Chapter 14

Chapter 14

I wont tell you.

Yes?

I said I wont tell you.

Gardin lapsed into silence.

The situation was fraught with tension for the Crown Prince, suddenly finding himself in a standoff with the Second Prince. The trepidation overwhelmed him like the bountiful harvest billowing across the azure plains during a year of plenty.

Such anxiety was only natural.

The Second Prince was far from an easy adversary. Indeed, even by normal metrics, he was an elite, a challenge to even belittle. Yet, the lean and frail Crown Prince, who had been grappling with sickness his entire life, asserted that he held the key to vanquishing the formidable Second Prince.

Hope flickered within him for a fleeting moment.

After all, he was the Crown Prince.

There had to be something.

He must have spoken with purpose.

He yearned for even a tiny glimmer of hope. However, the subsequent words that fell from the lips of the Crown Prince were utterly heartrending.

I wont tell you. Why should I tell you that?

Your Highness?

Yes, what?

Its okay. Its alright to say that you dont have confidence in winning. No one will blame you. How dare they blame you. In this Star Palace, no, in the entire Empire, who doesnt know about Your Highnesss situation? Isnt that right?

He made every attempt to offer solace to the Crown Prince.

He exerted himself.

In the face of an utterly absurd and disadvantageous confrontation, just how desperate must the Crown Prince have been? Thus, it fell upon him to provide comfort and unwavering support. As the Crown Princes personal physician, it was his duty.

Gardin clenched his fist, steeling himself, and spoke with fervor, pouring out his thoughts. However, the Crown Princes response was naught but a disbelieving chuckle.

What do you mean, isnt that right? Thats not it at all.

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Its fine. I wont lose. Ill win. Of course, I cant guarantee it yet, and the odds of losing are still slightly higher, but there is a chance to give it a shot. There is a small possibility of winning. Isnt that enough? Doesnt that give you some relief?

No, not at all.

Tsk.

Because Your Highness said youd reveal the secret to defeating the Second Prince, but then you didnt.

I didnt?

Yes, I thought you might be bluffing.

Tsk, tsk. Then should I reveal my trade secret?

Yes?

Gardin flinched.

Trade secret?

The Crown Prince continued.

Think about it. To anyone, it seems like I would lose to the Second Prince. Even if I were someone else, I would think the same. But I have a secret strategy to try in this confrontation. A special method. But would I casually mention such a method beforehand?

Ah

Do you get it now?

Yes, Your Highness.

Thats right. A leaked secret is no longer a secret. If the Second Prince hears the news and prepares, it would only ruin me. Isnt that right?

Thats true. But, just-

Just?

I feel upset.

What?

As the Crown Prince raised his eyebrows towards him, Gardin replied with a disheartened expression.

Its as if, Your Highness, you think that if you reveal the secret now, I would go around blabbing about it. Im not that loose-lipped.

Hehe, our Gardin, is that so?

Yes, Your Highness.

So, youre upset?

To be honest, yes, Your Highness.

Will you get upset if Im honest twice?

Of course not No, I mean, Your Highness.

Tsk. Forget it. Im going to sleep. Check on me before I go to bed.

Understood, Your Highness.

Head Steward? What brings you here so early in the morning?

It wasnt solely the head stewards urgent expression that caught Gardins attention. Even the substance of his words conveyed a sense of urgency and importance.

What else could it be? Its a big deal, Sir Gardin. Just now, His Majesty announced something unbelievable.

Unbelievable?

Well, its about the duel between the Crown Prince and the Second Prince. His Majesty has announced the location of the duel.

The location? Why would that be an issue?

Its the Lloy-Javi Bridge. Can you believe it? The bridge is located in the center of the capital city, where thousands of citizens will be watching the duel.

Really?

Gardin was taken aback upon hearing the head stewards response.

The order to have a duel on the Lloy-Javi Bridge thats too cruel.

This location was the most secluded part of the imperial palace.

Since early morning, the Second Prince, Theodore, had been seeking an audience with the Emperor, his own father and the ruler of the empire. And now, he stood before him, clenching his fist tightly.

The source of his clenched fist was none other than anger.

I could understand your acceptance of my brothers proposal to duel me Because it was what he wanted, because he chose to sacrifice himself, and for a greater purpose I could understand that. But, even so, this is not acceptable.

What do you mean, not acceptable?

The emperor posed a weighty question.

Theodore lifted his head in response.

Do you really not know? The Lloy-Javi Bridge That bridge is located in the heart of the capital.

I know.

Then, do you know that countless eyes and ears of the capitals citizens will be focused on the bridge where the duel will take place?

Of course.

The emperors reply came without a moments hesitation. It carried an air of annoyance, as if he were wondering why such an obvious question was being asked.

Besides, the Lloy-Javi Bridge is the largest bridge in the capital. With a wide space, it is quite convenient for a duel.

Your Majesty.

It was a decision made after considering everything you just said. No, I wish it would be like that. I want as many people as possible to witness this duel and keep it in their hearts. That is my intention.

But its too much. No matter how much my brother has chosen to sacrifice himself, do you have to go this far? Do you really have to make him a political scapegoat in front of everyone?

I made that decision because it is the path that will give you a stronger legitimacy.

I dont need legitimacy gained in such a way.

It may not be necessary for you, but it will be needed for the empire.

Father!

I am the ruler of this empire before I am a father. I am responsible for the lives of hundreds of millions of people who have devoted themselves to the empire, rather than being a father to two sons. And now, you are being led by petty blood ties and trying to deviate from the greater purpose.

Your Majesty

Thats enough. Theres no need to hear more. The stability of the empire is more important than the petty blood ties. Through this duel, your heart will be burdened for several years, but in exchange, a more solid succession structure will be established, allowing the empire to enjoy stability and prosperity for decades.

Isnt that a small price to pay for Raciel, even if he suffers in front of everyone?

Theodore nibbled on his lower lip.

The emperors unwavering gaze remained fixed upon him. In that very instant, Theodore comprehended that none of his appeals would have any effect. The emperor would not be swayed by any entreaty or resentment; instead, he would calmly witness his brothers downfall before the eyes of all.

Such was the nature of politics.

Brother.

Suddenly, the image of the crown prince he had encountered the previous night flashed across Theodores mind. He hadnt held any particular admiration for him as an individual. After all, they were merely half-brothers who shared the same father. Furthermore, the crown prince had been plagued by illness since childhood and had never truly fulfilled his duties as a prince.

However Theodore had never anticipated that he would find himself in a position to usurp his brothers position like this.

I had hoped for a more moderate way. Not like this.

Even if they were destined to face each other in a confrontation, it would have been tolerable if it had been limited to just a few nobles. Yet, instead, it was set to unfold before tens of thousands of citizens, forcing his brother to crumble in their presence.

In that moment, Theodore was overwhelmed by an immense wave of pity for his sibling.

Im sorry. I have no other choice. Since His Majesty has no intention of changing the decision, I must

With a clenched fist, he withdrew from the emperors presence.

Brother, once the confrontation begins Ill make sure you dont suffer, and that your honor is protected as much as possible Ill end it as quickly and cleanly as I can.

The Second Prince firmly resolved himself.

Little did he know that at this very moment, while he harbored his desperate determination, Raciel was actually embracing the emperors decision with open arms.

Of all places, on that bridge? With thousands, tens of thousands of people watching the confrontation?

If that was the case then all the better.

A contented smile adorned Raciels face.