Published: January 12, 2026
Interesting. This has become quite intriguing.
For the first time in a long while, I could not suppress my excitement.
“Sergio, this will be a good lesson. For the next three months, govern the country in my place.”
“Your Highness, this is splendid news! Opportunities like this rarely come around.”
As the Prime Minister Aperta and I said this, I looked at my eldest son Sergio, who had just turned seventeen a few days ago. Sergio resembles me — intelligent and well-looking. If he grows well, he undoubtedly has the potential to become a great ruler.
But he lacks ambition. He seeks stability and peace and doesn’t approve of conflicts with other nations.
Such an attitude is fine in peaceful times.
However, for our country, which does not possess extraordinary power, to survive in this chaotic world of war, that mindset won’t do.
While other countries build up their strength and seize territories, if we remain stagnant, we will be swallowed up in no time.
Being strong is synonymous with protecting one’s own country.
“F-Father, I understand that, but why must you both come? If it’s just to verify the usefulness of someone, wouldn’t one of you be enough?”
Sergio asked with a troubled expression, but I know his true feelings — he’s just anxious.
I snorted and took off my cloak.
“We don’t only conduct reconnaissance and border spying; we also send spies into enemy territory. Our intelligence efforts surpass any other country. There’s no problem.”
“But, still… there’s a possibility that an invasion plan is progressing secretly…”
“If an invasion is launched without us detecting it at all, it will be too late anyway. It will depend on the skill of the lords guarding the frontiers. That is why capable nobles, lords, strong knight orders, and powerful magicians are indispensable. Therefore, we must go see that lord who reportedly defeated a dragon in a tiny village.”
Upon saying this, Sergio grumbled but fell silent. I glanced at him with a smile and continued.
“Normally, we would summon a mere lord directly to the capital city at once. However, this one is the lord of a small village with only a hundred people. If summoned, the village would probably collapse. If you want to meet, we have no choice but to go see him.”
“But, even Prime Minister Aperta…”
When Sergio said that, Aperta shook his head expressionlessly.
“I cannot allow His Majesty to enjoy such a rare event alone. If you leave me in the capital city, Your Highness, you will be prohibited from going out as well.”
“Wait a minute, this has nothing to do with me!”
I objected to Aperta’s remark, but he shrugged his shoulders without responding. No use — this man won’t budge once he decides.
“…Understood, Sergio. It can’t be helped. We will be away for three months. Do your best as regent. Yes, take Pista with you. He should be around the same age, right?”
“Yes. Pista is nine years old this year.”
“I see. He’s already nine. That will be good experience.”
So, after a long time, we decided to leave the capital city.
Well, Sergio was still sulking, but when I was his age, I wasn’t a regent — I was truly the king, struggling earnestly with my duties. Three months is not so long; he should endure it.
Feeling like a boy again, I was excited about the journey and even donned armor to patrol around the carriage as a guard on the way.
The Viscount Panamera and his men, who took charge of the security, were surprised, but my Royal Guard barely reacted.
Boring fellows.
Since the king’s absence from the capital must remain secret, I always disguised myself. Yet, I could not hide the fact that I was a messenger from the capital city, so in every town we passed, people could not see me in my usual form.
At the sight of the royal family’s crest, everyone kneeled uniformly, bowing their faces to the ground. On rare occasions, some would stand and look at me, only to be forcibly made to sit by those around them.
It’s inevitable, but dull.