Editing Tytania:Volume 1 Chapter 7 (section)

=== I ===
''“A circle has no corners, but it doesn’t mean it has no personality.”''

These were the words of the mathematician and essayist R. R. Poeman, and if one were to find such a figure in the Tytania clan, it would have likely been Duke Ariabert Tytania.

He lacked the contradictory nuances of Jouslain and the remarkable physique and mental robustness of Zarlisch. In the same way that his appearance was described as handsome but lacking individuality, his character and abilities were well-balanced and harmonious, and there wasn’t the sharp-edged quality that one could find in Idris.

If his rapid recovery after his defeat at the Battle of Cerberus was the result of Jouslain’s suggestion to adopt Fan Hyulick’s strategy, one could conclude that he ultimately had no originality of his own. Even as a military strategist, he was described as rather dull, and it was often said that he “lacked the brains of Lord Jouslain and the bravery of Lord Zarlisch”.

And yet, he was always the first among the Four Dukes of Tytania to make a name for himself, and his military achievements surpassed those of the other three. Even Zarlisch fell short compared to him. His acceptance of Jouslain’s suggestion to completely change the way a Weigert canon should be used proved that Ariabert was flexible, magnanimous, and not hindered by unnecessary competitiveness.

As a frontline warrior and a rear manager, his talents and achievements showed no signs of faltering. Even the Landless Clanner Ajman, while confiding his innermost thoughts to Jouslain, placed his trust in Ariabert’s abilities and character and didn’t punish him severely for his defeat at the Battle of Cerberus and offered him instead an opportunity to redeem himself.

Ariabert fully lived up to these expectations, and maybe Ajman valued him the most, not as the next Clanner, but as one of the Four Dukes. The relationship between one’s character and one’s position was a delicate thing, and a person who was competent in one position may not necessarily be competent in another.

Ariabert spent the month of July inspecting the Tytanian branches in each star system and returned to Uraniborg in August. It was in order to attend the monthly Supreme Council. While the entire organisation of Tytania was in reality under the dictatorship of the Landless Clanner Ajman, as one of the Four Dukes he couldn’t disregard formalities and ceremonies. Those who failed at fulfilling their obligations had to relinquish their privileges as well.

Some ten days before Ariabert, Duke Jouslain Tytania had already returned to Uraniborg.

He was accompanied by Princess Lydia of the kingdom of Elbing, who was astonished by the magnificence of the Celestial Castle. Looking up at Jouslain, whose eyes were far above her own, she offered her observations:

“Our country is poor, but it just means that Tytania is all the richer; isn’t that the case?”

Jouslain was often stung by what the young girl said. But while it stung, it was at the same time pleasurable, maybe due to some masochist tendency in him, and he sometimes found himself amused by it.

“A universe of Tytania, by Tytania, for Tytania.”

It was a famous quote to express Tytania’s wealth and power, although it was definitely plagiarised. Along with “If one is not of Tytania, one is not a human”, the prototype for such quotes could be found in past history. But while the original “government of the people, by the people, for the people” celebrated an ideal, this one described reality.

Even Jouslain felt that Tytania’s wealth was but a matter of course, given its responsibilities and capabilities. also didn’t feel like they were engaging in particularly unfair exploitation. But when a child spoke so bluntly about the situation, he couldn’t help but feel daunted.

His senior ''aide-de-camp'', Balamy, hated the “girl’s attendant” role that had somehow been assigned to him but somehow got used to her pace and, in spite of his complaints, showed her around the Celestial City. It seemed like even conspirators who were plotting to usurp all of Tytania were powerless before her.

Francia had also prepared a room for the princess and looked after her and kept her company. Upon returning to Uraniborg, Jouslain became focused on his official duties, approved several matters entrusted to him by Clanner Ajman, and prepared reports, leaving Francia alone, as was always the case. Keeping Princess Lydia company provided her with some comfort.

Thus did the 10-year-old princess gradually become a prominent figure in Jouslain’s life. And then, His Grace the Duke Ariabert Tytania, vice-admiral of the Vardana Empire, returned to Uraniborg and was utterly astonished to find a child in his cousin’s vast condominium who was supposed to be single like himself.

Entrusting the care of the princess to Francia, Jouslain greeted his cousin and ushered him into the reception room. Of course, Ariabert wanted to know what that was all about.

“Lord Jouslain, if I were to ask if she were your illegitimate child, would you punch me?”

“I would also kick you. I’ve been asked that question countless times.”

“So, who is she?”

“Lord Balamy’s ''fiancée''.”

Ariabert looked genuinely surprised by this answer, and Jouslain smiled and waived his hand to clarify that he was only jesting. They were close enough for that kind of humour. Realising that, Ariabert also smiled.

“I see. I’m looking forward to the next ten years.”

In ten years, Balamy would be 28 and Princess Lydia 20, and it wouldn’t be a bad match, even though it was for now just a joke.

