Editing Tytania:Volume 2 Chapter 5

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== Chapter 5 – The Full Course of Ambition ==
=== I ===
Although Duke Zarlisch Tytania had at one point captured Fan Hyulick, the latter managed to escape. News of this reached Uraniborg a day later, causing a subtle tremor in the eardrums of the three young dukes who remained there. Ariabert, Jouslain and Idris exchanged views on the matter in their private lounge. As they would inevitably be called upon by Clanner Ajman for their opinions, it was necessary to organise their thoughts.

“Hupf! If he’s going to go out of his way to lower his own standing, that’s his problem. Lord Zarlisch really ought to assess his own capabilities more accurately,” sneered Idris.

On this occasion, Zarlisch would have no choice but to accept derision. Having reported his achievement to Uraniborg the moment he first captured Hyulick, he had made it impossible to conceal the prisoner’s escape. Having highlighted that point, Idris went on to point out Zarlisch’s weakness.

“This incident has laid it bare. Should Lord Zarlisch ascend to the throne as the next Clanner, the supreme authority over the universe will fall into the hands of that hysterical mother of his. Isn’t that quite a delightful prospect?”

“I find it hard to imagine Lord Zarlisch being such a weak-willed man, though…”

Ariabert tilted his head slightly, but Jouslain’s opinion was actually closer to that of Idris’. While Zarlisch was unrivalled in his resolve when facing direct enemies, he clearly prioritised emotion over reason when dealing with allies or family. That might be acceptable, but the real problem was probably that his approach lacked tenacity.

If his mother was in a fit of rage, Zarlisch ought to have reined her in, yet he had simply let the situation persist. Fed up with his mother’s words and behaviour, he attempted to throw Fan Hyulick to her like bait before a wild beast. By doing so, Zarlisch ultimately insulted several people. His mother was deemed someone beyond the reach of rational persuasion, and Zarlisch himself undermined his reputation for valour in both fleet battles and single combat.

Idris’ criticism of Zarlisch, though motivated by malice, was, in the end, remarkably accurate. Zarlisch had shown a tendency to back down in the face of his mother; and if the Clanner could not respond to her demands with integrity, the authority of Tytania’s Clanner would be called into question. Though it might seem minor, Zarlisch’s misstep was, in fact, significant.

It was reported that Zarlisch himself was furious. He had believed that the Blaze Flag Army would launch their operation to recapture Fan Hyulick in outer space. The fact that he had not anticipated an ambush on the planet beforehand was certainly a lapse in judgement on his part. However, if one were to trace the root cause, it lay in the single fact that he harboured preconceived notions about his mother. The implication was that he believed her to be “the kind of woman who would go so far as to poison her son’s killer”.

Ariabert asked the intelligence officer:

“Still, are we certain that it was the Blaze Flag Army who seized Fan Hyulick?”

“There are certain aspects that make it difficult to conclude with certainty that this was the work of the Blaze Flag Army…”

Upon learning that Hyulick had been seized, Zarlisch immediately decided to resort to force and put his decision into action. Every spaceport on planet Bargash was shut down, and the Blaze Flag Army’s hideouts and the homes of its senior officers were raided by groups of armed soldiers. Gunfights broke out in various locations, and more than twenty senior officers of the Blaze Flag Army were shot dead. Hideouts were blown up or set ablaze, and although on a small scale, the situation took on the appearance of all-out war.

The government of planet Bargash, however shaken it may have been internally, was compelled as the administrative authority to protest against Tytania’s outrageous actions. As Zarlisch ignored their protest initially, the Bargash government changed its strategy and lodged a protest with Donald Farah, a Tytanian executive who was staying in the area.

Farah was even more embittered than the Bargash government. Zarlisch had allowed Hyulick he had captured to escape, and was now attempting to exert force to adversely influence the outcome of the delegate elections. He rushed to Zarlisch’s side and pleaded with him to cease using force.

For his part, Zarlisch would have liked nothing more than to deal a heavy blow to the presumptuous Donald Farah, but Farah was a counsellor to the Clanner’s court, not Zarlisch’s personal vassal. He could not simply mete out punishment as he saw fit, and for that very reason, Zarlisch’s anger was simmering within him. Then, a complaint was brought to his attention, and at last he exploded.

