Chapter 2 - The Die Is Cast
To the citizens of the Empire. Lowellmina Earthworld was a multifaceted girl. More precisely, she was a girl who had built up many layers of nuance over the past several years.
Said to be intelligent and beautiful beyond compare, she was bom the younger daughter of Earthworld's great Emperor. The people cherished her with an honest, straightforward love.
However, politics remained the undisputed realm of men. Despite her impeccable lineage. Lowellmina was a woman. For a long time, she never stood on the diplomatic stage, and the populace preferred to keep it that way.
Everything changed with the passing of the previous Emperor. Momentum and support among the three princes declined as they squabbled for the throne, and favor for Lowellmina rose to prominence. She urged the princes to focus on peace and stability, fighting to those ends. Lowellmina was the people’s princess, and her steadfast, honest efforts made her the heart of Earthworld.
And that very same Lowellmina Earthworld had just been assassinated.
The capital, where she had been staying, was especially devastated when the news first broke in the Empire.
"Princess Lowellmina was assassinated?!”
“How could this happen?! I don't believe it!”
"Are we certain it’s true?!”
Princess Lowellmina. an advocate for peace who devoted herself to the Empire, had suffered an untimely death. The shocked citizens fell into a deep, troubled sorrow, but their lament was silenced mere days later...
...when the Empire's Prime Minister Keskinel officially announced that reports of Lowellmina's death had been a case of misinformation.
“Hmph... Today seems like another rousing success,” Keskinel muttered as he peered out a window of his manor.
Although in the prime of life, the man carried an aura of mediocrity. He was a top-ranking official who had supported the late Emperor. His eminent status guaranteed his name would be can ed into history. However, if one were to judge solely by appearance, he seemed more likely to be found sitting in a back alley with a drink in one hand than standing by the Emperor's side as Prime Minister.
"Is support for Princess Lowellmina truly this ardent?”
Keskinel stared at the throng gathered before his estate. The people were relieved by his announcement. Princess Lowellmina's well-being was all that mattered, more so than how the rumor of her demise had begun. She would surely make an appearance in good health to allay lingering unease...or so people thought.
Despite their restless anticipation, she had yet to emerge. Anxiety ate away at every heart and planted the seeds of doubt.
Was Princess Lowellmina truly safe? What if she actually was dead? Perhaps she'd barely survived the assassination and was bedridden with terrible injuries? Could this be a ruse to skip out on her responsibilities?
Speculations on Princess Lowellmina ranged from health concerns to whispers of debauchery, culminating in the crowd that had gathered in front of Keskinel's manor in search of answers.
“Shall I send them away?” asked the subordinate by his side.
Keskinel slowly shook his head. “It’s not like they can break in, so leave them be. More importantly,” he continued, “our true focus has arrived."
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. When Keskinel granted entry, a young woman appeared.
"Good day, Keskinel. This is quite a splendid manor,” Lowellmina Earthworld said with a smile.
"I see there are plenty of oddities here. too. just as there are in your office in the Imperial Palace.”
Lowellmina entered the room and looked around curiously. The furnishings in the room lacked a sense of unity, and many were twisted into bizarre shapes. Mysterious folk art of unknown origins filled the space. The Prime Minister was a famed eccentric in the Empire, and he lived up to his reputation.
While the princess thought on this, she picked up a gold vessel that sat on a skewed shelf.
"Keskinel. what's inside this?”
"Dried spiders.”
"..."
Lowellmina gently placed the container back on its shelf.
"They are edible, so please help yourself."
“I’m fine. thank you,” she firmly replied, yet she continued poking around.
“Well then. Princess Lowellmina." Keskinel said with seriousness in his tone. 'How long will you be visiting with us?”
"Oh dear. Why are you making such a face, Keskinel?” Lowellmina asked as she sat across from him with a provocative smile. "You speak as if my presence here is a problem."
"Indeed.”
"Whaaa?" she replied in charming protest, but he ignored her.
"As Prime Minister of the Earthworld Empire, my responsibility is to its well-being. This includes aiding the future Emperor. Therefore...”
"You can't take any sides in the battle for succession, right?” Lowellmina shrugged. "What an honorable attitude. As both a royal and a citizen of the Empire. I'm highly impressed.”