“By the way, how fares Balamy’s father? Is he in good health?”

Ariabert was referring to the Minister of Military Affairs, Marquis Estrade Tytania. Jouslain gave a somewhat indirect answer.

“I haven’t heard anything about him being ill, but is there a reason you are asking this question?”

Ariabert hesitated for a moment but eventually answered Jouslain’s counter-question. Ariabert was apparently not good at reading people’s intentions, and Jouslain couldn’t help but realise that he was the one who was being manipulative.

That aside, Ariabert told him that the future of the Minister of Military Affairs, Marquis Estrade Tytania, was the subject of much concern and discussion. Maybe it was that Balamy held the position of Jouslain’s senior ''aide-de-camp'' that made Ariabert inclined to tell him that. For Jouslain, this was a subject he wanted to avoid.

“Isn’t that just a rumour?”

“If it were the case, it would be fine, but it would be a pity if it made Marquis Estrade feel cornered.”

Ariabert had an inherent kindness, or maybe leniency, which might have been a source of dissatisfaction for Clanner Ajman. It was also probably what made Idris think that Ariabert was easy to manipulate.

In any case, it appeared that the first topic of discussion at this family meeting would be a matter concerning someone else. Count Arses, Duke Zarlisch’s brother, had let Fan Hyulick escape after seemingly having him under his control and, worse yet, had suffered an assault while trying to torture a woman. The woman had died, and Count Arses had suffered a terrible injury to his face, which he had been so proud of.

Upon hearing this, his brother became furious.

“He may be my brother, but there is no thought or pride in his actions. He is a disgrace to Tytania. How can I show my face to you all?”

Considering his upright character, these words that Zarlisch uttered when the Four Dukes gathered in the Clanner’s lounge were undoubtedly his genuine feelings, but they also likely came from a desire to avoid looking weak in front of the other four dukes. In any case, Arses wasn’t the kind of person who would stir a feeling of familial affection in his brother. If anything, it was quite the opposite.

At that point, Zarlisch probably wanted to have his brother confined, which would remove him from the shackles that were binding him in his public and private life. He wouldn’t go so far as to kill him. He also couldn’t ignore his mother’s blind love for her second son. But Zarlisch’s expression was resolute, as if to contradict his cousins’ speculation.

“Only Tytania may punish Tytania. A brother has to take responsibility for a brother’s misdeed. I shall deal with Arses. I hope you gentlemen shall all bear this in mind.”

After exchanging glances with Jouslain, Ariabert replied. It was as if he wanted to quell the wrath of the mighty man.

“Duke Zarlisch, you might call it a misdeed, but it is not something that warrants punishment. Me too; I was also outmanoeuvred by that Fan Hyulick. Compared to that, Count Arses’ blunder is but child’s play.”

“It may be child’s play, but even adults can die from children’s games. Wouldn’t it be too late to regret it afterwards?”

His point was valid, and neither Ariabert nor Jouslain had the opportunity to refute it.

“What is His Clanner Highness’ will on the matter?”

The final question was asked. A sharp and biting glint glimmered in Idris’ eyes as he threw it.

Among the Four Dukes, he was likely the most competitive, and he saw the recent scandal concerning Count Arses as an opportunity to surpass Zarlisch. For the time being, Idris didn’t intend to deliberately sabotage the other three dukes, but he also didn’t intend to prevent them from digging their own grave.

The one who answered was Ariabert.

“The Clanner is, obviously, unlikely to be pleased, but he is a man of inscrutable nature. It would be a disservice for us to jump to conclusions. I believe we must wait for his Highness’ judgement.”

To Idris, Ariabert’s moderation often appeared as being passive. Right as he was about to open his mouth to make a sarcastic retort, a louder voice pre-empted him by a split second. Zarlisch had let out a sigh that seemed to pierce his entire chest.

“There is no way that His Clanner Highness would forgive that damned Arses’ perversion. I feel so ashamed<ref>Literally, “I feel like my body is shinking”, an expression used when feeling extremely embarrassed and humiliated, as if one had shrunk in status.</ref>.”

“Whether it is aestheticism or perversion is up to one’s personal tastes. But when combined with power, one might well become a Nero or a Caligula.”

What Jouslain had mentioned were the names of tyrants from ancient Earth. Historically, when a void appeared between the immense power of a ruler and his pettiness, it would always be filled with brutality, lust, and extravagance. Arses was likely no exception.

Oddly enough, Nero, Caligula, and the like were utterly devoid of originality, either in thought or action. One might wonder why they were so similar, as if one individual had been cloned and scattered across different eras?

His thought process had shifted. In short, the power of Tytania could not be entrusted to Count Arses. He decided that it should be better to agree with the elder brother, Zarlisch, on this matter. Thus, Jouslain settled on a course of action.