“What kind of arrogant nonsense are you spouting! It is only because you ran your mouth so much about the Blaze Flag Army that I held back and that things have turned out this way. I will eventually hold you formally accountable for your crimes!”

The sheer force of his voice sent Farah flying, but it did not completely strike fear into him. Though he was frightened, his personal and public indignation outweighed his fear, and he found himself compelled to seek outside help to restrain Zarlisch. Ultimately, of course, Farah had no choice but to appeal to the authority of Clanner Ajman, but in the meantime, he needed an influential figure within the clan who would speak on his behalf and defend his position.

Thus, Count Elman Tytania made his dignified appearance. Having travelled at great haste from planet Bargash to Uraniborg, the count, after undergoing somewhat cumbersome formalities and ceremonies, was granted an audience with the Clanner.

Within the limited time available to him, the count explained the situation in a methodical manner. His focus was not on reproaching Duke Zarlisch for his blunder, but on offering to act as a liaison with the anti-Tytania faction.

“Spending one’s life in idleness is not a bad thing, but it seems my blood, surprisingly, sometimes stirs with a fervent desire for turmoil.”

“That is indeed surprising.”

Clanner Ajman’s gaze sliced like a blade through the face of the count, who, though of the same generation, was slightly older. The count appeared flustered, yet his demeanour seemed as though a core of iron were encased within cotton. After a few moments of silence, the Clanner continued with a questioning tone.

“But there is always the risk of being devoured by the very beasts one has raised. Whether it be the Blaze Flag Army or any other faction claiming that name, I cannot imagine they will accept sustenance from your hand forever. What are your thoughts on that, Count?”

“With all due respect, Your Clanner Highness, the human world would lack interest if it were nothing but predetermined harmony. I, for one, am well aware that I exist only because of Tytania. Should those ferocious beasts ever snap their chains, it will be my own body that shall first fill their stomachs.”

He was, in other words, prepared for that outcome. Clanner Ajman fell into deep thought, though not for long.

“Very well. We have never once closed diplomatic channels with the Interstellar City League. There is no harm in establishing a new one. I shall accept your proposal, Count.”

Count Elman was to become the head of the diplomatic channel to be established between the anti-Tytania group known as the Blaze Flag Army and the Principality of Tytania. That single decision had been officially sanctioned by the Clanner. The count’s days of inactivity were thus brought to an end.




=== II ===
In days gone by, there had been a prediction that humanity, having ventured into space, might achieve an explosive spiritual evolution that would outpace the rate of scientific and technological progress. This prediction, imbued with mystical aspirations, proved to be wrong; humanity was no different spiritually from when it crawled across the surface of the Earth. Ambition boiled over, desires exploded, and hatred clashed. People felt anger and sorrow; they envied others, suspected their loved ones of changing their hearts, and agonised over whether their own talents were lacking. While anticipating their own ruin, they wallowed in carnal desires and wore themselves out with a thirst for power and wealth.

But why should that be a bad thing? Jouslain, as an observer of civilisation, history and humanity, was of this opinion.

After all, a group of saints, virtuous gentlemen and chaste women could hardly be of any interest as subjects for observation or criticism. To begin with, Jouslain could not believe that anyone incapable of hatred could truly love anything. This could well be interpreted as a rather scathing self-criticism. Jouslain had never harboured a deep hatred for others; conversely, he had never experienced a love so intense as to drive him mad. At least, not yet.

Where was Tytania heading, including himself? Nurturing this curiosity within his heart, Jouslain grew from a boy into a young man. Now a member of the Four Dukes, his power had grown to the point where he looked down upon the monarchs of other nations; yet while he devoted himself to strengthening and maintaining the Tytania regime, the habit of observing the workings of Tytania as a whole, including his own, with a cynical gaze had become second nature to him. Even if Jouslain were to have his body and mind consumed by a maddening love, his reason would undoubtedly scrutinise and analyse his own passions with a frosty detachment.

For the time being, however, it was enough for Jouslain to observe his relatives around him. If he was anything but ordinary, it may well have been because he was fully aware that he, too, was the subject of others’ observation.



