Episode 148: Bonus: Varian I (King Lioncourt) - The Saga of Lioncourt

**Varian I (King of Lioncourt)** Varian I (917–951 Sacred Sky Era) was the founding king of the Kingdom of Lioncourt, reigning from 948 to 951. He seized the opportunity during the civil unrest in the Great Amoros Kingdom to declare independence and establish the Kingdom of Lioncourt. He was a soldier, politician, writer, poet, alchemist, inventor, and medical scholar. He was also known by various epithets such as the King of Magnificent Stature, the Unranked King, the Fierce Horse King, and the Impaler King. **[Background]** Born into the nobility of the Amoros Kingdom, accounts vary as to whether Varian I was the second or third son of Rudolf de Lioncourt, the 5th Count of Lioncourt. His mother was Lucienne de Dorraine, famed as the Wise Mother. **[Life]** **Childhood** There are many unknowns about Varian I's early years. It is said he studied theology under his great-uncle Liner de Dorraine, who later became the Patriarch of the Eastern Sacred Sky Church, and military science under Albert de Groot, known as the Father of Knights. **Military Achievements** At the tender age of 14, he embarked on his first campaign, commanding the army in his father Rudolf's absence. He further distinguished himself in the Campaign Against Berger, famously defeating the renowned knight Marcel de Galeo in a duel. Angered by the death of his brother Robert in this battle, he enacted a massacre known as the "Tragedy of Berger." **Troubles in the Capital** Favored for his talents by the Amiable King Jamal in the capital of Amoros, Varian I was treated as a treasured retainer. However, he ended up fleeing after a duel disruption with another court official. This lingering conflict led to a war with Marquis Vaubere (later King of Vaubere), which was eventually settled peacefully. **The Poisoness Incident and Succession Dispute** Varian I found himself in a succession dispute when his father Rudolf and his brother's widow, Floria, conspired to depose him in favor of his nephew Tristan. This conflict, ignited by Floria's attempt to poison Varian I, became known as the "Poisoness Incident." Varian I ultimately expelled both Rudolf and Floria and took over the family headship. **Campaign Against Elwayne and the Lioncourt Trade Alliance** Responding to a plea for assistance from Niall de Parson, the king of Elwayne, who was troubled by internal strife, Varian I launched an expedition and conquered the northern mountains of Lioncourt. Along with pacifying the Elwayne region, he pioneered a new route known as the Bride's Road, advancing into northeastern Amoros. In this region, he collaborated with the Benyro and Dorraine families to establish the "Lioncourt Trade Alliance," with significant influence from the Eastern Sacred Sky Church and Liner de Dorraine. **Independence of Lioncourt** After the death of the Amiable King Jamal, Amoros plunged into chaos as Henry II (The Ineffectual King) and Matthias I (The Bold King) contested the throne. Varian I took advantage of this disorder, conquering the Bachelard region. He later defeated an expeditionary force led by Baudoin de Bachelard, dispatched by Matthias the Bold as king of Amoros. This chain of events triggered subsequent independence movements by the Kingdom of Vaubere, Kingdom of Fourier, and the Duchy of Castella, marking the end of the Great Amoros Era. **Hue Kud River Waterway Development** Following the establishment of the Kingdom of Lioncourt, Varian I intervened in the familial conflict within Count Darmont's territory, bringing it under control. This secured control of the Hue River basin, and Varian I undertook the development of the Hue River. This project connected the economies of Lioncourt and Darmont, becoming the backbone of Lioncourt's transport and trade until the advent of railways. **Battle of the Canard Plains** Border disputes between the Kingdom of Lioncourt and the Amoros Kingdom erupted, culminating in a fierce confrontation on the Canard Plains. Varian I fought valiantly and is said to have personally slain Gerard, the royal grandson of Amoros. Despite winning the battle, Varian I succumbed to his wounds, dying at the young age of 34. His premature death threw the Kingdom of Lioncourt into turmoil, leading to future internal conflicts. **[Character Description]** **Appearance** Varian I was reputedly extraordinarily handsome, possessing a near-perfect physique. Numerous tales praise his beauty and stature. - On the battlefield, he always wore a demonic mask to hide his beauty. - During the Berger campaign, a noblewoman from the enemy side fell in love