"Judging by your tone. I'm not the least bit convinced.”
"I speak the truth and feel personally grateful. Had you supported any of the princes, this civil war would have ended in a heartbeat and left me no room to intervene. However"—Lowellmina paused—"I do wonder why you’ve gone to such lengths to remain impartial. If you were motivated by a love for the people or wished to do what's best for the Empire, wouldn't you desire a swift resolution?”
Lowellmina would never have set foot in the manor if that were the case. She had no intention of complaining about Keskinel's neutrality, yet his vague motives bothered her.
"There seems to be a misunderstanding. I. too, possess love and ambition.”
"I'm just saying it doesn't look that way.”
"That’s because I have purposefully chosen not to announce it to the entire world.”
"Oh dear. Is that a criticism of the Imperial Family, whose members clash and crackle with ambition? I must call the military police.”
"Have you forgotten that I command them?”
"And yet you remain 'neutral.'”
Lowellmina shrugged while Keskinel eyed her.
"Your Highness, I understand your apprehension. And if I may be so bold...I deeply treasure this Empire. My own heart has told me to align with no one."
"..."
Lowellmina stared at Keskinel. He'd served by the previous Emperor’s side since she was a small child, and even if he didn't act like some starry-eyed maiden, she knew his patriotic love was genuine.
"We’ve gotten a bit off track. At any rate. I must remain impartial, and your presence in my manor threatens that. I ask for your understanding.”
Keskinel’s tone was composed, but a force just below the surface brooked no room for debate. Lowellmina hardly felt beaten, but she nodded lightly in acceptance.
"I do so wish we could have cooperated, but I’ll respect your decision. However, we mustn't forget who is responsible for both the failed attempt on my life and the ensuing chaos.”
“Ngh...”
Troubling rumors of Lowellmina's assassination had upset the people, but they would realize they were false when they saw her alive and well. Yet although she lived, there had been an attempt on her life.
“Ah. I was so shocked. To think I would be suddenly attacked in the Imperial Palace... If my valiant guards had not driven back the assailant. I would have surely fallen.” The princess shook her head theatrically. “To try and kill a member of the Imperial Family within this very capital is unheard of and has greatly tarnished the Empire's authority. Moreover, without an Emperor, the onus for whatever happens in Grantsrale naturally falls on you. Keskinel.”
"..."
Lowellmina's words were more than a false accusation. In addition to commanding the military police. Keskinel carried the responsibility of defending the capital and the Imperial Palace. Lowellmina's personal guard had successfully avoided the worst outcome, but that would hardly protect Keskinel and his guard regiments from criticism
“Perhaps...you intentionally slackened our defenses, Keskinel?” Lowellmina openly provoked the Prime Minister.
“...I wouldn't dream of it.”
Keskinel grimaced slightly, but the princess's taunts weren't the reason for his sour mood. It was the fact that he'd already predicted how this conversation would end and had realized he was trapped.
“In that case, you should have no trouble capturing our would-be assassins and making them reveal their client,” Lowellmina declared. "In the meantime, I shall remain here. The Imperial Palace is dangerous. The manor of the Empire's current commander-in-chief will be much safer. Wouldn't you agree?" she asked with a bewitching smile.
Keskinel could only sigh.
"Imperial Princess or not. how shameless can one woman be?!” exclaimed an aide.
"Please calm down. Princess Lowellmina is the victim here, and our ill-preparation is undeniable.”
Once Lowellmina had left the room, Keskinel’s disgruntled subordinate was free to converse with contemplative the Prime Minister.
“Still, it won’t be long before everyone learns that Princess Lowellmina is staying at the manor. This will surely damage Your Excellency’s unbiased position. In fact, it will be impossible to deny reckless accusations that you were an active participant!”
“Yes, I’m aware. Have you learned anything from the trace evidence found in the assassins’ stronghold?”
“My apologies. Unfortunately, we’ve had no favorable results yet.”
Keskinel groaned quietly.
Even the Prime Minister couldn’t hide his surprise when news arrived that Lowellmina had been attacked, but his response had been swift. He had requested confirmation of the princess’s safety and sent every trusted soldier in the capital after the fleeing assassins. It wasn’t long before several reports pinpointed the assailants’ hideout, and a raid unit was quickly sortied.
