Chapter 29
Five days after the conclusion of the treaty. The grand hall of the royal palace was enveloped in a celebratory banquet for the first time in a long while.
Countless lights flickered on chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, and the polished floor wavered, reflecting the light. The sound of strings played by the musicians filled the space with a modest yet uplifting tone.
This is not a victory banquet.
However, the result of avoiding a war is sometimes heavier than a sword.
The dishes lined up on the hall’s tables are not ostentatious.
Yet, every single plate is without waste, bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
This composition—avoiding excessive luxury and valuing quality over quantity—was the result of the Third Prince quietly advising the head chef in preparation for this negotiation. Considering the delegation’s preferences and the fatigue of their long journey, a menu that wasn’t too heavy had been prepared.
But not many know of this consideration.
That fact had also reached the First Prince’s ears, but he said nothing.
Standing at the guest of honor’s seat, one step below the throne, was the First Prince.
“The conclusion of this treaty is a great step forward for our country.”
Concise words without waste. Neither exaggeration nor self-praise. He simply stated the facts. And continued:
“I hereby express my gratitude for the efforts of the Third Prince, who executed the negotiations for this matter.”
Gazes naturally turned to the Third Prince. Leonhart stepped forward and bowed quietly.
“It is only because of the trust of His Highness the First Prince, who gave me this duty. I merely fulfilled my orders.”
Words that were neither too much nor too little. Not pushing himself forward, he gave credit to the one who appointed him. At this exchange, the nobles nodded uniformly in satisfaction.
“As expected, the First Prince possesses keen insight.”
“The capacity to use people is exactly the quality of a King.”
Such whispers were exchanged in the shadows of their cups. They acknowledge the Third Prince’s skill. But the one who “saw through it” and “appointed him” was the First Prince.
Who is the next King? That atmosphere was obvious without daring to put it into words.
Eventually, cups were raised.
“A toast to His Highness the First Prince.”
The voices synchronized naturally.
However—. In the corners of the hall, there were those quietly watching this unfold.
The veteran envoys of the delegation. The old civil officials of the royal palace.
And the several nobles who had thoroughly read the negotiation records.
They know.
The clever concessions and hidden initiative lurking in the details of the treaty text. The structure that secures substantial superiority while respecting the opposing country’s interests.
That cannot be done just by executing orders.
It was impossible without the executor’s caliber.
Raising their cups, they thought:
The appointer is the First Prince. The executor is the Third Prince.
The leading actor tonight is undoubtedly the First Prince.
But who was at the core of this quiet success? There certainly are those who see through it.
Amidst the flickering fire of the chandeliers, the two princes stood side by side.
Front and back.
Light and shadow.
And only the fact that both were standing for the sake of the country remained unshaken.
The Delegation’s Perspective
In a corner of the hall, the delegation from the neighboring country was also quietly tilting their cups.
It is not a banquet flaunting extravagance. No excessive decorations, no excessive music. Calm furnishings and subdued lighting.
But the dishes lined up on the table are refined.
(This is a country that organizes rather than shows off.) The Head of the Delegation looked at the two princes standing side by side in the center of the hall.
The First Prince, praised as the appointer. The Third Prince, standing one step back as the executor.
But. Who was it that actually exchanged words at the negotiation table?
Who was it that responded quietly, yet without retreating a single step, over a single line of the articles?
The envoys sent signals to each other using only their gazes.
They know without saying it aloud who the greatest contributor is.
“…I want him.”
The Head of the Delegation accidentally let it slip quietly. The envoy next to him immediately whispered while bringing his cup to his mouth.
“I will pretend I did not hear that.”
After a slight silence, the two looked forward as if nothing had happened.
For them, dispatched from a great power, this treaty was not a light matter. One wrong step and tensions would have risen, perhaps settling it in a different form.
But it’s different now. Mutual interests were maintained, and face was saved. That is enough.
The envoys quietly breathed a sigh of relief.
This banquet is not ostentatious.
But the very fact that it ended safely was the greatest luxury of all.
Count Crawford’s Perspective
Further behind them, in a corner of the nobles’ seats, the figure of Count Crawford could also be seen.
This banquet is in response to the conclusion of the treaty. As someone entrusted with a territory, his attendance is natural.
The Count narrowed his eyes slightly at the dishes lined up on the table. They are slightly different from usual. A composition prioritizing harmony and consideration over heaviness.
“It seems it was the Third Prince’s instruction.”
Such whispers entered his ears.
(Just like that person.) Hating excess, yet arranging the details. Determining the form in places that do not appear on the surface.
Holding his cup, the Count suddenly remembered an exchange before he left his territory.
“I want to go too, but as the next feudal lord, it will not come to pass.”
Saying that, Lydia had slumped her shoulders just a little. But she immediately raised her face.
“Instead, I will compile the progress reports on the land reclamation. I want to show the Third Prince results I can be proud of someday,” she declared with serious eyes.
(That child is also looking forward.)
The Count directed his gaze to the center of the hall. The First Prince, praised as the appointer. The Third Prince, waiting one step behind him. The new treaty.
What kind of impact will those articles bring to his territory?
Amidst the stir of the banquet, only the Count’s thoughts were quietly heading toward the future.