with him at first sight and eloped with him (believed to be Simon I's mother). - His wife, Sumina, from the noble Cocarse knight family, was so captivated by Varian I's looks that she insisted on marrying him without invitation. - In the capital, his beauty and poetic talent won the admiration of the queen, who would personally hand him a goblet (potentially a metaphor for a romantic liaison). - When he lost an eye due to a battle injury, his mother Lucienne fainted from despair at the sight of his wound. - He was exceptionally tall and built from childhood, winning a wrestling tournament at ten years old. - Known for wielding a massive iron scepter designed to match his build, which he swung effortlessly. - Upon witnessing his valor, Count Darmont remarked, "He is no opponent I could ever face," abandoning his intent to engage in battle. - Owing to his formidable stature, he was dubbed the "King of Magnificent Stature." **Personality** Varian I's personality was complex and enigmatic. Records from the Kingdom of Lioncourt and other sources describe vastly different traits, suggesting he was compassionate to his allies and cruel to his enemies. He is also believed to have suffered an illness in his youth that led to memory loss and a change in demeanor, though the truth remains unclear. - Exceptionally cunning and fond of severe punishments, he engaged with numerous women. - He disdained chivalry, resorting to cunning and duplicitous tactics in warfare without hesitation. - Generous to allies, he personally treated wounded soldiers, even those of slave descent. - Preferred a frugal lifestyle, at times sharing in the labor with artisans. - Ate the same food as his soldiers and constantly fought at the forefront. - Promoted individuals based on ability, regardless of their background. - A staunch rationalist, he dismissed meaningless customs and embraced innovative technologies. - His obsession with cleanliness led him to wash his nails and hair with soap, insisting others do likewise. - Profoundly devout, he was deeply devoted to the Eastern Sacred Sky Church. - Favoring eccentric attire, he was notorious for wearing devilish military outfits and was noted to have used a bright red eye patch. - Known for his peculiar behavior, such as appearing stark naked before his ministers and astonishing onlookers. **[Achievements]** Varian I left behind a versatile legacy, celebrated as a 'Universal Genius' for his remarkable achievements in various fields. **Military** A tactical mastermind, Varian I was reputed never to have lost a major battle. Strictly trained from childhood by Albert de Groot, Varian I blossomed into a military genius. Renowned for his prowess, he consistently inspired troops at the front lines, often executing flawless strategies. He was particularly adept at surprise attacks, famously defeating an enemy five times larger during the Berger campaign by utilizing an entire army as ambush troops. Moreover, Varian I possessed an exceptional foresight in economic warfare, detailed in his book, "Teachings of an Old Knight," where he discusses methods like crippling the enemy's economy. **Agriculture** A brilliant statesman, Varian I prioritized utility over tradition, introducing new technologies if deemed beneficial. His promotion of the three-field system and the development of new farming tools are extensively documented in "Lioncourt Political Dialogues." **Economy** Varian I fully grasped the benefits of connecting routes and establishing trade with new territories. His initiatives, such as opening the Bride's Road and forming trade alliances in the Northeast, coupled with the development of the Hue Kud River Waterway, spurred economic growth in Lioncourt. Though unrealized, there was a plan to open a trade route through the Eastern Mountains. **The Trade City Basein** The trade city of Basein, co-founded by Varian I and Gaetan Tanqueray, flourished and became a cornerstone of the Lioncourt economy. **[Poetry]** Varian I also had a cultural side, composing numerous poems. Among these, "Poems Dedicated to Rona" is regarded as a masterpiece, widely distributed among the populace. **[Literary Works]** His literary endeavors left a lasting legacy with three significant works: "Teachings of an Old Knight," "Words of a Wise Mother," and "Lioncourt Political Dialogues." Notably, "Teachings of an Old Knight" is famous as the first military treatise in Lioncourt. In older records of Liner de Dorraine's "Liner Tales Collection," Varian de Lioncourt is occasionally listed as a co-author. However, Varian I would have been only around ten years old at the time of the collection's