Now, following his father’s sudden death, Viscount Balamy should have been in a position to succeed to his ancestral title and become the head of his marquisate. However, he was still only eighteen years of age, and, judging by past precedent, the Clanner would not grant him succession to the marquisate until he reached the age of twenty. Nevertheless, his inheritance of the estate would naturally be recognised.

Viscount Balamy’s late father, Estrade, had not been particularly greedy in seeking out financial interests, yet he left behind a vast fortune, the total value of which would likely exceed five times that which Theodora was to inherit. This would have to be divided amongst the deceased’s wife and four children, and further distributed to his officially recognised mistresses and their illegitimate children. The responsibility for administering this estate fell upon Balamy, the deceased’s legitimate son.

However, this did not mean that Balamy could manipulate the inheritance as he pleased to his own advantage. Should Balamy’s actions be found to be grossly unfair, those with grievances may appeal to the Clanner’s Court, and the matter of the inheritance will then be referred to the Clanner for a ruling. At this stage, Balamy’s reputation would already be in tatters; indeed, there have been past instances where, as a result of protracted disputes over the estate, a family line was outright abolished and its assets confiscated by the Clanner’s Court. While the Clanner’s ruling was, of course, expected to be fair, he was the holder of autocratic power and often opted for severity rather than conciliation.

Balamy was fully aware of this. Setting aside the question of power, he had no particular attachment to his assets, and at a time when he was seeking to consolidate his position within Tytania, he had no intention of expending his energy on futile private strife. He intended to grant a substantial share to those who desired it. As Balamy had not consulted Jouslain on this matter, Jouslain refrained from any unnecessary interference.

“Still, there are so many inheritance issues.”

Recalling Lady Theodora Tytania, Jouslain gave a faint, wry smile. Lord Idris had submitted a petition to Clanner Ajman requesting that her succession to the earldom be recognised.

Around the same time, several rumours had reached Jouslain. It was said that, prior to visiting him, Theodora had paid a call on Lord Ariabert to request his cooperation regarding her succession to the earldom. Jouslain did not find this surprising.

“Unless His Clanner Highness recognises my succession, my county will become extinct. I humbly request that Duke Ariabert lend his support.”

Although Theodora had argued as such,

“Provided the legally correct procedures have been followed, I have no reason to object. There is no need for me to concern myself with this,” is what Ariabert is reported of having responded to Theodora with the utmost solemnity.

This was something Jouslain could accept.

In such situations, Ariabert displayed a far more resolute and principled response than Jouslain. It was precisely because she realised this that Theodora, too, withdrew without making any political manoeuvres. Or perhaps Theodora had become disappointed in Ariabert and had come to look down on him; but that would mean she failed to understand Ariabert’s true worth.

Jouslain was summoned by Clanner Ajman and asked for his opinion regarding the inheritance of Countess Theodora Tytania.

“If a single night of intimacy was enough to secure herself the title of countess and the inheritance, then she certainly sold herself at a high price. One must say she was far wiser than those who sell themselves cheaply.”

Clanner Ajman’s voice carried his characteristic venom. Although he made no mention whatsoever of Zarlisch’s blunder, it was clear that he did not take kindly to it.

Jouslain replied as cautiously as possible, keeping his response to a minimum. As far as this matter was concerned, he had no particular views to put forward; he would leave it to the Clanner’s discretion.

“In that case, Lord Idris’ request will likely be granted. If the other three dukes have no valid arguments to put forward, there is no need to go out of my way to reject Lord Idris’ request. Is my line of thinking unreasonable, Lord Jouslain?”

“No, I consider it only natural.”

Jouslain could offer no other reply. The underlying circumstances were all too clear, but putting them into words would have served no purpose. Theodora had chosen an alliance with Idris, and in the course of that, a physical relationship had developed between them. That was all there was to it.

Given the current balance of power, it might appear that Theodora was dominated by Idris and has been forced into submission; yet, having chosen an alliance with Idris of her own free will, she will surely strive to build her own strength and endeavour to stand on equal footing with him, or even surpass him. Or would she be content with a modest position and influence? In any case, Theodora was an independent individual, and for the time being, there should have been no need for Jouslain to interfere.

