Former Crown Prince favors the Villainess

“Arthur, who do you love more? Me or your father?”

“What kind of silly question is it? Of course, he loves me more...tell it to her, Arthur.”

“What troublesome parents~ I love neither of you, okay!!”

““Arthur!!””

Crossing the garden where we used to spend our evening, my mood soured again. 

“Your Highness, the Emperor has invited the heads of all the Ducal houses.”

“Tch...that bastard, he never really had any intention to talk to me alone, huh.”, I replied to the situation update Sebastian gave me.

*STEP* *STEP*

I, Uncle Alden, and Sebastian were on our way to the conference hall. 

“I was also ordered to serve Lady Camilla.”

*STOP*

“Are you for real, Sebastian?”

“It is, Your Highness. I too was surprised.”

So he is asking an Empress exclusive butler to serve a lady whose position isn’t even solidified yet.

“Sebastian, who do you want to serve?”

He is someone who worked under my mother for the most, his ability is known even among the wide public. 

As of now, he is someone without a Master. In other words, he serves the Emperor. Going against the order might brand him as a traitor.

“If I can, I am willing to serve you, Your Highness.”

“Are you sure? It would like stepping down from your ranks…”

“Ranks are nothing but numbers that can be used to gain reputation. It is unneeded for me now.”

“Haha~ Alright then.”

“Your Highness, it seems like your better in shape than before.”

“Of course, with the help of Prorins...I managed to gain a bit of mana. Of course, it is incomparable to before. But it should help…”

“Yeah, it is nothing like the show you put up in the sanctuary.”, Uncle commented from my side.

He too looks better than before. Maybe 5 days of rest does help…

“Anyway, who are all here?”

“Duke Landon from Hastings Dukedom...Imperial Army Captain, Smith Longe...Tennison Grey from the Magic Tower...Cosima Arden from the Arden Dukedom...Duke Riol from the Bohum Dukedom...Duke Caedmon from the Stuart Dukedom...Duke Charles from the Gramont Dukedom, and finally...Count Dennis from the Dohnna family”

(Ahem...you don’t have to remember any of the names above...but a quick read through it would be nice...I too would unconsciously skip it, If I am bombarded by information like this...Sorry ;))

“So all 9 important heads are in there huh…”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Well, whatever…

Let’s just face the battlefield with all we have.

“His Highness, Crown Prince, Arthur Zemira, and Duke Alden of Prorin Dukedom is here!”

As the knight opened the door...we were treated with a completely different atmosphere than the one 5 days ago.

Unlike that day, the conference was only populated with 11 people. Apart from the 9 heads, there was also Lady Camilla and her son.

Oh~~ He is shooting daggers at me. Maybe he is mad about what I did to her in the Cogni.

“Arthur! You’re finally here!!”, The Emperor exclaimed from the most expensive chair in the rounded table.

*STEP* *STEP*

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I apologize for leaving you all to wait. The traffic’s really a mess right now.”

“...”

With how silent they all are, they probably weren’t expecting me to leave the Emperor hanging.

“It’s okay...it’s alright, Your Highness.”, said the man with Platinum Blonde hair, Duke Landon, Fiona’s father.

“Duke Landon, How is Lady Fiona? It’s been a while since I’ve heard from her. The last time I met the Duchess, she said that Lady Fiona had fallen ill.”

“Ah...She is feeling absolutely perfect right now, Your Highness. I’ll convey your regards to her.”

“Of course...oh and Mr.Smith! How are you? It’s been five days after all.”

“*Sigh*...Your Highness, you really have a way of ticking other people.”, he said with a salty expression while glancing at the Emperor.

Looks like he has his own fair share of trouble.

All these people might not have much in common...but it is true that all of them have monstrous amount of mana.

I can just feel the power rising from each of their body.

“Well, why don’t you two take your seat?”, Lady Cosima of the Arden Dukedom suggested.

“Of cour-”

Before I could finish my line, I noticed where my allocated space was.

“Who was it that arranged the chairs?”, I said while looking at Lady Camilla.

*STEP* *STEP*

“Ah...it was the head maid.”

“Is that so…”

*SIT*

“Arthur?”, the Emperor looked at me with confusion.

“Yes?”

“Your Highness, that chair…”, Duke Landon had a troubled look on his face. And Uncle Alden who shared his seat with Duke Landen and Mr.Smith had a smile on his face.

“Arthus, which do you think is more painful? Physical or Mental pain?”

“Hmm~ Physical, of course.”

“No...physical pain can be treated with magic and it is something that would vanish after treatment. But mental torture...it only depends on the person themselves to get out of it. Forcing them to a corner, leaving them no room to breath, always keeping them occupied...is the best way to take someone down.”

“Mom, you really like a shady person”

“Jeez~ Stop making jokes~!”

