Chapter 67: Succession
For those who've taken a guess, the Queen collapsing didn't happen in canon =3=
Giliath demands your power stones! Let's try getting over 500 again.
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"Seeing it come to this, I should have brought "that" out in the first place. I am sorry, Brother Naoto.", Klaudia uttered to herself, only to reach into her dress, only to pull out a letter of sorts.
"Is that...a letter?", Queen Alicia couldn't help but ask.
"It is. Please read it, Grandmother.", Klaudia answered her, only to pass the letter to Queen Alicia. She had a quick sweep of the room, only to land her eyes on the couple of maids, including the head maid, Hilda. Hilda could clearly see the intent in Her Majesty's eyes, and quickly nodded at her. Hilda dismissed herself and the remaining maids in the room, only to leave Queen Alicia, Princess Klaudia, General Morgan and Colonel Bright behind.
Opening the letter slowly, Queen Alicia began to read its contents.
'To my dear Princess Klaudia. I hope this letter reaches you well, just like my others have through our bird friend, Sieg. He's such a nice fellow, isn't he? I do not know whether I'll get into Falconry now that I have Tama, to which I'll have to introduce you to later, but only time will tell for that.
But that is besides my main point to you in this latest letter. It is regretful to say but this will be my last letter for the time being. Sad, I know right? Communication will become quite limited for me for the next few years. I cannot disclose where I am now, but I am sending this letter to you so you won't worry about me.
As for Grandmother, it is very likely that she will come to learn of what happened to my home. If she has a reaction, let Grandmother know that I am sorry, and that my wellbeing is still in tact. For now, we will still be apart.
But mark my words that I will be back. And I will be back to reclaim what is rightfully mine. The Aureole among other things.
PS, Please let Grandmother I have decided to enroll Jenis Royal Academy for my first year of studies. Father may try to enroll me into Thors Military Academy, but I want to experience what it's like in Jenis Royal Academy first. I am looking forward to spending our school days together, Princess Klaudia.'
The letter ended there. Most of it was addressed to her granddaughter, the sole Princess of the Liberlian Royal Family. However, Queen Alicia saw the official stamp of a phoenix bird at the bottom right, together with a finger print of Naoto's thumb, which was stamped in red. It likely belonged to his own blood. Seeing this, Queen Alicia knew this letter was official.
"Naoto...you really...", Queen Alicia uttered to herself. "I look silly now, don't I? Did Naoto even think I would experience a faint spell like this?", Queen Alicia continued to say, letting out a sigh.
"I really am sorry, Grandmother...", Klaudia responded again, still having a couple tears in her eyes.
"Oh little Klaudia, what has happened has happened. This isn't your fault. If anything, it is mine.", Queen Alicia responded, leaning toward her only to wipe Klaudia's tears away with her hand.
Unexpectedly, Queen Alicia started to raise her own body as she felt enough strength regained from her collapse earlier. It was indeed an attack on the mind, since she had learned of Naoto's villa being burned down by a group of jaegers. She currently did not know how Naoto was doing, but she saw him as her own grandson. Thankfully, the letter told Queen Alicia that he was still doing well. But she couldn't help but be a bit where Naoto currently was, since he said his current location couldn't be disclosed right now.
However, as curious as the two in front of her were, General Morgan became surprised seeing Queen Alicia start to move and shift her weight toward the edge of the bed all of the sudden.
"Your Majesty, should you really be moving like that? You had just recovered! We can't afford another collapse like that. Even our physician said if you suffer another one like that, it may prove unfit for your health.", General Morgan retorted in worry.
"Oh please, General Morgan. I am feeling well enough now. I do apologize for my blunder, but my mind has rested for a period of time. I feel energized enough to where I can move again.", Queen Alicia said, reassuring General Morgan.
"But...", General Morgan tried to resist her, but Queen Alicia still stood up again from the bed. She didn't even struggle trying to stand up when she stood on her feet. Princess Klaudia saw this and smiled. She too stood up and remained by Queen Alicia's side.
"No buts, General. There is a more pressing matter to discuss. Come now.", Queen Alicia urged General Morgan.
"Would it happen to be related to the incoming war?", Cassius, who stayed quiet, decided to ask Queen Alicia.
"Hmm, there is that. We've already received intel that Erebonia is already mobilizing their troops and armored divisions. I also received word they have new orbal tanks in the making by the Reinford Group, only for them to be purchased by their nobles. But what I am to talk about isn't about that.", Queen Alicia explained, drawing their interest more.
"It's about Brother Naoto, isn't it?", Klaudia asked.
"Naoto...that was the little boy who came with General Giliath a few years ago to the Castle, wasn't he? Estelle did get a bit attached to him even if it was just for a day or two. They sure played a lot. Haha.", Cassius said, revealing a smile.
"...Indeed. I was surprised for him to be able to open the Treasury too. I know more than you Cassius, but that boy is still a mystery to most of us. Most of his files are locked away, even to of someone of the highest military status like me.", General Morgan also said, causing Queen Alicia to nod.
