Published: January 4, 2026
In the early afternoon, inside the training grounds overseen by the Ministry of Military Affairs, I was mounted on a horse.
It was a magnificent white horse, both in its coat and physique. Although I’m not an expert on horses, I could tell this one was raised with considerable care and effort.
I rode slowly around the riding arena on that horse.
“How is it, Your Majesty?” Henry asked from just outside the riding grounds.
While I circled, Henry had been watching closely.
I pulled on the reins and replied to Henry.
“It’s a fine horse. It listens well to commands, and also—”
“And also?” Henry tilted his head in curiosity.
I increased the horse’s speed, making a lap around the arena.
After a while, sweat started pouring from the horse’s body.
The sweat beneath its white coat reflected the sunlight, shining like gold.
“Oh!”
“The horse’s constitution is excellent. This one can definitely serve as a symbol.”
“So, the escort will be on this horse?”
I slowly reined in the horse and returned to Henry’s side.
I dismounted and gently patted the sweat-drenched horse’s face.
The horse seemed ticklish but pleased to be petted.
“That will be the basic plan. Do we have any reserves?”
“They’re a bit lower quality, but we can secure a few more.”
“Then arrange that as well—ah, well done. It’s a good horse.”
A stableman, who had been waiting since I dismounted, approached.
I handed him the reins and expressed my gratitude.
“I’m honored, Your Majesty.”
“Did you raise this horse yourself?”
“Y-Yes! From when it was this small.”
The man seemed overwhelmed to be spoken to by the emperor himself, answering awkwardly.
“I see. Well done. I’ll reward you with a year’s salary; collect it later from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.”
“Thank you very much!”
Holding the reins, the man knelt skillfully and bowed deeply, then stood up just as deftly, continuing to bow respectfully as he led the horse away.
“You really know horses inside and out.”
Watching the man leave, I said.
“In what way?”
Henry asked curiously.
“When dealing with horses, ‘suddenly’ doing something is the worst. Any sudden movement can startle a horse and make it stand rigid—though that’s an unnecessary explanation for someone as familiar with battlefields as you, Henry.”
“Indeed.”
“That man knelt suddenly beside the horse, yet the horse wasn’t startled. Either his movements prevented it, or he had trained the horse so well that it completely trusted him.”
“I see, it could be either or both.”
“Ha, that’s possible too.”
Henry’s comment made me tap the side of my head.
There’s no rule that only one reason must apply. Both can be true.
“He’s the stablemaster of the royal palace; you won’t find incompetents there.”
“That’s not always the case.”
“Eh?”
“Shall I tell you how to clearly appoint an incompetent as his successor?”
“...Other than the fact that Your Majesty appoints them directly, right?”
Henry furrowed his brow, confirming the premise.
“Haha, yes. I wouldn’t appoint an incompetent myself.”
“...”
Henry pondered but couldn’t think of a way.
“I don’t know. How exactly?”
“It’s simple. Take that man along on a personal military campaign as the horse’s caretaker and have me favor him.”
“...I see.”
Henry considered this, then forced a bitter smile.
“If a position might catch Your Majesty’s eye, it inevitably becomes a political battlefield.”
“Exactly.”
“If it’s a low-ranking post only fought over politically, it’s likely merely a puppet—an incompetent. Your Majesty is truly amazing to have figured this out so quickly.”
I smiled faintly.
“Even now, places that might catch my attention are battlegrounds for princes and ministers.”
“That’s true.”
“Henry, you surely have your own people placed somewhere too?”
“You’ve known me since childhood, Your Majesty.”
“Hm?”
“I only appoint those capable, whom Your Majesty favors.”
“Ha, I see.”