Book 7: Chapter 4

Book 7: Chapter 4

Grantsrale. The Imperial Capital.

It had been some time after Falanya had arrived at Silass mansion.

She was in unfamiliar territory. She must have been placed under his protection so they could monitor her. The vibe was different from her home, Willeron Palace.

Under these circumstances

Hoooooow cyuuuute!

Falanya was loving every minute of it.

Look, Nanaki! Look! Aww! Shes trying to walk! How precious!

Uh-huh. Nanaki seemed bored by watching his master hop in joy.

The reason for her excitement sat right in front of them.

Bah.

A human baby.

Not even a year old, the baby had a roly-poly body and a cloud of white hair. Her footsteps were unsteady. She was a walking bundle of joy.

Over here, Elise.

Awoo.

Elise was the babys name. Using the wall for support, she toddled across the floor to where Falanya sat waiting. Elise pressed her hands on the princesss knees, stopping herself from tumbling over.

Wow! Youre such a good girl, Elise! Falanya gave Elise a big hug and rubbed their cheeks together with enough force to fuse them.

Falanya had fallen head over heels for the girl ever since she came to the mansion.

You seem fond of Elise. A Flahm woman smiled as she watched the two.

Her name was Mirabellewife of Silas, who was the master of the house, and Elises mother.

Elise adores you just as much, Your Highness. As her mother, Im delighted.

Tee-hee. You really think so?

Shes just flattering you, Falanya, Nanaki said.

Falanya went to give Nanaki next to her a good kick in the leg. He avoided it soundlessly.

Hmph, you dont know what youre talking about, Nanaki. Elise and I are two peas in a pod. She smiled at the baby. Elise had on a puzzled look but replied by tracing her small hand along Falanyas face.

Suddenly, the baby frowned in the princesss arms.

Wah

Whats wrong? Oh, theres a weird smell.

Nanaki knew what the problem was. She defecated.

Defe Wah! Falanya jolted backobviously careful not to drop Elise.

Your Highness, I will take her. Mirabelle held out her arms with a giggle, and Falanya handed the baby over. With practiced hands, she undressed Elise and changed her diaper.

Falanya seemed to admire her dexterity. Doesnt Elise have a wet nurse?

No. Im responsible for her care.

Oh, Falanya thought with surprise. She was used to aristocrats who bragged about outsourcing their daily tasks as their natural-born right. It explained why many of them had wet nurses care for their babies.

Of course, there were aristocrats in rural areas who didnt have the same standards and those too poor to hire someone. But Mirabelle was a noble wife who resided in the Imperial Capital. If she was raising a child herself

I imagine you want to raise your child in your own way, Falanya concluded.

Mirabelle gave a small smile, which was unexpected.

Hmm? Was I wrong?

No, pardon me. Your Highnesss words have told me how the Flahm are treated in Natra.

Falanya cocked her head to the side.

Mirabelle continued, In the Empire, the Flahm are treated the same as every other race, but there are people who discriminate against us, though they say nothing about it. To be frank, very few people are willing to care for Flahm infants.

Falanya gasped. Now that she thought back on it, the staff in this mansion was surprisingly small for its size. Perhaps most balked at the idea of serving a Flahm.

Were Flahm aristocrats, which means were targets of jealousy and misguided hatred. I hesitate to trust Elise with someone under our employ, knowing they might feel the same way.

Mirabelle smiled for a moment as she rocked Elise.

GrrI see. The Empire hasnt completely changed.

Falanya pursed her lips. The Earthworld Empire was considered one of the most developed nations on the continent. She had been looking forward to her visit, and many things in the Imperial Capital were new to her, which made her even more upset that the material circumstances for this baby were less than what could be provided in Natra.

Compared to the West, I can see that the Empire is more progressive. I heard the situation has improved slightly, but Ive learned the Flahm have shaved their childrens heads and gouged out their eyes to protect them from discrimination

Without their characteristic white hair and red eyes, the Flahm would look no different from others. But the children and parents must have shed many tears to achieve that end.

Falanya knew of similar stories, but hearing them directly from a Flahm broke her heart.

Mirabelle tried to raise her spirits. Oh, we have no intention of doing that to our child. With strong hearts, we live as Flahm in the Empire. She stroked Elises hair with a wry smile. Its good that her hair is white. I dont know what I would have done if it were red.

Red?

Do you not know about the famous legend passed down among the Flahm?

It was the first Falanya had heard of it.

When she flashed Nanaki a questioning look, he nodded. Once every hundred years, a Flahm is born with flaming red hair, marking a hundred years of prosperity for its peopleor so the legend goes.

