Chapter 122

At my words that I would train with the soldiers, Jereuth silently nodded his head.

"I understand, Your Highness. I will make the arrangements. Are there any other instructions?"

"No, there aren't. You must be tired in many ways, Commander, so please go and rest."

Thanks to the 'Health Necklace' the King gave me, I wasn't very tired. I was a bit mentally exhausted, but that too had improved a lot thanks to a nap.

However, even though I told him he could leave, Jereuth remained standing in his spot.

Did he have something to say?

"Is there something you wish to say?"

"Um... yes. Your Highness, in fact, the knights, soldiers, and the citizens of the royal capital are unsettled by the news of the King's death. No matter how little influence Philip had in recent years, it seems everyone was shocked by the fact that the King died."

“……”

"It's not to the point where the army's morale has dropped or the kingdom's people have fallen into chaos. Still, I believe it is necessary to change the mood."

At Jereuth's words, I fell into thought for a moment.

'People are unsettled because the King died... so even if he was a king like a scarecrow, a king is still a king, huh.'

Thinking back on the history of the world I was originally from, the Republic of Korea, the death of a king was indeed a very big deal.

The entire country held a funeral, and the officials conducted their duties in mourning clothes.

'Is it the same in the Plank Kingdom?'

"What is usually done when a king dies?"

"We inform each territory of the King's death and mourn for a week. During the mourning period, we do not do anything unless it is absolutely necessary. Farming is also paused if possible, and the same goes for the soldiers' training."

"It would be the same for things like construction, right?"

"That is correct."

That wouldn't do.

For the entire kingdom to come to a complete stop for a week, this kingdom didn't have that kind of luxury right now.

"That won't do. The kingdom doesn't have the luxury for that right now. My father wouldn't have wanted the entire kingdom to stop for a whole week either."

"If that is Your Highness's will, we will do without the mourning. However, Your Highness, I ask that you do this one thing."

"What is it?"

"The coronation ceremony."

The coronation ceremony.

Jereuth was as firm as the word he spoke was short.

Only this time, I was a bit hesitant.

"A coronation ceremony... do we really have to do it? It seems like it would take a lot of time and money."

"If you are worried about time and money, it is fine to do it simply. But the ceremony itself must be held."

"Can't I just announce that I have become the king—."

"Your Highness, the coronation ceremony is not simply an event to announce that you have become the new king. It is an act that proclaims the legitimacy of the throne and the continuity of the Plank royal family, and it solidifies the unity of the kingdom's people. It affects not only the loyalty of the army but also the 'morale' of the entire kingdom. After the war with the demons, our kingdom's exchanges with other countries were cut off, but there will be a difference between having held a coronation and not having held one in future interactions with other countries."

This was the first time Jereuth had proposed something so strongly.

Because of that, I couldn't help but be overwhelmed by Jereuth's charisma, which I was experiencing for the first time.

It seemed Jereuth had always treated me gently.

"If you say so, Commander... I understand. However, the coronation will be short and inexpensive. The monster army will attack the kingdom someday, and we can't waste precious money and time on an event like a coronation—."

As I was speaking.

Click—.

The door opened and Elly came in. Behind her was a cart with tea and a refreshment set on it.

Elly observed the atmosphere in the room and spoke awkwardly.

"I have brought the tea you asked for... should I take it back?"

"No, come in."

After answering Elly, I slightly changed what I was saying to Jereuth.

I couldn't let Elly know about the monster army right now.

"So, please make the coronation as simple as possible."

"I understand, Your Highness. However, the coronation is traditionally prepared under the leadership of the Head Maid, so I believe you will need to discuss that matter with the Head Maid."

The coronation is led by the Head Maid?

Jereuth had definitely spoken as if the coronation was a very important event.

But for the Head Maid to be in charge of such an event....

'I thought the Head Maid's role was just managing the maids, but I was wrong. It was quite a powerful position.'

Now I understood a little. Why the knights, soldiers, or other officials treated Elly politely after she became the Head Maid.

'But Elly doesn't exactly give off the vibe of a person in power... hmm.'

As I was thinking about this and that, Elly's expression caught my eye.

Elly was blinking her large eyes, wearing a rather dazed expression.

"I-I'm preparing the coronation... am I? Your Highness's coronation? Me?"

