Episode 138 Should I scold or praise? - The Saga of Lioncourt

"What on earth is that fool doing…" Upon hearing the news from the west, I buried my head in my hands. The same message arrived from both Poncello and then from Jose… It was unlikely to be misinformation. My eldest son, Simon, had taken it upon himself to open hostilities with the Kingdom of Amoros. "What will you do?" Rolo, sounding worried, voiced his concern, but there was nothing to be done. The war had already begun. "It's too late to sheath our swords now… Amoros will come, but if we're going to do this, we must win." I strengthened my resolve, tightening my gaze, and set to work on drafting a strategy while issuing instructions. "First, inform my uncle, who is in charge during my absence. Then raise the alarm; gather the generals in the fortress city of Portue. Convey to the Bachelard people to join Simon directly." I gave broad directives, and Rolo transformed them into more detailed instructions, passing them on to the members of our order. Currently, Rolo acts as my captain of the guard and is essentially the leader of our group, being its oldest member. "Notify the lords in the northeastern region as well, telling them to 'await further instructions and prepare for deployment.' Count Darmont and Baron Cocteau might already be aware, but let’s also rely on them." I am accustomed to directing the lords. The members of our group dispersed one by one, leaving only Rolo by my side. "You seem unusually calm. I expected you to be angrier." "Hmm? Well, yes. It was hasty, but you could say Simon fulfilled his duties as a lord… I can’t praise him, but I won’t blame him either. It's a leader’s responsibility to clean up after their subordinates." I chuckled wryly. The fact that Simon deployed troops over a shepherds' dispute and the fact that I am intervening in Simon’s troubles stems from the Master-servant relationship that implies, "The leader will protect us when it comes to it." If I were to abandon him, saying "Clean up your own mess," other retainers and lords would also turn their backs on us. They serve because they can count on their leader's protection when necessary. Otherwise, who would willingly bow and scrape? Indeed, I'm frustrated that Simon started a war on his own, but this could also be a good opportunity. It might be beneficial to take my legitimate son Robert to war while I am still in good health. "Let's send Robert out for his first battle. Simon went at twelve, and Jean at thirteen. Robert being thirteen should be no problem." "Well, compared to those people, it might not be fair," Rolo tilted his head in response to my words. It's true that Robert is an 'ordinary' boy and only of average build. He doesn’t have Simon's physicality or Jean's ferocity. However, even if under escort, I want him introduced to combat and gain experience. Even if he does nothing on the battlefield, completing several engagements will serve as an achievement and silence the surrounding voices. A king need not be the strongest warrior, as long as the retainers are convinced of battle achievements and willingly serve. ... Yes, at least some first battles, with someone assisting him while he serves as a small-scale commander... Suddenly, I locked eyes with Rolo. If anyone can serve as a support, it would be Rolo, who has always had my back. “…Rolo, what if I die young? Will you serve Robert?” When I quietly asked, Rolo thought for a moment before replying, "I decline." Rolo is my partner, arguably closer than family, almost like my second self. He has likely sensed changes in my health, and refrains from deceptive courtesy, responding with his true feelings. It's likely to prevent raising false hopes in me. “…I see. So Robert isn’t up to standard even in your eyes, Rolo.” I sighed deeply. Rolo can judge based on values akin to mine. If he says "No," then it can’t be helped. “Don't misunderstand. I am only with Lord Varian. I don’t serve the Lioncourt family… Afterward, I’d retire or manage my wife’s family estate.” “Indeed, you’re right.” I was about to ask, "What about Simon then?" but swallowed my words. It’s something I shouldn’t say. …It's not right to compare my children… but it is quite regrettable… I let out another long sigh... there are various meanings to this sense of regret. Universal suffering, as they say, means the world never goes as one wishes. Even a king is not an exception. * * * Half a month later, in the fortress city of Portue. I, along with the generals, received the envoy from Poncello in the audience hall and listened to the report. It was not bad news; it was a triumphant report. Having led armies from the Bachelard domain and those of Baron Gey, Simon had gone on the offensive and defeated the forces of some Count Nantoka and was besieging Boza’s