In the ancient language, Flahm means glow or glowing person. Its said these leaders with red hair were given the honorary title of Flahm, and as time passed, our entire race inherited the name.

WowI didnt know there was such a legend. Falanya nodded with admiration.

Mirabelle continued, They say it was a red-haired Flahm who built a prosperous kingdom for our people in the West. Many still believe that time will come again. If this child had been born with red hair, the Flahm would deify and expect too much from her.

A kingdom of Flahm? Another tidbit that was news to Falanya.

Just as she was about to release a stream of questions

The master has returned.

Falanya and Mirabelle looked at the staff member who had spoken from the entrance of the room. Silas was there.

Welcome back, dear. Mirabelle smiled with Elise in her arms.

Silas approached her and stroked Elises cheek with his finger. Anything happen while I was away?

Not at all. Her Highness and I have been playing with the baby.

He nodded and turned toward Falanya. I apologize for making you entertain my child, Your Highness. Youre supposed to be our guest.

Please. Ive been enjoying myself. This is so new to me, too. Besides, I appreciate all the interesting things Mirabelle has been teaching me.

Im glad to hear it, Silas said, smiling.

Are you finished for the day? Mirabelle asked.

He shook his head. No, I must go to the palace for a short while. There seems to be something going down in Nalthia.

Falanya twitched.

News was traveling through the Empire that Demetrio had lost in his fight against Bardloche It had reached Falanyas ears, of course. People were speculating that Demetrio had somehow escaped, but there was still no information on the safety of Wein, who was with him.

Falanya.

Im okay, Nanaki. Wein wont die.

Falanya turned to Nanaki and smiled. By the way, Sir Silas, did anything become of the two things we discussed earlier?

You will be pleased to hear one item of business is going smoothly. The several people that Your Highness wishes to meet are awaiting you at the Imperial Palace. If you would like, I can accompany you there shortly.

Thank you, Sir Silas. Well, I suppose I shall hurry and get ready.

She was worried about her brother, but her gut told her he was safe. Moreover, Falanya knew she had more to think about than Weins welfare at the moment.

Ill fulfill my duty. I know you will, too, Wein.

Falanya took action, knowing her prayers would reach her brother.

Lowellmina had been incredibly busy since the Imperial princes armies began to move.

After all, Lowellmina didnt have many forces to mobilize. She was the leader of the patriots, a group of those concerned about the future of their nation. They might have agreed with her desire for a peaceful end to things, but they werent trying to put her on the throne.

She might have been absorbing information about each area through any possible means, but Lowellmina didnt have nearly enough assistance to help her attain detailed reports. Even just keeping up with the princes situations had worked them to the bone.

So where is Demetrio now? Lowellmina asked.

Fyshe riffled through her mountain of paperwork for the appropriate document. Right. Hes retreated to the city of Bellida, currently regrouping his remaining forces.

I wonder how many soldiers will return with him.

History proved that the losers of any battle were met with disaster.

It was easy to talk about making a comeback, but accomplishing it was a different matter.

It seems he currently has around three thousand soldiers gathered in the city. If he can salvage five thousand, that would be remarkable. I imagine quite a few have lost their lives.

So of his fifteen thousand, ten thousand were either killed or fled the battlefield.

A staggering number. This was on top of the casualties in Bardloches army, too. Just imagining the battlefield was nauseating.

Prince Bardloche is currently reorganizing his forces. Prince Manfred has nearly assembled enough of his own soldiers, but we arent sure how he might act next.

And Wein?

We dont know much about him. There has been no report of his death, so I presume he is still with Prince Demetrio, but

Hmm, Lowellmina said, seeming uneasy.

Bardloche had won the fight against Demetrio. So the problem was whatever happened next. How would each of the remaining forces make their move?

There is one more matter to discuss. Its about Falanyas odd behaviors.

Whats been so odd?

Through Sir Silas, we know she has been making plans to meet with high-level officials and top business leaders in the Imperial Capital.

Well, shes finally in the capital. Of course she would use this chance to make personal connections. However

If this were any other princess, she wouldnt have thought twice about it. But this was Falanya. Lowellmina knew through experience that she couldnt underestimate her.

Princess Falanyas voice has the lilt of a devil.

Voices meant everything for politicians. One that was easy on the ear and traveled far could elevate a speech. Wein and Lowellminas voices fell into that category; Wein could muster up his soldiers morale, and Lowellmina make all forget their fears.