Don’t worry, Mom. Your lesson has been duly taken note of it and will be implemented with extreme care.

“Don’t worry, Duke Landon. I’ve no intention of causing problems...it’s just that my chair has been placed in a position which causes severe allergy. Believe me...it takes all I have to stay in this room.”

Not only Duke Landon...but almost everyone in the room had a surprised face.

I am definitely not the same person you met two weeks ago.

The Emperor especially was uneasy by the current mood.

“So, Ladies and Gentlemen...may I know for what reason you have all gathered here?”

I said while looking at the important heads sitting in here. Of course, I had the best smile I can muster up on my face.

“It...it was the Emperor who invited us. We too don’t know the agenda.”, said Tennyson Grey, the current head of the Magic Tower.

“Oh...Your Majesty? If I am right...today is the day when you were supposed to share your love story with me. Ah...is the story perhaps so entertaining that you have invited such important people to attend as an audience. Is this supposed to be a soap opera?”

The last question was something I intended to the important heads, who attended this so-called family meeting.

“Your Highness, you are crossing the lim-”

“Silence, Prince William.”

I don’t have any ill intentions towards you kid. So just stay silent and pay attention to the drama that’s about to unfold.

You too have a role in it.

“You-”

“William, stay silent.”, with the Emperor’s word, William instantly went silent.

“Arthur, you too...stop provoking him.”, he said with me in his eye-sights.

All the nobles were both uneasy, but also interested in the conversation

“Provoking? Who is provoking who? Just tell me the reason why you have called me here...I’ll be out of here the moment you finish.”

“*SIGH*...Camilla here will be rising to the Empress’s position very soon.”

“Is that so? Congratulations, Lady Camilla.”, I said in a monotone.

“Your Highness, I know that you completely hate me. You probably want to slash me down right now…”

Ummm...No I don’t. If you don’t keep annoying me, we both can be in our own ways.

“...but I will try my best to keep the Empire running. I assure you, that there will no difference whatsoever.”

“So, in other words...you say you will be replacing my mother?”

“Eh? I mean…I’ll ensure-”

“So, you...Lady Camilla, a princess from the fallen kingdom of Argon think that you can replace the Empress of Zemira? You are a princess who failed to even control the civil war between your brothers...you are from the family that slaughtered thousands of people just for power. Do you really think you are worthy enough to become the Empress? I’m just going along with this crap bec-”

It happened in a fraction of a second. William who was just sitting opposite to me vanished, only to reappear in front of me...standing beside me, with a clenched fist dashing towards my body.

*BOOM* *THUD*

I along with the chair flew several feet away. The legs of the chair miserably broke due to the sheer force and friction. I, on the other hand, was forced to eject the seat and roll over the ground.

“William!! What the hell-”

“He wrong mouthed my mother. I don’t have the same patience as Your Majesty.”, he said with his eyes still locked on me. They were bloodshot with rage.

Uncle Alden was clearly flustered, but he had no other choice but to stay silent.

“*COUGH*...That was a nice shot...by any chance, are you a disciple of Tennyson Grey?”, I said while slowly standing up.

“...”, William kept silent.

“Is he?”, I asked again while looking at Tennyson, the headmaster of the Magic Tower.

“*SIGH*...as sharp as ever...how did you find it out?”

“It was obvious...he circulates magic around his body the same way as you do. Any amateur can point it out.”

“I don’t think it is that obvious.”, he said while chuckling.

“Your Majesty…”, I said while moving my eyesight towards him.

“...”

“You see...I am willing to look over this silly prank my step-brother committed…”

“...what do you want?”, he said grumpily. Lady Camilla was already sweating buckets.

Moving to the wall beside me,

“Hmmm...you see, I had to use my wish for this year to get out of the palace, so…”

“...*sigh*, fine...your wish count will re-instated.”

“Oh~! Thank you, Prince William, for letting me get my wish back…”

“I don’t care about that...I just punched you because you-”

“Dear William, consider this as my first advice…”, I said while raising my hand to the decoration sword that lay above me. Seeing that, Lady Camilla’s eyes widened.

“William, get back now!!”

“Eh?”

“Too late…”, I whispered before getting hold of the handle.

*BOOM* *FWOOSH*

“Hoh?”

“Your Highness, I apologize...but I just can’t let you do it you know.”, Mr.Smith said while holding my hand with the sword which was just inches away from William’s face.

“I can’t really stay still when my disciple is about to get killed, you know?”, said Tennyson who was holding my left arm from behind.

“Oh boy...same goes with me…William being my lovely disciple can’t go down in such a way, right?”, said Duke Riol of Bohum Dukedom while having his whole arm around my neck.

Lady Cosima who was on the other side of the table had a bow and arrow made of mana aiming straight for my head.

“Please don’t take this personally…”, she said with a troubled face. 

