Chapter 35

Quite some time ago, a cultural exchange treaty was concluded with the neighboring country.

As part of that, the establishment of a joint academy was decided. Simply put, young people from both countries will be selected and made to study under the same roof. They will learn languages, history will be taught by teachers from both sides, and technology will be shared.

The dormitories will be mixed, and the cafeteria will serve dishes from both countries.

Eventually, they will return home and become bureaucrats, engineers, and scholars. While holding another homeland somewhere in their hearts.

A country holding their mentors. A country where their friends live. A country where they spent their youth. Wars can be started by orders.

But hearts cannot be forced to obey.

Preparations for establishing the academy seemed to be proceeding smoothly. Selection of instructors, adjustment of budgets, the building.

Civil officials from both countries frequently exchanged letters, ironing out the details. At such a time, an official letter from the neighboring country arrived at the royal palace.

The council room of the royal palace. The letter from the neighboring country was read aloud.

“In preparing for the establishment of the academy, we request the presence of His Highness the Third Prince, who spearheaded the concept.”

The air froze.

The First Prince was silent for a while.

The treaty moves the country forward. But it is also a fact that it exposes his younger brother to danger. The First Prince’s fingertips tapped the desk. It was an action not so much out of anger, but to cut off his thoughts.

He immediately pulled his hand back and stated matter-of-factly.

“…If it aligns with the national interest, let him go.”

The Chancellor said quietly.

“A great power is inviting our prince. Safety is not guaranteed.”

The King looked at the Third Prince.

“What do you think?”

The Third Prince stepped forward.

“Please let me go.”

The First Prince glared.

“It is enemy territory, you know.”

“The academy will not be established as long as it remains enemy territory.”

Silence.

“A great power asking for the drafter is not a sign of disrespect. They are measuring whether we are serious or not.”

The King asked.

“You might not be able to return, you know.”

“If I cannot return, that is the value of this treaty.”

Quietness.

“As long as I am over there, it will be difficult for them to draw their swords.”

The Chancellor narrowed his eyes.

“Do you intend to become a hostage?”

“No. It is a proof of trust.”

The King nodded slowly.

“…I permit it.”

The First Prince’s fist was quietly clenched on the desk.

“Make sure you return.”

The moment those words fell, the air in the room pulled taut. With just the flag by the window swaying faintly, no one took a breath.

The First Prince’s eyes were not wavering.

But deep inside them, there was the light not of a Crown Prince, but of an older brother.

I moved from the very day I received the order.

I scrubbed through the matters I was handling, sending those that were not urgent to the Chancellor. Those related to finance went to the council.

I arranged for things requiring final approval to be forwarded to me via letters.

The mountain of documents on my desk decreased.

That day, I called Marc.

“It has been decided that I will go to the neighboring country.”

Marc listened silently.

“They are a great power. They will likely show utmost courtesy, but safety is not guaranteed.”

A brief silence.

“I intend to take you with me. …Do you have any objections?”

Marc dropped to his knee without pause.

“As you command.”

I let out a small breath.

“I will be entrusting my life to you.”

“I have already been entrusted with it.”

Our gazes met.

“I will absolutely return.”

“If Your Highness returns, I will return.”

There was no hesitation in his tone.

Marc’s Perspective

The door to the office closed heavily.

Inside, the clerk’s quill is probably still running. Copies of the treaty text, notices of the academy’s establishment, the reply to the neighboring country—His Highness is already thinking of his next move.

The corridor is slightly cold. The light shining through the window cast long shadows.

A treaty of military cooperation was concluded. We swore not to turn our troops against each other, and signed to share technology and knowledge.

But—a covenant on paper is no guarantee that it will stop a blade.

…When the time comes, before that blade reaches His Highness, I will stand in its way.