Khontis t1_jdab6a1 wrote on March 22, 2023 at 11:24 PM

Reply to comment by Crystal1501 in [WP] AITA for refusing to accept my 5 yo nephew as king and taking over the throne instead? by glubnyan

No totally I get what you're saying but in all honesty we might as well be asking a puppy dog to rule the kingdom.

Now don't get me wrong- my older brother ((May his soul rest in peace)) was a great father and a greater man and you can see that in my nephew's attitudes. My nephew is Kind and loving. He'll run up and randomly hug a servant and tell them they're doing a good job scrubbing the floors just because my brother taught him to appreciate what others do for you.

Admittedly though, he is a five year old. He's well behaved, most of the time, but he's curious and he'll go looking into places he shouldn't ((I'm not talking about some 'forbidden lair' mind you. My late SIL, his mother, was speaking with some of the servants and he managed to get away from all five of them and found his way into one of the weapon's lockers where only by the quick action of a corporal did he manage to not cut his hand open or worse trying to grab a sword because it 'looked like Daddy's'))

He'll throw tantrums when he doesn't get his way ((as most toddlers his age do)) and he's intentionally done things like throw rocks at people or try to hit and kick because he 'can' or he's mad. All things anyone would try and break a five year old's habit of.

Now for responsibility. He has basic five year old responsibilities that we've tried to keep him up with since his parent's passing.

He's meant to pick up his toys and go out into the courtyard and pick up any sticks he finds and give them to the gardeners. He also has a puppy that he needs to take outside and play with and make sure is fed ((basic pet responsibilities))

All in all. My nephew is a kind child but in the scheme of things if you asked him about important things he'd have no idea what to do. He'd also be manipulated and tossed around by the high council. If I am King then everyone's power remains in check without anyone getting any 'bright ideas'

He is my nephew and someone I need to take care of and that also includes chosing what is best for a child unable to go to sleep without checking under his bed for monsters.

GoldenSteel t1_jdb7i7l wrote on March 23, 2023 at 3:24 AM

NTA, but you're going to have to be careful from here on out. If people think you're abusing your royal power, another noble who is an asshole might see that as justification for a revolution.

First, DO NOT wear the crown or call yourself king. Instead, use a title like 'Steward' or 'Regent'. This will assure people that your reign is temporary and that you're not just grasping for power. You should also announce a date for your nephew's own coronation in 10-15 years, for similar reasons.

Second, avoid making radical changes to the kingdom. It ultimately belongs to your nephew, and you should not tamper with it beyond necessity. Any part of your personal agenda, or the fact that you have an agenda at all, may be used against you. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" as the peasants say.

Third, be involved with your nephew. Spend time teaching and training him, but also play with him. Allow, perhaps even encourage a hobby of his choice beyond his official duties. You want to cultivate a relationship of mutual respect and trust. This is true for any parent, but especially when your future may be directly in their hands. Honestly it sounds like your brother and sister-in-law got you off to a good start here, don't mess him up.

Maintain these for the 10-15 years and you should be able to abdicate peacefully. From there, you should be in a great position for an advisor, with years of experience in ruling as well as the inherent trustworthiness of a family member. You'll have many of the benefits of being royalty while no longer having the responsibilities that come with the crown.