Chapter 86

It seems that a rebellion has broken out at the edge of Romulus in the northern part of the continent.

Although the scale is small, the resulting conflicts are said to be significant.

If the Empire takes action, the rebellion itself will certainly be quelled, but it will take time to resolve the deep-rooted issues.

"So, the plan is to send me away under the pretext of these conflicts?"

"Well, I've only mentioned that the Prince will be dispatched... ..."

Herkov looks troubled in front of me.

"Is that wrong?"

"No, I think you're probably right, but didn't you read a lot into it with that statement?"

"As an international issue, it's relatively minor, and it's a good opportunity to gain experience and a track record for me, who lacks a guardian. However, being far from the only guardian, His Majesty, is a concern. Defeating the enemy isn't the end; the prospects for resolution are uncertain. That's why His Majesty can't make a decision, I suppose."

"......You're very perceptive."

Herkov sighed and nodded.

Yeah, what I said is just part of what I read into it.

There are more ominous possibilities, but I don't want to say them out loud.

"Just at eleven, it's too early. There are precedents, but they are from the distant past, during the era of wars."

"On the contrary, to push this, the Duke might try to gather a number of generals and soldiers that His Majesty would agree to."

I'm not sure which Duke, but in this case, it could be both.

And among the personnel to be prepared, it should be assumed that there will be someone in their pocket.

From Duke Lukaios's perspective, I, who have approached the Empress and have a good relationship with my brother, am an eyesore.

The key decision-makers in the succession issue are, after all, the Emperor and the Empress.

Unlike the past, where we hardly met, I am now considered a dangerous person.

Well, that's due to Duke Lukaios's mistake in trying to frame me and get close to the Empress.

"Oh, I see. The goal is the same."

"Huh?"

"Even if I'm confined in the palace, there won't be any significant changes to the succession rights. The personnel confining me are, in a way, proving my innocence. The discrimination based on my name, without a guardian, has also disappeared. On the contrary, my bad reputation has become too widespread, and I'm now on guard from the Emperor and the Empress."

Continuing to defame me won't maintain the status quo; it will only decrease the Emperor's trust in me.

While I still have some leeway in terms of power, I won't sit idly by.

So, on the surface, they will take a form that doesn't disadvantage me.

Instead of suppressing me, they intend to intensify efforts to exclude me.

This applies not only to Duke Lukaios but also to Duke Eurasion.

"Probably, they will come to a consensus. If we resist, His Majesty might be forced into unnecessary concessions."

"Yeah, sending the Prince out on a military campaign might be more beneficial for them."

"If the current situation becomes difficult, they might move to weaken His Majesty's power. To prevent that, it's necessary not to show any weaknesses."

"What do we do?"

"Take advantage of their conciliatory stance to secure favorable conditions. On that basis, I will also build a record of leading the army. It's sad that I can't practice alchemy, but I can't stay cooped up forever. If I do something here, I'll just be watched. So, it's like a boat coming to my rescue."

I've been thinking about the future.

I won't become the Emperor.

Then, what will I do?

I can probably spend the rest of my life being pushed into the palace as the Emperor's brother.

"Being sent out to create a dukedom would probably be more disliked by Duke Lukaios and the others. But if I stay here, as Terry grows and gets close to the throne, there will likely be people who will try to elevate me out of spite."

"So, it's better to go out and gain a position, right? As a Prince, it's possible."

"But, in trying to gain the Emperor's bloodline elsewhere, it might become a source of conflict. I don't want to be scolded by someone like Duke Strategos again."

"Yeah, in that sense, staying in the palace without drawing attention might be better."

Speaking of which, it's a good time to go out on a military campaign now.

Maintaining a place to return to and the ability to act freely.

If I perform well as a Prince, I might also receive the education needed to use people, which has been obstructed so far.

Without learning, I wouldn't be given a territory, as part of the effort to disqualify me as a Prince, I didn't have a tutor.

His Majesty and the Empress can't do anything because the people who can help are obstructed by Duke Lukaios.

But if I can get Duke Lukaios to agree through this, maybe?

"Alright, if the meeting is over, I'll go see them now and... ..."

I forgot to close the door to the Emerald Room!

Turning around in a panic, I saw Ict's back blocking the way, like a blindfold.

The guards for Terry and the others were already inside the Emerald Room, keeping the younger ones away.

"Is the conversation over? I took the liberty of bringing the guards inside. There's a risk of conflict, so please rest assured they are outside."

The guards seem to have been ordered to stay outside by Ict.

It's strange how obedient they are, as if Ict has done something.

"Um, so, did you hear what was just said?"

When I approached Ict, the guards standing to keep Terry and the others away from the Emerald Room turned to look at me.

They look very troubled, so they probably heard.

Yeah, I'm not pretending to be stupid anymore, but I didn't say much in front of the younger ones.

The guards are probably from Duke Strategos, and if they report, it will be to Duke Lukaios.

So, it's fine now.

"Terry, Werner, Fehr. His Majesty's meeting is over. Let's go back soon."

"Aww! We're still playing!"

"I want to play with ice too!"

The twins are engrossed in playing with essences.

But Terry looks at me anxiously.

"It seems they heard the conversation before the guards entered the Emerald Room."

Ict whispered to me.

It seems Terry overheard the tense conversation.

I forced a smile.

"Don't worry, I'll consult with His Majesty to make sure everything is fine."

"Yeah, that's right. Yeah... Werner, Fehr, let's go home today."

"Aw!"

I almost said, "Just a little more," to their cute demands.

And their puffed cheeks are something only children can do.

This kind of family interaction was impossible in my previous life.

To achieve this, it's important to gain stability, even if it means being temporarily separated.

"You can come again. I might get busier, but I'll definitely come back, okay?"

Choosing my words carefully, the twins look at me intently.

That's right, they were all raised surrounded by adults.

These children, as Princes, are taught about their positions, so it's not strange for them to be sensitive to the atmosphere.

Fehr runs up to me and hugs me, and Werner follows a step behind.

"Let's go back once. To do that, we need to clean up first. Remember? Leaving things undone or out is dangerous. Prepare, clean up, inspect, and confirm. That's the promise when doing alchemy."

"Okay, I'll clean up."

"Brother will too."

"Of course."

I start cleaning up with the twins pulling my hands.

Terry stands there, still looking anxious.

I'm not sure how much he heard, but he probably heard about my dispatch.

The words might be a bit difficult for his age, but the adults around him use complex language.

It's not strange for him to understand the meaning.

Although I didn't say it, the most effective way to remove me from here and make me useful is assassination.

Terry might have thought the same.

As his brother, I need to support him.

Thinking that, Terry came to me.

"Brother, don't you want to become the Emperor?"

"That's sudden. But, yeah. I'd rather see Terry become a great Emperor like His Majesty than become one myself."

"Me? ... I will be great... I understand."

Terry's expression tightened, as if he made a decision.

I want to ask, but I start helping the twins clean up.

Terry's determined side profile no longer shows any anxiety.

Saying I won't be assassinated here would be counterproductive, and I couldn't support him as a brother, but I was honestly a bit relieved.

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Next: Northern Rebellion 3