Book 2: Chapter 3

Book 2: Chapter 3

NOOOOOOOO! WHY?! WHY CANT I WIN?! screamed a voice that rippled through the open classroom.

In the room were three boys and a single girl, huddling around a large desk marked with geographic symbols and pawns to represent the positions of soldiers. These pieces were intended for tabletop military exercises.

That makes thirty-two losses out of thirty-two I thought I had the blood of our proud troops running through my veins! But it turns out Im a total diiiiiiiiiisgrace! wailed one of the membersthe heaviest boy out of their group of four, named Glen.

Get a grip, Glen. You keep getting caught in the same way, spoke the twiggy boy across from him. His name was Strang. If you cant win with force, you gotta consider other strategies. I mean, staying the course sounds good in theory, but youre just being careless, especially if your stubbornness keeps you from improving. Plus, this inflexibility will cost you the lives of tens of thousands of soldiers.

Geez, I know! You think I cant even count the lives of my comrades? You think Im a beast?

Well, even an animal would learn after thirty losses, which makes you worse.

Listening to their conversation, the third boy burst into laughter. Wein.

Ha-ha-ha! Hes tearing you a new one, Glen. Is your lineage just for show?

Damn you, Wein! I wont forgive anyone who dares insult memuch less my family!

Hey, hey, hey. I know youre frustrated that youre the family disappointment, but dont take it out on me.

Ngh You weasel! Youre having the time of your life humiliating me!

Im having a blast!

Youre asking for it, aaaaaaaasshole!

And that began their little scuffle.

From a short distance away, Ninym looked on with a smile at their day-to-day shenanigans at the Imperial military academy.

This can only be settled with a duel! Lets take this outside, Wein!

Seriously? Youre asking to duke it out because you cant win a tabletop battle? And might I mention thats your specialty? What happened to honor? What happened to pride?

Strang interjected. Uh-uh. Not so fast, Wein. Its the most basic of tactics to circumvent your weaknesses and use your strengths to overcome the enemy. And pride has more to do with victory than anything else.

Oh, didnt think youd use that argument. But if youre calling this strategy, Im not obliged to approach it head-on.

Youre right. Strang nodded before shaking his head dramatically. Well, I can see why youd shit your pants thinking about going up against Glen.

What?

I mean, he was the first one to make you eat dirt, even though you scored the highest in almost every class.

What did you just say about me?

I dont blame you, man. Its the most basic of tactics to steer clear of your weaknesses.

WHAT THE HELL DID YOU JUST SAY ABOUT ME?! Wein screeched. What are you talking about, you little shit?! Ive got no reason to be scared! Who told you that?! I could knock the hell out of Glen with one clean hit!

Bullshit! Your swordsmanship is so pathetic, youll never be a match for me! Even if you practiced for one hundred years!

Like hell! I was reckless before, but if I go all out, Ill beat the living crap out of you!

Wein, called out Ninym, whod been observing quietly until then.

What is it? Youre not gonna tell me to quit before I lose, are you?

Well, I wouldnt stop you for that. Id love to see him take you down a notch or two.

Then what?

Behind you. Ninym pointed.

Along with the other two boys, Wein turned toward the door to the classroom and spotted a young girl who looked familiar.

She was a student at the academy, too, but hed never interacted with her before. In fact, no one in that room had any connection with this girl.

Can I help you? Wein vocalized their thoughts.

Under their collective gaze, she answered, Im curious about you all. Will you let me observe you?

Wein exchanged glances with the others.

Watch us? I dont think youll find us very interesting.

Thats not true at all. With lithe steps, she came to stand in front of Wein. I can see how you lot are the troublemakers of the school. The rumors were certainly accurate. I mean, even from this exchange, I can see youre all very entertaining.

Entertaining, huh. Weins mouth twisted. Well, anyone who thinks that as their first impression is either a rotten asshole or an idiot with a false sense of superiority. What do you think?

In spite of this verbal assault, she flashed a smile. Her demeanor was as far from faltering as possible. Agreed. Well, I guess I should add that Im actually superior to you.

I see. Youre a fun one. Wein grinned and offered his hand. Im Wein. A worthless commoner.

Lowa Felbis. The insignificant daughter of a noble family in the countryside.

Wein Salema Arbalest and Lowellmina Earthworld.

And this was how two members of royalty spent time together, hiding behind their false identities.