castle. An impressive achievement indeed. Although I thought he could do it, Simon truly proved himself capable. The Lioncourt generals also murmured appreciatively, praising Simon's victory. …As a parent, I’m delighted, though it’s somewhat complex… I glanced at Robert, who seemed just as thrilled with Simon’s accomplishment, his face flushed with excitement. …So carefree…well, it can’t be helped… While I worry, Robert innocently rejoices in his brother’s success. However, Simon’s excessive success isn’t good. Simon is an illegitimate child, while Robert is legitimate. Ordinarily, that hierarchy should not be inverted. However, if Simon’s talents are too exceptional, it’s conceivable that someone will rally to raise Simon as their leader. In these tumultuous times, a strong leader is necessary to survive. Victory brings wealth, honor, land, and women. Conversely, poor leadership leads only to being assaulted and robbed... It's not surprising that some might think "Simon is fit to be king" after witnessing his performance. No matter how well siblings get along, once those around them start rallying and they must contend, it's something I’ve experienced firsthand. I don’t want my children going through the same experience. …Should I scold Simon for recklessly opening hostilities? Or praise the battle results… Just contemplating it gives me a headache. Such decisions are challenging. The relationship between liege and king ultimately boils down to personal human relationships. A single comment from me could foster resentment between Simon and Robert. …What a bother… Ideally, if Robert had indisputable prowess to command admiration… I forced down a sigh. Showing weakness in front of everyone is forbidden. "First, well done… but this will bring out the Kingdom of Amoros." Once I clearly articulated it, the atmosphere grew tense. Despite apparent decline, Amoros remains a formidable foe. Complacency is not an option. "Your Majesty, have you already notified the lords in the northeast?" Maurice, my steward, was astute and facilitated the continuation of the meeting. Lately, Maurice's appearance seems reminiscent of Albert… Maurice must be around forty years old as well. With his scarred visage and missing fingers, he resembles Albert in his heyday. …Well, though not as wounded… As I gazed nostalgically at Maurice, he cleared his throat with an "ahem," bringing me back to the present. "Yes, apologies… I’ve instructed the northeastern lords and Andre to invade from the north via Count Darmont's territory. Including Count Darmont, it's nearly a 6,000 strong force." A murmur spread through everyone at my words. Six thousand was indeed a large army. "Baron Cocteau should be moving to join Simon. We, Lioncourt, are 2,500 strong, Bachelard are 1,500, and Gey and Cocteau about 1,000 combined… With Elwayne's mercenaries involved, that adds up to over 5,000." This too, is a considerable force. At this scale, it’s well beyond mere discussions about pasture boundaries. We’re suddenly facing a decisive regional confrontation in Amoros. "Over ten thousand combined...?" "Are those our allies? What a staggering number." Roger and Pierre expressed their amazement, with others nodding in agreement. "First, we’ll join Simon. On our way, we'll deal with Count Nantoka." Raising my spirits, Rolo chimed in, "Count Balkan Sishik, actually." Count Balkan Sishik is a peculiar name but that’s his surname. It seems to have evolved from Mr. Balka of Mount Sishik, which is his territory. Mount Sishik is a sacred mountain west of Baron Gey’s land, supposedly home to a famous monastery. "Right, Balkan Sishik, I’ll remember." "Usually, you'd remember your neighbor's surname." Rolo’s light-hearted comment eased the tension in the room. Perhaps it’s to reassure Robert on his first campaign. "Robert, your first task. Ride with your schoolmates to Simon's camp and deliver this message: 'We've left Portue; don't take unnecessary risks until we join. Don't start any battles on your own, you fool.'" "Understood." To my jest-filled words, Robert responded earnestly, though a bit nervously. "Daumier, can I count on you to keep an eye on him?" When I asked, the veteran new knight rasped, "Leave it to me," exuding the reliable demeanor of a seasoned soldier. Daumier has left the Huud River project with Doron to join us. Trusted to him, there should be no issues. Daumier promptly departed with Robert in tow. I wanted to give Robert a bit of exposure, and this small errand seemed appropriate. "Alright, troops, let's move out! We’ll pass through Bachelard's castle and join up with Simon!" At my command, the generals sprang into action. The target is the Knight's Domain of Bona, which Simon is assaulting. Yet, I still hadn't decided how exactly I should address Simon when we finally meet.