The Genius Prince Vol 10: Chapter 2

“Your Highness, I want you to be a little more aware of your position!”

It happened just the other day. In front of Wayne, the Natra vassal raised his voice in exasperation.

“Your Highness is the crown prince of the Natra royal family, which has existed for 200 years! And if you go back even further, you are the descendant of Caleus, the senior disciple of the Levetean religion! You are without a doubt of the noblest blood on the continent!”

The minister's words were both an earnest plea and somewhat theatrical at the same time. Perhaps that is why Wayne, who is listening, and Ninym's face, standing next to Wayne, seem to be staring at something troubling.

" Even though it is! And yet! What in the world is he doing being adopted by someone from outside of his own country?”

This winter, Wayne was invited by a man named Agata, who governed the Union, and after many twists and turns, he was adopted by him.

 In other words, he was nominally Agata's son.

Naturally, the royal palace of Natras was in a panic when it received this news. It is common for aristocrats in the country to adopt each other's children, or for royal daughters to marry into other countries. However, Wayne was the crown prince. He would eventually rule the Kingdom of Natra. It is unprecedented that he would be adopted by another country . What about inheritance rights? How could he be adopted in the first place? The vassals debated day and night.

“Don't be mad. I'm sorry I went too far this time.” Wayne said soothingly.

“Besides, haven't you concluded that there's no problem with it, according to the national legislation?”

"It's not just a matter of what the law allows!"

Wayne's words seemed to add fuel to the fire, and the fellow pounded on his desk.

The fact that Wayne was legally allowed also means that they were forced to settle for  "legally ok" because if he had been charged with a crime, they would have been faced with the difficult question of how to punish Wayne.

" Your Highness is not only a human being, but also a symbol of the Kingdom of Natra! His blood is not only the pride of the people of Natra! If you are despised, it is as if Natra were despised! Therefore, no one, not even Your Highness yourself, can be allowed to treat you with disrespect!"

"No, well, I understand how you feel."

" I want to say, this is not just my thoughts! You can think of me as speaking for all those who serve the Kingdom of Natra!"

"Of course I know that, but still…"

 

" In the first place! Your Highness is the crown prince, but you travel too casually! I admit that! But it is not necessary for you to do everything! You should learn that!"

“…......”

Wayne finally fell silent and asked Ninym, standing beside him, for help. Ninym shook her head to say, "I'm sorry, I can't."

The importance of diplomacy with other countries was to be left to the vassals, and the vassals, believing that Wayne's rashness was due to the fact that he had focused too much work and authority on the crown prince, began to take on tasks that had previously been left to Wayne to handle on his own.

Thus, the amount of paperwork coming to Wayne was greatly reduced, and Wayne unexpectedly found himself with some leisure time on his hands.

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"No, he was very angry, wasn't he?”

Wayne, who sat down on the meadow, smiled while remembering the state of his retainers.

" It's no laughing matter. The whole court was on edge at that time."

Ninym also dismounted from her horse and unfolded the baggage she had carried with her. The contents of the baggage are a picnic set, including a rug, tea utensils, and a simple lunch box.

"Well, it can't be helped. It's time for them to finally see the light of day." Wayne says, lying down.

" Wayne, if you want to lie down, you can lie down over here."

Ninim patted the unfolded rug. Wayne rolled over to reach the rug without getting up.

"You're being a kid again,・・・・・・ but what the hell was that all about?"

Ninym asked while preparing tea, and Wayne replied as he lay down.

“Natra has been the destination for those who had nowhere else to go in the East and the West.

On the other hand, those who get good treatment elsewhere leave the country as soon as possible.

 In other words, staying in this country was proof that they couldn't make it elsewhere."

" I think that's an exaggeration. ...... So?"

“For those who remained, the existence of the Natra royal family was a relief. It has been about 200 years since the founding of the country. In the history of the continent, it is rare to find a country that has been ruled by a single bloodline for such a long time."

Many nations fall apart after less than 200 years due to the arrogance of their rulers, foreign pressure, natural disasters, and other factors. This is perhaps inevitable, since a creature that cannot live for a hundred years is trying to run an institution beyond its own stature.

This is why the achievements of the royal family of Natra stand out so greatly.

“The royal family has one of the best histories on the continent.  The remaining vassals of Natra have maintained their self-esteem on this one point. ...... But recently, that situation has changed.”

After he said that much, Ninym understood what he was trying to say.

" Wayne's success, right?"

"Exactly there" Wayne said as he accepted Ninym's cup of tea.

“Ever since I took office as regent, Natra has been on the rise. The Natra royal family, which used to be nothing more than an old rock, is now regarded by other nations as a jewel of prestige.”

"... So, of course, the position of the remaining vassals in Natra changes. Not only in terms of financial income, but They will also have the honor of having protected the jewel.”

" For them, this is their golden age of physical and emotional fulfillment." Wayne grinned.

"So, at that time, I kicked the authority of the royal family."

"... .... No wonder they're pissed at me."

It's not enough to put a damper on the excitement. It was like throwing a torch into the middle of the fire. Furthermore, Wayne makes a problematic comment.

 

"Well, if you ask me, the authority of the royal family is just an illusion."

"-----" Ninym shoved a piece of bread that she had brought as a lunch into Wayne's mouth.

" Don't say anything too radical, because you never know who might be listening. "

Even though Ninym reprimanded him, Wayne swallowed the bread, shrugged his shoulders and continued. "But we all know it in our hearts, don't we? It has value because we all believe it has value. It's the same way with money. Through a common illusion, a mere piece of metal becomes currency, and a mere human being is treated as royalty and nobility.”

"Even so, there are people who dedicate their lives and beliefs to it. Don't you think that's odd? Ninym.”

" How can I, in my position, deny royal authority?"

"But at this time, we as public figures are on vacation." Ninym took a moment of silence, then let out a deep breath.

" yes, I agree with you. I don't see any point in worshipping bloodlines," Ninym continued.

 

" It's true that for the vast majority of the rest of us, illusion is the jewel in the crown. To the overwhelming majority, our opinions are nothing more than leaves in a storm. In fact, it is thanks to the vassals who tried to protect the jewel that we are free enough to go on these outings.”

"I thought you would say that"

“Well, I have no objections if my work is reduced.” Ninym looked at Wayne half-eyed.

“But if things continue as they are, the country may take a turn Wayne doesn't want it to take. Doesn't that make you nervous?”

"Certainly, it might be a little troublesome." The first time she saw him, she was surprised to see how much he was willing to give up.

“I just don't know if they can do that much.”

"What do you mean?"

" If those who have had a taste for the convenient palanquin would grow up to be disciplined and responsible after a little reflection, the world would be a much smarter place than it is today." Her face became complicated, as if to express this sentiment.

" I understand what you are saying, but you have shown no mercy to your retainers since a while ago."

" Please tell me you're being objective. I'm not surprised that an order to recall me would be sent out right now."

" I'm sure they'll stick around a little longer."

Wayne thought about it for a moment. "Well, you want to bet? If I win, you say " Nyan" at the end of the sentence.”