem was that Leo III did not promise to grant Unaisola autonomy if he only visited Trevero.
According to this structure, when the King washed his mouth, the Prince could not claim anything.
“Ha...”
His mouth was watering. He would have stopped going to Trevero if he had. But he couldn't move.
In fact, when he thought about going to Trevero, a feeling of rejection began to creep up from deep within his heart.
'Is this a danger signal from instinct?'
Alfonso continued to ponder why he was reluctant to leave San Carlo.
But as soon as the words 'I must go to Trevero too' came out of Ariadne's mouth in his arms, he decided to go to Trevero without a moment's hesitation.
'Actually, I.'
It wasn't that he hated the Trevero trip. It wasn't that he was tired of traveling abroad, nor was it that he was afraid of traveling outside the border.
'I didn't want to be separated from Ari.'
In fact, it would be a lie to say that there was no fear. There was a different kind of fear than that of being adrift in an unfamiliar land with nowhere to lean on.
He was afraid of losing sight of her by going on an indefinite trip abroad.
He was afraid that she would take another man's hand while he was unable to make any promises to her.
He was terrified that when he returned, he would see her smiling brightly, covered in a white veil, in the arms of someone he did not know—or did know.
'I will make sure that no one dares to approach.'
This was an ambiguous statement. No man would be able to lie down beside her, for Alfonso was determined not to leave Ariadne alone.
At the same time, Alfonso was determined not to allow Ariadne's safety to be threatened abroad.
Under his command is the Black Helmet Knights, the most elite force in the Central Continent.
The Knights Templar were a corps designed for battle on the plains, but they could also serve as both a cavalry and an escort, and they did so very well.
'I won't let either Ludovico or Gallico raise a finger.'
Alfonso began to estimate the number of knights he would send on his expedition to Trevero.
***
But all circumstances change, and the position of envoy to Trevero on behalf of Leo III was not reserved for Alfonso alone.
“Your Majesty, the King.”
Cesare, Duke of Pisano, spoke to Leo III with his usual cheerful smile during the light ride he took.
“I heard that you are having difficulty in appointing a representative to send to Trevero.”
His smile deepened a little.
“Well, even children can’t do as they please.”
Leo III was very happy with the position Cesare had given him. The King poured out his dissatisfaction with his legitimate son to Cesare without any filtering.
“Tch, Alfonso! Just because her hair has gotten thicker, he's trying to haggle with this father!”
The King was mainly angry with Alfonso's attitude. He complained that he was not docile and did not respect his father, the King.
Cesare patiently listened to the King's complaints and grievances, responding to each one.
“Although all the glory he enjoys comes from Your Majesty, Alfonso seems to be lacking in gratitude.”
Although it was little more than a self-introduction, Leo III vehemently agreed.
“That’s true!”
However, Leo III did not cross the delicate line he had set.
He did not mention to Cesare the story that Alfonso had offered in return for his trip to Trevero, which was the elevation of the autonomous city of Unaisola to a free city.
It was not that he kept the secret for Alfonso's sake, but because he thought such political matters were of no use to Cesare.
Although his political power as a Duke with border territories was questionable, Cesare, who was quicker than anyone else in terms of insight as the King's hidden son, guessed that there were things Leo III was not telling him, but did not bother to dig into them.
The part he had to conquer was the emotional side of the family.
“But I understand why Alfonso is reluctant to go outside the border again, and I also understand why Your Majesty cannot be more assertive in his demands.”
Cesare nodded thoughtfully, his expression showing that he understood everything.
“That guy came from across the sea and suffered so much. As a father, I don’t think Your Majesty would want to see that guy suffer again.”
Although he had no regard for his son's suffering and was simply too ashamed to ask for it, Leo III vehemently agreed to the emotional indulgence granted to him.
“Yes, that’s it!”
If you do gold lacquer yourself, it won't look good. It needs to be done by someone else, so the monarch needs a subject who can give him sweet advice.
“Sending that Alfonso abroad again... I’m actually a little reluctant for other reasons as well.”
Cesare created an air of danger.
“Pope Louis was known as a cruel and unpredictable man.”
Shadows formed around his handsome eyes. Just by changing his expression, the air seemed to change.
If this were a theater stage, the sound of the girls squealing would have filled the auditorium.
“Alfonso is the only Prince of the Etruscan kingdom... If by any chance the Pope should attempt to harm the body of the heir to the throne...”
He tried to use words that were as value-neutral as possible, avoiding words like 'successor'.
The word 'Prince', which describes an objective state, or 'heir to the throne', which also applies to Alfonso, Bianca, and Cesare himself.
“I can understand why Your Majesty is reluctant to send Alfonso out.”
Cesare spoke to the King in a worried, hushed voice.
“So... how about you send me instead?”
Leo III looked at Cesare with wide eyes.
"your?"
Cesare was the King's nephew, so he could be sent. However, the Duke of Pisano was not a candidate for Leo III for two reasons.
Whatever the King was thinking, Cesare pretended to look sad.
“It is regrettable that I, a man without any outstanding qualities, can only assist Your Majesty the King in this way.”
Leo III thought to himself, 'He knows why I don't send him.'
But at the same time, Leo III realized that this was a surprisingly appealing plan.
Unlike Alfonso, who could act on his own judgment on the international stage, Cesare could not make major decisions without the King's permission.
This had to do with Cesare's lack of political experience and the fact that he was ultimately only a collateral member.
However, if Pope Louis XIV were to demand absolutely unacceptable conditions, wouldn't it be more advantageous to back off and say, "I must obtain approval from my home country"?
Cesare melodramatically recited the lines he had prepared, without even dreaming of what his father was thinking.
“Use me as a knight on Your Majesty’s chessboard.”
He muttered to himself as he rode on his beautiful black horse, looking out at the distant mountains.
“If it is my role to send an illegitimate child out to protect the eldest son, then... I will gladly do it for His Majesty the King.”
The air, carrying the cool air of an early midsummer morning, blew on the wind. It was a beautiful day, typical of the central region of the Etruscan kingdom.
Cesare glowed like a marble statue in a church in the dazzling sunlight that only shone at this time of day and at this hour in the kingdom.
It was a very theatrical moment.
An uninitiated person might have been overwhelmed by the visual beauty and burst into tears at anything Cesare said.
But Leo III was too old for that.
At the same time, he was a monarch with basic manners and tact who knew how to be moved when he needed to be moved.
“Oh, Cesare...!”
Leo III, mounted on horseback, threw one arm around his illegitimate son and embraced him.
“...Father.”
It was a word he hadn't said since he ruined the wedding between Ariadne and the King. But now, it seemed like it was okay to say it again.
Cesare tightened his grip on his black horse with both thighs to keep his balance and turned his upper body so that Leo III could comfortably embrace him.
Leo III cried out in excitement.
“Your loyalty touches my heart!”
But in the King's mind, countless calculations were running through his head at that moment.
Meanwhile, two thoughts occupied the largest space in the King's mind.
One was, of course, doubt about Cesare's abilities, and the other was the words 'meat shield'.
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