Chapter . 45
Not surprised? I was incredibly surprised. I just borrowed your mother's iron mask.
"I only believed that the Marquis, being a wise person, would make the right decision."
"Haha, is that a compliment? I feel good. But even if the Prince considers my proposal, you will still go to meet His Majesty."
"I am loyal to His Majesty."
"I won't stop you. I accept the Prince's decision."
It was unexpected.
Actually, even if the imperial command was issued, or rather because it was issued, I thought the enemies would interfere in some way behind the scenes. Instead of proposing an alliance to me, they would band together among themselves.
"I have already admitted that I have never earned the Prince's trust. Therefore, I no longer oppose the Prince's efforts to gain His Majesty's trust. Even if you found out where the dragon egg is after being sick for a long time."
"...You change your stance quickly, Marquis."
The Sword Master smiled, revealing his white teeth.
"If the Prince wishes to buy His Majesty's trust, I merely wish to buy the Prince's trust as well."
Come to think of it, if I truly found the dragon egg once, I could find it twice. Then, rather than blocking or stopping me when I go to the Emperor upon the first discovery, it is better to aim for the second discovery and curry favor with me. I would have made the same decision if I were Alexander.
"Understood, Alexander."
For now, let's acknowledge the effort. As I called his name, my illegitimate brother grinned and leaned forward. I felt Sir Rolf standing behind me also leaning forward.
"The Prince and I are very alike."
When I furrowed my brow, he immediately raised a hand.
"At least we don't go around with flower crowns on our heads already like Maxim or Mond."
I agree with the sentiment that they act as if they are already emperors, but the nicknames were uncomfortable to hear.
What does he call me in front of those guys?
"For them, they probably can't stand the thought of bowing their heads to me, whom they have looked down on all this time."
"Correct. But not me. Like the Prince, I am not wrapped in anyone's skirt either. It is desirable that such a Prince urged our brothers' independence, but you must have anticipated the backlash because of it."
"Of course, Her Majesty the Empress or Grimiati would rather see the two princes taste failure now than lose their influence over them."
Even if my brothers wanted to join hands with me, the Empress and the Duke wouldn't just sit back and watch.
"So, to express my gratitude for the Marquis's first alliance proposal, I would like to make a proposal as well."
Originally, I was going to do it alone, but I'll include you. It will be more effective that way.
My illegitimate brother smiled broadly.
"A good plan."
"Whatever the result, the Marquis will definitely find it entertaining enough."
"The Prince's considerate promise warms my heart."
Of course, would a benevolent future emperor give only entertainment?
***
Father was in the Emperor's Garden. It was a space more exclusively for the Emperor than his bedroom, where various attendants came and went to serve him.
Only the Emperor and those he permitted could enter, and even direct imperial family members had to receive permission each time. Originally, the Emperor's Garden was a space for the Emperor and his direct lineage, but it changed like that since the incident of the Emperor's poisoning by a direct lineage member.
'Dragon's Rock...'
Dragon's Rock was a blackish broad flat rock, the largest in Armatia, with a smoothly polished surface. It was the only thing Father, who had no interest in flowers or trees, ordered to be brought into the garden, transported after searching the whole country.
People said Ilaves used to sit leaning against this rock, and Father would sit on a chair in front of it. In the middle, a similar but smaller rock was polished and placed like a stone table. It was true that Father spent more time with Ilaves than with his wife and children.
'Could be called Dragon's Garden.'
Instead of trees or flowers, only grass was laid in the Emperor's Garden. It looked vast to the point of emptiness, but the view overlooking the lake where the dragon washed its body was good. Unobstructed without anything getting in the way, it must have been a comfortable space for a dragon, even if it didn't look like a garden.
Even now, sitting on the chair in front of it, Father spoke to me with his chin resting on one hand.
"You received a revelation about the dragon egg, Leontes?"
With his intense gaze pinned on me, I answered politely.
"Yes, Father."
Father's gaze left me and directed behind me.
The Emperor's Garden was surrounded by a rose hedge, and artifacts installed within it detected people entering and leaving without permission. I came alone now, but behind me were many people. Those who crowded densely beyond the rose hedge.
"Prince Leontes received a revelation about the dragon egg!"
"Finally! As expected of the Second Prince!"
"Where on earth could it be?"
Excited people, none of them even dreamed that the dragon egg wouldn't exist. The atmosphere was that the dragon egg was somewhere and would be discovered soon. The situation where everyone had to watch the Emperor's mood in worry finally escaped that stifling state.
Those gathered were mainly from the Illegitimate Prince faction, but the other three factions also rushed over quickly. Revealing the bare face of court etiquette that was elegant only on the surface.
They intended to take this opportunity to see the Emperor's Garden, which they hadn't even been able to approach nearby until now. If one misses a tremendous excuse like the dragon egg, they aren't a courtier.
"It is truly commendable that you came to tell me about it, but why have so many people gathered?"
Father asked. If there was one thing Father and I had in common, it was that neither of us liked crowded places. I would be the only one envying spending time with a dragon in the Emperor's Garden.
"I merely came to Father as soon as I found out. However, there are many in the court who watch my movements, and since this matter is so rare, there is no way to escape their eyes."
How difficult had it been until now just for a son to go speak to his father? If it hadn't been such a rare event, it wouldn't have attracted people's attention.
