The conference room was now empty of both the Crown Princess and the First Prince.
Thanks to the Emperor’s sudden order for me to stay behind, I was a bit startled.
I was a little worried about what he wanted to ask me…
“Then allow me to inquire: what is the nature of your relationship with the 2nd Princess?”
In that instant, I thought I’d misheard. I almost blurted out a “Huh?” in response.
Responding to the Emperor with a question? That’s audacious, even if it’s just in my mind.
Thankfully, my noble upbringing kept me composed. Gratitude to the life of a dignified aristocrat.
“Your Majesty, I must humbly admit I fail to comprehend the full intent of your question—”
“You seem to think you’re lacking, yet somehow it feels odd that you don’t even recognize it yourself.”
But excuse me, this isn’t modesty—it’s genuine confusion about what you’re implying here.
If it were anyone else—even a Princess—I could have tried to read their expressions and hazard a guess.
But, alas, standing before me is none other than the Emperor himself. I dare not!
This means I must deduce the correct answer myself. If I’m wrong, I won’t d*e, but I might disappoint His Majesty. Frankly, by noble standards, that’s a kind of d*ath too, and it’s equally a headache.
“Your Highness seems to be taking an awfully long time pondering. Is this question truly so difficult?”
“… No, Your Majesty. I’m merely collecting my thoughts to give a fitting response.”
After taking a steadying breath internally, I carefully continued.
“From my observation, the 2nd Princess has never harbored any ulterior motives.”
“Hmm?”
The Emperor’s gaze fixed on me, his expression peculiar. It’s as if he hadn’t expected this answer.
Could he think I’ve sided with the Crown Princess?
That wouldn’t be completely off base. There have been moments of contact with the Crown Princess. The Emperor might have assumed I’ve already formed the relationship of future sovereign and subject with her.
But honestly, my ties with the 2nd Princess run deeper.
“Lately, the status of Her Highness, the 2nd Princess, has been rising significantly, starting with the friction with Nobogorod in the north, then her exemplary conduct in the eastern region, and most recently, her persuasion of the Southern Kingdoms. This is bound to generate some talk.”
“…”
“However, after closely observing her, I can affirm that the 2nd Princess has absolutely no ambition to surpass the Crown Princess.”
Frankly, this has been concerning for a while now. The more public engagements the Princess undertakes, the higher the chance for rumors to spread.
Just think, she’s been active in a lot of places lately.
Traditionally, potential threats to the successor are usually eliminated—whether by the current ruler or the future one. So in any case, standing out in such a remarkable way is never ideal.
At the same time, it would be unfortunate not to leverage the Princess’s considerable talents. In the east, she showcased the Imperial family’s exemplary conduct and unwavering support for our legions.
In the negotiations with the Southern Kingdoms, her presence allowed us to emphasize our sincerity and push for their alliance.
“Rather than being a threat, the 2nd Princess is an invaluable asset to the Crown Princess. She is a bl**d-relative who excels in any responsibility given to her, and she consistently delivers results matching the trust bestowed upon her.”
“…”
“Though some might perceive her rising prominence as a slight threat, it will never destabilize the Crown Princess’s position. After all, there’s already a clear gap between them, isn’t there?”
Certainly, my efforts played a part in her rapid ascension. Although I can’t make her the Crown Princess—and truthfully, neither would she want that—putting her in a difficult position would be counterproductive.
It’s a sense of responsibility, or perhaps guilt—or something else entirely—but all in all, supporting her feels right.
In any case, I stood up for her in front of the Emperor, hoping this is the answer he sought.
“Hmph.”
sh**t. That doesn’t sound good. Hell, that’s bad! Oh no!
Why is Your Majesty sighing like that?! I’m freaking out over here!
Did I get it wrong? Am I completely off from the Emperor’s intentions?!
Is the Emperor already concerned about the Princess’s rising status becoming too elevated?
Is he stepping in personally, to take control before it’s too late?
That would be disastrous for the Princess.
He might now see her as a potential threat to the Crown Princess and his designated successor.
From here, her powers will likely be gradually stripped away and she’ll be pushed aside, left powerless.
Had she simply kept a low profile, she could have happily stayed as the Emperor’s daughter and the Crown Princess’s sibling.
There would have been a certain level of wary distance, but nothing to this degree. Instead, by acting on my behalf, she drew unnecessary scrutiny—and it’s my fault.
“…”
What should I say now? What answer does the Emperor truly expect from me?
