The Emperor passed several years ago, leaving the Earthworld Empire divided into three factions.
The faction of Second Imperial Prince Bardloche, primarily supported by the military.
The faction of Third Imperial Prince Manfred, chiefly propped up by the Empire’s annexed provinces.
And last, the faction of Second Imperial Princess Lowellmina, the woman who lamented the nation’s civil strife and proposed a peaceful solution.
Previously, there was one other group led by Imperial Prince Demetrio and favored by conservatives. However, he lost a political fight against Lowellmina and was forced to hide in a remote region.
Of the remaining three, Lowellmina’s side had the most momentum.
“Things were pretty different during your last visit, Lady Blundell.” Wein’s words of admiration were entirely heartfelt.
“Thank you for your assistance back then,” Fyshe replied. She gave a dazzling smile. “We looked forward to your visiting the Imperial capital with tremendous anticipation. It’s unfortunate our paths didn’t cross.”
Lowellmina had invited Wein to the Imperial capital last year. The coordinator-slash-diplomat sent to Natra at the time was Fyshe as well.
However, after a series of twists and turns, Wein ended up working with First Prince Demetrio and never took one step inside the capital. The Empire had sabotaged its own invitation, so it was no wonder Lowellmina felt the need to apologize.
Nevertheless, once one realized it was a trap and Wein’s failure to reach the capital was all part of Lowellmina’s scheme, such remorse was reduced to a bald-faced lie.
“Why, think nothing of it. After all, the sun and stars are the only constant motion in this world.”
Unsurprisingly, Wein knew what was happening behind the scenes and met with Lowellmina to strike a deal. That should have been the end of it, but…
“Still, too much misfortune might put us in a rut,” Wein warned. He wasn’t serious. This caustic advice was only meant to keep Fyshe on her toes.
“Natra and Princess Lowellmina share similar circumstances. Needless to say, we are taking every possible precaution.”
Apparently, Lowellmina wasn’t concerned about stealth this time around.
Well, as Fyshe said, this is a totally different scenario.
Natra supported Lowellmina until the previous year, but its allegiance shifted between factions depending on convenience. This behavior prompted Lowellmina to set her trap, but now Natra was an unmistakable ally. If the northern nation tried to approach either of the remaining Imperial Princes, it would only be rejected. Therefore, Natra had no choice but to side with Lowellmina, and the princess likewise had no motive to topple Natra.
“Oh, you’re good,” Wein muttered to himself.
Lowellmina bolstered her faction using the routed first prince’s forces, and everyone knew Wein, the era’s renowned golden child, had her back. She also recently proved herself a worthy politician by mending relations with Patura, an old adversary to the south.
Compared to her brothers, who were still squabbling over the throne, she seemed a far more trustworthy sort.
“But that’s exactly why the princes have to make a move, too.”
Fyshe nodded at Wein’s assessment. “That seems to be the motive behind this renewed conflict.”
In the southeast, a large-scale battle was brewing west of Bardloche’s and Manfred’s domains.
“Both originally wanted to crush the princess’s faction first, right?”
Someone as popular, successful, and talented as Lowellmina was a threat to her brothers. In truth, they were dying to get rid of her as soon as possible but couldn’t. Slaying a beloved public figure would invite fierce backlash from the people and opposing factions. Each prince was already up against the ropes, so a mistake like that was far too costly.
The brothers must have decided to beat her in a one-on-one match. Lowellmina’s awareness of her sect’s weak military and the dangers of a direct attack despite its widespread influence supported this theory. Such reasoning was further proof of Lowellmina’s sharp intellect.
“Princess Lowellmina is concerned this armed conflict will damage the neighboring towns and wishes to promptly address the situation with Your Highness’s ai—”
“Heh.”
“Your Highness?”
Wein suddenly cracked a smile, and Fyshe tilted her head quizzically.
“Ah, don’t mind me. I remembered how you said something similar last time we met,” he explained.
“Urk.”
Last time. In other words, when Lowellmina laid her trap.
Wein continued cheerfully while Fyshe sat in obvious discomfort. “Oh, don’t get me wrong. I’m delighted to hear Princess Lowellmina is as virtuous and compassionate as ever. Right?” Wein turned to Ninym beside him.
She shrugged and whispered, “You’re a fantastic liar.”
“Hey now, I totally mean it,” Wein replied.
Lowellmina loved the Empire with all her heart and worried about its future. Wein respected this, and since Natra would be in trouble if her faction took a nosedive, he was more than willing to lend a hand.
