CH 46

Translated by SoundOfDestiny

Meanwhile, at the same time. The Alsatian Empire is far to the east of the Kingdom Zain. In its imperial capital, Alves, a political upheaval has broken out.

Deep in the heart of the royal palace of Alves. Armed soldiers rush into the audience hall, where the emperor meets his subjects and envoys from other countries.

With unhurried agility, the soldiers rushed across the marble floor and surrounded the throne within seconds of their entry.

The tips of the spears held by the nervous-looking soldiers are pointed at a man.

That man being pointed by spears is the Lord of the Castle, Emperor Zacharias Von Althlein, who sits on his throne.

“Well, what’s this all about?”

Zacharias, resting his cheek on the armrest, asks annoyedly.

There was no fear on the lion-like face of the emperor, who looked as brave as a lion. He just blinked in bewilderment, unsure of the situation.

Strangely enough, there was not a single soldier in the audience hall to protect the emperor.

Whether this was due to a prearranged exodus or simply sloppy security, the emperor found himself in a situation of utter isolation.

In the end, the soldiers surrounding the emperor split in two, and a man stepped forward in front of Zacharias.

“…… It has been a long time, Father.”

“Gilbert……. Hmm, it’s been a while since the New Year’s feast. Indeed, it has been a long time.”

The first prince to appear before the emperor was Gilbert Von Althlein.

He is the eldest amongst the one hundred children of the emperor’s, and also the son of his first wife.

“So, my son. What kind of game is this? The soldiers are not answering when I ask them.”

“….. a game? Ha! You know what I want.”

“…… You want the throne? Hmm, I didn’t think you’d make a move.”

Zacharias shrugged his shoulders fondly at Gilbert, who glared at him reproachfully.

Zacharias had once defeated his father, the previous emperor, and taken the throne by force.

He was afraid that one day his children and grandchildren would try to kill him in the same way. 

“Still, I really didn’t expect you to try to kill me, did you? I don’t think I’ve ever done anything to deserve such a grudge.” 

Human resentment is something humans themselves will buy into without even realising it.

Zacharias wondered if his son had hated him so much without him realising it, to a point his son wanted to kill him. Also, he wondered why he had rebelled. However, no matter how hard he tried, he could not find a good reason.

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to know the answer. I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep tonight at this rate.” 

“………….”

Gilbert gritted his teeth at the lack of tension in his father’s manner, as if he did not understand the situation.

Gilbert had always disliked his father’s antics, but at the same time he had always liked him.

It’s not just the fact that he’s been betrayed by his son, but also the fact that Zacharias still maintains this attitude that irritates him.

“……Father, I have always admired you.”

Gilbert’s face was somber, and he spoke in rambling tones.

“I have always admired your strength. I’ve always wanted to be an emperor like you.”

“Oh, I see. How embarrassing.”

“……I used to think you were a little abnormal, but at the same time I felt a kinship with you. I was disgusted by your womanising. I admired your love for women, but I also admired the way you loved my mother and other women equally.”

“Mmm-hmm.”

“I loved you as a ………… father.”

“Well, …… I love you too, my dear son, Gilbert.”

“Then why?”

In response to Zacharias’ response, Gilbert raised his voice as if to bite him.

“Why do you disinherit me from the Crown Prince?　Why should I, the eldest child and from your lawful wife, be disinherited?”

About a month ago, Gilbert led his troops in the capture of the small kingdom of Shaitern in the south of the Empire.

Gilbert reported the victory to the Emperor and waited for his reply, hoping that he would receive a compliment……. The letter carried by the messenger returning from the palace said: “Gilbert is to be removed from the imperial register and made to be a duke.” It was a de facto declaration of disinheritance, saying, “You shall rule the Kingdom of Shaitern as a fiefdom.”  

Gilbert stood dumbfounded for a moment.

He had thought that he stood closest to the emperor’s chair, but he had never dreamed that he would be unilaterally removed from it.

Gilbert sobbed and wept…………and then raised his sword in anger.

He was determined to strike down the emperor Zacharias and usurp his throne by force.

“Father! Please answer me!　Why have you disinherited me?”

Gilbert asked his father, whom he once respected more than anyone else, with tears of blood.

The soldiers holding the spear to Zacharias were also moved to tears and bit their lips.

But–

“Ha? What…? Something like that” 

The cries of Gilbert’s soul did not reach his father at all.

Zacharias held out his hands in disappointment and shook his head wistfully.

“I did not expect you to commit treason for such a trivial reason. You fool!”