Episode 39
Just moments ago, Alberic was whining about how he couldn’t take it anymore. But as soon as he stepped out of the storage room, his demeanor changed completely.
He adopted a noble expression—dignified yet not arrogant—that suited him perfectly. Seeing him transform so effortlessly, like a reflex, made me appreciate all the effort he must have put into perfecting this act. It was almost enough to bring tears to my eyes… almost.
I was doing my best not to laugh when a local noble, who had spotted Alberic and me, hurried over.
“I was just looking for you. Where have you been?”
“I had some important matters to discuss with Count Dammartin here.”
“Ah, of course. You two have known each other for a long time. I’m sure you had much to talk about. But you should come now; His Majesty is asking for you.”
“If His Majesty is calling, I must go at once. Should I go alone?”
“No, His Majesty wishes to see Count Dammartin as well. Is that alright?”
I was fine with it, but I glanced at Alberic to see if he was too. His expression was the picture of calm, even graced with a relaxed smile. I couldn’t help but be impressed.
“I’ve been wanting to see King Richard again. Of course, I’ll go if he’s summoned me.”
“Shall we, then?”
Was his earlier breakdown in the storage room just an act? The transition was so seamless that even I was starting to doubt.
As we walked for a few minutes, a crowd came into view, bustling with people. It was a gathering of notable nobles, and as I approached, they parted like the Red Sea, creating a path for me.
In the center stood Richard, who waved at me with a welcoming smile.
“Over here! Come this way.”
Beside Richard were some unfamiliar faces, all looking in our direction. There was an elderly noblewoman and several young men and women in their twenties. Their lavish attire and proximity to Richard hinted at their high status.
Richard, glancing between me and them, introduced them with a smile.
“You haven’t met them yet, have you? This is Eleanor of Aquitaine, my mother.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Delighted to meet you.”
The famous woman I had only seen in portraits smiled at me as I bowed. Eleanor of Aquitaine, Duchess of Aquitaine and Gascony, and Countess of Poitiers. Though now an elderly lady, she had been renowned for her beauty and strength in her youth.
Seeing her in person, I understood why there were so many records praising her appearance. But her fame wasn’t just due to her beauty. Eleanor’s influence was so significant that understanding 12th-century Western European history without her is impossible.
Her marriage to Henry II was why the Angevin Empire held more French land than the French king. Richard’s defiance against Henry II was also possible because of his mother’s support. Had Eleanor and Henry II been on better terms, the Lionheart might never have existed.
She was also a patron of music and literature, and a learned woman who could read and write Latin. After the war, she swiftly secured the loyalty of English lords to Richard I.
Richard held his mother in the highest regard, reportedly willing to do anything she asked. Indeed, he stood close to her, smiling warmly—a sight unimaginable under normal circumstances.
I wondered if he was a mama’s boy, but it was clear he was simply devoted to her. Fortunately, Eleanor seemed to think well of me, speaking in a friendly tone.
“I’ve heard much about you. I understand you played a significant role in helping our king ascend the throne. I always wanted to thank you, and I’m glad to have the opportunity now.”
“Not at all. It’s thanks to His Majesty’s grace that I enjoy such privileges. This event is possible because of him, so I should be the one expressing gratitude.”
“Thank you for saying so. I consider it a great fortune that someone like the Count of Auvergne has come to our country. Or perhaps I should say it’s a blessing from God?”
As the surrounding nobles nodded in agreement, Richard added with a chuckle.
“So, God chose me among all the world’s rulers. Ha!”
Eleanor frowned slightly at Richard’s half-joking, self-indulgent remark and immediately chided him.
“Times like these call for gratitude and humility. Remember, your father was a capable man in his youth.”
“Ah, yes, of course. I was just joking. Ha…”
“Even as a joke, such words are inappropriate. It’s not bad for a king to show a human side, but appearing frivolous is another matter. Always think before you speak.”
Even a charismatic ruler who could make the entire kingdom tremble was just a son who needed guidance in front of his mother.
To save Richard from further embarrassment, I changed the subject.
“By the way, Your Majesty, I haven’t been introduced to the others here.”
“Oh, my apologies.”
Richard turned to the young woman and man beside him.
“This lovely lady is Princess Berengaria, the eldest daughter of King Sancho VI of Navarre. And this handsome gentleman is Prince Pedro, heir to King Alfonso II of Aragon. They’re all connected to me, so I hope you’ll build good relations with them.”
Princess Berengaria, soon to be the Queen of England, smiled warmly at me. Eleanor stood firmly by her side, seemingly to lend her support. It appeared they were subtly announcing Richard and Berengaria’s union to those present.
Prince Pedro of Aragon seemed deep in thought but was in a congratulatory mood, given his father Alfonso II’s close friendship with Richard.
