Would you rather be doing something else? Yes! Being King isn’t all that great. Usually, when I am seated on my throne, I envy the people that come before me. They have the freedom to be what they want to be, and they have the freedom to love who they want. I always had wanderlust. I loved to travel. I think if I had my choice, I would want to be a merchant. I would love to travel and collect exotic items from around the world.
Were did you grow up? Paris, behind fortified rampart walls. My mother, Queen Constance, was paranoid of Viking attacks, although France didn’t have any in over a hundred years. She insisted my father build the rampart walls stronger and higher to keep out any attacks. Unfortunately, neither of my parents like to travel and were afraid to leave the castle, so me and my brothers and sisters were stuck there. I think that’s why I longed to travel because I was pent out in a castle most of my childhood. Did you do well in school? School? You jest! Yes, I was tutored in Latin, but was a terrible student. Growing up, Ididn’t think it mattered whether I studied or not. My brother Hugh was to be King. Why should I mind my lessons? I always thought there was better things I could be doing. Horse riding, sword-fighting, archery skills were what I thought were better for me to learn. What is your greatest personal failing? My reputation around court is that I am a weak ruler. They all say I should be trying to conquer new lands and expand the royal domain. I want peace, not just for me, but for all of France. This land has seen a lot of bloodshed, for once, I would like my people to live without fear. I do think, I could do a better job standing up for myself and France. Maybe, in my desire for peace, I let others take advantage of me. How do you handle conflict? I was raised with conflict. My parents fought, and not just screaming matches. They at times threatened each other’s lives. My father hid in his library away from my mother and most of the court. My mother wielded a staff, threatening anyone who dared to confront her. I try not to runaway from conflict like my father, and not to be combative like my mother. Both are hard. I try to approach conflict balanced and fair. I listen and try to understand all sides, but sometimes, I must put my fist down. I am King, after all. What is the most pressing problem you have in your life? Peace in France. There are very powerful noblemen in France. They compete with each otherfor land and money. My job is to make sure they learn to live with one another and learn to respect each other’s differences. What do you like to do for fun? I like a good game of chess, hunting, but mostly I enjoy falconry.
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