The banquet to welcome and entertain the envoys went off without a hitch from start to finish. It wasnt surprising, since the Kingdom of Natra and the Empire were on good terms, with compatible values.

And the purpose of the diplomatic visit was to discuss the potential union of the crown prince and Imperial Princess. It was an auspicious occasion.

No one in attendance was in the mood to stir up any unnecessary trouble.

Of course, that wasnt the only reason this banquet was going swimmingly. As the hosts, the Kingdom staffers had put in significant effort to prevent any trivial offenses. By dipping liberally into their dwindling supply of time and money, they were meticulous in perfecting every detailfrom carefully selecting those in attendance to the proper cuisine, cutlery, and tablecloths.

Of particular note were the dishes, which had been chosen based on Wein and Ninyms input.

I must admit my surprise that were able to enjoy Imperial cuisine in your kingdom. Princess Lowellmina smiled from her seat as the guest of honor, speaking to Wein, who was sitting directly across from her.

I thought you might long for a taste of home after a long journey. For tonight, I imagined it might suit your palate better than our traditional fare.

I appreciate your consideration, Prince Wein.

These genteel interactions between the two most important people in the room were one of the reasons for the relaxed mood, allowing the room to buzz with comfortable conversation among the attendees.

Wow. Ive heard the rumors, but Princess Lowellmina is absolutely lovely.

Well, let me just say that Prince Wein is as magnanimous as Ive heard from others. I am in complete admiration for his marvelous work in His Royal Majestys stead.

And it appears their conversation is flowing. I imagine they will make a splendid couple once they tie the knot.

Indeed By the way, I appreciate that youve considered our partys fatigue when preparing this feast. But I must admit Im disappointed that I missed out on a chance to sample your traditional flavors.

Not to worry. We thought this might be the case and prepared our local cuisine, too. Ill have them bring it out.

The party was continuing with no trouble at allwell, on the surface.

Now what do we have here? Wein thought as he spoke with Lowellmina.

He remembered something that happened before the soiree.

ISSA TRAP! Like, a thousand peeeeeeeeercent! whined Wein, slumped in his chair in the office, looking like the world would end at any moment. Any possibility that we can pretend this is all a dream?!

Nope.

I kneeeeeeeew it! With his hands clutching his skull, Wein slammed his head into his desk.

Next to him, Ninym had on a troubled expression. To think Lowa was the Imperial Princess I investigated the backgrounds of your friends, but I guess I fell for misinformation. Thats on me.

After their sudden reunion, Wein had managed to keep it together to welcome the head of the delegation, Princess Lowellmina. At the moment, she was taking a quick break in the room prepared for her.

Following this was the scheduled banquet, where Wein was expected to formally welcome the princess and establish their connection.

Keyword: expected.

An aristocrat in the countryside? Oh, come on! Lying when youre a part of the most powerful family in the whole friggin Empire! If youve got blue blood, just attend school without hiding it!

Wein. That could be said about you, too, Ninym interrupted with composure, but he wailed nonetheless.

Oh, whyd things turn out like this? All I wanted to do was marry an imperial princess and sail into the sunset to live out my lazy days

Thats not necessarily out of the question yet. This doesnt change the fact that the Imperial Princess came to Natra to discuss your hand in marriage The only twist is that shes Lowa.

Which is the biggest problem of them all! Wein shouted. Remember what happened after she joined our group at the military academy? We ended up in one risky situation after the next.

Oh, I could never forget. Mobilizing villagers to suppress bandits. Impeaching corrupt bureaucrats. Seizing smuggled goods from crooked merchants to sell off ourselves Now that I think about it, we seriously went through some stuff.

Yeah, all thanks to Lowa!

Upon joining their little clique, Lowa would find and bring every problem that had the potential for their group to intervene. At the time, hed wondered how she managed to sniff out these situations, but in hindsight, Wein guessed shed collected information from all over the place by leveraging her position as a princess.

I mean, these tasks were obviously super dangerous! But Glen and Strang always went along with her! Thats why we were constantly on the verge of getting expelled.

I remember you were the most into it.

Wein averted his gaze.

Ninym clamped both hands to his cheeks so he had no choice but to meet her eyes.

Well, like, shed suggest things like swapping the painting of a creepy aristocrat with a counterfeit to humiliate him! Which sounds like so much fun! Like, duh! Of course, Id be up for it!