Falanya was on a whole different level, however. Back in Mealtars, she had spurred three thousand citizens into action with her words alone. Neither Wein nor Lowellmina could have pulled off such a feat. Soldiers, maybe, but not average citizens as Falanya had done. They couldnt fight and didnt possess the will to walk forward. But she did it. It was a miracle.

Falanya was a wild card meant to get me to take a gamble. I thought her role ended there, but does she have other motives?

Could Falanya do in the capital what she did in Mealtars?

Lowellmina felt chances were slim. Though her voice had been hypnotizing, a number of factors had contributed to the events in Mealtars. That said, she couldnt let her guard down.

Fyshe, do we have anyone free at the moment?

We do not. But I can work something out if need be.

In that case, tighten the surveillance around Princess Falanya. At the very least, find out who she meets.

Understood.

Lowellmina was burning through her cards. It was nice to have some cushion for an emergency, but it wasnt feasible in their current situation.

Was Wein the one tying up her hands? He had to be.

That jerk, Lowellmina thought, mentally slapping him.

Pardon me! A messenger flew into the room.

What is it? Lowellmina asked, having a bad feeling about this. A bead of sweat trickled down her face.

Prince Bardloche is preparing to hold the baptism in Nalthia!

She sensed the imaginary Wein that she had been slapping around flash a grin.

Something strange was going on inside Nalthia. Glen realized this soon after the battle with Demetrios army.

First of all, the citizens of Nalthia had been against Bardloches army occupying the city. He had charged into sacred land, intent on interrupting their time-honored ceremony. Of course they werent happy.

Now that Demetrio had lost, the baptism was obviously postponed. Glen had assumed this would put the citizens in an even worse mood.

So how can I explain this?

Isnt it normal to prepare a way to eliminate your pursuers or two? Well, I never imagined Id be using them on you.

Youre a real piece of work!

The walls and ceiling of the storehouse began to crumble. Ninym swiftly escaped through the emergency hatch in the ceiling that had been prepared ahead of time.

Until we meet again, Glen.

A moment later, the storehouse came crashing down on him.

Ninym glanced at the pile of rubble that used to be a building, then she followed behind her other companions and ran through the shadows of the warehouse district.

Lady Ninym, what shall we do next?

Well escape before were followed, Ninym replied frankly. Theyll know about us soon enough. We dont have a moment to lose.

Wont it take them some time? I mean, the man is dead.

He wont die that easy, Ninym said, briefly looking behind her at the now-distant warehouse. She was certain her friend was still alive, even though he was trapped in the rubble. Either way, our job here is done. Glen might have talked big, but they wont make it here on time. So all thats left is heading back.

Understood.

They traveled from shadow to shadow, soundlessly leaving Nalthia behind.

Hey. Whats going on here?

The sailors who had just fought Glen were dumbfounded by the scene. They had followed Glen out of sheer interest, but all that awaited them was a demolished storehouse.

This place was pretty run-down. Did it fall apart from old age?

Maybe Hey, you dont think that guy from earlier is under here, do you?

He couldnt be

The sailors looked at one another and gingerly called out. H-hey! Someone there?!

No response. Maybe they were worrying over nothing. Or maybe he was already dead beneath the rubble. Either way, the wreckage would have to be cleared.

Guess we got no choice. We better call people over and get this mess cleaned up.

Right Wait, hold on a sec. Over there.

All eyes zeroed in on the spot where one sailor pointed. The mountain of debris began to move.

No way.

Emerging was a mound several times heavier than the average person.

You cant be serious.

Damn. Is he really human?

As the sailors stood in shock, Glen pushed scraps of beam and ceiling out of the way.

Phew. She got me. Glen tossed the chunks to the side, shook the dust from his cloak, and looked off into the distance. If I follow them nowI wont catch up to them.

Failing to capture the criminals was a major blunder. He hadnt planned on going easy on his friend, but his insistence on capturing her alive might have dulled his sword.

H-hey, you.

Hm? Oh, youre the guys from before, Glen replied, noticing them only after theyd called out. Sorry. Ill reimburse the warehouse owner later, promise.

S-sure

Well, its really not like we could hold you, even if we wanted to

To the sailors, Glen was more iron than man. They had no desire to lay a hand on him for a bounty.

Captain! One of Glens subordinates appeared from a narrow alley of the warehouse district. Captain, what are you doing?! And whats all this?!

He went bug-eyed at the sight of the collapsed warehouse. Glen picked up the sword by his feet and spoke as he sheathed it.

No time to explain. Lets save that for later and hurry back to headquarters. There is something I must tell Prince Bardloche.

The subordinate seemed to gulp. P-please wait! Im here to tell you theres trouble at our headquarters!

