Befriending the future King

"We already sent a report about the war. How do we bring this up?" the Duke of Mills asked. Although he still felt it was the wrong decision, he knew it might be the best way forward. The mine would be exposed sooner or later, so it was better to make the proper preparations.

"We don't. We allow the Crown Prince to discover it himself. We have a few prisoners from the Krus. All we have to do is send them to the mine and tell them what to say. Our people working in the mine will insist that they were kidnapped and forced to work there," the lord who made the suggestion explained.

The hall fell into a long silence before someone spoke up. "This can work." The others nodded in agreement.

The mine was at the border anyway, it was not impossible for it to have fallen into the hands of Krus

"Let's make the arrangements," Duke of Mills said.

---

"Your Highness, it is an honor to have you here. I am Duke Albert, the Duke of Mills," Duke Albert introduced himself. The last time he had met the prince was fifteen years ago. Since the east was far from the royal city, Duke Albert did not attend most royal balls. He had a warm smile on his face. A group of noblemen stood outside the gate, waiting to welcome the prince.

"The capital understands that this is a difficult time for the east. My father, the King, sends his blessings," Prince Edward replied. He had come to the east under the King's orders to comfort the people.

"We are honored to hear that, Your Highness. Let me introduce everyone," Duke Albert said. He ruled over half of the eastern region, making him the most influential noble in the east. Although the territory had been divided into three, Duke Albert still held significant power.

"This is Duke Louis of Ode, Duke Alvin of Yul, Lord Robert of House William, Lord Fred of House Artistain, Lord…" Duke Albert patiently introduced the ten noblemen of the east.

Prince Edward listened attentively, greeting each noble politely and kindly. Although he appeared approachable, the air of nobility around him never diminished.

"My prince, we are honored by your presence in these trying times. We have prepared a small welcome banquet in the great hall. We hope our prince will not find it lacking," Duke Albert said. They had been preoccupied with hiding the mine ever since they learned of the Crown Prince's visit. Only when his steward informed him of the prince's arrival the previous day did he think to arrange a proper welcome.

There had not been enough time to prepare something grand, but fortunately, they could use the war as an excuse for the modest reception.

"The pain of the east is my pain as well. I understand the situation. His Majesty is moved by your loyalty and hard work in keeping the enemy at bay. He has sent provisions for the common people," the prince said, gesturing toward the carriages behind them.

The journey from the royal city to the east should have taken fifteen days, but because he traveled with a large group, it had been delayed by five more days.

"We thank His Majesty for remembering the common people," Duke Albert said.

The other lords bowed in response, relieved that the prince would not take offense at their humble reception. Even if he did, he would not be able to complain openly.

"Your Highness must be tired. We have prepared a guest house behind the great hall where you can freshen up and rest before the banquet," Duke Louis said. He felt that Duke Albert was monopolizing the conversation to curry favor with the prince. The prince before them was the Crown Prince and would hopefully become the next King. As long as one had no ambitions for the throne, befriending the future King could only bring benefits.

"Indeed, Your Highness," Duke Albert said, ignoring Duke Louis's remark.

Prince Edward acknowledged the invitation with a nod. He noticed the subtle power struggle between the two dukes and considered using it as an opportunity to carry out his father's orders.

The dukes and lords waited for the prince to mount his horse before they did the same, then led him into the city.

---

It was already night when the banquet began. The prince's lodging was just behind the great hall. The Duchess of Mills, a meticulous woman, had made proper arrangements to welcome the prince despite the short notice.

The hall was filled with festive music and dancing to entertain the guests.

As the distinguished guest, Prince Edward sat at the center of the main table.

Duke Albert sat on his right with his wife, while Duke Louis sat on his left. Meanwhile, Duke Alvin was seated at another table. Unlike Duke Louis, who constantly clashed with Duke Albert, Duke Alvin preferred to remain neutral. In his opinion, it was better to sit at the head of a lesser table than to grovel before the young prince.

The prince watched the performance below with a warm smile. He was exactly as the rumors described, gentle and refined.

He took a small sip from his cup, his movements elegant. No one could tell whether he was truly enjoying the banquet or not. Although his gaze was fixed on the stage, a closer look revealed that he was not actually watching the performance.

The first act of singing and dancing ended with applause and cheers.

Prince Edward turned to Duke Louis. "I heard the attack by the Krus wiped out a small settlement," he said, his voice laced with concern and sorrow.

"Not just one, Your Highness. Several settlements near the border were occupied by farmers. The Krus attacked so suddenly that over four settlements were lost," Duke Louis answered, his expression somber, like that of a father who had lost a son.

Prince Edward shook his head. "I thought a watchtower was built at the border after the last war a few years ago?" His voice carried a note of uncertainty. After all, with a watchtower, no matter how sudden the attack was, it should not have caused such devastation.

"Yes, it's just..." Duke Louis began, but Duke Albert interrupted him.

"Your Highness, the east has suffered from poor harvests in recent years, so we decided to cultivate the plains that had been left fallow. Unfortunately, this move created a new route for the enemy to attack us," Duke Albert explained. He did not trust that Duke Louis would not let something spill if he answered the question.

He was deliberately vague about the watchtower. The destroyed settlements were not far from the mine they had been hiding from the King. In truth, those settlements had merely served as cover for the mine. As soon as the prince started asking about them, Duke Albert became alert. Moreover, the watchtowers had been used primarily to monitor the mine's activities rather than to guard against the enemy, which was why the surprise attack had been so devastating.