In the eastern part of the royal palace of Barthelemy, a strikingly distinctive fortress rises. Not to betray its dignified appearance, inside the building there was a unique odor of the oil use to care for weapons and the chemicals use to make the gunpowder.
Leon Fernand Barthelemy, who has an office in the back of such a building, was busy with post-processing of the previous war with his subordinates.
"Now we have almost cleared the arsenal of the Maillard Kingdom."
Fernand threw his thick report at his office. Colonel Brandle, who brought the report, smeared his usual poker face with a slightly displeasure.
"It was the correct answer to ask where to source the weapons... some of them included countries that had alliances with us. Well, most of the diplomatic promises, such as alliances, are still there. There's no doubt that it's not desirable for the other party to be public.
"It seems like it can be used as an interesting material in some negotiations in the future. This will finally make the king happy."
"After all, I was repentant for surrendering in "only half a year"."
The colonel lifted his mouth slightly, and Fernand loosened the stuffed collar of his military uniform and sighed.
"I'm reluctant to be so talented and complaining. The king should focus his efforts on the rule of the new territory, and at best try to earn points for his vassals."
"But you probably didn't work to score vassals."
Indeed, Fernand sank his body in a leather backrest and reassembled his legs without slacking. If you return to the main shrine with the "brilliant" achievement in the war, the supporters of your royal brother, who will face the current king, will emerge strongly. After all, it seems that the second prince of the former king is appropriate for the rule of the country, and it reignites the bloody battle for succession to the throne a year ago.
――So this achievement is an excuse not to go to the main shrine, no.
And now is also a great time to crush the opposition of the current King. Fernan sneered at his satisfaction as he developed his way.
"By the way, how is he doing?"
The colonel asked Fernand, as he recalled. Fernand was there with him when he found him, so he knew well.
"He was getting a fever this morning. I can't take my eyes off because he have a weak body."
"...Isn't it possible?"
Fernand smiled.
"I haven't put out my hand."
"That is unusual for you."
"That kid isn't normal. If you force him, you'll close your heart. I'm not just hugging a doll."
"But you may be allowed to lie down with him."
Fernand lightly glanced at the colonel who gave his downside advice.
When Fernand visited the prince's room, he met with Milly who was carrying a washbasin and towels. Apparently the fever seemed to be higher than in the morning, and the prince in the bed slid his eyes tight and did not move.
"Did you see a doctor?"
"Yes, I was just tired."
They just walked in the garden for a while yesterday, but it's really weak... Fernand gazed at his (licht) pale face, and then laid his hand on his (licht) slightly sweaty forehead. I see, it's pretty hot.
"Prince... how are you feeling?"
"Hmm..."
The eyelashes swayed softly, and the obsidian eyes looked thin from the back of the eyelids.
"I'm used to it..."
(to be continued)