The Crimson General Desires no Prince! (GL)
Chapter 22 - 20: How many grandchildren do you want?

Chapter 22: Chapter 20: How many grandchildren do you want?

Chapter 20: How many grandchildren do you want? === King Aswold’s Office Door === Tick... tock... tick... tock... "Hah..."

Rowan was unsure of her plan, she remembers the talk of her and the crown princess about leaving the palace to live in her house- in this case her office.

"That means I get to go back where your home is." The crown princess’ words stuck to her mind, she’ll be taking the crown princess to Rosewood village soon. It was the crimson general’s home- a place that was overrun by monsters and constantly being harassed by some demons, she managed to save it when she was just starting out as a General.

Since the village was near the border between demon and human land it was at a constant state of war, many villagers even fled to some place far away from safety.

Now one could say it’s one of the safest places in the kingdom, thanks to Rowan.

"Hm." (Rowan) hesitates on reaching the knob of the door to the king’s office. She has already arranged to have a private meeting with him, to her surprise King Aswold Kastil agreed so fast.

Her mind overthinks of what she wanted to say and wanted to practice her lines- However, the two guards who were on both sides of the door were eyeing her curiously she didn’t dare mutter out anything. "..."

"..."

Rowan takes a deep breath once more and finally holds the knob, opening the door.

"Goodmorning, your majesty." (Rowan) greets the King who was sitting in his fancy leather chair, somehow it’s as if King Aswold was expecting the girl early in the morning that he already had prepared tea in advance.

"Goodmorning, General Bonheur." (King Aswold) eyes the general, sizing her up. He couldn’t believe that a girl like this existed- a girl who chooses a princess instead of the typical prince in the stories of fairy tales. "I suppose you wanted to speak with me, my daughter had already talked to me of what she wanted and seeing that a royal must keep their word. I have been informed that she’ll be leaving with you soon."

His eldest daughter is leaving the nest. It would mean danger from here on out.

"Please sit down." (King Aswold) points to one of the chairs that was facing him, Rowan sits down obediently.

The second princess eagerly took on the position of the crown princess, she was ecstatic even.

"I have stripped her title to ensure she’ll be nothing more than a lowly princess. Your wedding will be in a year, it will be private. I respect your taste- however I cannot have the other kingdoms knowing of this matter so... I hope you understand. This is for both of your safety." The King, even if he views his children like usable pawns, still had a brain.