creation, leading to a theory that it refers to a relative with the same name. This has sparked an alternative narrative suggesting Varian I's feats may be the combined achievements of multiple individuals sharing his name. **[Lioncourt Script]** The unique calligraphic style known as "Lioncourt Script" is said to have originated with Varian I. A highly skilled and prolific writer, his script was widely imitated and disseminated, though the true origins remain uncertain. **[Lioncourt Wrestling Style]** The Lioncourt style of wrestling, noted for its distinctive throws and joint locks, is believed to convey Varian I's techniques. Known as a master wrestler, Varian I was an undefeated champion. **[Alchemy]** Varian I was an accomplished alchemist. He developed techniques for refining sugar from white beets and invented glazed ceramics. These innovations spread throughout Lioncourt, eventually evolving into key regional industries. **[Medicine]** Varian I also excelled in medicine, discerning that the winter illnesses prevalent at the time were due to malnutrition (lacking the modern concept of vitamins). He devised a method to preserve cabbage and turnips in salt, significantly improving health by countering vitamin deficiency. A supporter of the theory of miasmas, he mandated cleanliness in towns and promoted soap usage for handwashing throughout the region. Violators faced strict penalties, earning him a reputation for strictness. Varian I himself was known for his obsession with cleanliness. As a result, Lioncourt maintained an exceptionally hygienic state for its time, with no outbreaks occurring during his rule. Varian I was skilled in surgical treatments, and it is said he personally tended to injured soldiers. **[Legacy]** Varian I, as the first king of Lioncourt, is regarded as one of its greatest rulers. His popularity in the Lioncourt region remains high, with many monarchs adopting the name "Varian" thereafter (up to Varian XIII). Despite his reign lasting only about three years, his governance led to a dramatic improvement in the standard of living in Lioncourt. His development of the Bride's Road and the Hue River Waterway profoundly transformed Lioncourt's logistics, often hailed as his greatest achievements. Some speculate that if the Eastern Mountain Road project had materialized, history might have taken a different course. While his bravery and valor are undisputed, these traits also led to the injury during the Battle of the Canard Plains, ultimately causing his demise. The premature death of such a competent king is said to have resulted in subsequent turmoil. His governance undoubtedly laid the foundation for the Kingdom of Lioncourt, supporting Simon I's subsequent conquests. Conversely, beyond Lioncourt's borders, he was feared like a demon, particularly in Berger, where effigies of Varian I are still burned. He is rumored to have assassinated his elder brother Robert and exiled his father Rudolf, earning a notorious reputation for extreme mercilessness towards his kin. **[Wives and Consorts]** **Sumina de Cocarse** A lady of the Cocarse knight family. She was the mother of Robert I, Emma I (the Stout King), and other daughters. It is said she was so captivated by Varian I's beauty that she insisted on becoming his wife. **A Lady of the Castes Family** Real name unknown, she is considered the mother of Simon I (the Conqueror King) and Varian's third son, Raymond. Though from a branch of the Count of Berger, she fell in love with Varian I and eloped with him. She is believed to have been most loved by Varian I, but reliable sources are scarce, and details remain unclear. The name "Albertine" is a later literary creation. **Chiara de Parson** Daughter of King Niall of Elwayne. She bore a daughter with Varian I but was later taken by Simon I as his consort. She was reputedly a beauty of unmatched grace. **Clotilde de Bertan** Wife of King Jamal the Amiable of Amoros. She is believed to have been Varian I's mistress. **Rona** Details are unclear, but it is said she was Varian I's childhood sweetheart. Later, alongside her brother Rolo, she continued to guard Varian I's tomb. She is famously the model for "Poems Dedicated to Rona." **Nellie Abili** Varian's lover, who supposedly bore him twin sons. Her descendants remain in the Bachelard region. **The Wife of Knight Poncello** Real name unknown, she was Varian’s lover before becoming the wife of Knight Poncello. She is said to have borne Varian I's child. **[Works Depicting Varian I]** Alan Binoche's "Chronicles of Heroes," Minmei Publishing, and others "Lioncourt and Elwayne," Taikobo Publishing House