Now, strictly speaking, the task of purging the anti-Tytania forces dwelling both within and outside the court of the Vardana Empire should have been entrusted to Idris. As commander of the Vardana Guard, he was responsible for monitoring both the Emperor and the court officials. A complete list of anti-Tytania factions had been drawn up, and arrangements were in place to capture and execute every single one of them the moment the Clanner’s orders were issued. However, the execution of this task was entrusted to Balamy, and Idris could not help but feel that his credit for the achievement had been stolen.

It was the Clanner’s appointment that appeased Idris’ discontent. The sudden death of Marquis Estrade had left the important post of Minister of Military Affairs of the Vardana Empire vacant, and it was Idris who filled that seat. At twenty-four years of age, he was the youngest Minister of Military Affairs in the history of the Vardana Empire, excluding members of the imperial family. Moreover, the great purge had forced the replacement of all the key cabinet ministers through death. Idris had thus succeeded in becoming the most powerful figure at the Vardana court.

Consequently, Idris had every reason to take great pride in his own splendour and glory. Although he was admittedly somewhat prickly in his manner, he was undoubtedly a young man of great talent; proactive in both thought and action, he possessed a drive befitting his youth far more than someone like Jouslain. In this respect, that a gifted young man should desire the power and influence befitting his talents, there was nothing in Idris’ way of life that others could justifiably criticise.

However, in the course of pursuing his own path, his sharply protruding edges inevitably caused harm to others. Such incidents occurred frequently, and it was only natural that those who had suffered as a result could harbour no goodwill towards Idris. Idris himself was not unaware of his sharp edges, but as far as he was concerned, they were also a powerful weapon. A gentle, contented way of life might be permissible for those of a rank lower than an count. But Idris was already a duke, standing in a position from which he could set his sights on the Clanner’s throne. Aiming for the heights was the only way of life permissible for him. At the very least, Idris believed this without a shadow of a doubt.

It appeared that Countess Theodora Tytania was, thanks to Idris’ recommendation, set to inherit the title of countess. By January of the following year, she would bear the title of countess. On one occasion when Theodora was a guest in Idris’ bedchamber, something which happened more than once, she whispered the following to him:

“Lord Idris, please do become the Clanner.”

“So you think that if I were to become the Clanner, it would benefit your life as well? You are welcome to believe that, but the future may not necessarily be on your side.”

The ice clinked in his glass, a sound that befitted the coldness and thinness of the smile playing on Idris’ lips.

The sweet words of a beautiful woman were pleasing to the ear, but Idris was not one to have his soul stolen by them. He did not grant women dignity equal to, or even greater than, his own. For him, the Goddess was the supreme authority of Tytania; flesh-and-blood women were, at best, mere objects for the satisfaction of his desires. At least, that had been the case until now. Consequently, the fact that Zarlisch could not resist his mother, or that Jouslain protected the princess of the Kingdom of Elbing, was nothing but a laughing matter to Idris.

Theodora gazed down from the sumptuous bed at Idris, clad in his robe and guzzling wine.

“Lord Idris, do you consider Duke Zarlisch a potential rival to the title of Clanner?”

“Zarlisch is valiant, but that’s all there is to him. In the Bronze Age, he might well have established a kingdom on Earth. But we are no longer in the Bronze Age.”

“What about Lord Ariabert?”

“Had he been born in an age of goodwill, he would surely be called a great ruler. But ever since humanity began to reign supreme over other living creatures, such an age of goodwill has never once existed.”

Theodora seemed intrigued by Idris’ scathing assessment. With a strange gleam in her eyes, she uttered the name of a third man:

“And what about Lord Jouslain, then?”

There was no immediate reply; Idris stirred the ice cubes in his glass, creating a frenzied clatter.

“Hmph! It seems you’re all strangely preoccupied with that man. But in truth, what remarkable feats has he actually accomplished that are worthy of astonishing others? I, for one, know of none.”

Pouring another cascade of amber liquid into his glass, Idris scorched his throat in a single gulp. Theodora brushed her dishevelled hair from her forehead with a finger and altered the tone of her voice ever so slightly:

“Lord Idris, you have bestowed upon me the title of countess. Naturally, I shall use my status and power for your sake.”