Unfortunately, they were too slow. The culprits were nowhere to be found, and all information about their identities and scheme had been destroyed. Keskinel’s people were still analysing the scant surviving evidence.
“Fear not, Your Excellency. I assure you those responsible shall be apprehended. Considering the circumstances, only Second Prince Bardloche or Third Prince Manfred could have issued such an order. If we can close the net around them...”
“That’s easier said than done,” Keskinel mumbled. “The way I see it, this situation isn’t so straightforward.”
“It’s not? What do you mean...?”
Keskinel explained the predicament to his perplexed subordinate. “Princess Lowellmina was almost assassinated...?!”
“Yes. Word is spreading throughout the capital.”
Three top officials were gathered with Third Prince Manfred at his manor. They all scowled at the messenger’s report, reeling with shock.
“That’s ridiculous! An attempt on the life of an Imperial royal from inside the capital?!”
“What a disgrace! The world will mock us as a land defended by fools!”
“What the heck is Keskinel doing...?! More importantly, where did the assailants even come from?!”
“Surely Bardloche must have sent them.”
“That simpleton! How stupid can one person be?! Now even more citizens will flock to Princess Lowellmina!”
The officials could not disguise their consternation as they discussed the situation.
Lowellmina’s brisk progress was a nuisance for Manfred’s faction. He would have gained an incredible advantage had she genuinely died. However, Manfred and his aides had concluded that assassination was too risky. Whether it was a success or, as in this case, a failure, the result would be the same.
If the princess had perished, news would have spread worldwide that Bardloche and Manfred fought dirty, and that the Imperial Family deserved the same for its cruel methods. In short, the royals’ reputations and the Empire’s authority would suffer.
Did Bardloche deserve Manfred’s scorn for such an ill-advised stunt, or had the Second Prince determined there was no other path to the throne? Either way, this was an inconvenient development for the Third Prince and his faction.
“...Strang. ”
“Yes.”
Strang stepped forward at Manfred’s call. Despite his young age, the prince had previously promoted him to a high-ranking position, affording him command of various political and military matters. Others naturally opposed this, but Strang’s accomplishments prevented them from criticizing him publicly.
“What do you make of the situation?”
“As the others have said, it’s natural to presume Bardloche’s faction is responsible,” Strang answered eloquently. “The throne is nearly within Princess Lowellmina’s grasp. Prince Bardloche, on the other hand, is stuck in a difficult position. Princess Lowellmina’s death would have been a fortuitous tipping of the scales for him.”
“But would Bardloche even opt for such methods?”
Second Prince Bardloche wasn’t the brightest when it came to political strategy, but he was an accomplished soldier proficient in the military arts. Manfred couldn’t imagine his brother resorting to a covert killing, especially if the target was a frail woman.
“It’s conceivable that he resorted to assassination after feeling driven into a corner. Or perhaps one of his subordinates devised the scheme without Prince Bardloche’s knowledge.”
“My allies and his are low on morale. Maybe he’s lost control of the reins,” Manfred said. Quietly, he added, “I’m no different.” He tossed a cold glance at the officials talking around him.
The members of his faction hadn’t pledged unwavering loyalty. Those with a powerful sense of allegiance were few and far between. Almost everyone who supported Manfred and the Imperial Family acted out of self-interest, hoping to reap the benefits once he was crowned Emperor.
Furthermore, Lowellmina had come out on top after the siblings’ long, calculated struggle for the throne, and the princes’ followers were increasingly worried they’d wind up with nothing. Manfred had promised future benefits to the provinces. He couldn’t expect loyalty. Undoubtedly, these officials constantly searched for opportunities to jump ship and save themselves.
Well, that just makes ’em easier to use.
To Manfred, bonds of loyalty were dangerous. Profit was much more manageable and straightforward.
Strang felt the same. Manfred had hired the man for his talent, but it was overwhelmingly obvious that Strang’s greatest desire was to earn independence for his native Wespail. And so the Third Prince had promised to grant its freedom once he became Emperor. So long as no other faction made the same offer, Strang would not betray him.
It’s not tike I have to keep my end of the bargain anyway, Manfred thought before addressing the room. “At any rate, I just wish Bardloche hadn’t screwed up.”
“It was a foregone conclusion. After all, the Empire is currently in the palm of Princess Lowellmina’s hand.”