"What's wrong? You're not confident? If you're not confident, we can entrust it to our knights. That would still technically be 'led by the Head Maid'."

At Jereuth's words, Elly shook her head vigorously.

"No! I can do it!"

"I always feel this way, but you're good at answering. Only at answering."

I also always felt that Jereuth didn't seem to like Elly very much.

It seemed about time for them to get along.

"Then, Your Highness, I will take my leave."

"Yes. It must be difficult for you, Commander... but please prepare well for what is to come."

"I will do my best."

Clack!

Jereuth saluted me, then turned and left the room.

As expected, Jereuth gave off a feeling of 'I will do my best' that was not just words but truly sincere.

As Jereuth left, Elly poured me tea—coffee.

My hand reached for it automatically.

Am I addicted to caffeine?

'Since I've rested a bit, I should probably get to work.'

First, I intended to check all the work records that Olivia had stacked high on the desk.

'According to the Future Diary, it's supposed to be peaceful without any major problems for the next few years. Farming goes well, and livestock grows well. The problem is the war with the monster army that starts after that brief peace.'

The thought of the 'monster army' reminded me of something I hadn't been able to ask Jereuth earlier.

'Ah... I should have asked about the Gargoyles too.'

According to the Future Diary, there were two main reasons why the kingdom couldn't stop the monster army.

One was that Jereuth was killed in action on the battlefield, causing the kingdom army to collapse.

The other was the existence of the Gargoyles, which had overwhelming air superiority.

'There's not much information about Jereuth's death. So worrying about it now won't really change anything. It would be right to respond when the war is imminent and more information about Jereuth's death appears in the diary.'

In other words, I needed to focus on preparing for the 'Gargoyles' right now.

'It would be nice if the Elves helped.'

I had seen it. How well the Elves used their bows.

Whether far or near, every shot hit its mark, and each arrow was fatal.

If I could get the help of such Elves, I would be able to deal with the Gargoyles without much difficulty. Not only that, but I might be able to prevent Jereuth from being struck down on the battlefield.

'Paras said it in the Monster Mountains. That when he returned to Foothill's Rest, he would talk to the elder and decide whether to help me or not.'

The best-case scenario for me was for Paras to persuade the elder.

Then, the Elves would help me without me having to do anything in particular.

'But if the Elves decide not to help me….'

"That would really make my blood run dry...."

As I muttered, Elly, who was standing a little way off, asked.

"Yes, Your Highness?"

"Ah... no. It was just a thought. By the way, as you heard earlier, please prepare the coronation as simply as possible. I mean it."

"Yes, I understand."

After vaguely brushing Elly off, I quietly took a deep breath and sighed.

Hoo—.

'Let's just take care of my duties for now. As for the Gargoyles... I'll have to ask Jereuth for some advice. Jereuth would probably have some way.'

What came to my mind right now was to train a large number of archers or to research anti-Gargoyle magic.

...Though I didn't know if that was possible.

I shook my head and cleared my thoughts.

'Let's not think weak thoughts. There will be a way, surely. I just haven't found it yet.'

***

A little past three in the morning, Leonardo's room.

Leonardo, who had been sitting at his desk working without getting up once, finally fell asleep.

Watching Leonardo, Elly gave a bitter smile.

'I wish he wouldn't push himself so hard.'

She had thought that countless times while attending to Leonardo today.

But Elly didn't say anything.

She knew that even if she told him to rest, Leonardo wouldn't rest.

Interrupting him by speaking would only prolong Leonardo's work time.

As Elly was quietly about to leave the room, Leonardo's collarbone—more precisely, the necklace he was wearing while sleeping—caught her eye.

'That necklace... it's the one King Philip used to wear. He must have received it from the King.'

A necklace, or any accessory for that matter, is uncomfortable if worn by someone who doesn't usually wear one.

Even people who wear them often take them off when they sleep.

But Leonardo was sleeping with the necklace on.

'He's probably missing his father. ...Even if he's pretending to be fine.'

Otherwise, there was no way Leonardo, who never even glanced at accessories, would be wearing a necklace even while sleeping.

'Is he trying to carry so much on his own again?'

After thinking for a moment, Elly left Leonardo's room. Leonardo was so focused that he didn't even notice her leaving.

Click-.