“I’d rather not be in your debt.”

Offering this matter-of-fact reply, Idris set his glass down on the table. Once this moment of pleasure was over, his duties as a public figure awaited him.




=== III ===
Even after assuming the post of Minister of Military Affairs, Idris had shown no intention of relinquishing his position as Commander of the Imperial Guard. However, in late September, he chose his successor. He appointed his younger brother, Baron Radmoth, as Commander of the Imperial Guard; however, since the individual in question was still only a seventeen-year-old boy, the appointment was met with disapproval not only at the Vardana court but also within Tytania herself.

Yet Idris haughtily asserted the legitimacy of his appointment.

“Some became senior aides-de-camp to members of the Five Families of Tytania at the age of eighteen. I do not believe this warrants any particular objection.”

Emperor Harsha&nbsp;VI of Vardana, though pale with anger and humiliation, could not refuse to sign the letter of appointment. The pen with which he signed trembled violently, the result of his hatred for Tytania as a whole and his hatred for Idris in particular amplifying one another’s vibrations.

Nevertheless, managing to maintain a tenuous hold on his composure, the Emperor pressed the nib against the paper and scrawled his signature as if scratching at the surface. The realisation of his own powerlessness must surely have afflicted Harsha&nbsp;VI’s mind and body more severely than any pathogen. It seemed that half-hearted ambition brought misfortune to no one more than to the man himself. What, then, must have been Idris’ state of mind towards Emperor Harsha&nbsp;VI at that moment? The general view is that he paid no heed to the Emperor’s feelings whatsoever…

As for the so-called “Baron” Radmoth Tytania himself, the unanimous opinion was that he was a mud puppet moulded from nothing but his elder brother Idris’ flaws. No, in terms of brutality, he clearly surpassed his brother.

To begin with, Idris had never been fond of this half-brother, but he had witnessed the example of Zarlisch, who, as head of the ducal house, had been called to account over the matter involving his younger brother Arses. As far as he was concerned, he needed to skilfully keep Radmoth under his thumb.

“Might not Lord Idris, through his excessive favouritism, end up tying his own hands and feet? Can that younger brother be of any use to his elder brother?”

A wave of such derisive whispers swept through Tytania, both inside and out, but Idris remained unperturbed. Ariabert and Jouslain, feeling no inclination to offer advice, simply watched the youngest duke’s actions; yet before long, they were forced to admit that Idris’ political acumen was beyond their comprehension. Idris had petitioned Clanner Ajman to select the vice-commander of the Royal Guard who would assist Radmoth among the senior officers directly under the Clanner’s command.

“As my younger brother Radmoth is still inexperienced and lacking in talent, I would like to entrust the actual authority to the vice-commander, and furthermore, I would like him to provide my brother with training as a military officer. I wish to ensure that he will certainly be of service to Your Clanner Highness in the future…”

In other words, by making the vice-commander the de facto commander of the Guard and entrusting him with the authority to instruct and educate the younger brother of the Fourth Duke, this was effectively the same as appointing an officer directly under the Clanner’s command to the post of commander of the Guard. At the very least, the Clanner could not help but acknowledge the thoughtfulness Idris as the new Minister of Military Affairs.

“Lord Idris’ proposal is quite commendable. Very well, I shall accept it.”

Naturally, Clanner Ajman had no choice but to agree. However, this personnel decision was by no means a simple matter.

By placing his younger brother in a prominent position at such a young age, Idris had, first and foremost, fulfilled his responsibility as head of the ducal house to promote his brother. However, Radmoth was an unworthy younger brother who, far from assisting his elder brother, might well end up holding him back. Idris knew he must keep a close watch on his younger brother and provide him with guidance to ensure he did not commit any blunders or missteps; however, Idris himself was extremely busy both in his official and private life, and, to be honest, he simply did not have the time to act as Radmoth’s chaperone. Indeed, merely acting as a chaperone would have been one thing, but the thought of being held jointly responsible for any blunders Radmoth might commit was unthinkable. Therefore, Idris decided to put a safety net in place.