And I was the one who had to suffer while cleaning up your messes. Oh, just thinking about it is getting me riled up.

Okay, back on topic, Wein forcibly commanded. Moving on. To Lowa, conspiring comes as naturally as breathing. Theres no way that she came here just to talk. Shes got something brewing. No question about it.

I have no objections. And I guess this means your original hypothesis was correct. Ninym stretched out his cheeks. Our newest piece of information is that Lowa is the princess. Other than that, the situation hasnt changed. Her motives are still up in the air. We need to do some more digging to find out whats on her mind.

How long is the envoy staying?

Two weeks. Thats the plan.

Which is long enough to suggest theyre definitely scheming Wein lamented, down in the dumps.

Ninyms profile was marked with caution. She must have something in mind. As host, youll be entertaining at several events. It shouldnt be difficult to make contact.

Except finding out her true motives will be harder than boiling the ocean

Well, in the near future, theres no doubt shell be gorged on food.

Guess I should hope that will make her loose-lipped.

Ninym shrugged. You cant just hope for a slip of the tongue. You need to extract it out of her. Its almost time.

Wein nodded and rose to head toward the banquet hall with Ninym.

Which brings us to the next scene. Wein sat in front of Lowellmina.

Guess Ive got no choice but to draw it out of her.

Based on her behavior, Lowellmina didnt seem the type to let loose in formal settings as she did at the academy. Wein had no problem with that. It enabled him to use his princely authority to corner her.

Princess Lowellmina, may I ask if you were the one who suggested this visit?

Yes. You might tease me for acting in a way unbefitting of an unmarried princess, but I wished to meet you in person, Prince Wein.

I would never. To speak to a beautiful woman is the highest honor for any man But Im afraid Im the prince of a minor, remote nation. Why did you want to meet me?

My. Youre selling yourself short, Lowellmina replied, all smiles. After all, weve heard the news of you leading your nation in the stead of your ill father to victory against Marden. As a member of the Imperial family and as a woman, I must admit this piqued my interest.

I worry I may disappoint you. What do you think? Have I met the expectations of the Empire?

Ah, yes, well I wouldnt say youve met them exactly, she teased mischievously. After all, youve far exceeded them.

To tell you the truth, I would have confided in you if you were upfront with me. Thats why I asked Ninym if you were actually commoners once.

I remember that.

Right. And you said yes. Lowellmina faced her. Ninym Ralei. Why would you lie to your dear friend?

For a second, her glare was dreadful enough to make blood curdle. Off with your head if you dare give me an excuse, it silently expressed.

But Ninym was unfazed. Why, I didnt lie at all.

As the one working at the side of the crown prince, she was familiar with being on the receiving end of pressure.

It was just a mistake, Ninym declared with pride. If were friends, youll forgive me, right? Your Imperial Highness, Princess Lowellmina Earthworld.

They stared each other down for a few more seconds before Lowellmina broke into a wide smile.

Of course, Ninym. Oh, I love that about you. May I give you a hug?

You always try to pick fights with potential playmates. I think you really ought to do something about that Hey. Dont hug me before Ive given my consent.

Its part of my personality. Lowellmina squeezed Ninym with all her might.

Wein shrugged as he watched the duo. Talk about a royal pain in the ass.

Youre one to talk, Ninym communicated via glare, which he pretended affected him less than a gentle breeze.

Right. I havent expressed my appreciation to you. For figuring out my intentions and responding appropriately.

Oh, you mean at the banquet.

They were referring to Lowellmina telling Wein at the soiree that the envoys belonged to her brothers. It had been code for My brothers eyes are everywhere, meaning it would be difficult to meet behind closed doors unless he was proactive.

When Wein realized this, hed prepared trunks with secret openings and snuck into Lowellminas room with Ninym.

No thanks needed. But now that youve called us here, you have to be honest with us. Tell me the real reason why you came all the way to Natra under the guise of a potential union.

Yes, of course. Lowellmina nodded.

Wein, let me be frank in my proposal. Do you want to steal the Empire with me?

Silence fell on them.

The trio exchanged glances, which tangled together in an intricate web and sprayed sparks through the still air.

Wein was the one who finally spoke up. Lowa, are you suggesting we oust the three princes and put you on the throne?

Precisely.

Geez, youre asking for the impossible.

Am I? Lowellmina feigned ignorance.