"There was a reason for that, General Morgan, Colonel Bright. This has been locked away ever since my dear sister passed away during childbirth, but it is now time to shed some light. And you were right, General Morgan. We don't know if I will suffer an attack like that again. As such, this information will be brought forth, as it will determine the very core of our future.", Queen Alicia said in a serious tone.
"It seems Naoto does have some ambition alright. Perhaps it was more recent, since the last time we met was five years ago. As his Grandmother, I can only say I am happy with how he wants to come about this.", Queen Alicia continued to say.
"Grandmother...are you saying?", Cassius asked.
"That's right. The boy you met five years ago is none other than the son of my dear sister. He is an Auslese, just like me and Klaudia here. Even if he is just my nephew compared to my granddaughter here, he still has Auslese blood flowing within him. According to the letter I just received from Klaudia, his being is safe for now, but his whereabouts are currently unknown.", Queen Alicia said, explaining the situation to the two. Princess Klaudia also nodded her head, since she too had read this letter.
"But within that letter, I had my own assumptions which were just brought to light. So from this moment forth I will be making a declaration. A Rite of Succession, if you would.", Queen Alicia declared, which caused General Morgan and Colonel Bright.
"Although it won't be official until Naoto makes his return, from this moment forth, with members of the Royal Army and as the current Queen bearing witness, I declare Naoto von Auslese the next Crown Prince of Liberl. He will ascend the Liberlian Throne as its next King, but the exact date is to be determined. When he does, I will retire from my current position.", Queen Alicia declared, bringing a big wave of surprise to the two. Even Klaudia blinked at her;
"Your Majesty...", General Morgan responded, unable to find words, only to slowly nod his head. "I understand. As one of your Generals of this country, I am to follow your will.", General Morgan responded, giving Queen Alicia a military salute.
"To think that boy would be an Auslese...the next Crown Prince huh? I am sure your parents who are sleeping in the Goddess's halls are overcome with joy, Your Highness.", Cassius responded as well, only to look at Princess Klaudia. "But isn't Liberl mostly a matriarchy?", Cassius decided to ask.
"It is for the most part yes. But that is because most of our lineage happened to succeed as females. Even you saw who was next to be in line to the throne, my own son as the Crown Prince. He would have ascended proper, if he and his wife didn't have that maritime accident.", Queen Alicia answered Cassius with a hint of sadness.
"I am sure father and mother are resting peacefully in the Goddess's halls, Grandmother.", Klaudia tried to respond with a smile. Despite being just six years old, she had enough time to get over her parents' death over fives years ago. At the time, she had no clue, but she eventually learned of it. It took time, but she was able to overcome that sadness, and Naoto sending her letters played a huge role in that, despite not being able to support her in person. Queen Alicia couldn't help but smile seeing Klaudia say that.
"Oh Klaudia, you've experienced a lot recently. I may have to trouble you just a bit more as Liberl's acting Princess. You'll be fine with that, won't you?", Queen Alicia said, only to walk slowly to Klaudia. She started to ruffle her hair a bit which caused Klaudia to smile.
"Of course, Grandmother. It is only as an act, right? Brother Naoto will be the one to sit on the big seat.", Klaudia answered.
"That's right. But even you may sit on the throne beside him, as his Queen.", Queen Alicia continued to say, which caused Klaudia to blink at her.
"A Queen...", Klaudia uttered to herself. She was still just a child, but interest could be seen in her eyes. She too was of the royal line, so becoming a Queen wasn't out of the question for her. Cassius saw this and couldn't help but shrug his shoulders.
"Haha, this succession is definitely a surprise to come from you, Your Majesty, but we can't really go against your words now, can we?"
"Hmm, will this be brought up in the Royal Assembly at the end of the year?", General Morgan decided to ask.
"No. I will not publicize this until Naoto returns. Which now brings me to our next matter. Colonel Bright.", Queen Alicia answered, only to look at Cassius.
"Yes, Your Majesty.", Cassius responded, giving a military salute.
"You will be in charge of the invasion that is likely to come our way. We don't know when it will strike, but be ready to respond at a moment's notice. Whether it is the Air Force, the Royal Army, or our armored divisions, you will be their leading Commander in this operation.", Queen Alicia issued, giving a command to Cassius.
"Yes, Your Majesty.", Cassius acknowledged, giving another salute.
"You're giving Colonel bright full command of this coming war?", General Morgan responded with interest. "I am assuming you have another role for me, Your Majesty?", General Morgan asked.
"You assumed correctly, General Morgan. You will have full use of our funds for this covert operation. I don't care how or what it takes for it to be done, but I want you to locate Naoto's whereabouts. He did say he cannot disclose his current location and that his safety was reassured, but I want this information personally delivered to me. You must find where he is. Do I make myself clear?", Queen Alicia asked in a serious tone.
"Yes. I will carry this order out, Your Majesty.", General Morgan responded with his own military salute.
"Good.", Queen Alicia said, only to reveal a smile hearing General Morgan's resolution.
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On a side note, the words heaven and hell don't really exist in Zemuria. The continent is hailed under one main religion which supports the Goddess Aidios, so you'll likely see references related to her if heaven is brought up. As for hell, it is known as Gehenna here.