As Prince Pedro glanced at Alberic, he asked Richard.
“Who is the gentleman beside the Count of Auvergne?”
“Ah, I called him over to introduce him. This is the renowned Count of Dammartin from France. Hasn’t word reached Aragon yet?”
“Oh! So this is the Count of Dammartin, famed for his wisdom akin to Solomon’s?”
Prince Pedro’s mouth fell open, and Princess Berengaria and Eleanor’s eyes widened in surprise.
How had Alberic’s reputation spread so far that even the Iberian royal families knew of him?
Curious as ever, I couldn’t resist asking.
“How is the Count of Dammartin’s reputation known in Navarre and Aragon?”
“There are many stories. From accurately predicting future international affairs to identifying potential obstacles to the Holy Roman Empire’s advance. Although he didn’t foresee the Emperor’s unfortunate accident, that’s beyond prediction.”
“Hmm, I see.”
“Moreover, he correctly analyzed that the Almohad Caliphate, which controls half of the Iberian Peninsula, lacks a solid base in North Africa. When news of the rebellion broke, it was chilling.”
Of course, that was information I had provided, embellished into plausible predictions. Still, it was clear that despite his earlier complaints, Alberic was performing his duties exceptionally well.
Princess Berengaria of Navarre also looked at Alberic with a hint of admiration.
“We often hear about the Count of Dammartin. They say he has been active since the Crusades alongside the Prophet of Auvergne. It’s truly impressive.”
Despite the attention, Alberic maintained his dignified composure, shaking his head modestly.
“It’s not that impressive.”
In truth, he was merely repeating what he’d been told, so it wasn’t extraordinary. But to others, this would appear as humility.
Eleanor, impressed, asked.
“Such humility at a young age. I hear your faith is commendable. Do you often pray for wisdom?”
“Of course. I’m not particularly remarkable. I always pray for my shortcomings and seek forgiveness for any wrong paths I might take. Others praise my wisdom, but I always consider myself lacking, so it doesn’t quite resonate with me.”
With a gentle smile and a slightly wistful gaze, Alberic’s flawless performance left everyone in awe, even me.
Up until now, I had my doubts about whether King Philip II might see through Alberic’s act and counter it. But now, I can safely dismiss that possibility. If anyone could see through this kind of method acting, it would require more than just intuition—it would be practically supernatural.
Honestly, if Alberic went around like this all the time, he’d be digging his own grave. I chuckled and placed a hand on Alberic’s shoulder.
“Our dear Count has been like this since his days in the Crusades. Diligent, ascetic, and wise—everyone respected and followed him.”
“Hahaha, enough of that. No matter how clever I am, I can’t compare to you. I merely try to predict the future with my limited mind, while you have divine insight.”
“You’re too kind. I’ve always learned by watching you, Sir Alberic… I mean, Count.”
In that moment, I made a decision. No matter how much he complains, this is Alberic’s true calling. I need to ensure he continues to thrive in France, paving the way for my own plans. When the time comes, I’ll subtly suggest he enjoy the journey, as it’s inevitable anyway.
As we engaged in our elaborate back-and-forth, Eleonore, who had been watching us, suddenly spoke up.
“Does the Count of Damartin have any marriage prospects?”
“Uh… no, not yet.”
“Given your status, shouldn’t you be considering an heir?”
“I feel I’m not yet ready to be anyone’s husband. I plan to improve myself further before seeking a match.”
“That’s quite thoughtful. Most men would be seeking women with even a little power.”
“Haha… hahaha.”
The women, unaware of the truth, were impressed, while the men gave him knowing looks. But knowing everything, I could only weep internally.
When her initial attempt missed its mark, Eleonore quickly shifted her focus to me.
“What about the Count of Auvergne? A stable household is essential for a strong domain.”
“Yes, I’m aware. But I have so much to do right now…”
“If you wait until you’re overwhelmed with work, you might miss the opportunity. It’s best to look for a good match in advance.”
Marriage is indeed one of the most crucial elements of this era. It can either elevate your power or drag you down. Just look at Henry II, who nearly doubled his territory through marriage alone.
Of course, Eleonore isn’t suggesting this to boost my power. She’s likely trying to tie me to a family close to theirs for Richard’s stable reign.
I had anticipated such a scenario, so I have plenty of ways to wriggle out of it. As I pondered my options, Prince Pedro of Aragon, who had been quietly observing, suddenly joined the conversation.
“Marriage prospects are important. In fact, my sister is also looking for a suitable husband…”
What now?
I turned to glance at Prince Pedro, only to shiver involuntarily. What is this chill? Why do I suddenly feel so cold?
No, my lady, please don’t look at me like that. It’s terrifying.