The King Arranges a Marriage

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

Inside the study of the Crystal Glare's Palace, a group gathered to discuss an important matter. 

"Your Majesty, how long do you intend to wait?" 

Earl Walsh McKee, a key supporter of the current king, urged the monarch seated on the throne. 

"We already planned to send your sister far from the center of royal power. This arrangement benefits everyone—her, us, and most importantly, the kingdom itself." 

"I..." King Rodney XVIII of Aldor hesitated, stroking his chin. "I feel we should consider Catherine's opinion on the matter." 

Earl McKee sighed. "Your Majesty, while she is a princess, she remains your subject. By law, she must obey your command." 

The Earl looked around the room. "We all know Princess Catherine is loyal to the law; she'll follow her brother's orders." 

Voices in the room echoed in agreement.

"Yes, Your Majesty, simply arrange her marriage." 

"She's a worry to everyone as long as she remains in Crystal Glare." 

"We hope you'll make a wise decision quickly." 

The king's younger brother, Yuriko Rodney, was particularly eager for his cousin to leave Crystal Glare as soon as possible. 

But there were dissenting voices as well. 

"Wouldn't this provoke her followers?" 

"The former king has barely passed; it seems insensitive to act now." 

Only a few opposed the decision, while most were in favor. 

As the debate continued, Rodney XVIII remained silent.

A calm voice came from the window: "Gerd." 

Gerd was Rodney XVIII's name before he ascended the throne. Only one person still called him that—his father, Prince Jassim Rodney. 

While everyone discussed, Prince Jassim quietly watched the scenery by the window, seemingly indifferent to their deliberations. When all had spoken, he finally addressed the king by name. 

"Father, what is your opinion?" 

King Rodney XVIII looked with respect at his father, who approached the throne. Rodney stood, offering his seat, but Prince Jassim placed a hand on his shoulder, gently pressing him back down. 

"Everyone's concerns are valid. Catherine is trustworthy, but her supporters pose an unpredictable threat. As long as she remains in Crystal Glare, they will continue to harbor dissent toward your rule." 

"And many of her supporters hold significant positions. If we remove them all, it would destabilize the kingdom's government." 

"So, Catherine must leave Crystal Glare—and far enough away that her followers abandon any hopes of rallying around her. Only then will they pledge their loyalty to you." 

Rodney XVIII asked hesitantly, "Are you certain? Will her leaving be enough for them to transfer their loyalty to me?" 

Prince Jassim nodded. "Catherine's departure by royal order would be a powerful symbol—showing she has fully submitted to the new king's rule. Her followers would have no choice but to follow suit." 

Seeing his son's hesitation, Jassim added, "Are you concerned that others might exploit this situation?" 

Rodney XVIII nodded. "Father, you know Catherine commands an entire knight order." 

The prince placed a reassuring hand on his son's shoulder, imparting confidence. 

"I've already reached out to powerful local lords near the royal territories. They'll bring their forces to Crystal Glare to support you. If anyone seizes the moment to stir trouble, we'll take the opportunity to eliminate those agitators." 

Rodney XVIII looked surprised. "You've called for troops from other regions?" 

The prince nodded. "Yes, my son. A king must have the loyalty of his own forces." 

"Oh, of course, but…" 

"What is it, my son?" 

Rodney XVIII glanced around the room. "Nothing." 

Certain topics were best discussed privately with his father. Clearing his throat, he continued, "Since Catherine is my sister and a princess, which family would you suggest for an alliance?" 

"Perhaps the Fennel family?" 

"The Bradley family?" 

"The Colliford family?" 

Several prominent families from distant territories were proposed. 

Rodney XVIII dismissed each one, finally suggesting the Grayman family from the Northwest Bay. 

"The Grayman?" 

Prince Jassim considered the name thoughtfully, aware of his son's high regard for the current head of that family. 

Before others could weigh in, the prince remarked, "I looked into this family recently. The Grayman is indeed an old lineage, dating back to the kingdom's founding. But they only hold an Earl's title—might this be beneath Princess Catherine?" 

Rodney XVIII replied, "We must think of the future, Father. As I've explained, the Northwest Bay is a promising region with immense potential." 

Prince Jassim nodded. "That's precisely my second concern. If, as you say, that land holds such promise, wouldn't placing a prominent royal there turn that potential into strength? Are you sure this won't become a threat to us?" 

The king replied confidently, "Earl Grayman is a loyal and reliable noble. If he were connected to the royal family, he'd be even more dependable. This would be invaluable for the royal family's waning influence." 

Loyalty? Dependability? 

A subtle gleam appeared in Prince Jassim's eyes. 

But certain things couldn't be openly discussed in front of others. Placing a hand on his son's shoulder, he said, "Then do as you see fit. After all, you are the king now. Just remember—always have a contingency plan for any choice you make. I trust you understand this." 

Rodney XVIII nodded. "I will, Father." 

(End of the Chapter)

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