“I know, but I’m still disappointed.”
Had Bardloche succeeded, the upset would have allowed Manfred to rush in and steal the throne if he played his cards right.
As his liege contemplated, Strang quietly offered a thought. “Perhaps he was doomed to fail from the very start.”
Manfred threw Strang a baffled look. “What do you mean?”
“Bardloche’s faction is the main suspect, but what if...”
“Assassinate Lowellmina...?!”
Bardloche jumped out of his chair after a report arrived at his estate from his trusted retainer Lorencio.
“That’s idiotic! What’s goin’ on?!” Bardloche shouted hoarsely.
“My deepest apologies. I acted of my own accord without Your Highness’s permission...” Lorencio replied, his head bowed in shame. “Everything was done in preparation for Your Highness’s grand ascension...! Please, I beg for your forgiveness...!”
“Hell no!” Bardloche roared vehemently. “What kind of pathetic excuse for a soldier fails to assassinate a female opponent?! You’ve destroyed whatever scrap of dignity we had left!”
Lowellmina’s faction currently held a significant lead over Bardloche’s. His men endured, thanks to their warriors’ pride, but this unexpected twist was like a knife to the heart.
“I understand your anger! However, please allow me to explain. While I schemed in secret, I did not actually fail!”
“Is this some kind of sick joke?!” Bardloche’s hand reached for the sword at his waist. He could easily slice a person’s head off with a single stroke, but Lorencio’s words spilled out before the prince had a chance.
“It is no jest! Before those I planted in the capital could act, someone else attacked Princess Lowellmina! The commotion that followed put my ambush at risk, so I had no choice but to abandon the mission and withdraw!”
“...!”
Bardloche’s hand froze on his sword hilt. Although Lorencio’s plot never came to fruition, he felt no inclination to forgive the man. Still, the Second Prince couldn’t ignore the news that someone else had tried to kill Lowellmina.
“...Who’s the other assassin?”
“I don’t know. Most of the capital is convinced we are to blame, so no one seems interested in finding the true culprit. However, it is likely Manfred’s faction...”
That made sense. Bardloche’s own faction aside, his brother had the most to gain from Lowellmina’s absence.
However...
“It wasn’t Manfred,” Bardloche muttered.
“What...?”
Lorencio’s hypothesis had helped the Second Prince realize who really orchestrated this chain of events.
“I see. So that’s how it’s gonna be, huh?”
Bardloche cast a scowl at the empty eastern sky. Beyond the horizon lay the distant capital of Grantsrale.
“You win this round, Lowellmina!”
“Yes, it was all my doing!”
Lowellmina shouted, “Yay!” and struck a victory pose from the comfort of her own room.
“Ahhh, yes, it really couldn’t have gone better. But this is all in a day’s work for us, right, Fyshe?”
“If you mean to say our success is thanks to the information network Your Highness maintains regularly, then I agree,” replied Lowellmina’s aide, Fyshe Blundell. “Without it, we wouldn’t have been able to swiftly detect Bardloche’s agents who slipped into the capital.”
“Heh-heh, I certainly haven’t just been playing around this whole time.”
Unlike her brothers, Lowellmina had no domain of her own. Thus, she made the capital her base of operations, but the princess was more like a freeloader, unable to command the city as she pleased. Far from it, actually. It was the heart of the Empire, and Lowellmina had no right to tyrannically control who came and went. There were plenty of rival faction members in the capital as well.
Therefore, she first had to guarantee her own safety. Lowellmina made every effort to build up her personal guard and the private information network she’d had since the previous Emperor’s passing.
“Besides, I was thinking it was high time I took more direct measures.”
Lowellmina’s information network had captured a suspicious intruder several weeks ago.
The princess had then conducted a covert investigation, and once she’d confirmed it was Bardloche’s people who’d plotted to kill her, she’d hit upon a rare opportunity.
“First, ruin their original plan by devising a fake failed assassination ahead of the real attempt. Then, spread the word about the would-be culprits and pretend like everything actually happened. Finally, hold Keskinel responsible and sabotage his neutrality... Everything went perfectly, if I do say so myself.”
