MIZPAH

A New King

CHAPTER SEVEN

The funeral ceremonies were held with royal honours, and he was cremated near his beloved. A week had passed since the terrible incident. After his father's passing, Prince Taeho had no desire to go back to the academy. However, he was compelled to finish school by his brother and King Yaswant.

King Yaswant advised him, "My dear son, you must make your father proud by being brave and shrewd like him. For me, you are like Tejas. As if I were your father, pay attention to what I have to say. You must do it for yourself."

Prince Taeho couldn't disagree with a man he regarded as a father figure. Both princes went back to the academy. Whenever Prince Taeho experienced emotional lows, Prince Tejas reassured him of his strong support. Like a shoulder to cry on, he was always there for him.

Months went by. Their time at the academy was completed. Despite the disturbing events of recent months, they continued at a steady pace, thanks to each other's support. The time had come for them to return to their respective provinces. To escort Prince Tejas, King Yaswant arrived at the academy. From the state, the Prince's brother came to take him back.

King Yaswant accompanied him, as he didn't want him to feel the absence of a father's affection. Grand celebrations, planned by his stepbrother, were held to celebrate his return.

The princes and Lim Maya were summoned to an urgent meeting by the court ministers the following day. King Yaswant was invited to join them by the two princes. The ministers all concurred so that they could receive a knowledgeable recommendation from the king. The sudden agenda that was presented dealt with the new king's coronation. Many months have already passed since the land went without a ruler. The state needed a ruler because Lim Maya was only entitled to the role of the prince's mother. Traditionally, the firstborn son of the ruler is the next heir. Even though Lim Jae Wook was Minseon's stepson, he considered Lim Jae Wook his own. Prince Lim turned down the offer to become the next ruler when the ministers and Lim Maya suggested it, believing it to be improper.

"Even though I'm not the late king's blood relative," he said to the council, "I feel tremendous honour to be regarded as his eldest son. To be the sovereign, however, is not my goal. It calls for a great deal of maturity and responsibility. I think I'm incapable of completing tasks that do not interest me. If I become ruler, I won't be in a position to properly perform my obligations. A thing done half-heartedly is more dangerous than doing nothing. I hope that my brother, Taeho, will be the ideal heir to the state. I think he deserves to be in this position." Hearing the words of the prince, there was a brief moment of silence.

"My dear brother, I do not think I would be able to do it," Prince responded. "I'm not certain about my capacity to lead an entire land."

In response, Prince Lim said, "I believe in you; you will be the best king, and I will always be your brother."

When the council saw the brotherhood, they were in awe.

In his remark, King Yaswant said, "My children, this unity is what makes you the best siblings. Your father would have been happy for your companionship. Ministers, what do you say? Should Taeho be crowned the new ruler of the state? What is your opinion on this, Your Highness, Lim Maya?"

Lim Maya said, "If that is their wish, who are we to go against? Taeho shall be anointed as the next ruler of the province."

The decision was accepted by all of the ministers. However, the prince must gain a basic understanding of how the political system in his state works before being crowned. As he had assisted their father in those matters, Prince Lim decided to assist him as well.