After the memorial service for Empress Ines, Emperor Charles’s health deteriorated rapidly as the weather turned colder. Before long, his illness could no longer be concealed.

After nearly ten days of being bedridden, the tension within the palace became palpable. The two major factions, which had been kept in check by his authority for a long time, now confronted each other openly. Their conflict finally came to a head over the appointment of the Supreme Commander of the Laxion army.

“It has always been tradition for His Highness the Crown Prince to serve as Supreme Commander concurrently. Are you suggesting giving that position to Count Darenbach?”

“The Crown Prince already has many responsibilities. Asking him to take on supreme command as well would be excessive. Count Darenbach is a veteran and a distinguished general who has faithfully served Laxion for decades. He harbors no ulterior motives, so why should he not be suitable?”

“Because it is only right for His Highness to hold that post! And Count Darenbach, a “distinguished general”? Don’t make me laugh, any stray dog would find that amusing!”

“What did you just say? I demand satisfaction! I challenge you to a duel for insulting my house!”

A sharp, mocking laugh broke out.

“You? You’ve never even set foot on a battlefield. A duel, you say? Are you sure you can manage that on your own without hiding behind a champion?”

The meeting hall descended into chaos. Voices rose in furious argument, papers and pens were thrown around, and one official even drew his sword in the sacred chamber. This marked the true beginning of open hostilities between the two rival factions.

The mood within the palace grew darker with each passing day. Courtiers who had once exchanged pleasantries now averted their eyes when they met in the corridors, unwilling even to nod in acknowledgement.

Yet, unlike their followers, Cedric and Gerard did not clash directly, largely because they seldom crossed paths. Between them, silence reigned… until the position of Minister of Capital Administration fell vacant.

“The Minister of Capital Administration is one of the most important figures in the realm. They oversee the coordination of all state affairs. Therefore, the role should be entrusted to someone who understands the law and policy and commands the respect of all. For this reason, I believe Count Ansel is the most suitable candidate. Having served as Minister of the Southern Administration for many years, he has gained valuable experience and the confidence of the people.”

“No, that role should go to Baron Lirel, who has many years of judicial experience. The Count may have served in the south for a long time, but he knows little about the affairs of the capital. With all due respect, his age makes him unsuited to such a demanding position.”

The office in question carries immense authority whoever holds it can wield real, tangible power.

Since Cedric had already been appointed Supreme Commander, the Empress’s faction was determined not to yield this time. In the process, they drew Gérard into their cause. As the second prince, he was urged by the Empress’s supporters to confront his elder brother. In turn, Cedric’s own supporters rallied around him.

“It has been a while, Your Highness the Crown Prince.”

“Indeed, it has, Gerard.”

When the two princes first met in the council chamber, they allowed their respective followers to argue on their behalf. However, they soon found themselves exchanging sharp remarks, and before long, they began to speak sharply themselves.

“What would a magistrate know about practical governance? The role of administrative minister requires experience.”

“That’s not quite fair, Your Highness. Baron Lirel may have served as a magistrate, but he has also managed parts of the capital’s finances. To say he lacks practical knowledge would be an overstatement.”

“If he’s good with numbers, then he should oversee accounts, not people. Calculations and public sentiment are entirely different matters. When he was a magistrate, he often ruled against the will of the people.”

Only a year ago, their relationship was not so strained.

Gerard kept his distance from politics and treated Cedric with the utmost respect as Crown Prince. For his part, Cedric had shown no hostility towards his younger brother, who seemed to have no ambition.

But now, everything had changed.

The brothers stood opposed to each other, waiting for the other to falter.

Cedric was older and far more experienced in political affairs, so he clearly had the upper hand. However, the Empress’s faction were greatly impressed by Gerard’s defiance and growing confidence.

Ultimately, the council adjourned without reaching a resolution.

Unable to agree on who should fill the vacant post, the two factions deferred the decision to the ailing Emperor, turning their backs on one another as they left the chamber.

“Brother.”

Cedric was walking back to the Crown Prince’s residence when, as if waiting, his half-brother suddenly stepped out onto the garden path. Gerard, whom he had seen in the meeting a short while before.

“It seems you still have something to say to me.”

Cedric dismissed his attendants and left Gerard alone. Some of the knights moved to warn Gerard, but Dian held them back.

“The post of Minister of Capital Administration… I will yield to your wishes.”

Gerard said when they were alone.

Although Cedric held sway in the council, the final appointment would most likely be given to Baron Lirel, whom Gerard had supported, once the Emperor had made his decision. The Emperor had a habit of balancing the two factions.

“All of a sudden? Weren’t you just saying a moment ago that you’d never agree?”

Gerard hesitated, then spoke after a brief pause.

“…I have one request in return.”

“A request?”

“Please permit me to send at least some funds to Callithea. I know that if you allow it, I could send it immediately.”

Cedric cut him off with a flat sound. Aid to Callithea? Given Gerard’s proximity to the land in question, the suggestion was dubious. Cedric was irritated to be on the receiving end of such talk from his half-brother. He issued a warning in a tone of voice he rarely used.

“This is not a game you’re playing.”

“…”

“This isn’t like your music or paintings where failure just costs you money.”

“…”

“When you chose to oppose me, I thought you understood the stakes.”

“…”

“I mean your life.”

The words were chilling. Gerard felt a cold shiver run down his spine. He knew that their political differences might cost him his life, but hearing this directly from Cedric was different. Despite thinking himself prepared, he swallowed involuntarily.

“What the Empress is offering you is truly tempting. But, Gerard…”

“…”

“Do you really think a mere woman is worth that price?”

The question left Gerard speechless and caused his whole body to tense up. He couldn’t move or breathe. When he finally opened his mouth to answer, Cedric’s voice cut in again, sounding colder than before.

“Is it worth trading your life for?”

There was something new in Cedric’s eyes, something that hadn’t been there before. His usual calm detachment had turned into a hard, glinting edge, an emotion too sharp to name. The sight of it made the hairs on the back of Gerard’s neck stand up. Every instinct in him screamed to flee.

But before he could move, a thought — no, a face  flashed across his mind.