Chapter 177 The Crown Prince Couple
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
That day, Crown Prince Gilliam of the Coalmine Kingdom¹ felt a sharp, grinding ache deep in his stomach. It was a sensation peculiar to Gilliam alone. The cause, naturally, was the provocative military maneuvers spearheaded by his grandfather, General Van Valedda, and the resulting final confrontation.
Fortunately, both General Van and the enemy commander, Duke Roost Badcage, had managed to survive despite having skewered one another with their spears. However, there was little doubt that this incident would be the primary point of contention in the looming ceasefire negotiations.
Actually, the military results—having come a hair’s breadth from delivering a catastrophic blow to the Canaria Kingdom²—were technically worthy of commendation. In fact, they could potentially serve as leverage to steer the peace talks in their favor. Therefore, to be more precise, it was the staggering weight of the diplomatic consequences that truly set his nerves on edge. It was a ‘Gilliam-grade’ ulcer in the making.
As the heir to the throne, he chided himself, thinking he “must not be so weak,” yet for a man as painstakingly earnest as he, agonizing over a national crisis was an inevitability. Indeed, it was classic Gilliam.
Crown Prince Gilliam was already in residence at the royal palace of the Canaria Kingdom alongside his wife, Ierse. Despite the ongoing state of war, the dispatch of the next Sovereign himself was intended as a profound display of Coalmine’s sincerity.
Incidentally, the reason Crown Princess Ierse had accompanied him was not to further demonstrate their good faith… but rather because she had requested to observe the sights of the Canaria region firsthand.
Since the ceasefire negotiations were mediated by the Church, their lives were rarely in any true peril. Nevertheless, her presence acted as a catalyst that only exacerbated Gilliam’s grinding discomfort. Truly, only Gilliam would worry so much.
”Hey, Gilliam-sama! The Canaria Kingdom is such a wonderful place! The food is delectable, and the streets are simply beautiful!”
”Ah, yes, they are…” Gilliam said.
Witnessing his wife’s innocent enthusiasm, Gilliam found his stern expression softening in spite of himself. While he had initially opposed bringing her along, her very presence served as a balm for his frayed nerves. In response, Ierse met his gaze with a radiant, beaming smile, relieved to see a hint of joy on her husband’s face after he had looked so grim throughout their departure from the Coalmine Kingdom.
”Ah! B-but, you know, I still prefer the Coalmine Kingdom! The city streets in Mynar feel so solid and impressive, and a bowl of mushroom soup on a freezing day is enough to make one’s cheeks fall off from sheer bliss…!”
Abruptly realizing her previous praise might have sounded like a slight against her new home, she rushed to amend her statement. Gilliam adored her specifically for this trait—her overflowing consideration and how her expressions shifted as rapidly as a kaleidoscope.
”Hehe, there is no need to be so flustered. I am well aware of how much you cherish our nation,” Gilliam said with a gentle chuckle.
”Yes! I love it dearly! Because it is the country where you were born and raised, and the country you will spend your life protecting!”
”I… I see. Is that truly so…?” Gilliam asked, his complexion tinting a faint crimson.
”Of course it is!” Ierse replied.
Ierse exhaled a breath of relief, satisfied that her true feelings had been conveyed. Meanwhile, Gilliam, though still blushing, felt his devotion to her deepen even further.
Having arrived as a bride from Silvaoll³, a maritime nation located to the southwest of the Canaria Kingdom, he was acutely aware that the rugged terrain of the Coalmine Kingdom was not a hospitable environment for her. Yet, she had never once voiced a single word of discontent.
Gilliam felt a pang of frustration on her behalf. Had they successfully secured the lands of Canaria in this conflict, a powerful alliance spanning the continent from north to south—comprising Coalmine, Canaria, and Silvaoll—would have been solidified.