Should Radmoth prove unable to shoulder the heavy responsibility of commander of the Royal Guard, the vice-commander would, naturally, assume the commander’s authority in practice. That position is defined as holding the authority to educate and guide the underaged commander, and a senior military officer directly under Clanner Ajman was appointed to it. In other words, the responsibility for Radmoth’s education and guidance was also placed upon the Clanner.

By arranging matters in this way, even if Radmoth were to cause trouble, Idris alone would not be held accountable. Furthermore, Idris had laid all the groundwork in full knowledge that Radmoth would, sooner or later, prove unable to bear the weight of such a heavy responsibility.

“Duke Idris is certainly shrewd. The one to be pitied for the time being is the person who will be saddled with the post of vice-commander. I wonder who will be the one to suffer the consequences.”

Ariabert made this observation with a wry smile. Jouslain nodded in agreement, yet could not help but feel that everyone was overlooking something important. Radmoth’s own state of mind.

Although Radmoth was described as immature, unworthy and incompetent, it was by no means certain that he viewed himself in that light. As he undoubtedly possessed ambition, desire and pride, might he not wield the power and influence he had acquired without his own merit, and use that very blade to wound others, his elder brother, and ultimately himself?

Jouslain had met Radmoth on several occasions, but had never felt any fondness for him. He seemed more the brother of Zarlisch than of Idris, with his imposing frame and well-developed muscles, he had already outgrown his boyhood. His eyebrows were thick, his jaw strong, and his gaze defiant, so much so that he appeared older than the eighteen-year-old Balamy.

In a different sense from the late count Arses, he seemed to embody the impurity of the Tytania bloodline. It seemed certain that, sooner or later, he would inevitably cause no small amount of trouble.

However, the catastrophe befell them in a manner and at a speed that defied everyone’s expectations.

It was the last day of September, a time when the Duke Zarlisch Tytania was still unable to re-arrest his prisoner and, naturally, could not yet make his triumphant return to Uraniborg. Viscount Balamy Tytania was engaged in the task he found most distasteful amongst his various official and private duties. Acting as a companion to Princess Lydia, the princess of the Kingdom of Elbing.

Balamy disliked fussy children. He was well aware that Princess Lydia was not merely fussy, but serving as a companion to a young girl was hardly a task befitting an ambitious man who aspired to rule over the entire universe. He also recognised that periods of lying low were necessary in life, but he would have preferred to be entrusted with a somewhat more rewarding duty at this juncture.

Balamy himself was unaware that Princess Lydia’s presence acted as a vent, sustaining his mental well-being to such an extent. Since the sudden death of his father, Marquis Estrade, it would have been no surprise if his nervous system had been frayed to the point of collapse by grief.

Princess Lydia was keen to see every corner of Uraniborg, so that day Balamy took her on a tour to the Second Spaceport. A shuttle from planet Ryutehi had just docked.

Lydia was delighted to be shown the docking procedure from the control room, but a problem arose immediately afterwards. As the two left the control room and were about to step onto the walkway, they came face to face with a passenger disembarking from the shuttle. It was Baron Radmoth, who had just left the Vardana court.

“I’ve seen your face somewhere before. You’re Duke Jouslain’s ''aide-de-camp'', aren’t you?”

By addressing him neither by name nor by title, Radmoth was, of course, seeking to wound Balamy’s pride. Although the two had never been on good terms, this was an unthinkable act of discourtesy. Balamy outranked Radmoth in both age and title. Even if Radmoth had now been appointed commander of the Guard, the hierarchy within the family had not changed.

Without a word, Balamy kept walking. From his perspective, it was a natural reaction to such discourtesy. Radmoth, however, did not see it that way.

Radmoth resembled Idris in that he reacted excessively when ignored, but he was far more brutal and thoughtless when putting that reaction into action. He strode towards Princess Lydia and suddenly seized her by the arm.

“Well, well, so this is the Duke Jouslain’s ward? Allow me to have a good look at your face. The face of a poor princess, no better off than a beggar.”

As he yanked her upwards, Lydia found herself half-suspended in the air.

“Be quiet, you insolent wretch! Let me go!” retorted defiantly Princess Lydia to his abuse.