“Lady Cosima...how does it feel? To aim at the head of your best friend’s son...must feel lovely, right?”

Though my tone had a joking tune to it...my eyes were dead cold.

This is more than expected. This bastard is having all these monsters as his masters?!

My brain worked at full capacity. Processing the bits and pieces of information it could salvage.

“Your Majesty…this is how it is, huh? Pfft….Hahahahah!!!!”

With my sudden outburst of laughter, all of them were confused, but the grip around me did not reduce one bit.

“But before that...LET ME GO.”, I said while having my eyes locked at Duke Riol.

“Promise me...that you won’t harm William.”, he retaliated.

“Let go.”

“Your Highness, please...release the weapon.”, said Mr.Smith.

“Mr.Smith, I said let go of me.”

“Please heed to our words...I swear I don’t want to hurt you.”

“Tch...”

“Everyone, stand down. William and Arthur, both of you stop releasing your mana.”, ordered the Emperor.

But no one was willing to co-operate.

“Tch...fine.”

I retracted my mana, but the grip around my sword still stayed the same.

I never really wanted to hurt him...all this was just meant to be a scare...but these guys...they’re pushing me too far.

“Your highness...the sword.”

“....A11”

*FWOOSH* *FWOOSH*

Four men covered head to toe in black appeared out of nowhere and instantly changed the situation.

“The hell? I thought knights were not allowed inside the conference hall?!”, shouted Tennyson.

All of the nobles who had me in their arms now had a sword right under their throat.

If someone from the media saw this situation...the world would downright go crazy.

“Everyone stand down!! A-division...I said stand down!!”

“I use my wish to overrule the Emperor’s order. The A-division will be under my command today.”

“Arthur?! Why?! Just stop this madness!!”

Even if it is my wish, I can’t just make unreasonable commands. Then with the wish, any royal member could demand the throne.

The tension was still high.

““““Fine, we will back down.””””

Once the 4 said it in unison, they were all set free from the clutches of the A-division.

“You may all leave.”

*FWOOSH* *FWOOSH*

“Real hasty, aren’t you all? Raising your hands against the Crown Prince. Well, I am in the wrong too for trying to scare William.”, I said while shrugging my hands.

“Scare?”, Lady Cosima said while tilting her head.

“Of course...I did make a promise to Granpa Fred, that I will not harm William and Diana. Though I may look like this, I really do care about my promises.’

“I…”

Almost everyone from William to Mr.Smith went silent. They were flustered at how bad their reaction was.

“It’s okay.”

Of course, it’s not.

“It doesn’t really hurt…”

Of course, my neck hurts.

“I don’t mind it all…”

Of course, I mind it. I had to use my wish which I painstakingly obtained, it was really too much work. Badmouthing Lady Camilla and provoking William to attack me. 

Damn, it’s all a waste.

“Anyway...so you are a Weapon Master, huh?”, I said while looking at William.

“How?!...”, his eyes went wide at my words.

“Any egg head could realize it...Mr.Smith, who specializes in swordplay...Lady Cosima who is said to be a master of Archery...Mr.Tennyson, who is the head of Magic Tower...and finally Duke Riol, a family who is known for their Spear arts.”

A weapon master...the only one apart from the Emperor in the whole Empire. Troublesome.

“Actually...thinking back. I am gonna take this personally. I guess a trial at the court might put all of you in your place.”, I said towards the four.

“But…”

“Being my mother’s doesn’t guarantee you safety, Lady Cosima. If it was my mother...I can assure you that your head won’t be in its place now.”

Her face went pale with my words.

“I...I apo-”

“Yeah Yeah...apologize...what a bunch of fools.”

“Prince Arthur, mind your words.”, warned William looking dead into my eye.

“Oh? Are you angry? Why don’t you prove yourselves then? If you are the disciple of such monsters, then you should be able to beat me...who was only taught by my mother.”

“Fine, let’s have a due-”

“William, stay quiet.”, warned Mr.Smith.

“But-”

“Oh~! Cold feet already? Hahaha~~ Listen, William, your own masters believe that you can’t defeat me...an Arthur who only has about 20% of his mana! This is their true evaluation of your ability!!”

“Don’t fall into his temptations.”, Tennyson said going to his feet.

“And the head of Magic Tower has declared that I, Arthur with his mana depleted is much stronger than William, who seems to be at full capacity!!”

With each word I say, William’s eyes were becoming bloodshot with rage and anger.

Come on~~ This is too easy…

The other nobles who were flustered from the commotion now had a wry smile which William couldn’t see.

“Father, let me have a duel with Prince Arthur. I can’t go back now, which would cause my masters immense humiliation.”

“Wow!! Such bravery and dedication!! If only His Majesty had such character...just where did you get this from, William? Perhaps, Lady Camilla is better than I thought.”

“Fine...You can battle. But the fight should be kept in this room. And no killing each other.”