Wein turned to look at her and shook his head. Im assuming you know the amount of power that we possess as a nation. You can search high and low, but youll never find enough strength for us to go against the Empire.

Sure. If the Empire unleashed its full might, it could erase this kingdom from the face of the continent. But, Lowellmina continued, thats a big if. Im sure youve heard of our internal state. With this battle between brothers for the throne, the Empire cannot function at its full capacity.

Wein didnt reply, but his face said he knew this to be true.

Allow me to recount the events leading up to this moment. Ill start from the very beginning. The catalyst for this situation was our late father becoming ill. Thats the Earthworld Emperor, Lowellmina started. His condition was serious enough to cloud his consciousness and left him unable to stand or speak. Performing his administrative duties was out of the question, which meant it was only reasonable to find a representative to act in his stead. But the Emperor had yet to announce a successor, and the palace fell into complete chaos.

It was here that Ninym chimed in.

This has bothered me for some time. Why didnt he name a successor? Ive heard a number of rumors, but I cant tell which one is true.

Hmm, Ive never asked him directly, so I can only speculate. This should be taken with a grain of salt, butI wonder if it has something to do with the events leading up to his ascent to the throne.

Ninym tilted her head quizzically. And that would be?

He had many brothers, which placed him far down the line of succession. But he couldnt give up on his aspirations for the throne. Only when he demonstrated his abilities was he recognized as a worthy heir. He always said adversity makes or breaks you.

Wein snorted. I see. The point is that he never forgot his own struggles, and he pushed his sons to follow his path.

Thats about the gist of it. Lowellmina gave a wry smile. I honestly think he meant to make the eldest son his successor in his heart. But my oldest brother would rest on his laurels, refusing to pull himself together, no matter how many times he was admonished. Because of that, he may have refrained from stating his decision in order to try and rouse his firstborn son to action.

But he was conked out by the illness before that could happen.

Right. It would have been a different story if my oldest brother had realized the errors of his ways, unified the palace, and put the other two in their place. But in reality, the younger pair seized the opportunity to secretly chip away at his political authority while the eldest became overwhelmed by his duties. Controlling the palace took a backseat for him.

But the Emperor gained consciousness once more after that, right? Ninym commented.

Lowellmina nodded. Even Natra had received word that the Emperor had recovered.

The whole palace let out a sigh of relief when they heard the news. Of course, they were comforted by his improving health, but they hoped it might bring a conclusion to the fight over the throne. He actually called for all his children, me included.

Lowellmina shook her head.

But all that awaited us was a scolding. He expressed his disappointment in his eldest son for failing to unite the palace and in the two others for not managing to oust their brother. He announced that he would be returning to his official duties and that no one was worthy of becoming his successor.

Ninym sighed. How foolish. He had a chance to name an heir and put an end to this mess, but he allowed his emotions to get the better of him. And then he passed away, inviting them to continue their fight My sympathies to the subjects of the Empire.

Wein shrugged. I can see why he might have felt that way. I mean, a strong leader is indispensable, especially to an empire facing rapid expansion. If these brothers of yours are overwhelmed by the troubles in their own palace, itd be hard to rely on them to deal with foreign relations Personally, I think you all should shove any old person on the throne at this point.

Agreed. Lowellmina raised her hand. And I think I should take that very seat, which brings us full circle. Will you help me out?

Ninym.

Theres no mention in Imperial law that the daughter of an Emperor cannot take the throne. She has every right to inherit it. That said, all the successors have been male until this point, and there is a belief among the Empires people that this tradition should continue on.

I know no one of influence within the Empire that will support me. Everyone is courting one of my three brothersand taking no notice of me. Thats why I had to call upon old friends. Dont you think this will be entertaining?

Totally.

WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEIN, warned Ninym in a shrill voice, her glare boring into Wein as he nodded eagerly.

I know, I know. Back at the academy, I could participate in this ordeal, but Im the crown prince of Natra. Based on that alone, I cant agree to this proposal.

Are you saying no? You could be the husband of a future Empress, you know.

Ha-ha-ha, thats some punishmentOW! Wein rubbed at his bruised shin.

Lowellmina watched him from her periphery. Well, I never assumed you would agree from the outset. Anyway, weve talked enough. Shall we call it a night?

Meaning youve got more tricks up your sleeve to get me to join you.

Naturally. Im not so eccentric that I would travel all the way to the northernmost point of the continent empty-handed.