If it had simply been a matter of stopping their assassination plot, Lowellmina could have reported the criminals or captured them herself and been done with it. However, she used this opportunity to take a shot at Keskinel. Thanks to the princess’s tactics, the Prime Minister now had no choice but to protect her and pursue the failed assassins to atone for his accidental contribution to the threat on her life.
Even so, Keskinel appeared to side with Lowellmina to the general public. Not only that, but his search would lead straight back to Bardloche. His position would force him to denounce the prince and validate everyone’s suspicions that the Prime Minister of the Empire and the princess were allies.
“A number of influential leaders who have remained impartial thus far are already seeking an audience with Your Highness.”
“Excellent. Let’s make good use of their people, money, and resources. Oh, by the way, Fyshe, our plan to rouse the citizens is coming along nicely, I hope?”
“Yes. They’ve been quite passionate, so it’s proceeding well.”
Lowellmina smiled with clear satisfaction. “The princess, whose heart breaks daily as she laments the fate of the Empire, who was nearly murdered by her own brother, of all people... It’s only natural for the populace to rise up in anger. Once we’ve fanned those flames into an inferno, I’ll have a legitimate reason to gather an army.”
Because of her reputation as a peacemaker, Lowellmina had no military. However, firepower was absolutely vital if she hoped to get rid of her two brothers and bring this war to a conclusion. Therefore, she needed a justifiable reason to gather a military force that the citizens would accept and soldiers would fight for. Once Bardloche and Manfred fell to her lawful legion, the Empire would witness the birth of the continent’s first female ruler.
“All right, onward to victory.”
Lowellmina set out toward the triumphant path she had blazed herself. “That crafty little...!”
The subordinate couldn’t help but shout when Keskinel revealed the truth of the situation.
“Mind your tongue. She’s still our princess.”
“Ah yes, pardon me. Still, are you sure about this, Your Excellency? Princess Lowellmina will undoubtedly use you as she pleases...!”
“There’s nothing we can do. It’s my fault for being outwitted.”
The Empire had its own information network, as did Keskinel. Of course, they were mostly used for covertly gathering knowledge both domestically and abroad, but it was absolutely inexcusable that they’d allowed an assassin to slip into the capital and attack a royal.
“Still, I never imagined she’d corner me so completely.”
A wry smile formed on Keskinel’s lips. Lowellmina’s character aside, she’d grown into a marvelous political strategist. He felt a sense of both happiness and grief.
“...At this rate, I suppose an Empress will be born soon.”
There was an unease in the subordinate’s expression and tone that wouldn’t have existed if their conversation had centered around either of the princes. However, the Prime Minister didn’t believe this attitude was worthy of reproach.
History’s first female monarch.
Future historians would laud such a milestone, but there were too many unknown factors for those living in this era and land. Who wouldn’t be afraid to watch their ship suddenly change course and sail an untraveled route?
“The brilliance of an Emperor’s reign depends on the skill of their officials. An Empress won’t change that. There’s nothing to fear, so just focus on quietly serving the Empire.”
“Yes...”
Keskinel sighed at his subordinate’s reluctance.
“Besides, Princess Lowellmina’s victory isn’t yet guaranteed.”
“Even so, the situation certainly appears to lean that way...”
The Prime Minister gave a small laugh.
“Such moments are when shadows creep in.”
“Prince Bardloche, there is someone requesting an immediate audience with you.”
“Not now! Make them wait!”
“B-butthey have insisted the matter is most urgent.”
“...I’ve already got enough to do! Who the heck is it?!”
“Ah yes, well... She is a female merchant named Ibis...”
“Prince Manfred, this may be an excellent opportunity.”
“Opportunity? At a time like this?”
“Yes. However, I must humbly request Your Highness’s utmost cooperation. Let’s see... First, I would like for you to write a letter.”
“I can manage that much, but who’s it for?”
“Prince Wein.”
“Prince Bardloche and Prince Manfred won’t let things end here. Once cornered, they’ll drop all appearances and madly fight to the death.”
Keskinel’s subordinate instinctively gulped at these words. Despite the three candidates’ ongoing battle, there had yet to be a decisive clash. However, the situation was swiftly approaching its climax, and all bets were off.
“The die is cast. From this point forward, the fight for the throne will be settled with a final bout. As for what fate will roll us...”
Keskinel gave a fearless smile.
"... only the heavens know. ”
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