“I thank you for the opportunity.”, he respectfully thanked the Emperor.

“Man~ seeing you remembers my old days. Let me, as your senior...educate you.”, I said while picking up my sword.

“I’ll take care of the table.”, said Tennyson.

Both the table and audience were moved to one corner of the table. All of his masters and his mother looked especially pale.

I and William were facing each other. He clearly had more mana compared to me. And there was also a faint presence of spirits on him.

Interesting.

“You can back down you know?”, I said while picking up my sword.

“...”

“Oh whatever~”

Uncle Alden volunteered to be the judge. He had the look which translated.

Beat him to a pulp.

Hahaha~~ of course. I am quite pissed at the incident that happened here.

Though everything started because of me provoking everyone. Man, I’m quite the troublesome guy, aren’t I?

Maybe I was lying to myself. Though not as much as the Emperor, I still quite hated William. Even Diana was fine because she acted as though she was sorry to me. But this guy here...he is acting like he is the protagonist here. That nothing is wrong with him coming into the palace.

“Tch…”

*FWOOSH* *FWOOSH*

Yes, I did say 20%. But remember...it’s 20% of my mana without my shackles on. It’s more than enough.

***********************************************

On one side stood a black-haired boy with crimson red eyes. His face had a gentle smile, but his eyes clearly weren’t.

On the other side, stood a golden-haired boy accompanied by golden eyes. It was clear that his the son of the Emperor.

Both of them were equally tall...taller than most of the other boys in their age.

The noble heads were all standing in one corner of the room, with the Emperor and Camilla being equally anxious and worried about the duel.

Alden Prorin from quite some distance, rose his hand and declared,

“Let the match between, Crown Prince Arthur and Prince William begin.”

*BOOM*

William kicked towards the ground and instantly rushed towards Arthur who was standing still.

William struck his sword downwards diagonally, forcing Arthur to doge by jumping backward. Not leaving any room to breathe, William again closed the distance and this time struck horizontally aiming for Arthur’s stomach.

*CLANG*

However, Arthur in a split of a second-placed his sword vertically to William’s sword blocking the attack, and with the momentum redirected the strike upwards.

This in reality should’ve caused William to lose balance, but he stood still bringing the sword that downward.

*CLANG*

Of course, it was blocked by Arthur again.

“So, how was it? Getting taught by a Sword Master? I bet Mr.Smith’s father was a wonderful teacher…”

With how Mr.Smith acted that day...he can't William's teacher. It should be the previous head, and Mr.Smith was probably ordered to protect William.

“Do you have the inability to focus?”

“Ohhh~ Harsh~”

*KWACK*

Kicking William away, Arthur this time went on offense.

*CLANG* *CLANG* *FWOOSH*

A barrage of attacks fell on William, everything was blocked or parried...but the momentum caused William’s hand to go numb.

“Tch…”

It happened again...William who was in front of Arthur disappeared only to emerge back of Arthur.

*SWING*

‘Arthur!!”, Alden shouted Arthur’s name in hurry.

The sword swung by William should have slashed right through Arthur.

“Hoh?”

“What?!”, William was surprised.

Because his sword didn’t have any blood on it, rather only sliced through the air...Arthur’s sword that was originally on his hand was suspended in the air, only to fall again.

“Where are you looking?”, as the voice boomed in his ears, William’s brian comprehended the situation...but his body wasn’t fast enough to cooperate.

*THWACK* *BOOM*

Arthur from William’s drove his fist into William’s side making him fly into the wall on the other side.

“Nice skill you got there...but guess I need more practice if I want to have the sword with me.”, Arthur said while picking up his sword.

“How...Why can use my skil-”

“William, I can see in your eyes how prideful you are to have those guys as your master. Yes, it is something to be prideful for.”, Arthur said while looking at the nobles.

Duke Landon had a wry smile on his face.

“But...if you...who has these people as a master, is this prideful...then I who was taught by my mother...how prideful do you think I would be?!”, he said while raising his hand sideways.

“After all, no matter who good your masters...they have never once managed to defeat my mother!! Isn’t that right?!”, Arthur said looking at the nobles, who remained silent.

“Shut up!!!”, William who was on the ground, disappeared and reappeared midair on top of Arthur, bringing his sword down with great power.

*CLANG*

“What do you know?!”, William screamed while swinging his sword again.

“What is the difference between you and me?! The Emperor refused to introduce my mother all these years!! How difficult do you think it is to live like that?! And when she finally came into the palace...everyone is afraid of you, telling me not to mess with you!! Are you some kind of god?! And when my mother said she has to talk with you...you actually swung a sword at her!! Are you some kind of tyrant?! All I see is nothing but a brat who thinks high of himself...all because he is the son of the late Empre-”

*BOOM*

Arthur having enough of William, swung his sword at William causing him to be thrown back several feet.

