As a kingdom with 30 total years of history, it was only natural that the history of how the Sauro Kingdom was founded was included in the lesson taught in the academy.
First of all, knowing the detailed history of this kingdom's founding would strengthen the public's support for the monarchy. At the same time, it works as a brainwashing tool in eliminating future rebellion.
With so much benefit in return, only a foolish king wouldn't prefer such an approach.
Naturally, this historical lesson would include the four dukes of the kingdom, along with the five earls and five barons. Amongst them would be the Duke of Fonterra or better known as the General of Hundred Fortresses when he was still in his prime.
His story can only be described as fascinating to the youths. Even for the generation subsequent after his, his name was a legendary existence in their minds.
It was said amongst the four dukes of the Sauro Kingdom that the Duke of Fonterra was the first and longest-serving subordinate to the king. He was not only the king's most trusted subordinate but his friend, siblings, and teacher.
But all this knowledge pale compared to the title his enemies gave him.
General of Hundred Fortresses.
This moniker they used to address him actually comes from the duke's tendencies in battle. And part of the reason he was the only duke with the most significant number of reserve soldiers was also due to this reason.
Compared to the other three dukes with fifteen thousand reserve soldiers in their command, the Duke of Fonterra had over fifty thousand soldiers in his reserve, with around ten thousand active soldiers protecting the country's eastern border.
The historical record taught by the academic teachers in the academy also clearly records almost every battle won by the duke. From approaches to tactics, studies on opponent deployment, and so on, everything was fascinating in the eyes of Hespar.
Coincidently, this due was also the key figure of what Hespar aimed to become.
But he did not expect that he was somewhat related to the duke by blood. It was already a shock to Hespar just knowing this fact.
"Are you regretting your answer right now?" Hector made fun of his son. While there's nothing to lament for not being a noble son, there's a difference in being the Duke of Fonterra's grandchild.
Wealth aside, being the duke's grandchild almost guaranteed Hespar first-class noble rights, even exceeding what other regular nobles have. Even if Hespar rides his carriage sideways, there won't be anyone who dares to voice a complaint.
Of course, all of these were pointless selfish thoughts. Instead of feeling that way, Hespar missed the bond he could possibly have with his grandfather. Suppose he could grow up under his grandfather's tutelage. In that case, he could very likely be an officer right now, standing side by side with Hector.
But that's all his own thoughts.
"I'm not regretting it. I'm just feeling a little disappointed. If only I am tutored by grandfather himself..." Hespar softly said.
His reply made the parents look at one another and quickly gave Hespar the following response.
"Don't be a fool, child. You wouldn't want to be under his tutelage. Even in the future, if you meet him, don't serve under his personal army, alright?" both Hector and Catherine seem to know something. But they decided to keep quiet instead.
"So... What made mother run from home? Did dad kidnap you and force you to marry him?" Hespar was biting all the remaining meat from the drumstick while speaking. The atmosphere doesn't seem to be as tense as before. This also made the conversation and dinner friendlier.
"I am forced to marry someone, but not your father." Catherine held her husband's hand while she replied to Hespar's question.
"Who?" Hespar casually asked.
"The crown prince of our country, Vincent James Sauro." Catherine casually answered.
"Pooh!" Hespar spits out all the food he is chewing in his mouth. With an individual of a crown prince's background, no wonder their family was hiding their identity and living low profile over here.
It would be an indirect royal offense to the kingdom by not marrying the royalty when asked. And judging from the close ties between the duke and the king, an arranged marriage like this was expected.
Still, Hespar had no idea how everything happened.
"Look at the time, darling. I'll go back to my duty. I'll leave both of you to have some time to bond with one another." Hector said to his wife. And before he left the table, he made sure to give Hespar a kiss on his forehead.
"No matter what happened, we're still your parents and loved you deeply. There's always a reason for something, so don't blame your mother." Hector said and left the house after tapping at Hespar's shoulder twice.
Now, only Hespar and Catherine were left at the dining table.
"Are you still interested in listening?" Catherine asked. Without Hector by her side, Catherine again turned into her usual timid and quiet appearance. Being low profile had left a scar on her mother mentally, making her lose the confidence a noble should have.
"Yes, mother. If you don't mind, I want to know more about what you didn't tell me." Hespar understands why his father would say something like this to him before leaving the house. As the other pillar of support to his mother, Hespar's responsibility was to stay by Catherine's side, no matter what happened.
For the next hour or so, the mother and child shared everything.
From her youth to her most joyous moment, Catherine made sure she shared everything she experienced with Hespar. And only from listening to his mother that Hespar knows his parents' difficulty.
Alongside headmaster Torres, they practically belonged to the first division of the duke's army. It was also the most elite's army under his command. But at the same time, the crown prince was also a member of it.
Being the only pearl of the duke, Catherine's beauty enthralled the crown prince unknowingly, making the latter obsessed with her. The obsession soon turned into a royal request, making it an order unavoidable to run from.
Thus, this left Hector and Catherine without choices but to sacrifice their noble military status and be on the run.
At that time, she was already pregnant with Hespar.
Without any choice at that time, the couple escaped the Fonterra Dukedom and let go of everything behind. It was a noble sacrifice considering that Catherine could easily be the crown princess by marrying the crown prince.
Her story was filled with happiness and sadness. Of course, most of the past was filled with sorrow as it meant she's now no longer worthy of the title Von Fonterra bestowed to her as the only daughter of the duke.
To avoid adding more sorrow to his mother, Hespar promised her.
"Mother. Hear me out..."
"Let your child regain all the lost honor you sacrificed in protecting me. I will honorably bring you back to the Fonterra Dukedom and make you proud. At that time, let's meet grandfather together as I introduced myself as the son of Hector and Catherine Von Fonterra." Hespar said.
"So... Don't cry anymore..." Hespar used his fingers to wipe the tears rolling down between Catherine's eyes.