"Prince Doyle had been seen as the Kingdom's heir since he was very young. Of his two older brothers, one had no ambition, and the other couldn't have children. His younger brothers were all ambitious, but Doyle outshone them."
Fronning recounted the Dimon Kingdom's royal history as if he knew it by heart.
Annan nodded in agreement. He had yet to see how capable the Third Prince was, but the young man did seem sincere.
If the old King had chosen him, he could hardly be a bad choice.
Besides, with Grand Marshal Garkin holding the fort and the Empire keeping watch, there was little need to worry that Prince Doyle would become another Mad Dog Duke or another Aidan.
Fronning turned the conversation back to Annan, admiration in his voice. "It's remarkable, Annan. Time seems to move faster for you. Have we met twice or three times? Every time, your circumstances have changed beyond recognition..."
"I thought merchants hated change most of all."
Annan had guessed why Fronning had been waiting here for him, so he played along.
"We do. Merchants think themselves above farmers, but they're no different. For a farmer, it's a downpour; for a merchant, a sweeping upheaval. Either way, circumstances matter more than effort."
No wonder he was the Minister of Finance who had outlasted several Ministers of the Interior. His insight into capital surpassed that of anyone Annan had met.
"You're different, child. You embrace change, and you've succeeded."
"Because people can't earn money from opportunities they can't see. Civilians see farmwork and wages. Merchants a step above them see trade and profit from price differences."
"You consider yourself another step above them?" Fronning asked.
"As things stand, yes."
You could stand on a road countless others had traveled and laugh at someone making