“Watch it, kid. Do you think you are unfortunate? How are you unfortunate...you know, I was never even allowed to feel sad about my mother’s death!! Why?! Because your fucking father pushed his work fo greeting the damn VIPs on me!! Day after day...I was forced to keep my smile!! Do you know how difficult it is?! And what do you think he did during those two weeks? He was preparing things so you three could seamlessly enter the palace! You had a difficult life?! Bitch please!! You never had to worry about your image… all day long, you never had anything to do other than getting taught by your god damn masters!!”

“Arthur…”, the Emperor who listened to both of his sons complaining, realizes how bad of a father he was.

“And guess what… one of your masters even had the audacity to hold me by my neck!! I’m done with this bullshit!”

Arthur who snapped all of a sudden, disappeared from the eyesight of William only to reappear in the middle of the nobles.

“Shit-”, before Duke Riol could react he was kicked from behind, throwing him several feet away.

“A11”

3 men similar to before appeared out of nowhere and had nobles in their grasp.

“Stay still...move one inch...I can assure you, I will do the same thing my mother would have done. The same goes for you, Lady Cosima.”

Cosima was forced to retract the mana.

“Haha~ Your Highness. What about your duel?”, asked Riol. He didn’t want to release any mana.

He felt that Arthur’s rage was justified.

Arthur disappeared and again reappeared in front of Riol with a horizontal kick, Riol who somehow managed to block the kick couldn’t stop the momentum. He was thrown alongside William.

“Your Majesty, I think I’ve had enough of this bullshit and your so-called meeting. You shamelessly called all the nobles...and we are fighting here because of no apparent reason.”

“Ar...Arthur...I don’t think anyone is in their right mood.”, The Emperor who clearly underestimated Arthur’s power managed to let the words come out of his mouth.

“Duke Riol...I have nothing against you...but touch me again...then...I assure you…”

“Yeah...I got a bit too emotional there...I apologize.”, Duke Riol said while kneeling.

“Get out. All of you...every goddamn people here who threatened me...get out.”

“You don’t have the authority to kick out my guests, Arthur.”

Augustus stepped up to protect the pride of the noble heads.

*FWOOSH*

Arthur disappeared and reappeared in front of Augustus.

“Then...stop beating around the bush and tell me what you want.”, Arthur spared no words. Augustus’s plan of keeping him in check with the use of nobles miserably failed.

“Your position…”

“My position? Do you mean my title as the Crown Prince? Hahahahah~!”

“Your Highness…”, Camilla felt sorry for Arthur who was thrown into the mess.

“...interesting. And what do the noble heads have to do? I just don’t understand their need here. Fine...you all can decide.”, Arthur said while looking at the nobles.

“You are all wise enough to run a territory. Do you think I should hand over my position?”

“...."

All of them were silent. Not a single soul dared to speak.

“I take it that you want me to. So you all want to protect either the Empire or William.”

“Arthur, the noble’s already have started to form factions…”, the Emperor said.

“Actually...I bet you are the one who introduced William to his so-called masters. In other words, you managed to procure him enough political power to rival mine.”, Arthur started deducing the current situation.

Think Arthur...Even if you manage to hold on to the position...he has the support of 4 major forces of the Empire. On the other hand...I only have Prorin. The Hastings and the others would either stay neutral or side with William because of the difference in power. 

But does that mean...I should just give up the position? That would put me in the background.

“Arthur...I had no intention to make up things this way.”, the Emperor pleaded for innocence.

“Spare me the bullshit. But good job William...with just a week in the palace...You completely managed to put me in a tough position.”

“I did nothing...it was all our father.”, he said while looking at the Emperor.

“Choose your words carefully, William. I have no father.”, Arthur said while pulling up his sleeves.

“Arthur…?!”, the Emperor and the other nobles were surprised. Alden however had an interesting smile on his face.

“Pulling all this stunt behind my back...you should be ashamed to call yourselves as my father. If I were you, I’d rather hang myself.”, Arthur continuously poured harsh and hurting words against Augustus.

“But...you heads are really pissing me off. Fine then, we will hold a vote. A vote to decide who will have the position as the crown prince.”, Arthur said to the nobles who were surprised by this action.

“Your Highness...are you sure?”, Duke Landon who always held a soft spot for Arthur due to his daughter felt uneasy by the current position.

“What do you want me to do, Duke Landon? When almost everyone is against me...it’s better to just hand it over. I don’t want to be like the ones from the Argon Kingdom who mercilessly started a war which caused thousands of deaths.”, Arthur said while looking at Camilla.

“Hmmm…”, Duke Landon was still not satisfied.

With the voting booths made temporarily, Arthur went to stand near William who was all alone on one corner of the room.

“Are you sure?”, asked William.