Quietly closing the door, Elly thought as she headed to her room.

'I have to prepare for His Highness's coronation... what should I prepare first?'

Normally, before becoming a Head Maid, one receives a lot of training from the retiring Head Maid.

Theoretical education like the history and traditions of the royal family.

Practical things like how to manage other maids.

And even tacit things like how to mediate between noble young ladies, princesses, noblewomen, and the queen.

Among such education is 'how to prepare for a coronation.'

However, because the previous Head Maid was also purged during Leonardo's purge, Elly had no one to ask.

'It's a bit awkward to ask Commander Jereuth... and it's also a bit awkward to ask the other maids. His Highness told me to prepare it simply, but I can't prepare it shabbily just because it's simple.'

Sigh—.

Faced with an unexpectedly difficult task, Elly couldn't help but sigh.

'What should I do….'

There was no set deadline for preparing the coronation. Leonardo probably wouldn't care how late the coronation was.

So, in a way, she had plenty of time.

But apart from that, Elly felt rushed. Because she had no idea how to prepare for Leonardo's coronation.

As Elly continued her complicated thoughts.

Suddenly, Elly realized that her thinking was wrong.

'...No, right? Why am I hesitant to ask other people? Even the great His Highness Leonardo always seeks advice from other people.'

That's right. Even Leonardo, who handled everything perfectly, sought advice from officials or knights whenever he did something.

Moreover, Leonardo even sought the opinions of 'former slaves' and gave them important positions.

'And yet, a mere maid like me is trying to save face... I was wrong. It's more foolish not to seek advice. There must be maids, cooks, or soldiers with longer careers than me who have seen the previous king's coronation. Let's go and ask them. If that's not enough, let's go find the knights.'

What was that saying about a dog at a private school reciting poems after three years?

It was the same for Elly. It hadn't been three years since she started serving Leonardo, but still, there were things she had learned from watching Leonardo up close.

'The most perfect coronation is one that His Highness is pleased with. So let's think about the kind of coronation His Highness would want. Simple, and yet... one that everyone can enjoy together.'

***

A week later, at the 3rd Knight Order barracks.

This place had effectively become the kingdom army's supreme command headquarters.

Today too, Jereuth was working late into the night.

Hagen, standing opposite Jereuth who was sitting at his desk, handed over some documents.

"Commander. This is the list of soldiers who passed the recent recruitment, as you mentioned yesterday. I have also organized their pre-enlistment screening records."

"Mm."

As Jereuth took the documents and looked them over, Hagen asked.

"May I ask one thing?"

"What is it?"

"It seems you are paying particular attention to the new recruits this time, Commander. Is there a reason for that?"

Jereuth had always been an excellent commander who cared for each and every soldier.

But even so, this was the first time he had requested a separate report on recruits who had just enlisted and hadn't even finished training, so Hagen was curious.

Jereuth's position was too high to be concerned with such a minor matter.

"Paying particular attention... that's true. I suppose it's about time I told you."

"What do you mean?"

"His Highness has said he will be enlisting as a recruit in this batch."

"I see. His Highness will be enlisting... pardon?!"

Hagen found himself asking back with a raised voice. Hagen was more surprised than when Jereuth had ordered a suicidal operation during the war with the demons.

"I-I must have misheard. His Highness enlisting as a new recruit—."

"You heard correctly."

“……”

"His Highness said he wanted to live with the soldiers and earn their faith and trust. To give them the trust that he would fight with the army no matter what happens—that must be it."

"His Highness wants to give the soldiers and knights trust...? Commander, the morale of the kingdom's army is at its peak right now. Their loyalty to His Highness is also the same."

"That's right."

To Jereuth's calm reply, Hagen asked cautiously.

"...Commander, has any knight or soldier committed an act of disrespect towards His Highness? Is that why His Highness is going to personally guide them by disguising himself as a soldier—."

"It's not like that. His Highness purely said he wants to build trust with the knights and soldiers."

While explaining Leonardo's purpose for enlisting, Jereuth did not mention the monster army.

It was not yet time to reveal it.

"Hah... I understand. Then I will give a word to the junior knight in charge of the new recruit training. That His Highness is enlisting, so he should prepare accordingly."