To remain silent in such a situation would have been to accept an insult not only to herself but also to her guardian, Jouslain. As Radmoth held fast to the young girl’s arm and showed no sign of letting go, Lydia took a great step back and resorted to force to regain her freedom.

Radmoth let out a discordant cry and clutched his groin. Lydia’s small foot had sprung up with such force that it had dealt a severe blow to his privates. Having freed herself, Princess Lydia leapt swiftly away, escaping her opponent’s grasp.

Rather than a tragedy, this incident undoubtedly belonged to the realm of comedy. However, it had occurred at the very heart of the clan that ruled the entire universe, and those involved were young men occupying positions close to the very top of the clan hierarchy. Authority was an entity that rejects comedy, and matters invariably tumbled down a slippery slope towards escalation and gravity.

“You little wench! You dare lay your hand on the Tytania clan. I’ll teach you a lesson.”

It was Balamy who seized Radmoth’s raised arm. He had always aspired to be a cold-blooded schemer, but it seemed there was simply too much hot blood coursing through his veins for him to remain thoroughly calculating and far-sighted.

As he seized Radmoth’s arm, he swept one leg out to the side; thrown off balance, Radmoth fell face-first onto the floor under his own weight. There was a muffled thud, and the body of the commander of the Vardana Imperial Guard lay sprawled on the floor. Balamy spoke for the first time:

“Show some respect for this place. You are in the presence of His Clanner Highness. Do you think it is acceptable to resort to violence indiscriminately?”

It was a valid point, but as a remark made after resorting to force, it lacked persuasiveness. Radmoth rose from the floor, fury swirling in his eyes. Blood trickling from his nostrils scattered dark red spots across his grey military uniform.

Just as he let out a groan like the rumbling of the earth and lunged at Balamy, the circle of onlookers parted and a tall young nobleman stepped forward. It was Ariabert.

“Both of you, hold your ground! Is it the behaviour of a noble of Tytania to come to blows in full view of everyone? Have some sense of shame!”

At that moment, Duke Ariabert Tytania displayed his character as a warrior, and both Balamy and Radmoth were so overwhelmed that they froze in their tracks. Already, the inhabitants of Uraniborg, mostly clad in grey military uniforms; were crowding around them.

Balamy, shielding Princess Lydia’s petite body behind him, could do nothing but stare in astonishment at the sheer scale of the commotion that had unfolded.




=== IV ===
A dispute had broken out between members of the Tytania clan within Uraniborg. News of the incident spread through every level of Uraniborg at almost the speed of sound. Initially, the news put everyone affiliated with Tytania on edge; however, once it became clear that no public conflict had arisen regarding political or military policies or tactics, a sense of relief and wry amusement dispelled the tension.

“It seems that the eighteen-year-old Viscount Balamy and the seventeen-year-old Baron Radmoth have quarrelled over a ten-year-old girl. Apparently, Uraniborg has been reduced to nothing more than a playhouse.”

Rumours grew and swell through malice. As the inflated rumours mocked Tytania’s authority, the Clanner’s Court could not simply ignore them, nor could either Jouslain or Idris remain uninvolved.

For the time being, Balamy and Radmoth were placed under house arrest, and under Ariabert’s command, security measures were tightened while witness statements were gathered. Princess Lydia’s testimony was clearer and more accurate than any of the adults, but it was regrettable that, as she was considered a party to the incident, the value of her testimony was deemed to be low.

Clanner Ajman, who summoned Jouslain and Idris to pass judgement, cast a cold gaze upon the two young dukes.

“I never imagined that two Dukes of Tytania would come to dispute over such a trivial matter. I cannot help but feel taken aback.”

Jouslain did not consider it a trivial matter. It was an issue concerning Princess Lydia’s legitimate rights and personal dignity. As for Balamy, he had acted to protect Lydia, and believed that Radmoth’s brutality and insolence were what deserved censure. However, if it came down to a confrontation between Balamy and Radmoth, it was Balamy who had, technically speaking, struck first. Idris would undoubtedly press this point strongly.

Even for Clanner Ajman, it must have been impossible to imagine himself adjudicating such an incident in the first place. While a dispute between dukes inevitably required the Clanner to step in as the sole superior authority and settle the matter, on this occasion a sense of futility seemed to prevail.