“Hmm...you mean the vote? Ah, it’s fine. I have no interest in this position.”

“You have your eyes on something else.”, said William looking at the fallen chair that broke initially.

“Haha~ You are surprisingly sharp. Who taught you politics?”

“The Emperor.”

“Ohhh~ You might wanna change your teacher.”

“As much of an asshole he is...it’s undeniable that he is a perfect Emperor.”

“Well, only if you exclude the asshole part…so you too don’t have a favorable opinion of him?”, Arthur asked William while looking at the voting booth being built up.

“Of course not. I hate the type who cheats on people. I can’t begin to imagine the pain the late Empress would have gone through.”

“Hmmm~ then what do you think about your archery master?”

“Lady Cosima...not as much as the Emperor. But she is still in the wrong for hiding our existence from your mother.”

“Haha...you might make a surprisingly good royal. Hmm...yea. I’m looking forward to the future.”

“Hey...I’m sorry.”, William all of a sudden said.

“For what? Punching me? It’s okay...if I were in your position and someone talked about my mother like that...by now their head would have been in my hand.”

“I guess I was mistaken. I always thought you were some kind of spoiled child that the late Empress took care of. But now...I feel like I’m the one who is taking your position.”

William was really moved by the bravery Arthur showed. Even when held hostage by his masters, Arthur never shied down. But rather, seemed to shine more. Having all the nobles in his grasps, William knew that Arthur is the real mastermind of this meeting.

If he is a spoiled kid...then what would I or the Emperor be?

“Haha~ The hell? Don’t get all emotional on me. Thinking back, what you said is right. Your mother who somehow managed to live through the civil war is again forced into the workings of the palace. If I were her, I would be stressed too. I mean...think about it...if my mother is still living...would Lady Camilla be never shown to the public?”

“...”

Hehe~ Aw man...William is much cool-headed than I thought. Oh boy~ I can’t wait for the drama he and the Emperor are gonna show me.

“Anyway, I have never spoken to your sister.”

“Diana? Well...how do I say this…”

“Is she scared of me?”

I mean it is kinda obvious. The first impression she had about me is not the best one.

“Well, yeah...I’ll try to put in a good word about you.”

“Haha~ That would help. Now, let’s go. The next episode of the drama is about to start.”

The booth has been built up. The Nobles were feeling awkward.

Well, for them...I have been the Crown Prince for 10 years. It would be just weird to throw me out of the position.

“All you have to do is choose. Uncle, you too. I don’t want any emotion or pity for me to play a part here. Just press which you think will help the Empire.”

I said with William next to me. The Emperor was the first one to enter.

“Remember...you of all people, can’t choose neutral. Understood?”

The Emperor nodded and headed inside.

*BEEP*

He chose an option and came out with a sad face.

“Great! Now that the face of the Empire has chosen. Everyone can head in one by one, I presume?”

With that, one by one, the heads of the Empire...the most powerful individuals headed inside.

Duke Riol was the first one to head inside...followed by Duke Landon.

“Duke Riol! Come here.”, I called in the Duke who felt awkward.

“Your Highness, I apologize. I just got a bit emotional there. Didn’t expect you to swing a sword at-”

“Then why didn’t you stop William when he drove a fist at me?”

That sentence made him go paler.

“Haha~ Don’t worry. I am holding nothing against you. But next time...it would wise to come up with a better excuse, right William?”

“Haha~ Master Riol is just that bad at making up lies.”

“Shut up, brat. You are the reason I am in this mess.”

“Well, it is one of his charms I suppose.”, I said while patting Duke’s shoulders.

*BEEP*

Duke Landon was done with his vote and headed straight to us.

“Ah...Mr. Prime Minister.”

“Please...my role here was rather minimal.”

“Oh~  Well, let this be a chance for others to shine.”

“Haha~ You sure have a way with your words.”

This rather happy-to-go man...is considered to be the second most powerful man. He is the current prime minister and is the head of the Hastings Dukedom, which is considered as the most powerful Ducal houses. 

*BEEP*

“You...Your Highness.”, Lady Cosima’s voice resounded behind Duke Landon.  Duke Landon moved aside, letting me see her face.

“Lady Cosima.”

“I really apologize. The Emperor placed a gag order on their existence.”

“22 times...you met mother 22 times this year. And if I were to count all the times you met her for the past...let’s say 7 years...the count would easily cross 200. Let me ask you again...how did it feel...to lie to the face of my mother. You do know that you were the one she most trusted, right? People say that friends are an existence that always support you...but here you are, a physical representation that opposes the very meaning of friends.”

“I...I…”, Lady Cosima really struggled to bring out any voice.

*BEEP*

“Go easy on her, Arthur. They were all put into that posi-”

“Shut up. You are the main reason they have to bow their head down to a kid like me. I mean, were you in your right mind when you placed mother’s best friend as William’s master? I honestly wish I could just pop open that head and see what’s going on inside.”