Coalmine Kingdom would have presided as the leader of that coalition, cementing its status as a superpower that neighboring states could not afford to overlook. The nation would have flourished, the citizenry would have prospered, and he could have provided his wife with even greater luxuries. It would have even simplified her return visits to her homeland, as they would finally be connected by land.
”Gilliam-sama, is something the matter?” Ierse asked, tilting her head curiously.
”No, it is nothing…” Gilliam replied.
Noticing the furrows once again etching themselves into her husband’s brow, Ierse tilted her head. She moved closer to where he sat in his chair, cupping his cheeks with both hands, and began working diligently with her thumbs to massage away the tension between his eyes.
Her husband was a striking young man whose melancholic features could make any lady sigh, but she had always maintained that he looked most dashing when he was smiling.
Naturally, the way he turned beet-red at her sudden touch, or the bewildered expression he wore during her eccentric attempts to smooth his brow, were equally endearing to her.
* * *
In this particular guest suite within the Canaria Kingdom’s palace, a retinue of Coalmine Kingdom maids stood in attendance. As the couple indulged in their public display of affection without the slightest reservation, the maids maintained stoic expressions while harboring warm, fuzzy sentiments within.
This aesthetically pleasing and harmonious Crown Prince couple was legendary back in the Coalmine Kingdom, making the position of serving them a highly sought-after role. Consequently, the maids wished to allow the pair a few more moments of intimacy, but unfortunately, the schedule was unforgiving.
”Your Highness, I believe the hour is at hand…” a maid said, gently interjecting.
”Yes, I suppose it is… Ierse, my apologies, but I must take my leave now,” Gilliam said, taking Ierse’s hands even as he felt the stress returning to his forehead.
With her hands captured, Ierse opted to smooth the wrinkles by pressing a soft kiss to his brow before responding.
”Mmm, time is up, I see. Well then, shall we be on our way?”
”Eh? Are you going somewhere as well? I would prefer it if you refrained from wandering about the palace grounds…” Gilliam said, taken aback.
”Oh, honestly, what are you saying? I am saying that I intend to participate in the negotiations as well,” Ierse said as she wiped away the faint trace of lipstick she had left on her husband’s forehead. She spoke as if her involvement were the most natural thing in the world, leaving Gilliam utterly floored.
”What…? N-no, that is simply out of the question…”
”Hehe, I have actually been quite eager to converse with Her Majesty Queen Cecile. I am certain we could become the best of friends! Furthermore, I have heard that Lady Tina, the representative of the Badcage family, is also a young woman. I believe the atmosphere would be far more conducive to dialogue if I were present,” Ierse said with a sparkling smile.
Indeed, it was a point worth considering. In terms of pure political presence, the opposing side had fielded Queen Cecile, Lady Tina, and Prime Minister Dan Samoro. Meanwhile, he was essentially a lone combatant.
While he had brought several civil officials, he could not help but feel his delegation lacked prestige compared to the Canaria Kingdom’s lineup. If the Crown Prince and Princess appeared in tandem, the display would be far more formidable and encouraging. However…
”The issue is… I loathe to put it this way, but we are not heading there for amusement, you understand…?” Gilliam asked tentatively.
”Of course, I understand that perfectly! I shall refrain from any unnecessary commentary and ensure I do not interrupt the proceedings. Please, I truly wish to be of assistance to you. I want to do something for the sake of Coalmine. I promise you will be glad for my presence, so please…”
Ierse pleaded with genuine fervor, clutching her husband’s hand. Had Kento, the proprietor of the adult goods boutique ‘Harvest’⁴, been an observer, he surely would have remarked, “This is like a scene pulled straight from a blockbuster movie.” As the surrounding maids let out collective sighs of admiration, the two remained there, hands entwined, locked in each other’s gaze.
Though Gilliam had initially addressed her as one might a child, he was well aware that his wife was a refined woman who had undergone rigorous royal tutelage. It was simply that her typically exuberant demeanor made it difficult to envision her in a cold, formal setting…
Ultimately, Gilliam found himself powerless against his wife’s earnest petition. He agonized over the decision for a long moment with a low hum, but at last, he offered a slow, relenting nod.
