◆ The Moment of Reckoning and the Aspiration of a Frontier Knight
Below us, the ‘farce’ unfolded.
The actors were noble figures of high standing, while the audience consisted of newly recognized adults and their families.
Among them, some keen observers had already sensed something was amiss and quietly slipped away.
Those individuals, possessing both keen judgment and the ability to act upon it, were the true elite.
A rare sight indeed.
At that moment, a faint noise caught my ear.
Instinctively, my body tensed.
My posture adjusted to a defensive stance, hand resting lightly upon the hilt of my sword, ready to draw at a moment’s notice.
A shared reaction swept through the chamber.
Every noble present turned their attention toward the sound.
A visitor…?
One that had been anticipated?
The door behind me creaked open.
A single figure entered, stepping forward with deliberate ease.
His attire, posture, and presence all spoke of authority.
I did not need to verify his identity—
The Crown Prince.
He walked forward, passing through the ranks of high lords and officials, his pace slow and measured.
His face, handsome and composed, radiated an unshakable resolve.
His steps carried no malice, no hostility—only purpose.
I released my readiness for combat but did not drop my guard entirely.
Upon reaching the highest platform, he approached two figures seated upon their thrones—
His Majesty, the King.
Her Majesty, the Queen.
Then, five steps before them, he knelt.
A hand to his chest, he bowed his head.
And the King spoke.
“The decision is made.”
The Crown Prince lifted his head.
His voice was firm, steady, and clear.
“My brother… His greatest flaw is his narrow view of the world.”
“He hears only the words that please him, rejecting all caution and wisdom.”
“Such a man… is unfit to wear the crown.”
A heavy silence filled the chamber.
The King’s gaze did not waver.
“You understand the burden you must bear?”
“Even if it should break me, I shall shoulder this kingdom.”
A deep sigh, long and weary.
Then, a shift—a decision made manifest.
The King turned to the Grand Duchess.
“He is still young, yet untested… but Grand Duchess, will you stand beside him?”
Her voice rang out—crystal-clear, unwavering.
“Not to support him… but to walk alongside him, I shall answer: Yes.”
A rare flicker of genuine emotion crossed the Crown Prince’s face.
“And what, Grand Duchess, would you have me swear?”
She stepped forward.
Her words were both a vow and a demand.
“Let us stand side by side.”
“Let us confront the trials before us.”
“Let us carve a path toward tomorrow.”
“Toward a future worthy of this kingdom.”
“This is my vow.”
For the first time, the Crown Prince’s mask cracked.
His voice softened, no longer simply a declaration, but an exchange of trust.
“Then hear my oath in return.”
“The road ahead is steep, the burdens great.”
“But look beside you.”
“I shall always be there.”
The ceremony was complete.
She extended her hand.
He took it and pressed a kiss to the back of her palm—a gesture of trust, of unity.
He then rose, and together they stepped forward five paces.
A symbolic stride into the future.
And with that, my duty ended.
As a temporary guardian, I was no longer permitted to remain within ten paces of them.
Their security now fell to the Royal Guard.
The role I had been assigned was now absolved.
I swiftly retreated.
Yet even then, it did not feel far enough.
I pressed toward the exit, but—
“You will remain here.”
A figure stepped between me and the door.
The Chief Lady-in-Waiting.
Her face remained composed, but her voice carried warning.
“To leave now would be… improper.”
I hesitated.
“May I ask, Lady Chief, how long do I remain?”
Her expression wavered—
A rare moment of uncertainty.
“…A while longer. Please, just a while longer.”
What in the world…?
I was a mere third son of a frontier knight’s house.
My presence in this chamber was already beyond reason.
And yet… I was being kept.
Why?
For what purpose?
The King rose from his throne.
His voice carried the weight of final judgment.
“For the Crown Prince to ascend as Heir Apparent, one thing remains.”
“He must secure the consent of the nobility.”
“To do so, we shall establish a new bond.”
And so, the future of the kingdom was sealed.
And I, a mere observer, stood witness to history.