Wein grinned. Nice. Looking forward to tomorrow, Lowa.

Lowellmina flashed a composed smile. Prepare to be wowed.

Ninym sighed. I knew you two were one and the same

How long had it been since this clandestine meeting in the room began?

Fyshe Blundell fidgeted as she kept guard outside the door, unable to relax.

Shed heard Lowellmina had been friends with Wein and Ninym at the academy and allegedly theyd been close with one another. But that was back in their school days. Now, they each had a separate position to fulfill, which meant their friendship wouldnt necessarily hold up. Plus, they were two people of the opposite sex and of marrying age, which doubled her concerns.

Fly in the moment theres an emergency Fyshe kept telling herself.

She had originally been a diplomat, of course, meaning she honestly had no knowledge of the martial arts. As Lowellminas attendant, she tried to learn basic forms of self-defense, but the only thing that came from that was Fyshe realizing the shortcomings of her own athleticism.

Her chest was especially a problem. In her diplomat days, her ample assets could be weaponized, but now, they swayed too much when she moved around, making them painfully sensitive. They always got in the way.

Wont they do me a solid and get a little smaller? she complained internally.

The aide beyond the door would have clicked her tongue in annoyance if she could hear Fyshes thoughts.

The ex-ambassador suddenly felt the door open behind her and whipped around to see Wein and Ninym leave the room with Lowellmina seeing them off.

A productive evening, Princess.

I had a splendid time.

Wein courteously took Lowellminas hand. I would speak with you longer if I could. Alas, its time for even the stars to make their way to bed. I take my leave.

I look forward to tomorrow and hope no one questions you on your return. Take care.

No need to worry. There is no one more knowledgeable of the layout of this palace. Wein let go of Lowellminas hand and glanced at Fyshe. See you around, Lady Blundell.

Ah Y-yes. Fyshe gave a flustered bow.

She may have been the ambassador before, but she was nothing more than a simple attendant now, meaning she was in no position to expect the crown prince to address her directly. But that was Weingenerosity and all.

And with Ninym by his side, Wein took his leave.

Lowellmina called out to her attendant, who watched the pair leave. Fyshe, any issues during our meeting?

No, none at all.

I see. Well then, come on in.

Yes. Fyshe surveilled the area once more just to be safe before setting foot in the room. How did the proceedings go, Your Imperial Highness?

Just splendid, Lowellmina replied. All according to our scheme. I told him my plan was to take the throne.

Wonderful. In that case

Well follow through with our little plan and continue our discussions All to fulfill my true motive.

A look of anxiety spread across Fyshes profile. After all, she knew the weight of the princesss actual intentions.

Will Prince Wein find out? she asked.

Though shed framed it as a question, Fyshe already knew the answer, even before hearing Lowellminas reply.

And the princess had come to the same conclusion.

Lowellmina flashed a composed smile.

Its all a bluff, Wein drawled as he sauntered through the empty palace hallway.

Lowellmina had come under the guise of discussing a potential union with Wein.

Her true motive was apparently to get Wein to help her take the throne.

Which was also a lie. He could tell there was a hidden third intention she was keeping from them.

And your proof? asked Ninym, walking beside him, unfazed because shed sensed the same thing.

Its impossible that she has no supporters in the Empire. I mean, shes an unmarried Imperial Princess, for crying out loud. And she has a legitimate claim to the throne. Theres gotta be hordes of people taking advantage of the chaos to butter her up.

Well, maybe she cant find anyone useful. Anyone wanting to make it big would have sided with one of the princes.

And the first place that she went to find backing was Natra? Please. Theres no point to that. Were eons away from catching up to the Empiremilitarily and politically.

It wasnt unusual for trouble to arise over who would become the next ruler. If a civil conversation wasnt enough to resolve a succession crisis, the next logical step was to use military force.

But Natra wasnt anything more than an ally to the Empire. It had no power to intervene in its internal politics. They could push for Lowellmina, but itd be difficult for them to make any headway.

On the other hand, forcibly silencing the three princes was just as unreasonable. There was an obvious difference in strength between Natra and Earthworld. Even if the princes split the power of the Empire into three, Wein knew hed never stand a chance.

There was no way Lowa wouldnt have realized this.

In that case, its an even bigger mystery why shed pay us a visit.

Yeah. But I found a few leads during our chat. Wein grinned. Leave it to me. Ill expose everything.