Chapter 45: Father-Daughter Conflict

Chapter 45: Father-Daughter Conflict

TL: Etude

Count Merlin swiftly banished a fleeting absurd thought from his mind. Magic? How could that be possible?

The churchs charlatans always scared ordinary people with tales of evil wizards and witches, even establishing a tribunal for this purpose. Some of these charlatans, on various pretexts, would wave around a broken stone, pretending to detect traces of magic or witchcraft.

Due to their influence, the public, especially the lower classes, deeply believed these claims.

However, to a few well-educated individuals, such tales of wizards and witches were nothing more than fabrications by the church to expand its influence.

As time progressed, many mystical phenomena received rational explanations. For instance, the ghost lights seen in graveyards, once attributed by the church to evil spirits, were later found by alchemists to be mere spontaneous combustion of a substance called phosphorus.

With these lies exposed, the church looked unfavorably upon scholars who dared to explore the unknown, often persecuting them as witches.

Yet, this did not curb peoples curiosity. Even within the church, factions arose advocating the exploration of the unknown and the study of nature to better understand and approach the divine, such as the renowned Society of Enlightenment.

The church linked some inexplicable people and events to witchcraft or devilry, playing on peoples fears to reinforce dependency on the church. This notion had started to circulate among the high nobility, who considered wizards and magic as mere tricks to fool the gullible.

Count Merlin shared this view, although most nobles still preferred to err on the side of belief.

Please continue the investigation, Lord Merlin. However, the reality of our food shortage remains unchanged, the king broke the silence in the study, addressing the most pressing issue.

Princess Catherine, with furrowed brows, said, Father, I have already ordered the collection of provisions within the royal lands, but it will take some time.Read latest chapters at novelhall.com Only

Even if we manage to gather some food, it wont be enough to sustain the army for a long campaign into the south.

King Rodney XVI fell into a silence, eventually saying, We have no choice but to purchase from the lords who support the monarchy.

The king should be self-sufficient was an unwritten rule in this world.

Following the collapse of the ancient Gubera Empire, numerous new governments emerged on its territory.

These newborn countries frequently waged war, and their rulers, lacking the vast territories of the Gubera Empire, couldnt afford to maintain large standing armies with their wealth.

Left alone, the father and daughter stood in the study. The king walked slowly to the window.

Turning his back to the princess, he said, Catherine, theres something I need to tell you.

The princess waited quietly for her fathers words, but what she heard left her utterly shocked.

I plan to marry your sister to Duke Viburen.

The room fell into silence, punctuated only by the ticking of a grandfather clock. Catherine was speechless for a moment.

Finally, she managed to ask, Why?

Deep down, the princess knew the answer: Duke Viburen was the most powerful lord in the eastern territories of the kingdom, and among the lords who hadnt yet declared their allegiance in the current conflict, he was the strongest.

The king didnt answer; he knew his daughter understood his intentions.

Eileen is only 15 years old, has she agreed to this? The princesss tone became sharp.

The king, still facing away, murmured, 15 is not so young but did not confirm whether Catherines sister had agreed.

But Viburen is nearly 50! And with such a bad reputation! Youre actually willing to marry your own daughter to such a man!

The princesss voice rose, almost to a shout.

Enough! My mind is made up! Leave now.

The king suddenly turned around, staring sternly at his daughter. His eyes, once gentle, now held a resolute determination.

Understanding her fathers intent, Catherine looked at him coldly, As you command, Your Majesty.

She turned and walked out. The study door closed with a loud bang.

King Rodney XVI stood motionless by the window. After a long while, he sighed, walked to his desk, and slumped into his chair, weakly.

His daughter, he thought, was still too naive in matters of politics.