If his daughter is going to be wedded to a woman- even with great power there’s still some trouble that even the great General wouldn’t be able to avoid. "I understand, your majesty." She really does, having a private wedding is much better than a public one- but that’s not what she came here for. "I actually came here- to... ask something from you." "Oh?" The King was interested in what the young woman had to say. Rowan readies herself, "Your majesty, you are the father of the woman I am going to marry. I want to show you my deepest respect and honor, not as one of your generals but as merely Rowan Bonheur." "..." The King waits for her to finish as Rowan was giving an effort that he didn’t expect. "I wanted to ask for your blessing and permission to take your daughter away from her home. If I just leave with your daughter not saying anything... it is not right. I care deeply for her highness, and I want to build something real and lasting with your daughter." Rowan smiles just thinking about the crown princess and that after leaving the palace in the capital city, they can live their lives being together and doing whatever they want. "I am aware of the customs of the old. I want to do this the honorable way, with your blessing because I know how much the value of family means to me. I wanted to honor it and respect my elders- his majesty and I from now on are family." She places a hand on her chest, giving an honorary salute to the King. "If there is anything that the noble house of Bonheur can do for you, I will do all that I can to meet your expectations." As Rowan finishes her speech, the room is filled with silence as she waits for the King to reply. "Hahaha!" "...?" But Rowan never expected for the King to laugh happily as he tried to calm himself down. "For the Crimson General- a woman well known for slaying the ruler of the demon lands! You surprised me! You’re a charming woman who knows how to move an old man’s will." Rowan smiles happily at the compliment that was given. "I will tell you something, General Rowan. I see my daughters as assets to the nation. When it is needed I will have them married to the strongest family’s heir for power and a suitable alliance that will benefit the kingdom." (King Aswold) has seen this as a matter of right choices a ruler should make, he has seen his father- the former King arrange his sisters’ marriages for power and better political alliances with other kingdoms. To the noble blooded this sort of thing is normal and a requirement. Because in their eyes who doesn’t want to stay with the powerful? They live at the top, stay at top and survive at the top. "Is it wrong? For the eyes of the many it is- but when you’re building a kingdom you’ll have to play life like a game of chess. The people are your pieces." His old eyes could see flickers of memories and tiredness. He’s been playing these games before. Through all the series of his cycle of days, this one woman would break it all. A young general, a promised seed who brought glory and victory to the kingdom. Born of common blood, she was a woman who had a chance to marry one of his sons. Yet he chose his eldest daughter, who threw away her title of the crown princess just to be with this one. Was it love at first sight? All that King Aswold knows, his daughter will be safe in Rowan’s hands. "Hah, I’m glad my eldest is with you. I know she’ll be safe and happy in the home you’ll provide. I thought once your marriage settles in, you’ll be on your separate ways once you hit a certain low in the future." (King Aswold) laughs, shaking his head feeling guilty about his I’ll thoughts about two women being together was impossible. Perhaps these two- they would last a lifetime. "Now you’re making me want to root for both of you." He smiles- it was a tender fatherly smile. 1 Rowan saw this and immediately lowered her head. "T-That’s! Thank you, your majesty. I will take care of your daughter! I’ll give you my word!" This old man who’s seen so much in decades finally seemed to have found a moment of peace. He realized that when it came to the young crimson general, perhaps he didn’t need to be so cold. "Now, now you’ve won me over. You don’t see many men asking for permission like you did. Not only you defeated the demon king and even presented him to me as a trophy, I suppose from now on you’re allowed to call me as father." Rowan’s jaw almost fell down to the floor. From what he heard based on the rumors, no in-laws are allowed to call him that! He’s basically giving Rowan a free pass! And... "Your majesty-" (Rowan) was unsure if it was alright for her to do so but the old man shrugs and reminds her of what she said to him before. "We are family now, aren’t we General Bonheur?" He raised one of his eyebrows waiting for Rowan’s reply. "Well?" Rowan awkwardly nods, "Y-Yes, father." It’s been a while since Rowan had used that word. For her the only father figure she knows was her mentor- Sir Arthur. ... Suddenly she misses him. Would he be overjoyed now that she’s going to get married? King Aswold stands up and takes his fine eastern tea set, pouring Rowan a cup of tea. "Now then I hope I’ll have my grandchildren soon- take care of my daughter. She’s the smartest out of all my children, I cherish her for that. I give you my blessing and permission to take my daughter, but do visit me often."

As aloof and Rowan’s lack of social awareness made her a bit different from people, she couldn’t tell when people were being serious or they’re just joking.

"I am... not sure if the crown princess and I are able to give you full blooded grandchildren, your majesty but I will work hard. How many grandchildren do you want, father?" The King almost burnt himself with the hot tea as he laughed, resting his back to the leather seat. The way Rowan replied was so straightforward it just made him break down. "Hahaha! You ask me how many! As many as you’d give me!" He slaps his thighs, he hasn’t laughed so loudly like this in years. "Go ahead, have some tea! Having gained another daughter who knows how to make me laugh is priceless!" "T-Thank you, father." (Rowan) was confused as to why the King suddenly laughed. The young general is a riot to have around. "Now tell me about your plans for the future. I’d like to get to know you better, Rowan Bonheur." That morning the King and the young crimson general laughed together, shared stories and promised to keep in touch. It’s been a while since the king got to be himself around other people.

Perhaps... Rowan would be a cherished piece in his board. One that he’ll use carefully.

...

Meanwhile on that same morning... === Princess Camille’s room === Ding! [Notification: Heroine got permission and blessing to marry the crown princess]. [Family Bond: +10]. [Happiness: +10].

[Resolve: +5].

[Notification: Heroine made King Aswold laugh].

[Charisma: +3]. [Family Bond: +5]. >[Click here to see more]<

The crown princess with awful bed hair sits up straight, yawning as the sound of the system wakes her up. She blinks slowly, opening the notification window cursing to herself in confusion.

"What the hell just happened when I was just asleep?"