1612 Spring

The Catholic League, which was backed into a corner at the Holy Roman Empire Civil War after the withdrawal of France, finally gained the Union of Aragon and Two Sicilies and Republic of Venice over its' side. It's not that hard to guess what it promised to the Union - whose king was Felipe III, another Habsburg - and the infamous loan shark Venice - which has toppled the Byzantine at the 4th Crusade due to unpaid debt.

The Holy Roman Empire Civil War, which has started from Donauworth Incident in 1607, is escalating to a medieval world war, just like The Thirty Years' War in the original history.

Meanwhile, in France, the convocation of the French Parliament - which was dissolved last year - has been announced. Since it was found out that I - Edward VII, king of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Iberia - was plotting the French civil war by aiding the French bourgeoisie, Louis XIII had no choice but to soothe the citizens first, even if it displeases the French aristocrats.

"Ha! Now it's my turn!"

"Cut the support of the French citizens. And from now on, support the French feudal lords, who are unsatisfied with spineless Louis XIII!"

"Yes, your majesty."

And that put France's internal politics in chaos.

At the same time, in North America, a new colony was constructed. It was Edward(Virginia in original history), south of New York. With the increase of settlers and Native American serfs and African American slaves, North America's crop yields were increasing at a 2nd production function. F**k off, Malthus! I've instructed to build a manufacturing complex at Pittsburgh, Richard(Pennsylvania in original history) to produce farm equipment, to support their farming.

Also, I've introduced the local reserve army system to North America - which was implemented in Iberia in 1610 winter, but not in Great Britain, due to 1st Congress - in London - 's a strong objection.

Regardless of age and gender, if one wishes to own a firearm, he/she should have one's name enlisted in the local reserve army list, and take 6 month's basic military training.

1612 Summer

Princess of Wales - my daughter-in-law, Emilia, the younger sister of the Prince of Orange, Maurice - was pregnant. Since Duke of Cambridge - my grandson, Henry - has already become an adult, it was not good news. Another boy can make trouble in the Royal family. So, I wasted no time in arranging the marriage of Henry and the younger sister of the Duke of Braganza, Juan. Their marriage was held twice, in London and Lisbon. And after the wedding, I've put Henry as a regent of Portugal.

"G...grandfather! I'm too young and inexperienced to rule Portugal! Please, reconsider!"

"Henry? I was only 7 years when I became king in 1563. And you're already an adult! Duke Juan, your brother-in-law will help you. Don't worry."

At the same time, the settlers in Cape Town reached 1,000. I've ordered the West India Company - which rules Cape Town and South African colonies - to sell African American slaves to Central and South American regions first. Why?

North America needs to produce food crops - wheat, potato, barley, etc - to provide cheap and sustainable bread to Great Britain and Iberia people, so it can do away with settlers. However, since Central and South America are mainly cultivating cash crops - like coffee, rubber, cultivated tobacco, etc - by plantation, the more slave, the better.

And the West India Company followed suit.

1612 Winter(December)

I've also tried to pass military reforms - introducing compulsory military service and straightening out military classes - and adopt local army reserve system in Great Britain too, just like in Iberia and North America.

But, an unexpected thing happened.

"No, your majesty! Great Britain currently has 100,000 experienced soldiers and the strongest Navy in entire Europe! What more do you want! Don't put the British people in pain, father!"

Richard, my eldest son and Prince of Wales, stood in my way.

'Oh?'

"None of your business, my boy. I'll discuss this matter with the 1st Parliament. Off you go."

But he didn't give up.

"Father. You're the king of the United Kingdom. But, haven't you appointed me as the regent of Great Britain? How can you say that this is not my matter?"

"Ha?"

"..."

'Sigh'

"Okay, you have a point. Follow me. My son."

In the end, I entered with Richard to the 1st Congress and

fervently disputed on military reform bill and local army reserve bill. And I failed.

The British Parliament, which was worried their military rights would be reduced, unanimously took Richard's side.

"We hereby announce that the bill of straightening out military ranks into 4 classes has been passed! 1st class, Marshal, the highest military commander. 2nd class, Commissioned officer. 3rd class, a non-commissioned officer. 4th class, soldiers."

Bloody Hell! The only military ranks reform bill, which was just an accessory, has been passed! The 2nd class into 3 categories - Company officer, Field officer, and General officer. The 3rd class into 4 categories - Staff Sergeant, Sergeant First Class, Master Sergeant, First Sergeant. The 4th class into 5 categories - Recruit, Private, Private First Class, Corporal, Sergeant.

And the main dish, introducing compulsory military service and adopting the local army reserve system was rejected! It's become clear as a crystal that Prince of Wales tries to gain power and tries to get better of me!

"And that f**king a**hole is supposed to be my eldest son!"

I lamented while lying on my single bed - which I alone used it for the last 2 decades, after the death of my 2nd wife, Anna.

'Did you feel the same pain as me, pops - Felipe II?'

Well, at least I didn't try to steal his crown 'openly' while he was alive, though.

"But, unlike Felipe II, who had Felipe III as an alternative - I don't have another prince!"

"F**k! Should I have assassinated Anna more early, even if it cost me Ireland?"

Well, I can't cry over spilled milk. For one thing, even if I remarry with someone now, I don't think I can have another son. I'm almost 50 now, man! (*I was born in 1563 Summer)

Also, with a bit of sheer luck, even if I get a new prince before that boy becomes an adult, I would die first, and Richard will become the next king of the United Kingdom. And getting help from my father-in-law to make that boy as a next king - whomever he maybe - would put my kingdom in a chaotic civil war! And Iberia and Netherlands, Ireland might have their way and only England will remain! Over my dead body!

Of course, assassinating Richard and making Henry be the next king will cost me at least the Netherlands and Ireland, which are Richard's wife and his late mother's hometown.

In the end, I have no choice, but to crush my eldest son's late adolescent rebel by myself. Of course, it was too naive of him, since if it was me, I would have plotted behind my father's back and use tactics, not charging him at the front.

"First things first. Let's teach those ungrateful pigs, who call themselves councilmen, a lesson."

Dreamer Richard - who's more idealistic than Wilson, Gladstone, and Wilberforce put together- 's grumbling is less painful to me than a barking dog which seldom bites.

On the other hand, the real pain in the neck is the Congress - the 1st congress in London - the Senate and the House of Representatives of Great Britain - who stood up against me. Well, the House of Commons of the 1st Parliament, to be more exact.

Time to pay the price, you John Bulls!