Chapter 222
The deceased Crown Prince had many capable subordinates.
In particular, his close aides were exceptional. Vinn was a candidate for one of those positions—in other words, they were so accomplished that even Vinn couldn't break into the ranks of the close aides.
That was Crown Prince Wilhelm's faction.
When the Crown Prince died, the subordinates who had entrusted their dreams to him scattered. Some served others, but most, their dreams crushed, retired like Vinn. That was how radiant and dazzling the Crown Prince had been.
People cannot live without the sun. For the many who had entrusted their dreams to the Crown Prince, his death was the death of the sun.
Even so, there was a possibility of a new sun.
The only person who could succeed the Crown Prince was his younger brother, born to the same mother and raised in the same way.
Fourth Prince Traugott Reks Adler.
My brother was capable of anything outside the arts; I wouldn't be surprised by anything he did.
He was an unbalanced person, overflowing with talent yet fond of an art for which he had no talent.
"...Did you call together our eldest brother's close aides?"
"Of course. Though it was done in utmost secrecy, they are already in the Imperial Capital."
"...Are you going to enter the contest for the throne?"
It would not be strange for people to take it that way.
Everyone would think he had decided to succeed the late Crown Prince.
At the very least, he could no longer remain in the position he had held until now. Just as Leo had been made the figurehead of a faction, Erich and the others would regard Trau-nii-san as an enemy.
"Do you think so?"
"I don't. But...other people probably will."
"Then there is no problem. At this point, I no longer care how other people see me. I contacted my brother's close aides this time because I couldn't stop a domain state on my own if it made suspicious moves. The aides who feel indebted to my brother will go easy on me, his own younger brother. I asked them to help just this once."
"So you've accepted the consequences? If you take conspicuous action, you'll become the greatest obstacle to every candidate for the throne."
"Indeed. I may not be able to immerse myself in art for a while."
Saying that, Trau-nii-san murmured ruefully.
That was more precious to Trau-nii-san than his own life.
Because it was his reason for living.
Even though he had no talent, even though people mocked him.
He continued because he loved it. As a hobbyist, Trau-nii-san had decided to pursue what he loved, and he had never wavered from that path.
And now, that same Trau-nii-san was taking action that would interfere with what he loved.
It was an extraordinary thing.
"...Why would you go this far? Is it for Leo? Because you see in him the potential to become an emperor who can surpass our eldest brother?"
"That is part of it. Leo will surely become a good emperor. I want him to become one. That's why I've decided to support him. But I stepped forward now for a different reason."
"A different reason?"
"I don't want to see one younger brother abandon another. If sacrificing myself can open another path, then I thought I should do so."
Trau-nii-san gave a faint smile.
The way he smiled was somewhat like our eldest brother.
I must look awful right now.
There was only so much I could do.
If I could save everyone, I wanted to. But I couldn't, so I had no choice but to choose whom to save.
But now, Trau-nii-san had sacrificed his way of life, expanding the scope of what I could do.
"――Please look after Christa. I will protect Rupert, no matter what."
"You can count on me. Taking this opportunity, I'd like Miss Christa to address me as onii-sama. Dufufu!"
After letting out an indescribable laugh, Trau-nii-san turned on his heel.
I suppose he'd finished what he came for.
His steps were unsteady. He really had forced himself to come here.
"Trau-nii-san...thank you."
"Don't worry about it. This is the Empire, and we are members of the Imperial Family. Acting for the sake of the country is only natural. Please don't underestimate those above you. Don't put too much pressure on yourself; just do what you can. Surely someone will reach out where Arnold cannot."
Saying that, Trau-nii-san left the room.
After bowing to Trau-nii-san, I turned toward Gianna.
"...As you heard, we'll protect Rupert here."
"Thank you! Please accept my deepest gratitude, Prince Arnold!"
"Don't thank me... Thank Trau-nii-san."
I said that, bowed to Gianna and Mother, and turned on my heel.
With Trau-nii-san's cooperation, I needed to rearrange our forces.
Normally, I'd leave the various arrangements to Sebas, but unfortunately, I'm the only one here.
I'll be up all night.
"What a shame. I think Traugott could be a fine emperor if only he wanted to."
Mother murmured.
She truly meant it.
But only under one condition.
If he wanted to.
Grandfather had said the same thing. Anyone who did not want to become emperor could not become one, no matter how much potential they possessed—and should not become one.
Trau-nii-san had everything. He was the Empress's son and the Crown Prince's younger brother. If he called out, even the Crown Prince's close aides would gather. He himself had been raised just like the Crown Prince, and his abilities were high and well balanced.
Even so, he had no desire to become emperor.
Because he could not surpass the image left by the late Crown Prince.
That was why he had entrusted succession to Leo.
Leo was the Empire's new sun.
"Rest assured. Leo will become an even better emperor."
"What makes you say that?"
"An older brother's intuition."
With that, I smiled and left Mother's room.
When I returned to my room, Fine was waiting for me.
"Welcome back. I'll make some tea now."
"Thanks. But first, there's something I need to do."
Saying that, I took out the silver mask.
Once the Firmament was activated, I wouldn't be able to leave the Imperial Capital. If I wanted to go outside, tonight was probably my last chance.
I had to do everything I could.
Trau-nii-san had reminded me that I didn't have to do everything alone.
It was all right to rely on other people.
"Understood. Leave things here to me."
"Yeah...Fine. Do you think Leo managed to save Leticia?"
The sky was filled with stars.
Some people once used the stars to read the future and the weather, but unfortunately, I had no such talent.
I had given Leo all the forces I could.
If that wasn't enough, I'd have no choice but to accept that and give up. However, if he failed to save Leticia, Leo wouldn't be able to move on right away.
I had sent Elna in case the worst happened. Elna would surely be able to stop Leo.
Even so, I hoped everything would work out.
As I thought that, Fine smiled.
"It's all right! Leo-sama is Al-sama's younger brother!"
"I don't think that's evidence."
"It is! Al-sama has helped so many people! Leo-sama will surely be fine too! I believe in him!"
Her answer was so optimistic it nearly made me sigh.
Yet right now, those words sank deep into my heart.
"...To be honest, I'd been wondering whether to send you outside the Imperial Capital as well."
"What!? That's too cruel!"
"Yeah, I suppose it is. But now I'm glad I decided not to send you. Having you here is a great help. It was the right choice."
Saying that, I put on the silver mask and shaped my clothes with illusion magic.
After changing into Silver, I said a few words to Fine.
"I'll be counting on you for a little while."
"Yes. Leave it to me."
And with that, I teleported away.