"No, tell the junior knight only that His Highness is enlisting, but tell him not to make any other special preparations. This is what His Highness instructed."

Jereuth handed Hagen a neatly folded note.

"What is this?"

"It's a summary of what His Highness said yesterday. Proceed with His Highness's training according to that."

"I will take a look."

Hagen unfolded the note Jereuth gave him and read it.

With each letter he read, a question formed on Hagen's face.

"...I-is it really alright to do this? There will be an uproar."

"It is His Highness's order."

"...I understand. Then I will inform the knight in charge of the recruits as written on this note the day before His Highness's enlistment."

"Mm. Is there anything else I need to check?"

"You have checked all the agenda items for today—ah."

Hagen, who had returned to his usual voice, spoke as if he had almost forgotten something, and pulled out a few sheets of paper from the bundle of documents he was holding.

"These are documents sent by the Head Maid. She said it is the plan for His Highness's coronation and asked for your advice after you take a look, Commander."

"Advice? For me?"

Elly asking him for advice.

For Jereuth, it was a little unexpected.

'I heard the Head Maid was going around asking old soldiers, maids, and cooks various things. I didn't expect her to ask me as well.'

"I'll take a look."

Jereuth checked the documents Elly had sent.

For a maid to have written it, no, for Elly to have written it, the handwriting and content structure were too neat and orderly.

'This handwriting is Olivia's. Did Olivia help her with the documents? It seems they've gotten quite close while I was away in the Wasteland of Ruin.'

"More importantly... hmm."

"Is there a problem?"

"No, there's no problem. Rather, what should I say, it shows traces of effort. It seems the Head Maid has prepared a coronation that suits His Highness's taste. And... chuckles, holding the coronation like this might be able to change the stagnant atmosphere of the royal capital due to the king's death."

At Jereuth's words, Hagen was a little surprised.

'The Commander is praising the Head Maid? I thought the Commander wasn't too fond of the Head Maid.'

"Then I will inform the Head Maid that you were satisfied, Commander."

"Do so. However, tell her I will make some adjustments regarding the security for the coronation."

"Understood."

***

And so, another week passed.

***

The royal capital.

This place where the news of the King's death had spread quickly.

The entire city's atmosphere had sunk at the shocking news. No matter that King Philip had been a king in name only for the past decade or so, he was still the 'king'.

"To think the King has passed away... haah. Has so much time passed? I might not have much time left before I die of old age either."

Like this, the elderly felt the cruelty of time. They still hadn't forgotten the magnanimity and charisma King Philip had shown as a king in his youth.

Although in his later years he was a fallen king who couldn't even properly use his power against the nobles, in his youth—before the war with the demons—he was a truly powerful king.

Still, to the elderly, King Philip was the king in their hearts.

While a heavy, unseen air had settled over the royal capital.

A surprising rumor spread through the royal capital.

As with most rumors, its starting point was, of course, the merchants.

***

A tavern in the royal capital where merchants shared information.

In that tavern, a merchant spoke quietly.

"Did you hear? They say King Leonardo's coronation will be held on the street in front of the royal castle."

"What's that supposed to mean? Why hold the coronation in front of the royal castle? A coronation is a party for the king and nobles inside the royal castle, isn't it? Crown Prince Leonardo purged all the nobles, so there are no nobles, but still, the people inside the royal castle will have a party, won't they?"

"Tsk, if you don't want to believe it, then don't—."

"Hey now, you're as impatient as you are when you finish your business at night in four seconds. Don't be like that, tell me, what is it?"

"Four seconds, my ass... I can go for four minutes! In bed, for four minutes, I'm stronger and faster than Commander Jereuth's Kartum!"

The merchant made an embarrassing excuse that he didn't really need to make as a man.

As the surrounding merchants snickered at that, the merchant cleared his throat and continued.

"Sheesh, I'm only telling you because I'm grateful for your help last time, so listen up. This is top-secret information! I know a maid who works in the royal castle, and that maid told me that next week—!"

The merchant was definitely speaking 'quietly,' but because they were merchants who liked to eavesdrop on others' information, quite a few merchants were listening.

Because, if the Crown Prince's coronation was really held on the street in front of the royal castle.

That would be a huge festival, and a festival meant making money.

The eyes of the merchants, who had been feeling down since the news of the king's death, began to light up little by little.