Chapter 6

Adventure, huh.

I considered going on one and had already made up my mind to set out when I reach ten. I don't know if my expeditions to the graveyard will count but since it was within walking distance, I guess it doesn't.

But more importantly...

"What is your real goal here?"

"I need a companion."

...

"Do you know how the next ruler of our country is decided?" 

"No." 

I think I heard my father saying something about succession one time but since I didn't plan on becoming king, I automatically filtered it out.

Apparently, Katarina wanted to find a beast-type monster in order to raise as a companion which is just a fancier name for a pet.

And after she heard I had absolutely no idea what the royal succession was, she began lecturing me. 

Right now, we're currently in the library where I was sitting on my knees and she was talking to me from above.

Luckily, nobody uses the library by this time of the day and we were currently in a soundproof booth so the chances of someone finding us was nil.

I protested but with her holding my secret over my head, I had no choice to comply.

Though I did it mostly because it's an adult's duty to humour the children.

Seriously.

"Every thirty years, a competition is held among the royal and ducal houses. Due to this, the position of the royal family isn't constant and fluctuates. A hundred and twenty years ago, it was your family that was the royal family."

Now that was surprising news. It seemed like a meritocracy.

"Anyone that has reached adulthood is qualified to participate. Luckily or unluckily for me, the competition falls directly on the year I turn eighteen." Katarina sighed after that sentence and I spoke up.

"Isn't that a good thing?"

"If it was only among my brothers and sisters. But the stupid rule that allows others from ducal houses to compete increases the difficulty." Katarina picked up a paper and drew a rough circle and divided it into four parts.

"Unlike other kingdoms, ours is divided into four regions- the north, the east, the west, and the south. Each of these is ruled by a ducal house with the royalty ruling from the capital, the center." She drew a circle around the origin and scribbled "royal".

"In each of the regions contain other nobles such as the marquises, the counts, viscounts and barons. Therefore, a domain does not belong to a single lord."

"I see." In short, it was similar to the system most countries adopted in my past life.

Even dukes and duchesses can't make arbitrary decisions in order not to anger the local lords but each domain doesn't have enough power to overthrow a house.

If they worked together, there might be a slight chance of them succeeding but they would quickly be subdued by the other regions. And besides, getting a large number of people to cooperate with you would be difficult unless there are benefits worth the risks.

So a duke does not just rely on his inherited power but has to gain the support of those around him.

In other words, my father is amazing.

"How in the world did your parents not teach you this stuff?" Katarina was clearly exasperated and pressed a palm to her forehead. Taking advantage of the opportunity, I rose up a little and immediately felt a palm pressing me back to the ground.

"Down."

"Yes ma'am."

"It's most likely because I proclaimed I'm not taking over the domain." I said nonchalantly. After a while, I noticed that she went silent and looked up only to receive a surprise attack.

"HAAAHHHH!?"

...

"Due to certain reasons, I don't want to take over and my parents have respected my decision and are currently trying their best to give me a little brother or sister." I explained as Katarina sipped a cup of tea that I do not want to know the origin. I considered telling her that eating wasn't allowed in libraries but refrained as she seemed like she was about to burst.

"Why don't you want to become a duke?"

"Because it's a pain! - oww!"

"Well you have no choice in the matter. I'm going to make you duke." The selfish princess said with steam wafting from her fist as I rubbed my head.

"I refuse. Even if you kill me, I won't change my mind."

"Why are you so averse to the idea?"

"I don't think I'm suitable for ruling others. And I like being free. Don't get me wrong, being a noble's awesome but I like being free even more."

"I pity for your nonexistent younger brother." 

"Hey!"

"Let's get back to the topic. You have two options - one," she raised a finger, "Marry me and be my consort,"

"I refuse- oww!!!"

"Or become duke and break off the engagement." I think Katarina is a specialist in reinforcement magic or else that won't explain why her fist hurt so much.

"I refuse that option too."

"Sigh." Katarina slumped against the chair in a manner unbefitting a lady but I ignored it. After all, this was two adults having a discussion.

I saw a complicated expression cloud over her face and asked before I even processed, "Why are you so focused on becoming king?"

"It's queen. And for the same reasons you don't want to become duke or marry me. Because I like being a ruler. That's all."

"I see."

I can't comprehend why someone would be willing to take painkillers and present a front for the rest of their lives.

But I can understand the feeling of having a dream to accomplish.

Still, that doesn't mean I'm planning on helping her for free.

"Okay."

"Huh?" Katarina blinked confused and I stood up and extended my hand.

"I'll help you become queen. But I won't marry you and I won't become duke."

"Then how do you plan on helping me?" I could see the skeptism in her eyes but I grinned and said,

"Let's go on that adventure you were talking about. To the Ever Silent Graveyard."