14. His Majesty’s Expectations

Author’s Note: The main love interest has come, this is from Leonhart’s point of view.

I, Leonhart Caspar, succeeded the Emperor’s throne from my father for four years now. I am twenty years old right now.

Our country Caspar is a military regime at its first founding, expanding its territories through wars and currently an influential country with the largest territory and military strength in the world.

Ever since I was a child, I had been harboring doubts about this country that only excelled in wars. However, it was not until I have been Emperor for two years that I devoted my efforts into putting an end to the war.

The citizens’ burdens will increase the longer war drags on.

In order to prevent it, I naturally knew that I had to do considerably heartless actions.

However, I continued pushing forward with the belief that “a wealthy country can be achieved without wars.”

There weren’t a lack of people who promote wars and believe that the country’s economy could only be upheld because of wars.

In the middle of that, when I attended the military academy in my teens while concealing my social status, Kristoff sympathized with this belief. Now, he engages in national politics as my aide.

After putting an end to war and purging officials who were involved in embezzlement and fraud, we were pressed with the development of domestic goods circulation and various work.

The simultaneous attack done for the sake of ending the war followed by the internal purge resulted to me being called [Aloof King] both inside and outside the country. But I think it was quite a fine medal for me.

There are still heaps of domestic problems but the number of people who agree with my idea gradually increased. While it was hectic, steady progress can be felt everyday.

However, there was an issue that I had to settle myself.

It was the 『issue of an Empress Consort』.

So far, I’ve married three princesses as concubines from countries that allied with us, but the position of the Empress Consort is still empty.

Recently, Kristoff wouldn’t shut up about the image of the country being affected because the Emperor has no consort, and the times that I face other countries as an Emperor is not negligible either.

As usual, Kristoff entered the study after an intense series of knocks. And just as expected, he was carrying a portrait of possible marriage partner.

“Good morning, Your Majesty. I hope that today will be the day I can receive your agreement.”

He said so and presented the portrait. A princess who had the impression of a young lady brought up sheltered indeed was drawn there.

Though the extent of its authenticity was unknown, she surely was a beautiful woman.

However, what I want from my Empress Consort is for her to bring something profitable for this country. I refuse to take a princess who cannot do anything.

“So? What is the main industry of this princess’ country?

When I asked that in order to persistently find fault with her…

“Then could you tell me who in the world will you accept? Does Your Majesty understand enough that you need a Empress Consort, too?”

Kristoff inquired while showing some slight anger.

“Let’s see, a princess from the 『Flower Capital』 Orania is acceptable. That country was originally ravaged by wars but their economy is now enriched from being a tourist spot. The know-how of tourist industry is something I want by all means for our country in the future.”

Kristoff sighed at my dead serious answer.

“Why are you going to such lengths to say it’s for the sake of the country? She’s the person who will become your wife, isn’t she? Won’t you at least demand someone whose appearance or personality matches your preference?”

“In case of such viewpoint, I do not want a wife who can only watch me. I want a wife who has the backbone to change the country with me.”

“I get it already. But still, Orania has no princess close to Your Majesty’s age. That country only has princes.”

Towards Kristoph who said, “How unfortunate, isn’t it?” I only answered back, “What’s unfortunate with that?”

“Our country recognizes same-sex marriage, Orania should be the same, too. I do not understand the problem with that.”

Same sex marriage is not unusual in the royal families either.

I was convinced that I should just have a child from the concubines, but Kristoff doesn’t seem to agree.

“It is true that there are some from the royal families who got married to the same sex. However, having a man as a Empress Consort is unheard of. Please reconsider it.”

Though he appealed desperately, a slight resignation was visible because he knew from our long acquaintance that opinions I proposed will not change easily.

“No, wasn’t it discussed in the previous assembly, too? Tourism is indispensable for the country’s economic development. It is for that reason I want the know-how of Orania.”

Kristoff’s sigh was deeper than a while ago.

“Please think about it a little. I also have to talk with Orania and above all, I do not know whether the Council will approve.”

The wrinkle of Kristoff’s forehead became deeper. I was worried it will remain that way.

“Then I only need to marry a princess, don’t I? Orania has kept being a neutral country since the last great war, but there are a lot of countries aiming for them. We only need to move our hands from behind with the condition of binding a military alliance.”

It’s a good plan, when I said that, Kristoff put his hand on his forehead and looked down.

“I think you are a good King who thinks of the country and its people. However, I am surprised when you occasionally say such astounding things. You are being called 『Aloof King』 but you are actually a considerate person. If you only smile to others a bit more, that sort of title would disappear. Haaah, anyway, I will discuss this with Orania after talking to the Prime Minister.”

“Aren’t you quite worn out?” I asked using the tone from our days as students.

“I’ll come again,” Kristoff turned around and while I wanted to say “next time, take your time resting” I only called out with, “sorry”.

At that time, I never expected that my absurd talk will bring about a destined encounter later.