Palace Guard

The Palace Guard

Standing in the spotlight, Franz was busier than ever. The constant stream of social engagements left him exhausted. There was no help for it; such was the life of the nobility in Vienna.

His younger brother, Maximilian, who frequented the same circles, appeared to be in his element. Far from feeling drained, he actually enjoyed himself, much to Franz's envy.

Socializing had never been Franz's strong suit, especially when faced with a crowd of fawning nobles that forced him to remain constantly on guard.

"Your Highness, you are due to attend Archduke Louis's banquet this evening. We should depart now," the maid Jenny reminded him.

"Understood. Call for Maximilian and we shall leave together," Franz commanded.

"Yes, Your Highness," Jenny replied.

Had it not been for his mother's heavy-handed interference, Franz wouldn't have minded bringing his other two younger brothers along. At the very least, they could have shouldered the brunt of the attention from the young noblewomen.

Unfortunately, his other two brothers were simply too young. Lady Sophie would not allow them to attend such functions, and Franz had no desire to lower the age demographic of the banquet.

One had to realize that their appeal to the young noblewomen was far greater than Franz's own. While his status as Crown Prince granted him a higher position, it also destined his marriage to be a political alliance.

By comparison, his younger brothers enjoyed much more freedom in marriage and would have no trouble forming unions with the great noble houses of the realm.

Watching Maximilian chatting happily with a group of young noblewomen, Franz pulled him aside and teased, "Well? Has my brother met the other half of his heart yet?"

Maximilian retorted without a care, "My dear brother, if I said I had, do you suppose Lady Sophie would..."

Franz laughed, "Is that so? My dear brother, for the sake of your lifelong happiness, I wouldn't mind enduring a scolding, but could you withstand the pressure?

The noblewomen here today are all much older than you. Do you have an Oedipus complex?

Good heavens, Maximilian, you are truly shocking. To think that you..."

"Stop right there, my dear brother. If you keep going, my lifelong reputation will be ruined in an instant!" Maximilian hurriedly interjected.

This was not the first time the two had shared such lighthearted banter.

"Help me fend off a swarm of flies later; I need to speak with Archduke Louis," Franz said seriously.

"Fine, I should have known you never look for me unless there's trouble!"

Maximilian put on a look of utter despair, and Franz rolled his eyes in disdain.

How could any noble banquet attended by Franz be a simple affair? If not for the sake of appearances, he wouldn't have bothered coming out to socialize at all.

"Respected Archduke Louis, I want your support to take control of the Palace Guard," Franz said, getting straight to the point.

"God! My little Franz, how could you have such an idea? You must realize you are only sixteen, not even seventeen yet!" Archduke Louis said in surprise.

It was not difficult for a Crown Prince to drift through the military, but to truly take command of a unit was no easy feat, especially when Franz was not yet seventeen.

Therefore, he had to settle for the next best thing: securing command of the Palace Guard. Although this unit was small and its combat effectiveness was a question mark, it was the only one Franz had a chance of getting his hands on.

"Uncle Louis, you know I have loved military affairs since I was a child. My dream is to become a true general!

But my status makes a long-term career in the army impossible, so for now, I can only satisfy my craving with the Palace Guard," Franz explained.

Archduke Louis shook his head and said, "That is impossible. You must understand that the Palace Guard is of great importance, and you have yet to prove your capabilities. If you truly want to satisfy your craving for being a general, you can join the City Defense Force!"

Did Franz not know what kind of outfit the Austrian City Defense Force was? It was known as a concentration camp for generals, and it was said to be the only unit in Austria where officers outnumbered soldiers.

According to the traditions of the German regions, nobles were required to serve in the military upon reaching adulthood, or else they would face public condemnation.

The nobility of the Austrian Empire also hailed from the German regions, and this tradition had been preserved. However, the Austrian Empire was already decaying, and everyone had to turn a blind eye to these noble lords.

Except for those truly committed to a military career, most entered the army merely to gild their resumes. Archduke Louis certainly did not have good intentions by suggesting Franz take command of that unit.

Franz frowned and said, "Uncle Louis, are you sure you aren't trying to set me up? Don't you know what the City Defense Force is like? Even if Archduke Charles took command himself, he could do nothing with them. Do you think I could?"

The facade was shattered, but the wily Archduke Louis's expression did not change in the slightest.

"Franz, don't be angry. Isn't this a test for you young people? If you can handle the City Defense Force, then what could you possibly fail to achieve?"

Such talk might have worked on a naive youth, but Franz was long past that stage; he would not lose his head just because of a few flattering words.

"Uncle Louis, it isn't impossible, but only if you issue an order for all the gilding nobles within it to retire. Then I will go to the City Defense Force!" Franz feigned a stubborn temper.

"Franz, that is impossible. Even His Majesty the Emperor has no way to make them leave!" Archduke Louis said helplessly.

"Then I cannot go to the City Defense Force. The Palace Guard is still more suitable for me. Uncle Louis, you wouldn't be reluctant to part with it, would you?" Franz said, feigning indignation.

"How could that be!"

"Very well, Franz, you may join the Palace Guard, but the position of commander cannot be yours. You are still too young and need a few more years of experience!" Archduke Louis compromised.

"This cursed age! Very well, then I shall wait a few more years," Franz said, feigning resignation.

He had already achieved his goal. The Palace Guard, or rather the Imperial Guard, was different from other units; they were loyal only to the royal family.

For Franz, controlling this unit did not necessarily require holding the title of commander. Under normal circumstances, the commander was the Emperor himself or an appointed member of the royal family.

Currently, the unit was controlled by the Regency Council, with Archduke Louis serving as commander. Once Franz entered the ranks as Crown Prince, people would naturally flock to him.

He had already made his stance clear—he was determined to join the Palace Guard. Even if Archduke Louis was dissatisfied, he could not truly stop Franz from entering.