It would be inappropriate for me, a noble loyal to His Majesty, to oppose his judgment.
Remaining silent, though, goes against my conscience—and I truly care about the Princess. She’s contributed so much to the Imperial family, even if not as much as the Crown Princess.
“Your Majesty, if I may—”
“So this is what they mean when similar people draw closer.”
“Your Majesty?”
What did you just say? What’s the meaning behind that?
“The Princess reacted similarly once. She didn’t intend it, but she gave an unexpected answer, which I chose to overlook kindly at the time. Now seeing the same again, I can no longer just stand by silently.”
So what exactly are you trying to say, Your Majesty?!
As I anxiously waited for the Emperor’s next words, another question came.
“What I am asking is the nature of your relationship as individuals.”
…
What?
*
Elsewhere, the Duke of the Bertier Empire paused his work to glance out the window.
Outside, his daughter, Kaya, was pacing near the city gate, waiting expectantly like a six-year-old anticipating her presents.
“…And what a present it is for Kaya. The best gift she could hope for.”
Moments later, amidst a commotion, the present arrived at the Duke’s office.
“Kael Big Brother!!”
This made the Duke’s hand tremble holding his teacup. d*mn. She’s only sixteen, yet her voice is thunderous!
If this was a battlefield, her roar alone could probably scare off the enemy!
“Too bad she wasn’t born a boy. That would’ve been convenient.”
According to the head knight, Kaya’s martial skills have reached superhuman levels. She’s so strong, she can effortlessly subdue several knights at once.
Upon hearing that report, the Duke could only feel both pride and pity for her.
The Empire doesn’t strictly discriminate based on gender. After all, the Crown Princess and the future Emperor herself is a woman.
Yet on the battlefield, men are still generally favored over women. No special reason—it’s just that men tend to fight better in such harsh conditions.
Kaya’s case is an exception, but that’s precisely why it’s a concern.
As a woman and, what’s more, a young one, she’ll constantly face scrutiny about whether she’s worthy to represent the Empire.
Though her performance in the Eastern Campaigns is commendable, it might still not be enough for some.
‘She’d be so disappointed if she knew I thought this.’
I swear to Lunen, I’ve never treated my children unequally. If anything, I was overly protective of Kaya to shield her from discrimination.
It’s just that I worry about how she’ll handle the real world, with all its harshness.
“Father.”
After a knock, the door opened, revealing the most competent son in the world.
Kael, heir to the Bertier Duke title, a noble youth with direct access to the Emperor himself.
Thinking about this being my son makes the Duke feel both pride and relief.
“You’ve come.”
“Yes, ah, Father should get a gift as well.”
“Gift?”
“I returned from the South, though the reasons weren’t ideal, but the region has a long history akin to the Holy Kingdom, so there are many renowned items. Thus, I bought some as souvenirs and gifts.”
Absolutely not stolen—purchased legally!
His son’s extreme caution about not causing any trouble for the family made the Duke smile. That’s why the upper echelons of society favor him so much, no doubt.
“Go on, what did you bring back?”
“This is—apparently, a commander’s baton once used by the Benito Kingdom’s military leader. We achieved a decisive victory in one battle, and somehow the ownership transferred to me.”
“Merely hearing about it makes it feel quite valuable.”
“It probably is. In Benito, only one person, besides the King, can possess such an item. I’m honored to present it to you, Father!”
My son brings back the most impressive gifts!
Even glancing at it, it’s evident it’s no ordinary baton. It’s opulent, majestic, and exudes authority. It could easily be displayed in the Empire’s museum with some embellishments.
“Ah, I got Mother a ring with exquisite craftsmanship from the Southern Kingdom. All fully approved, so don’t worry.”
Come to think of it, Kaya has a new sword with her too.
The Duke directed his curiosity towards his cheerful daughter.
“Did Kaya also get a gift?”
“Yes! From big brother! He remembered my birthday!”
“Sorry for the delay, so I made sure Kaya got the most precious one.”
The tone was casual, but the content was extraordinary.
“A Holy Kingdom relic presented in gratitude for saving their holy relics. The Princess got a pendant, and I chose the sword, which I thought suited Kaya more.”
“…”
“I’m sorry, Kaya. A spear would’ve been better.”
“No, no! I like swords too! Anything from Kael Big Brother is perfect!!”
Ah. Our son has truly grown into an amazing person.
Good, good. The Duke smiled as he watched his exceptional children and puffed out his chest in pride.