“However, this is a perfect chance for Princess Lowellmina to watch the princes put an end to each other and the feud. Why not just leave them alone?” Wein suggested.
Honor and morals aside, he had a point. There was no need for Lowellmina to step in from the sidelines while her rivals were duking it out. Moreover, the battlefield was far west of the Imperial capital. There was no risk of Lowellmina being caught in the crossfire.
The princess herself undoubtedly knew this. Love alone couldn’t make her dreams come true, no matter how much she cherished the Empire.
“With all due respect, Your Highness,” Fyshe said in polite disagreement. “Allowing the princes’ barbarity to persist does not align with Princess Lowellmina’s ambitions as future Empress, and I believe the people agree.”
“I see. Yes, you’re right.”
The beautiful, fairylike princess with an undying love for the Empire. Regardless of the truth, that was the public persona Lowellmina projected. Keeping inactive while her brothers fought would give rise to a discrepancy between that image and reality, rattling her support base.
Manfred and Bardloche might be counting on that fact.
Lowellmina’s faction couldn’t rush to violence, but neither could it sit on its hands while the princes threw their weights around. Lowellmina had to step in and demonstrate her strength—and she probably already had a secret plan in the works.
Which is why she wants to make this quick.
Careless interference on Lowellmina’s part risked inviting Western interference. The current conflict region was particularly close to the West’s Kingdom of Falcasso. The ongoing chaos might provide the Empire’s neighbor with a golden opportunity.
The two princes hoped to drag Lowellmina through the mud. The princess aimed to resolve the matter swiftly and steal the glory. A great game of tug-of-war was already underway.
“…I admire Princess Lowellmina’s lofty ambitions,” Wein remarked. “As an ally, you have my full cooperation. But what is your plan exactly?”
“On that matter, I have a message from Her Highness. Please read this.” Fyshe held out a letter, and Ninym handed it to Wein.
“…”
A wry smile formed on his face as he looked it over. “Did Princess Lowellmina come up with this plan?”
“Of course. Do you have any objections?”
“Not at all… I’d expect no less from her.”
If this succeeded, their problems would be resolved without Lowellmina suffering a single disadvantage. A loss would mean a devastating blow, but it was still worth the risk.
“We’ll need the princess’s diplomatic expertise, but it’s a solid enough plan. Natra can provide the support you need.”
“Then you mean…”
“There are still a few kinks to work out, but let’s move forward with this.”
Fyshe’s face flushed with both happiness and relief. Wein silently praised Lowellmina’s skill as they started to get into the details, until a knock came at the door.
Wein and Ninym immediately looked at each other. No other guests were scheduled for today. Wondering what might have happened, Ninym opened the door and was greeted by a government official.
“Please pardon the interruption. This just arrived…”
“This is… Yes, I see. Understood. I shall pass it along to His Highness.”
The official bowed, and Ninym gave him a sidelong glance before returning to Wein’s side. She handed the prince a letter.
“What is it, Ninym?”
“It appears to be a letter from Princess Falanya.”
Wein raised an eyebrow.
This was urgent information on the status of Delunio, Falanya, and her delegation following the chaos that erupted in Soljest.
“Shall I excuse myself, Your Highness?” Fyshe asked courteously. She, too, was curious how the young princess was faring abroad, but she couldn’t risk inviting Wein’s displeasure and ruining the negotiation.
“No, I’ll just read it over real quick. Give me a second,” he replied.
Left speechless, Fyshe dropped back into her chair. Wein glanced at her, then returned his attention to the missive.
Falanya’s clear, concise message relayed what she’d seen and heard. She informed Wein in a postscript that she would remain in Delunio until the nation decided how to respond.
This reflected the princess’s personal growth. However, Wein’s attention was entirely focused on other parts of the letter.
Princess Tolcheila… Eastern Levetia… Delunio…
He dipped his head and fell silent. Only Ninym knew this gesture meant he was considering the information and reorganizing it.
“Your Highness…?” Fyshe asked, concerned.
Wein’s head shot up. “Lady Blundell, about our conversation earlier…”
“Huh? Oh yes,” she replied vacantly.
“I have no intention of backing out of our agreement. However, I’d like to add one condition if we’re going to be working together.”
“That will depend… But very well, “ Fyshe said cautiously.
Whatever he had in mind couldn’t be good.
Wein smiled. “Not to worry. I’m not asking much… My little sister is out there doing her best in a foreign country. As her big brother, I just want to lend a hand.”
No Comments Yet
Post a new comment
Register or Login