”…Very well. However, there will be many complexities regarding our nation’s stance and the current geopolitical climate that may elude you. Should you wish to speak, you must whisper in my ear and obtain my consent beforehand, understood?”
”Yes, I understand! Thank you so much, Gilliam-sama! I shall do exactly as you say!” Ierse said, her entire face lighting up as she pressed her fingertips together joyfully.
Gilliam realized he could no longer afford to show even a hint of weakness. The weight of his responsibility had undoubtedly increased, yet, perhaps because his resolve was now steeled, his stomach pain had miraculously evaporated. Even though he was Gilliam.
”In that case, shall we proceed?”
”Yes!” Ierse replied.
Linking arms with practiced grace, the two made their way toward the conference chamber where the leadership of the Canaria Kingdom awaited to commence the ceasefire negotiations.
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Summary:
Crown Prince Gilliam of Coalmine deals with severe stress-induced stomach pain before ceasefire negotiations. His wife, Ierse, comforts him and expresses her deep love for him and their country. Ierse convinces a reluctant Gilliam to let her participate in the negotiations to support him. The couple enters the conference room together, feeling more resolved and united.
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Character Insight:
This chapter highlights the deep emotional bond and mutual respect between Gilliam and Ierse. Gilliam’s chronic stomach pain serves as a physical manifestation of his immense sense of duty and the pressure he feels as the future king. Ierse, despite her bubbly and seemingly naive exterior, proves to be Gilliam’s strongest support system, demonstrating a willingness to step into the political arena not for personal glory, but to lighten her husband’s burden. Their interaction shows a transition from a protective, almost paternalistic love on Gilliam’s part to a more equitable partnership.
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Behind the Scene:
The author uses a recurring gag (‘Gilliam dake ni’ / ‘Even though he’s Gilliam’) to play on the character’s name and his association with ‘giri giri’ (the sound of grinding or being at the limit), emphasizing his high-stress personality. The mention of Silvaoll establishes the broader geopolitical scope of the setting, suggesting that royal marriages in this world carry significant strategic weight.
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T/L:
Notes:
• Van Valedda – The General and Marquis overseeing the operation. He is the father of the current Queen and grandfather to the First Prince. He has black hair mixed with white, a neatly trimmed beard, and carries an air of calm dignity. He is elderly and suffers from old wounds in his knees.
• Gilliam – The Crown Prince of the Coalmine Kingdom. He is described as simple and naive, often overwhelmed by his lively wife’s energy. He is stressed by the ongoing war.
• Roost – Duke of Badcage and father of Tina Badcage. He has long silver hair mixed with some white, a cool-headed expression, and red eyes. Despite a relatively slender build, he possesses a strong fighting spirit.
• Ierse – The Crown Princess and wife of Gilliam, originally from a foreign land. She is described as lively and healthy with a unique charm. She wants to cheer up her husband.
• Cecile – A high-ranking, powerful woman in the capital who possesses the authority to regulate business and commerce, particularly concerning moral or public order issues. She is currently investigating Kento’s shop, ‘Harvest.’ Have long golden hair, elegant, and wearing expensive white dress with gold accesories.
• Samoro – A middle-aged Marquis and Prime Minister with a lot of white hair, a magnificent mustache, and luxurious attire. He is a key figure in the court who has supported the Queen since her enthronement.
• Kento – The owner of the magic tool shop ‘Harvest,’ which discretely sells adult goods. He’s a former overworked, ordinary salaryman from modern Japan who was suddenly transported (isekai’d) to this fantasy world. He has dark hair and an unremarkable appearance, typically wearing a plain, slightly suspicious-looking shop owner’s clothes looks like Kazuma Satou from certain series. He has a minimal amount of magic power, enough to craft his specialty items.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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