What? What happened?

Well

As soon as Glen heard the mans answer, he raced back to their base.

Bardloches army was currently using a building in Nalthia as its headquarters. The prince and his top officials had been locked in the meeting room all night and day, investigating and deciding on their next plan

Someone barked in the room. Youre kidding! Are you serious?!

The voice, now hoarse with fury, came from Prince Bardloche himself. His leaders sat in a row before him. Though their master was furious, their expressions were resolute, ready for battle.

I would never say that on a whim or to save face. Understand that this was a unanimous decision. Let me say it again: Your Highness, please take this opportunity to go through with the baptism.

! Bardloches face instantly twisted. Have you forgotten that weve taken this city for justice?! We needed to put an end to Demetrios tyrannical ideas! Touting justice and chasing out Demetrio, only to do the same thing, will make me a joke for generations.

No one is laughing. You must know, Your Highness, the people wish for a new Emperor as soon as possible. With this sweeping victory, they are now certain that you, Prince Bardloche, are the most suitable for the role, and they are hoping for your quick ascension. Betraying them and returning to our own territory will turn us into laughingstocks!

They werent backing down, even when Bardloche scolded them. Far from it, in fact. Bardloche didnt have control over them.

What about Manfred? We collaborated under the condition that I return to my own domain after putting a stop to Demetrio. If I betray him, he wont stay silent.

Its just what we need. If you defeat Prince Demetrio and Prince Manfred, there would be no greater proof that youre qualified to become Emperor.

Bardloche tried his best to put an end to this discussion. Both sides were snapping at each other. Tensions were mountinguntil Lorencio rapped on the table and got their attention, ending his silence.

Lets take a short recess. Youre losing your composure.

Sir Lorencio, this is a grave matter. We have no time to waste!

Precisely why we must clear our heads. If we could place Prince Bardloche on the throne through wishful thinking, it would have happened ages ago.

Lorencio was an earl and the most senior member among them. Other leaders went silent, though reluctantly.

All right. Well take a short break. Collect your thoughts, Bardloche said.

The meeting went into a short recess.

Glen headed straight for Lorencios room upon his arrival.

Ah, Glen. Im busy at the moment. Lets save this for later.

Lorencio seemed to be in the middle of something, but Glen was persistent.

My apologies, but this concerns the baptism. Im afraid I must speak with you immediately.

Oh, so you already know. I take it you heard the rumors during your patrol? Lorencio asked, urging Glen to take a seat. So what news do you bring?

The people of Nalthia want the prince to go through with the baptism, but I have proof that this is all part of Prince Demetrios plan No, that its Prince Weins plan.

Glen recounted how he had gone to the north to pinpoint the source of the rumors, come across covert operatives in the warehouse, and engaged in battle, but failed to capture them.

Lorencio thought for a moment before speaking. Glen, does anyone else know about this besides you and me?

No.

Lorencio nodded. In that case, speak of this matter to no one. Act as if it never happened.

What? Glen blinked. P-please wait. Ill accept whatever punishment awaits me for allowing the perpetrators to escape. But at this rate

Prince Bardloche will complete the ceremonial baptism. Isnt that wonderful? Lorencio asked with a savage smile that made him seem younger than his age. Prince Bardloche might be troubled now, but hell soon come to realize he shouldnt let this opportunity pass. I suppose I must be grateful to Prince Wein. He has saved us time persuading the people.

Sir! The enemy must have let this happen, because they have a way to win! Were jumping into their trap!

If its a trap, we can chew through it, Lorencio reasoned. Dont you get it? The Empire needs a ruler. What would happen if we allowed this opportunity to pass us by? Itll trigger a political battle with the youngest prince, and well continue to waste time.

Lorencio had a point.

If pressed for an answer, Glen knew it was now or never. He would have gone along with it if he hadnt known that this was orchestrated by a certain someone.

However, Glen was familiar with the people in question. Ninym and Wein were arranging all of this behind the scenes.

Sir, we should tell Prince Bardloche at the very least!

No. Youre dismissed.

His pleas were in vain. There wasnt anything he could do. Glen left the room, face clouded over, all while sensing a new battle would soon be upon them.

Basically, its not just the citizens who are getting impatient, Wein said in a room in Bellida. For the common Imperial subject, its obvious that the most sensible way to resolve this matter is through discussion, but theyll only rally around that if they can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Without progress, their patience will expire, and theyll want more extreme measures to get the job done. This goes for citizens and factions.

Demetrio was the only other one in the room. Wein would have never imagined theyd be facing each other across a desk when they joined teams.

