Mattheus knew that the royal families of monarchies have always been a ruthless environment. Especially considering, in this world, royalty was not mostly ornamental and rarely involved themselves with governance like they were on Earth.
But fratricide to the point toddlers were killed with the excuse of it being an order from god to rid the sins of the previous emperor? It certainly said some things about the new one, Emperor Nero Seneca Caesar Augustus Leonicus.
Historically, he also knew about another Emperor Nero from Earth. It made him a bit skeptical about this one purely by association of the name—that was how infamous the Mad Emperor had been in his old world. (Whether the Mad Emperor had actually been a mad tyrant was another question. But he was living in the time of this Emperor Nero of Leonois and it was definitely true that all of the male children of Emperor Seneca had been slaughtered to the babe.)
Religious zealots that tended toward violence were never a good thing for the people around them either. And Nero had already used the god of Leonois as a reason to wipe out his competition to be Emperor. What would stop Nero from doing something similar to New Albion?
The dark-haired aristocrat pinched his nose and exhaled. He chose to move onto the next subject so he could digest what he learned later, not having expected such dangerous repercussions.
"What do you think about the reforms, Mother? How likely do you think the new regulations and requirements would pass?"
The reforms were the talk of the moment once the excitement of the nearly interrupted alliance talks between Mithral and Panniore passed.
It was relevant because of how major transportation in the capital had been stalled. While that wasn't an issue for now, it might be a problem once winter came and supply routes needed to start up again.
It was important to the pair, specifically, because they were Crowns. Earl Crown, his father, was obviously pushing for it to pass as one of the preeminent alchemists and inventors in New Albion.
Honoria realized Mattheus wanted to change the subject to something a bit less heavy and obliged. She gave a small smile. "It is a pretty close debate for it in the House of Lords but it looks like the reform for the airships and ships will pass. All of the moderates want the reforms to go through, which tilts it in our favor."
"That's good."
"Yes, quite. Most of the large vehicles are already grounded and just waiting to be retrofitted with the new engines at this point. Mecane is, after all, one of the largest producers and maintainers of the machines and your father wants them to be updated as soon as possible."
Mattheus was glad. As a modern person, he knew how air pollution from emissions can mess with the planet. How industrialization was a double-edged sword.
Even if one can argue it's not the same because of "magic," at least it made the air smell better and the sky more clear.
It was also a bit sappy because Mattheus was aware that his father invented the new engine because of his mother not liking the smog and haze ruining the appearance of their surroundings and irritating her nose. His parents would certainly win both most eccentric and most loving couple if there ever were such a contest.
"Mother…"
"Yes, darling?"
Mattheus frowned. He tried to figure out how to broach the subject for a moment before ultimately deciding to be straightforward about it.
"Our family is neutral. As Crowns, we are loyal to King Mordred. But what about the future individual that succeeds him? I had been thinking about it—and I know you said you'd take care of it but I couldn't help but wonder… Was Her Majesty's gift an attempt to court me and possibly our family to her side? Especially considering how it was Duchess Sophily that made my appointment as Court Healer possible?"
It was the conclusion he came up with during dinner. He had been in the middle of picking at the stuffed squash when the idea popped up and wouldn't go away.
His mother gave him a look he had difficulty deciphering. It was a bit troubled and possibly a bit pitying.
The woman placed a hand against one of her cheeks and sighed a little. "Oh, darling… I know you probably do not remember but you never really seemed to like Prince Artorius."
Well. Since he met the Crown Prince and the man had nearly strangled him to death in the halls of the Royal Palace, he wouldn't like the blond even if he didn't get assaulted by the Original's trauma.
"And, honestly, the Queen isn't on his side like you might assume." Honoria had continued.
Mattheus blinked.
Obviously, Queen Genevieve would not be on Duchess Sophily's side. Yet the only other candidate for the throne other than Artorius was…
"The Princess?" Mattheus voiced in confusion.
Princess Bellaine was pretty young—only sixteen, if he recalled correctly.
Though if even the Queen thought Artorius was rotten, Princess Bellaine would be her only other option to have her blood inherit the throne.
But why would—
Mattheus was suddenly stricken with two realizations.
Firstly, he now understood that Queen Genevieve wanted him to be Prince Consort. That hand-embroidered handkerchief was probably not from the Queen but the Princess through Her Majesty, as it wasn't proper for an unmarried lady to gift anything to a male of no relation to herself.
Second of all, he was relieved that Brunilda was gallivanting around the city right now because his friend would probably laugh at him over how long it took him to realize this.
"B-but what about Edgar? Wouldn't he be a better targe—er, candidate for marriage than myself?"
Honoria just hiked a single, immaculate brow as she looked at her youngest. "For the New Albion royal family and the country itself, a magically powerful consort is more attractive than a militaristically powerful one."
Mattheus couldn't hide his grimace. He couldn't believe he actually agreed that he might be a better candidate than his older brother for marriage, but his mother was right.
His mother continued. "There are three successors right now. Considering how Duchess Sophily does not want to inherit, Prince Artorius is backed by some worrying names, and Princess Bellaine being so young and sheltered… well, I am really worried for our family." She released a gusty sigh. "Queen Genevieve is rather unique and I would rather not be in-laws with that woman either."
He made a noise of vague agreement though he was curious at the turn of phrase his mother used for the Queen. "Rather unique," was it? The two were somewhat close in age, weren't they? They might have had some history before becoming married women. Especially since Mother had been a potential candidate for Queen.
"Being a consort is also beneath you, my darling Mattheus." Honoria sniffed daintily, expressing offense for him.
What?
"As I am the second son, I cannot think how marrying into the royal family would be a step down." Mattheus then hastily added, "Not that I actually want to marry the Princess, Mother."
Honoria Crown just looked at him with a sincere expression. Seemingly out of the blue, she said, "It's been a few years since you've met with your grandfather, hasn't it? Maybe you should go visit soon. I think he would like to see how you've grown."
Mattheus wondered at the seeming non sequitur but he didn't ask why and only agreed. He had been feeling the conversation drawing to a close for the last few minutes, so maybe it was his mother's way to finish the political discussion.
Having enough shocks for the day, he said his pleasantries for the night and thanks for being patient enough to clarify some things for him. When he headed back to his suite of rooms, Mattheus thought of the grandfather in question.
Mattheus had been remarking on his position and questioning what his mother meant about marrying the Princess of their country would be beneath him, when she brought his grandfather up.
His father was the last surviving Crown, having become head of his house younger than Mattheus currently was. The only living grandparent he had was his maternal grandfather, Duke Tellus.
Duke Tellus of Basilea.
If the Crown line was old, the Tellus line was ancient and had ruled over the Basilea Duchy for thousands of years. The region itself was a good fourth or fifth of a chunk of New Albion, with Mecane being a city within the region.
Honoria Crown née Tellus was his grandfather's only child…
Did his mother just imply that Mattheus Crown had always been a candidate to succeed Duke Tellus?