“...”

I don’t really have any intention to go easy on him. I know I can’t just straight-up attack him, this is the best thing I can do.

Everyone had cast their votes. The only thing left is to see them.

“Go on. You can’t get cold feet now.", I said to the Emperor who had the remote to reveal the votes.

*CLICK*

[Total Number of Votes: 10]

[Supporting for William: 7]

[Supporting for Arthur: 0]

[Neutral: 3]

“What the…”, William whispered near me.

“Well...this is awkward.”, I said out loud.

We were all standing in a circle, everyone had a nervous and pitying look on them.

“Well, then...there goes my position.”

“Yout Highness...do you have nothing against this?”, asked Lady Camilla.

“I would be lying if I say I didn’t. I mean it hurts to see that no one believes me. I guess there was no need for me to work that hard after mother’s death. I probably should have just holed myself inside a room.”, I said in a low tone.

“Arthur…”, the Emperor said in a low tone.

“Haha~ It’s okay. So, what should I do from now on?”, I said looking at the Emperor.

“I…”

“You are not gonna just strip one of your sons and decorate the other right?”

“Arthur...when you are negotiating with someone...how would you do it?”

“I guess considering how you were in the past years...there is not much I can expect from you, huh.”

“I would threaten with power? Maybe, have their life on the line.”

“It would work on people who don’t have much power...but when you are dealing with people of power rivaling yours...it’s better to put something on the table that would damage their image.”

“Image huh~ I will keep that in mind.”

“Now...I wonder how I should say this to the media.”

“Your Highness…?”, Duke Landon, who probably voted neutral questioned my words.

“I mean...I could just say...all the heads voted against me...on one hand, is the new Empress who is desperate to have her son on the throne…”

“Eh?”

“On the other is, the Emperor who dotes on his other family too much. The completely isolated Prince Arthur, gave up his position in fear of Civil war which would cause millions of death...how about that?”

“Arthur, what are you talkin-”

“The public then who initially welcomed the arrival of Lady Camilla would switch sides overnight. They would support the pitiful me, who has no one by his side. Of course, retaliation against the Emperor who heartlessly threw away the son of Helena would be completely hated.”

*GULP*

The nobles who initially thought Arthur would just hand over the position are now sweating buckets.

“Arthur...which is the best way to control the people?”

“Hmmm~ I don’t know? I mean, I guess being like you would help…”

“Well, let me represent it another way...between the Demon Lord and the Hero...who do you think will have more support?”

“Of course, it the hero.”

“But why? Even the demon lord has a country and his own people to look after. Then why is he hated?”

“Haah~ I have no idea.”

“It’s Emotion. It’s the driving force of the people. A hero who started his journey with his comrades fueled by his determination to bring back peace by defeating the Demon Lord. Don't you think it has the emotion people desire?”

“Ohhh~ I see. You are really wise, mother.”

“Hmph Of course!! I am your mother after all.”

“Hahaha~”

“Wonderful plan.”, William whispered by my side.

“I’ll take it as a compliment.”

“Now...dear Nobles. Do really think you have the ability to go against the several riots that will follow my words. Of course, I won’t be anywhere near the palace to stop it.”, I said while producing my brightest smile.

“Now all of this can be avoided...if you follow my conditions.”

“Conditions? Will you really help us, though? How can we believe you?”, said Tennyson.

“You have no other choice...Guess what, I will even throw in a bonus. I won’t even appear on the media after resigning from my position. It would just appear me as being spineless and giving up my position.”

“You are nowhere near being a spineless man, though.”, Commented Count Dennis of the Dohnna County. He is also probably one of the people who voted neutral.

“The media doesn’t need to know about it right?”, I shrugged at him.

“What are your conditions?”, said the Emperor with a tired tone.

“Well, for starters...I would like to get back my wish.”

After everything I did to get it back, it would be idiotic to leave it alone.

“Sure, Your wish will be reinstated again.”

“Great! Next, the goddamn chair Lady Camilla was sitting on.”

“Chair…?”, Lady Camilla questioned me.

“Wait...you didn’t know?! Then...You asshole of a husband! Atleast remember what your wife cherished!”, I screamed at the Emperor.

“...I forgot about the chair…”

“Do you atleast remember your wife’s name? The first one, I mean...Gosh, it is a waste of time even looking at your face.”

“You...Your Highness, the chair will be sent back to your palace. What will be the next condition?”

“Sebastian.”

I pointed outside. Where Sebastian was probably standing.

“What about him?”, replied the Emperor.

“I will become his master from now on.”

“But he is an Empress exclusive Butler!! We can arrange someone else-”

“I am sorry, was I suggesting that? No, it’s a goddamn condition!”

