Brother Traugott

That's how things stand.

I went to Brother Traugott and explained the situation.

I'd expected him to storm into Father's presence in a fury at the very least, but Brother Traugott was perfectly calm.

Even though the matter concerned the Vassal State, he didn't look at me and remained at his desk as usual.

"Hmm... I can't seem to think of a particularly brilliant sentence."

"Brother Traugott... were you listening?"

"I was listening. I simply didn't understand why you were asking me."

"...Aren't you angry?"

I asked, puzzled.

It was because I couldn't see any anger in Brother Traugott.

In fact, Brother Traugott nodded.

"The time for anger has already passed. That's how I see it."

"You mean you don't hold on to the past?"

"I do hold on to it."

Which is it...?

As I thought, Brother Traugott was a weirdo. I couldn't understand what he was thinking.

As I was thinking that, Brother Traugott turned to face me.

"Arnold. Do you believe the Vassal State killed my brother Wilhelm?"

"...I believe they were one of the factors."

"I agree. However, they were probably merely used. Only a limited number of close aides accompanied our eldest brother when he went to inspect the north. The battle occurred when his protection was at its weakest, and our eldest brother died from a stray arrow... Do you really think Wilhelm could be brought down by something as trivial as a stray arrow? Unless he was in exceptionally poor condition... or had been drugged, that would be impossible."

He was only fooling around; he wasn't stupid.

That was my assessment of Brother Traugott, but never had I felt it so strongly as I did today.

There was even something intimidating in the eyes that stared straight at me.

As I thought, this man really was Crown Prince Wilhelm's younger brother. Having grown up watching that man's back since childhood, he must see a great many things.

"You think it was an assassination? Despite how thoroughly we investigated, we found no trace of anything of the sort."

"They wouldn't make a blunder that would allow themselves to be found. Anyone capable of attempting and succeeding in the assassination of the Crown Prince should have had a thorough grasp of our investigative methods as well."

"...Are you saying the person who killed our eldest brother was someone who knew not only him but the Empire well?"

"There's no doubt they were involved. However, finding them isn't my job."

Saying that, Brother Traugott looked out the window.

Below, he could see the lively castle town.

"The imperial family exists to support the Empire and help it prosper. Our eldest brother lived according to that belief. If the Empire prospered as a result, then one could say our eldest brother's death was not in vain."

"...Are you all right with that?"

"...Losing my brother was painful. As his younger brother, I believed without a doubt that he would become a great emperor. But... our father, who lost his son, must be suffering more. If Father is inviting the Vassal State for the sake of the Empire, then accepting it is one way of showing filial devotion."

"...I understand. Then, as for serving as the Vassal State's host..."

I would take it.

Just as I was about to say that, Brother Traugott stopped me with a hand.

Then—

"I will take it. That would be best."

"Are you serious?!"

"Quite serious—utterly earnest, I assure you. If they wish to form a friendship, rejecting them would be rude. We must offer them the warmest possible welcome if we are to overcome the past. Having been born of the same mother as the Crown Prince, serving as their host is how I can demonstrate my sincerity. Besides, it would not be proper to foist something unpleasant onto my younger brother."

"I feel like you're foisting it on me quite a bit already... Besides, wouldn't that make things more awkward for them?"

"I understand that. But if they truly desire improved relations, they must overcome that much."

Saying that, Brother Traugott rose from his chair, his massive frame—the largest in the imperial family—swaying.

When I was a child, I thought he resembled a huge bear, and I hadn't been wrong.

This man was a bear.

After all, even now, a fierce light dwelled in his eyes.

"If their desire to improve relations is a lie... I will make them pay the price."

"Brother Traugott..."

"But... if a cute loli comes along, I might abandon my principles..."

"That part hasn't changed, at least..."

While exasperated by Brother Traugott making a show of agonizing over something so inconsequential, I opened the door.

If Brother Traugott was going to take on the role of host to the Vassal State, I had to report it to Father.

Father would surely entrust it to Brother Traugott if he agreed to do it.

Despite his appearance, he had no weakness other than pretty girls.

"Arnold."

As we left the room and walked side by side down the corridor, Brother Traugott suddenly called my name.

When I looked at Brother Traugott beside me, he wore an unusually serious expression.

"What is it?"

"I will tell Leonart to be on his guard. This ceremony won't end without incident."

"What do you mean?"

"The only important people coming to the Empire are pro-Empire dignitaries. If another country intends to make a move, this would be the perfect opportunity."

"You mean they might invade? The Empire?"

"I'm saying it cannot be ruled out. Perhaps concerned about that, Lady Lieselotte refused Father's request and remains stationed at the border. She must have sensed something out there on the front line."

"...I'll tell Leo as well."

"...Even so, should we really be guarding only against threats from outside? Well, there's nothing I can do about that."

After murmuring those portentous words, Brother Traugott quickened his pace.

Matching his pace, I asked him something that had long puzzled me.

"Brother Traugott... why don't you seek the imperial throne?"

"...My brother Wilhelm was the ideal Crown Prince. So I spent my time doing what I liked. And... I couldn't help him at all. No matter how much I regret it, it will never be enough. It was unbearably frustrating. That's why... I did consider succeeding him, if only for a moment."

"For a moment...?"

"It was a thought that vanished almost immediately. I cannot become a better emperor than Wilhelm. Once Wilhelm lost his life and the struggle for the throne began, the next emperor had to surpass Wilhelm. I cannot surpass my brother."

Muttering, "That's why..." Brother Traugott stopped near the throne room.

Then, taking a deep breath, he spoke while looking at me—or rather, at the person behind me.

"I have high hopes for Arnold and Leonart. Together, you two should be able to become emperors greater than Wilhelm. Unlike the other three."

"...May I take that as a declaration that you're siding with Leonart, Traugott?"

When I turned around, Erich was standing there.

Brother Traugott and Erich's eyes met.

"I'll leave that interpretation to you, Erich."

"Are you saying that I cannot surpass Wilhelm?"

"It might have been different before, but now I believe it's impossible. If you were still the Erich who competed with Wilhelm, you would have acted to keep the struggle for the throne from intensifying. Like the other two, you have changed, Erich."

"If I make a move, the struggle for the throne will descend into even greater confusion. That will weaken the Empire. Why can't you understand that?"

"That's exactly how you've changed. You should be able to prevent the Empire from weakening while also ensuring that our family doesn't shed blood needlessly. If you mean to surpass my brother Wilhelm, you should be able to accomplish at least that much. You had that kind of power."

"That's unrealistic. My approach is the one that minimizes the damage."

"I'm not telling you to cling to an ideal. I'm merely saying I cannot accept someone who doesn't even try to pursue one. Those who do not seek something better have no future."

After saying that, Brother Traugott turned on his heel. Erich did the same.

With his broad back to me, Brother Traugott continued speaking.

"Arnold... you can't defeat Erich on your own. That's why you must work with Leonart. You mustn't leave everything to capable brothers like me."

"...Yes. I'll take that to heart."

"Then I shall be off."

"Huh? Wait!"

With that, Brother Traugott suddenly broke into a run.

I tried to stop him, but before I could, Brother Traugott had already flung open the throne room doors.

"Father! As for the Vassal State's host—this Traugott will take it!"

"Quiet!! Don't come barging in during a meeting!!"

"Eeeeeek!!?? I'm sorry!!"

I knew this would happen, and headed over to Brother Traugott, who had fled the throne room clutching his head and half in tears.