Duke Idris’ expression was also bitter. He had always considered it inevitable that he would eventually come into conflict with Jouslain over the succession to the title of Clanner. However, it was unexpected that Radmoth, who was only just granted a title, should cause such a disturbance before the ink on his letter of appointment had even dried. Had he at least clashed with someone of greater stature, it might have been one thing, but with Princess Lydia and Viscount Balamy as his opponents, it was nothing more than a childish squabble.

In his heart, Idris vehemently reviled his younger brother’s brutality and thoughtlessness, yet even so, in the presence of the Clanner’s judgement, he had no choice but to fulfil his role as the advocate for his brother’s interests. This double reluctance lent a sharp bitterness to Idris’ handsome features.

Jouslain accurately discerned what was in Idris’ heart. And he could not help but reflect: however deeply reluctant one might be, it was the duty of the head of a ducal house to defend the family’s interests. This “incident” was surely the most foolish possible commentary on that very folly. Wouldn't the “Authority of Tytania” be appalled to hear of it?

In any case, a fierce debate raged between Idris and Jouslain over where the responsibility lay.

“There is no need to take the nonsense of a ten-year-old child to heart.”

“One would not expect such a remark from Lord Idris. Pray tell, who was it who judged that a seventeen-year-old minor was fit to hold the post of commander of the Vardana Imperial Guard?”

“That’s a different matter altogether!”

“It is not. Lord Idris, the root of the matter lies in your inadequate supervision. It is common knowledge throughout Tytania that Princess Lydia is a guest of my ducal house. She should have been treated with due courtesy. Is it the sort of behaviour expected of the Tytania clan to lawlessly seize her by the arm?”

“No, had Viscount Balamy returned the greeting properly, this would never have happened. The fault lies with Viscount Balamy.”

The debate continued for two hours, but it only served to exhaust everyone with its futility, including the Clanner presiding over the matter. Even Clanner Ajman, who seemed to possess boundless vigour for intellectual pursuits, must surely have been appalled by the sheer absurdity of the situation. Though he never let his stern expression waver, his true feelings were clearly reflected in the ruling he delivered.

“The appointment of Baron Radmoth as commander of the Guard is hereby revoked and set aside. Duke Idris shall select a replacement within five days. Furthermore, Baron Radmoth is ordered to undergo two weeks of confinement. Meanwhile, Viscount Balamy is relieved of his duties as Duke Jouslain’s senior ''aide-de-camp'' and ordered to take up a post as counsellor at the resident mission on planet Tyron. He shall assume this post within two weeks. Furthermore, regarding Princess Lydia of the Kingdom of Elbing, while she cannot be held accountable given her age, it is unnatural for her to reside in Uraniborg in the first place. I therefore advise Duke Jouslain to consider repatriating her to her homeland.”

Idris accepted the ruling on the spot, but Jouslain found it hard to accept and requested a day’s reprieve. Jouslain could not bring himself to accept this superficial fairness; however, that night, Ariabert visited Jouslain’s quarters and offered the following advice:

“Viscount Balamy is still young. He should be able to endure this period of biding his time. Furthermore, regarding Princess Lydia, if you are anxious about sending her back to the Kingdom of Elbing, I could take her in myself. In any case, Lord Jouslain, now that Lord Idris has accepted the ruling, if you refuse to do so, it will leave a poor impression on His Clanner Highness. I do hope you will exercise due restraint.”

Jouslain acknowledged the validity of Ariabert’s words. He understood, intellectually, that there was no alternative but to accept the Clanner’s ruling. In the circumstances, he had no choice but to let reason take precedence over emotion. Jouslain expressed his gratitude for Ariabert’s advice.

“Nonsense, it’s no trouble at all. Lord Jouslain, it gives me great pleasure to be able to do you a favour. I shall expect you to repay it in due course, though you’d best be prepared to pay a little interest.”

Ariabert laughed, thereby lightening the psychological burden on Jouslain. Jouslain truly felt what might be called Ariabert’s magnanimity, and he was once again convinced that, barring some unprecedented catastrophe befalling the Tytania clan, Ariabert was indeed the most suitable candidate to be the next Clanner.

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