Wein continued, Thats not all. The factions arent just serving leaders out of loyalty alone. Theyre thinking about future honor, concessions, rewards, bestowed by the chosen Emperor. Their patience is fading, as they wait two years with nothing to show for their effort.

I know what youre getting at, Prince Demetrio responded, nodding with a pained expression. One of the reasons I set out to become Emperor was because I was starting to lose control over them.

Right? I imagine youre not the only one. Not many people would see an opportunity for victory and not jump at it. But their ability to reason with their subordinates is waning. All because they won this big battle against your army.

Dont get too cocky.

My bad. Wein shrugged.

Demetrio glared at Wein for a moment but decided to continue despite his obvious displeasure.

Will Bardloche go along with this?

Prince Bardloches and Prince Manfreds factions are in competition. Even if one of them wins, they will take a big blow. I imagine Prince Bardloche was hoping to absorb your faction, bolster his influence, and overwhelm Prince Manfred in the next battle.

Wein continued, However, the people are pressuring him to rise to the throne, and even his subordinates agree with them. His faction is made up of mostly army men. Since he rules over guys who are violent for a living, Bardloche will lose his popularity and respect if he shows weakness. Hell take the plunge. No question about it.

And if he does that, Manfred wont be able to just sit back and watch. Hell have no choice but to lead his forces into battle.

And while the two are biting at each others heels, well make off with the gains.

Ngh Demetrio groaned.

Wein was playing a single card: cementing the desire of the people in Nalthia. And that had given Demetrio a chance at winning. How terrifying the foreign princes foresight was.

So Id like to command the next battle, Wein said.

In all other circumstances, the mere act of a foreign prince requesting to control his forces would be a declaration of war. Demetrio had known this man was poison and kept his distance. Wein was lethal.

So was he going to drink the poison or not?

Can you win?

I have my methods. Its all about using a little creativity.

Demetrio closed his eyes for a moment before answering in a strained voice. Give me time to think about it.

Demetrio would wait until the last minute to decide, but Wein didnt press him further, almost as if he was certain that Demetrio would eventually drink the poison without prompting.

I can wait. It gives me time to enjoy a nice glass of wine before the battle breaks out between the younger two princes.

Wein grinned and raised the glass in his hand.

He got me, Prince Manfred murmured, looking at a map. Now, I have to fight Bardloche.

Hed received word that the middle prince was planning on going through with the baptism.

That brother of mine is too stupid for his own good. I dont imagine he became greedy overnight to get the jump on me. He obviously lost control of his faction and was pushed into it.

Manfred continued, It was Prince Wein who triggered them to do that. Right, Strang?

No doubt. Next to him, Strang nodded respectfully. Of course, theyre far away, so we cant get any conclusive proof. But it hasnt even been that long since Prince Demetrio was defeated, and weve suddenly found ourselves going up against Bardloche. Hes in the perfect spot to sweep in and steal the spoils. Very on brand for Prince Wein.

It seems a little slipshod and forced to mebut you know him better. If thats what you say, Ill take your word.

Manfred knew Strang had been friends with Wein, Glen, and Lowellmina back in military school. The Imperial prince initially suspected that Strang was colluding with outside forces, but the man was more attached to his hometown than his friends. Manfred was certain that he would not betray him, as long as Strangs birthplace saw some kind of gain.

Our next steps are crucial So can we win?

Yes, Strang replied without missing a beat. Bardloches army is composed of military personnel, making it quite powerful. This means pretty much everything else is their weakness. Now that theyre exhausted from their fight against Demetrio, I think we have a solid shot at winning.

This wasnt his ego speaking. Back in school, Wein always had the best grades in his class, but Glen had pulled ahead in military arts and Strang in tactics. This was why Manfred had made him his right-hand man.

Hmm In that case, what should we be concerned about?

Demetrios army. More specially, Wein. We must prevent them from striking us from the side as were locked in a fight with Bardloche. This is critical.

Manfred nodded. Because hed let them off the leash, he now had to face Bardloches army. He knew they had to do something. In fact, he was painfully aware of the fact.

Strang, the time has come to enact the plan that you suggested we prepare.

Yes. Prince Demetrios faction has suffered significant damage, so were likely to achieve optimal results I would have not liked to ever use it, since Im technically an Imperial subject, though Im from the provinces.

Its a sacrifice made in the name of victory. Move forward with our plans.

Understood. Strang bowed.

Demetrio versus Bardloche.

That fight had gone to Bardloche.

Except it had failed to settle anything and only invited further chaos.