“But-”

“It’s fine. Your Highness, you can have Sebastian as your Butler.”

“Great decision, Lady Camilla.”

“Is that all?”, asked the Emperor.

“The money allocated to my and my personal land. Has to be increased by 5 times.”

“But-”

“Duke Landon, please! Your gonna say it’s the people’s money? The amount of money the Emperor spent on protecting his other family is probably astronomical. Isn’t it people’s money too?”

“*SIGH*...Your Majesty, we have a lot to talk about.”, Duke Landon said while glaring at the Emperor.

“Ahem...next?”

“The Cogni remains as my palace. It won’t be inherited by William. Also, prepare an abandoned building near the corner of the palace grounds.”

“You are moving out?!”, exclaimed the Emperor.

“Of course, I would rather take a trip to hell every day than see your office every day from my balcony.”

“...”

“It also helps me to avoid the media...if any were to creep inside the palace.”

“Fine…”

“Finally…”

*Step* *Step*

I said moving to the broked chair.

“I’ll have this”, I said while I picked the broken part of the chair which had a torch emblem on it.

“Arthur?!”, the Emperor exclaimed at my action.

“Your Highness, that is not a game something you should be playing with.”, said Duke Landon with a serious tone.

“Hey William, when you doing a trade...how do you expect it to be?”, I said while looking at him.

“A trade could be only successful only when it is fair. In other words, the goods must be of equal value. You cheeky-”

“And there you go! I am giving my position as the Crown Prince while ensuring that none of you get negative comments by sacrificing myself. Isn’t it fair that I get to be a part of the Ten most powerful families?”

“...”

None of them were able to say anything back. At the same time, they weren’t showing a co-operating aura either.

Obviously. I am asking the territory of Switon.

One of the most powerful Ducal families in the history of Zemira. Of course, it was before their fall. A classic civil war took place between the sons and once the war ended, not one...there was not a single survivor of the Switon family.

This was 12 years ago. It still is considered to be the most unfortunate history of the Empire.

And I want it.

“Duke Landon, why hasn’t anyone still took over the territory of Switon? Shall I tell you why…”

“Of course.”

“You couldn’t break apart the grand territory of Switon in smaller parts. It would difficult to control the new noble families. And it isn’t something you could share with each other either. It would break the power balance. So there was only one way...you could either leave it the way it is. Which our Emperor has been kindly doing for the past 12 years. Or, you need someone trustworthy who has deep ties with the Empire to take over the territory as a whole”, I said while pointing towards me.

“Hahaha~!! I’m almost sad about you not becoming the Emperor. It is as you say. And I too believe that you are perfect for that role. If it is needed, I am ready to vote again.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment. But a vote isn't needed, after all this isn’t a suggestion, rather a condition.”

“Haha~ I apologize, it seems I have misspoken.”

“But will you be able to do it? It’s a rather large territory.”, asked Duke Caedmon of the Stuart Duchy.

“Duke Caedmon, it seems you have forgotten. But initially, I am someone who was supposed to take over this whole Empire.”

“Ah…”

“What do you think, Your Majesty. Surely you won’t reject these conditions, right? I don’t want the other families to feel the wrath of the people because of you.”, spoke Uncle Alden, the other one who voted neutral.

“*sigh*...fine. But, you can only become a Duke when you reach the age of 17. Until then, prepare yourself.”, said the Emperor.

“Absolutely.”

“You did it. Though it was rather rocky.”, said William, who extended his hand.

*CATCH*

“Congratulations, on becoming the Crown Prince. I hope you feel the pain of being under the surveillance of millions of pairs of eyes.”

“Haha~ It truly is gonna be trouble. Can I come to you if I were to be in trouble?”

“Of course, my abandoned building will be always open to you. And Lady Camilla, good luck. Don’t go saying to others that your gonna replace my mother. It could cause more problems than you think.”

“I...I will keep that in mind.”, she stuttered before speaking.

“Oh, and I will visit soon. Atleast got to great the little princess again.”, I said while moving towards the door.

“We will be waiting.”, she said.

“Finally...Ladies and Gentlemen. This meeting was all over the place, but finally, I am glad that we all got to an agreement. I apologize if I was rude. But before complaining, think back on what you did. You might get an answer for my attitude. Anyway, I gotta go. I will be waiting for the papers and the news about my new home. See ya.”, I said while going out with Uncle Alden.

“Arthur…”, Uncle called my name when we were outside.

“It’s okay, Uncle. You did exactly what I told you to do. Don’t feel bad. It’s just that I had to lose in a way that would make me seem pitiful. Emotions play a great deal. The other noble head being William’s masters helped a great deal.”

“But is it alright? It’s a position that you just can’t get back.”

“It’s alright. I just did something that would help me achieve mother’s goal.”

“Helena’s goal?”

“You will know it in the near future.”

Though it is 7 years away.