Rising Shadows: The Fight for Freedom I

Chapter 80: The Throne and Politics

Although King Frederick Medici of the Bailins Kingdom has several wives, he has few offspring, with only two sons and one daughter, all of whom are the first heirs to the throne of Bailins. While there are many other branches of the royal family, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the future monarch will undoubtedly be chosen from among these three children of King Frederick.

However, despite King Frederick having three children-Crown Prince Stano, Prince Kexili, and Princess Elena-the throne will ultimately be contested only between the two princes. This is a custom observed by all human kingdoms on the Ilysia continent, as well as the law in most nations.

One throne, two princes; for most kingdoms with numerous princes, the future succession struggle in Bailins will undoubtedly be less intense. Moreover, King Frederick is still in his prime, in good health, and the political landscape within Bailins is remarkably stable. Thus, the majority of noble officials in Bailins do not need to concern themselves with the most troublesome issue of succession at this time. However...

Both princes have reached adulthood and have their own ambitions, while the king is inevitably aging, and the kingdom must eventually choose a successor!

Thus, whether through the proactive courting of Prince Stano and Prince Kexili or the deliberate choices of nobles and officials, the number of individuals who can navigate the political landscape of Bailins without bias is dwindling. While most nobles and officials are undoubtedly loyal to King Frederick, everyone is acutely aware that the time left for them to make a choice is rapidly diminishing.

Some say that politics is akin to the business of merchants, where concessions, compromises, and schemes are essential courses. However, when it comes to the future of the Bailins Kingdom and the succession issue that directly affects the interests of every noble and official, concessions and compromises are simply not an option; what remains is only intrigue and calculation.

Of course, one must pledge allegiance to King Frederick, but one must also make a choice between the two princes. The fence-sitters are the first targets for both princes, as wallflowers are intolerable to either prince or even to King Frederick himself.

Thus, the next question is which prince to choose and which faction to align with.

Both princes have their supporters, who wield varying degrees of power within the Bailins Kingdom. However, neither prince seems to possess a distinct advantage, and their father, King Frederick, has never shown a preference for either prince. Consequently, most noble officials in Bailins can only rely on their instincts to make a choice.

Yet, some nobles and officials do not rely on instinct to make judgments or choices; they have firmly aligned themselves with one prince from the outset, becoming steadfast supporters. The Spencer and Shadras families, two historically significant noble houses in the Bailins Kingdom, are examples of such families.

The current head of the Spencer family, Duke Johan, has a daughter named Vina, who is the queen of the Bailins Kingdom. Her son is Prince Stano, and for this reason, the Spencer family has steadfastly aligned itself with Queen Vina and Prince Stano from the very beginning.

The Shadras family, on the other hand, chose to support Prince Kexili due to a princess consort. Marshal Bakasi Shadras, the youngest marshal in Bailins, possesses thirteenth-tier fighting spirit and is a warrior who has reached the saint level. He has become the most formidable backing for Prince Kexili due to his daughter's influence.

"Thus, your mysterious kidnapping is likely related to Prince Kexili and the Shadras family. They may have intended to use the orcs to eliminate you, thereby striking at your father and our Spencer family!"