In the central part of the empire. Not far from the imperial capital is the dium-sized city of Rix. In it stood a gigantic mansion.
Obviously larger than a lord's mansion, it was the property of the oldest noble family in the empire, the Altenburg duchy. Eric was in one of its rooms.
However, it wasn't Eric's room.
The room, devoid of any unnecessary items, was remarkably plain for a noble's quarters.
There were hardly any decorations, with the only thing embellishing the room being so adorned flowers.
However, that was enough. The owner of the room had a sensibility to appreciate it.
The room's owner was a woman. Her hair and eyes were both of a clear, water-blue color. She was a gentle woman with a calm atmosphere.
"You are busy with state affairs. You don't have to co here, Eric."
"I can't say that. As a husband, I must at least show my face to my wife."
With these words, Eric offered a calm smile, sliced so fruit, and offered it to the woman lying on the bed.
There were only two of them in the room.
The usual caretakers had been asked to leave.
This was Eric's intention.
The woman's na was Leah Lakes Adler.
As the wife of the second prince, she should have been in the castle under normal circumstances. Leah is the sa age as Eric, a daughter of the Altenburg family, and Eric's childhood friend. She used to be an energetic woman who would lead the shy Eric around, but now she was bedridden due to illness, undergoing treatnt here.
"Hey, Eric. I feel good today. May I go out and feel the wind?"
"If that's what you wish."
With these words, Eric offered Leah his hand and took her to the balcony. His face distorted at the touch of her frail hand. Leah's disease was unknown. Even the best doctors on the continent could not find a cure for her strange illness. Leah, who once held a sword and dread of becoming an adventurer, was growing weaker. The image of Leah pulling Eric along when they were young was nowhere to be seen now.
"Cough...cough..."
"Let's return to the room..."
"Just a bit longer...let feel the wind..."
"I see..."
In an attempt to comfort her, Eric hugged Leah.
Knowing full well that it wouldn't help much, he couldn't stand doing nothing.
"Hey... Eric"
"What is it?"
"I heard...Arnold is coming back..."
"Yes, he is."
"...Does he still intend to fight for the throne with Leonard?"
Eric did not answer Leah's question.
Silently affirming, Leah muttered quietly.
"Wilhelm, Gordon, Zandra... They're all gone... Traugott went to the vassal state, Lize went to the border... our family is being torn apart... And still, you want to continue?"
"The throne is for the strong. That's the rule."
"Is that really all? Are you opposing your brothers just for that rule? I don't think so."
"I will beco the emperor. I've decided."
"...If it's for ..."
"No. If it's for you...I won't do anything that would make you sad. This is for . I decided to beco emperor and took the first step. I can't stop now."
Leah did not look at Eric's face.
She knew what his face looked like without looking.
"I will build a good empire. A peaceful one... where everyone can live quietly with their loved ones."
"..."
Leah said nothing.
She couldn't imagine that such a world awaited beyond Eric's pained expression. After returning from the balcony to the bed, Leah lay down.
Eric's visit had overexcited her a little. Fatigue made her body feel heavy, and sleep was approaching.
"Eric... please..."
"What is it?"
"...Don't push yourself too hard..."
With these words, Leah fell asleep.
Listening to her regular breathing, Eric stood up. There were many things he had to do, as he had forced himself to find the ti. After one last glance at his wife's face, offering her a gentle smile, Eric donned a mask called ruthlessness. It was a convenient mask that hid Eric's weakness.
"I'm going back to the imperial capital. When Arnold returns, Leonard will make his move but I'll make the first move."
He gave instructions to his adjutants and headed for the carriage.
Soone else was already inside that carriage.
"Your Highness."
"Delay Arnold's party. Use that ti to make necessary preparations."
Inside the carriage was an assassin dressed as a maid, Xiaoi.
She silently nodded in response to Erik's instructions.
"Understood. I won't ask you to resort to extre asures. Just make sure to delay their departure."
"As you wish."
"The montum for a rematch with the Kingdom is growing. We can't allow Leonard to head towards a decisive battle with the Kingdom. Make sure to convey that to Mother as well."
"As you command."
Saying that, Xiaoi disappeared.
Alone again, Erik let out a deep sigh. Until now, he had been waiting, not making any moves. But now that the opponents had narrowed down, he couldn't afford to wait.
"Give up, Leonard, Arnold... I won't step back."
Sending an unheard advice, Erik gazed into the distance.
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