Chapter 13
Moved by the excessive admiration for Muriela, Anton wiped away his tears and composed himself to proceed with the lesson.
Despite being caught off-guard, the skills of a veteran with decades of teaching experience were still intact.
Anton, already having internally appointed Muriela as the future monarch (though he had no such authority), vowed to obtain the resources she requested, even if it was difficult.
Still, he had to follow the curriculum, which required testing and presenting the results to the royal education supervisor.
Thus, he needed to cover basic history topics.
“The Continental Calendar, used by all the countries in the Northern Continent, marks—”
Before he could finish, Muriela burst out excitedly with an answer.
“It’s the calendar that starts with the year when the demon dragon Trianos was defeated by an alliance of races!”
Thanks to this extraordinary young student, Anton’s face beamed with an expression not seen in years.
“Princess Muriela, that’s correct. However, royal etiquette suggests waiting until the other person finishes speaking before responding.”
“I’m sorry! I got too excited because I knew the answer!”
Even as the lesson continued, Muriela often interrupted with enthusiastic responses, forcing Anton to repeatedly remind her about etiquette.
However, this also meant the lesson progressed at an impressive pace.
“..And thus, on March 17th, 621, the great pioneer king, His Majesty Solinor, who is also Your Highness’s grandfather, founded this glorious nation of Silbrenoa. This day is known as Founding Day and is celebrated as a national holiday each year.”
“That’s right! So many people came out into the streets and celebrated on that day!”
Muriela stretched her arms wide in a ‘V’ shape, trying to imitate the cheering crowds.
“Haha, Princess Muriela, you speak as if you were there. That’s correct. Although I wasn’t from this country at the time, I heard stories of the excitement from friends later on.”
‘Oops, I got a bit carried away.’
Solinor regretted the slight slip of the tongue but found it hard to contain his amusement.
‘History really is the best!’
“Princess, you are truly remarkable. In all my years of teaching history, I have never covered this much content in a single lesson. It feels like we completed six lessons’ worth in one day.”
“It’s already over? That’s too bad.”
Muriela’s gaze sparkled automatically without her even needing to think. Naturally, Anton, who was thoroughly enjoying teaching Muriela, had no intention of resisting her charm.
“If Your Highness wishes, we can continue. Ah, and I understand you requested to have history lessons three times a week. If that’s still the case, I would be honored to comply with my humble abilities.”
“Yes, I would like that. Also, while learning about past events is good, I want to discuss more about how to shape the future. You’re very knowledgeable, so you must know how to rule this country well, right, Teacher Anton?”
“Princess, you flatter me. How could this humble Anton dare to speak on the governance of the nation? That is a matter suited for someone noble like Your Highness.”
“That’s not true! If being born into a noble house were enough to rule a country well, there wouldn’t be any nations that fail, would there? I think anyone wise enough to make the people happy is suitable, regardless of their background.”
Muriela’s words reflected Solinor’s own beliefs: that a wise soul who loved the people should govern, not merely someone of noble birth.
However, such words were considered dangerous in a society bound by class.
Anton instinctively checked to ensure no one else was listening, sighed with relief, and offered advice to the princess.
“Princess, if I may offer some guidance, please be cautious when expressing such thoughts where others might hear.”
Although Anton’s advice was technically overstepping boundaries, he hoped Muriela would value her safety over any potential displeasure.
He believed her standing in the royal family was among the weakest.
Even though he had only known Muriela for an hour, Anton thought he had a sense of her character and felt she wouldn’t be angry over such a warning.
As expected, Solinor felt no offense from Anton’s cautionary words. After all, he was someone who admitted his own shortcomings and was open to listening to others.
“Understood. I’ll be more careful. Teacher Anton, can you teach me about what happened after King Solinor’s death?”
“Yes, Princess Muriela. Although your etiquette teacher will cover this later, the proper phrasing would be, ‘after His Majesty King Solinor passed away.’”
Solinor found it awkward and uncomfortable for such a grand honorific to be attached to his own name. But of course, suddenly exclaiming, ‘Ta-da! I am Solinor!’ was out of the question.
—
“Goodbye, Teacher Anton!” “I shall see you again this Friday, Princess. May you be well until then.”
After politely bidding farewell to her history teacher, Solinor pondered the information from today’s lesson.
Though there hadn’t been enough time to gather much, combining Anton’s words led to one realization:
‘After my death, it seems that my friends initially took charge of governing on behalf of the young Eldric.’
This had been somewhat expected.
‘The problem arose as they gradually retired and Eldric began to rule as an adult, causing policies to become unclear. Also, why has there been no mention of Aiorin? I need to ask about that next time.’
As soon as Anton finished the lesson with Muriela, he went to visit the home of a trusted civil servant.
Knock, knock, knock!
Anton knocked on the door and called out.
“Patrick! Are you home? It’s Anton.”
A moment later, a man with graying hair, much like Anton’s, opened the door. He was still wearing his dark blue official uniform.
“Anton! Why did you come by so suddenly without notice? I just got home from work. Anyway, since you’re here, come in. Has it been about three months?”
He turned his head inside the house and called out.
“Honey! Anton is here for a drink. Could you prepare some snacks?”
“All right. It’s been a while, Teacher Anton.”
Patrick’s wife greeted Anton as she came into view.
“Madam, have you been well? I hope Patrick hasn’t been too troublesome. Haha.”
“It seems the day when he stops being troublesome will only come when one of us is gone. Haha.”
Patrick responded to his wife’s jest and guided Anton to the living room sofa, offering him a seat.
“Oh, come now, darling, I’m not that bad. Sit down, Anton. Look at this beautiful color. It’s wine from the Ischter Mountains that I received as a gift not long ago.”
Even to Anton, who wasn’t particularly fond of alcohol, it looked like an excellent bottle.
“Hmm, the aroma is quite elegant. It’s no wonder you like it.”
Clink!
“Ah, wonderful. So, what brings you here?”
Patrick downed his glass in one go and turned to Anton with a question.
“I need a favor.”
“Well, that depends on the favor. What is it?”
“I need records on the allocation and execution of government budgets, records of policy implementations and repeals, and other various documents. All the way from the founding of the nation.”
“What?”
“Is that possible?”
For a moment, Patrick thought his friend had lost his mind.
“Are you out of your mind?”
“Of course I am.”
Just then, Patrick’s wife brought a plate of nuts and set it on the table.
“Here are some snacks. Don’t drink too much.”
“Thank you, dear. Why don’t you go ahead and rest in the bedroom? This conversation might take a while.”
As soon as his wife left, Patrick’s expression turned serious again.
“Why on earth do you need such documents? You do realize you could be mistaken for a spy from another country, right?”
“Patrick, could you trust me just this once?”
“Hmm… How can I trust you when you haven’t said anything to explain it?”
“That’s fair. You know I’m in charge of teaching history to Princess Adeline and Princess Muriela, don’t you?”
“I’m a senior official, Anton. Of course, I know that. It’s related to you, so naturally, I’d be aware.”
“Let me put it this way, just in case. Today, I met someone truly worthy of the throne.”
Patrick was stunned.
He, too, had many complaints about the current state of affairs.
King Eldric’s complete lack of interest in governance despite worsening economic and social indicators, and the sycophants who flattered him daily for personal gain, often made Patrick furious.
Anton paused for a moment before delivering his next words with an air of significance.
“Someone who will make Silbrenoa great again.”
—
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