"Therefore, since things happened regardless of my will, how could I stop them?"
The Emperor should be the one stopping such things.
"Your, Your Majesty!"
At that moment, Chancellor Cuaron came hurriedly, gasping for breath roughly beyond the rose hedge. Father permitted his entry with a glance. As soon as the Chancellor greeted Father, he spoke to me.
"Prince Leontes, I heard you were sick, so I didn't know you would come out like this suddenly."
"Look, even Father's Chancellor is this surprised. How much more so would other courtiers be?"
I willingly chimed in with the Chancellor.
"Haha... If you had something to say to His Majesty, why didn't you tell me?"
"It is a revelation about the dragon egg, Chancellor. Naturally, His Majesty the Emperor of Armatia must hear it first. Especially if he is the master of Ilaves."
I didn't hide my surprise at the Chancellor's presumptuous remark. If he acts presumptuously towards me, isn't it the same as acting presumptuously towards his master, the Emperor?
"...I apologize. My thought was short, Prince."
The Chancellor apologized immediately. He had to humor me until he heard the revelation. But more than that, he seemed to have chosen to retreat rather than touch upon a sensitive topic in front of Father.
"I gladly forgive you, Chancellor. There is a more important matter right now. Since Father does not like people gathering, what should be done, Chancellor?"
When I asked after accepting the apology, the Chancellor had a face full of things to say. Try it. He is the one who has accumulated wealth wielding power as Father's Chancellor, not me.
"I will disperse them, do not worry, Your Majesty."
The Chancellor went to disperse the people with dignity, but among them were imperial family members of higher status than the Chancellor.
"Telling us to leave, to whom are you speaking?"
"It is a matter on which the future of the country depends, shouldn't I naturally know!"
"Then, will the Chancellor come and tell me later? You aren't intending to make me wait long, are you?"
While the Chancellor and I were talking, Father had crossed his arms and said nothing. In other words, he didn't give an imperial command for the Chancellor to disperse them but made him handle it himself. Because of that, the Chancellor was suffering now, but that was also why he quickly lowered his tail and left Father's side.
"Father!"
And then Desmond appeared. Calling Father, he glared at me. He seemed to feel a tremendous sense of betrayal from me. Alexander proposed an alliance at least, but he shamelessly wished for me to bow first.
"Prince, His Majesty is alone with Prince Leontes—"
"What did you say just now, Chancellor?"
Desmond challenged the innocent Chancellor as if I were monopolizing Father. The Chancellor tried to retort but closed his mouth because Rhiannon arrived behind him.
But the Empress didn't take a single step into the Emperor's Garden. Like the only person here who didn't want to enter the Emperor's Garden. Her cold gaze turned to me and the Emperor. Desmond, who had gained spirit at the Empress's arrival, couldn't hide his fluster at his mother's silence. Alexander, watching the mother and son for a moment, looked at me and smirked.
"Move!"
However, that subtle current was blown away completely by Maximilian, who arrived shortly after.
"Oh, the First Prince!"
"Truly dashing!"
"The person who went out to find the dragon egg through fire and water!"
Maximilian, who seemed to have moved hurriedly via magic circle, had wet hair. Outwardly, it looked as if he had searched for the dragon egg even in the rain, but who knows. Maybe he was wet from washing hurriedly after a secret tryst.
"Father, I, who left to find the dragon egg, have returned to report!"
He had no interest or curiosity in the atmosphere created by the Chancellor, Desmond, the Empress, and my illegitimate brother. Leaving such things to Grimiati and always acting as he pleased, that was also Maximilian's strength.
Now, my brother was looking only at me and the Emperor, shouting loudly as if ready to charge once the rose hedge gate opened. People sent admiring glances at the First Prince showing such enthusiasm to find the dragon egg.
"What do you think, Leontes. Do you wish to share the revelation you received with your brothers?"
In the midst of this, Father finally opened his mouth and said this. Asking such a thing, is my word law? Are you trying to abdicate in front of everyone? To me, who doesn't know refusal?
If I said no here, the two princes wouldn't stay still. I would be glad if they died of resentment, but in people's eyes, I would appear as someone who doesn't appreciate their efforts. As if my passion for finding the dragon egg was less than theirs.
But if I said yes, I would incur Father's wrath.
"Their effort to find the dragon egg is commendable, so God Traneha looks down upon it. How could I oppose? They may listen as well."
"Ohhhhh!"
Cheers erupted at my words, and my brothers shamelessly even smiled at me. Especially Maximilian. To be able to look arrogant even while smiling so broadly.
On the other hand, the Chancellor was displeased. He seemed to think I broke the agreement and yielded to the pressure of the other princes. The disdain of an old politician towards a greenhorn who went against the Emperor's mood was evident. While Father didn't even twitch an eyebrow.
"Father has permitted it."
Maximilian urged, and the Chancellor stepped aside with an expressionless face. The brothers swarmed in. The Duke and the Empress only watched from behind.
When they came, I opened my mouth again.
"However, I will speak only to Father. Father, please decide personally to whom my words shall be conveyed."
Joy and sorrow crossed paths. Exactly opposite to before.
"Leontes, my brother."
My biological brother, who treated me as a brother only at times like this, stepped forward.
"Do you think I, who suffer so much to find the dragon egg, am not worthy of hearing the revelation about it?"
Yes.