Chapter 411: Would Lord Mecklenburg Be Willing to Change His Surname to Axel and Become My Stepson?

The old emperor had no siblings, but the Axel family was an extensive clan.

Just like Charlot had only one brother and one sister, the Mecklenburgs were also a vast family, with at least dozens of members!

If Charlot ever needed to pass down property, it might go to his daughter or his grandchildren, but it would rarely go to the children of his brother's line, and certainly not to Zimourman’s illegitimate child.

Of course, the Mecklenburg family and the Axel family were entirely different entities.

Charlot murmured, “It seems he went to the royal palace!”

Annie nodded in agreement.

The two of them tacitly left the dining table. Charlot abandoned Old Flor behind, taking Annie onto a carriage. The carriage followed the convoy ahead, quickly entering the royal palace.

The Earl of Bretagne had already taken control of all Strasbourg, including the palace. The personnel within and outside the palace had now been entirely replaced by members of the Bretagne family.

Thus, when this prince's convoy reached the palace gates, they were blocked.

A steward-like figure soon stepped forward to negotiate with the palace guards. Naturally, the guards of the Bretagne family did not let them through immediately. While stopping the prince’s entry, they also sent someone to report to Antonio.

At present, Antonio was responsible for everything within the royal palace.

Charlot and Annie did not continue following the convoy. The two alighted from their carriage, bypassed the convoy, and approached the palace gates. This time, the palace guards gave them a glance and allowed them to pass without any hindrance.

The elderly steward negotiating outside was infuriated. “Why can these young people casually enter the palace while Prince Alfrey has to wait?”

Charlot smiled faintly. He found the situation amusing.

Not long ago, he had been a mere civil servant, someone who might never have the chance to see the king in his entire life.

Now, he could come and go in the royal palace freely, without even needing prior permission.

What could he do? He was now holding Princess Annie’s hand.

As for the prince, he would soon realize that the new dynasty bore the surname Bretagne, not Axel.

Charlot and Annie quickly encountered the hurriedly approaching Antonio. Antonio gave them a slight nod and said, “Come with me to receive Prince Alfrey.”

Charlot and Annie did not refuse and followed Antonio out of the palace.

On the way, Antonio took the time to explain, “I once joined Prince Alfrey in besieging Zimourman. However, he was gravely injured. He should have recovered by now.”

Charlot curiously asked, “You mentioned him before. What is his goal? Why has he returned to Strasbourg? Could it be to seize the throne?”

Antonio shrugged and said, “I’ll make him understand that he’s truly old now.”

With the Dragon Hammer in his hand, Antonio feared Zimourman, and he might still fear his own father. But aside from those two, no one else in the empire posed a threat to him anymore.

When the trio exited the palace, the steward, still engaged in an angry argument, immediately fell silent upon seeing Antonio. He retreated back to the convoy.

A weak voice spoke, “Is that you, Antonio? It’s Alfrey.”

Antonio was slightly surprised. He took a few steps forward, opened the door of a carriage, and Charlot and Annie followed behind. Peering over Antonio’s shoulder, Charlot saw an elderly man with a pale complexion. He looked severely injured, his aura one of utter decline.

Antonio asked, “How did this happen to you? Who in the world could harm you?”

Realizing something, Antonio lowered his voice and said, “Your Highness, please come with me to see my father.”

The convoy entered the palace and was directed to rest. Only one carriage, guarded closely by Antonio, proceeded to a palace within the royal grounds. The Earl of Bretagne, already informed of the situation, came out of the palace to greet them.

Charlot and Annie accompanied them inside. Ordinarily, bystanders would be dismissed during such secretive matters, and the Earl would certainly not let his daughter be involved. Yet, after glancing at them, the Earl allowed their presence.

Prince Alfrey barely managed to alight from the carriage, his aura indicating how severely he had deteriorated.

The Earl seated him on a sofa and ordered a bottle of healing potion to be brought forth. After downing the potion, the prince’s complexion improved slightly.

His first words took Charlot by surprise. “Don’t worry, old friend. I wasn’t injured by Zimourman.”

The Earl of Bretagne pondered for a moment and said in a low voice, “I guessed as much. If it had been Zimourman, I might have escaped intact, but you would have likely perished in battle.”

This bold statement carried a palpable arrogance, leaving little room for Prince Alfrey’s dignity. Yet, the prince did not mind. “Indeed! Had I faced Zimourman, I would surely have been beaten to death.”

“I was injured by Midaphis. Our territories border each other. He brought troops to attack my lands, attempting to force me into submission. Naturally, I refused, and as a result, he grievously injured me in a duel.”

“Fortunately, he’s just Midaphis. He also suffered minor injuries. I seized the opportunity to flee with my family, returning to Strasbourg.”

“I doubt I’ll be able to fight anyone for a long time.”

“To reclaim my territory, I can only place my hopes… on His Majesty.”

Everyone in the room heaved a sigh of relief.

Prince Alfrey was not here to seize the throne but to seek refuge, which greatly eased the tension. For a prince who could match Midaphis in mutual defeat—even if slightly inferior to Antonio—his strength far exceeded that of most, such as the Golden Ram Herolf. Once his injuries healed, he would be an invaluable asset.

Moreover, as a prince of the Axel family, his support of the Earl of Bretagne would significantly bolster the legitimacy of the Bretagne family’s rule.

The Earl of Bretagne patted Alfrey’s hand. “Once I ascend the throne, I will ensure justice is served for Your Highness.”

“All your losses will be compensated from Midaphis’ lands.”

Alfrey’s spirits lifted slightly. He even asked, “What are Charlot and Annie’s identities?”

After learning that Annie was the Earl’s eldest daughter, he offered sincere praise. However, when inquiring about Charlot, the prince slyly remarked, “I have only daughters, no sons. Would Lord Mecklenburg consider changing his surname to Axel and becoming my stepson?”

This question was truly tricky!

Charlot was momentarily at a loss for words.

In this world, changing one’s surname was quite common. For example, Zimourman had changed his surname. Many married women also adopted new surnames. However, the process here was unique—they would add the new surname between their given name and family name, creating a peculiar structure.

Charlot did not particularly care whether his surname was Huang, Mecklenburg, or Axel.

But this was a political issue, exceedingly sensitive!

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