Editing Tytania:Volume 4 Chapter 1 (section)

=== I ===
In any era and in any region, it seemed that authority and power were symbolised by massive structures. There always existed a backlash against such things, and aphorisms were born from them. For instance, during the year SY&nbsp;447, the following ironical remark was whispered:

''“Let those who hate Tytania live in Uraniborg. There, they shall be spared from seeing the objects that symbolise the might of Tytania.”''

It was not particularly a unique maxim. Some even claimed it had existed since the era of the pyramids. In any event, the stronghold of the Tytania Clan, known as Uraniborg, was currently appearing before the eyes of Fan Hyulick, Doctor Lee, Miranda, and her husband. Though “before their eyes” was a stretch, as it was a thousand kilometres away. Set against the backdrop of a universe resembling silver sand scattered across a dark cloth, the home planet of the Vardana Empire looked down below—if one could call it that through mere sensation—like a jade gemstone.

''“Is that Uraniborg?”''

Everyone thought the same thing, though none spoke it aloud. There was no need for words, nor did anyone seem capable of producing any clever remark.

''“A mere bauble floating in space.”''

That was how the second Landless Clanner, Nuri Tytania, had once disparagingly described his own castle; one wondered how he would have reacted had someone else called it such.

A disc-shaped artificial stratum measuring fifty-two and a half kilometres in diameter. A transparent canopy spanning twelve layers. Fourteen military satellites circled the perimeter of this colossal celestial city. It had been approaching two centuries since its construction, yet its management and maintenance had, of course, never been neglected, and no armed force had ever successfully challenged it.

Hyulick let out a sigh, keeping both hands thrust deep in his pockets, and lightly tapped his forehead against the viewing window. Doctor Lee, who stood to his left, spoke up.

“It is just like the Great Wall<ref name="ftn2">“Ten Thousand Miles Long Wall” (万里の長城) is pronounced “Great Wall”.</ref> of ancient times. It is almost impossible to capture through purely military attacks from the outside. The only option would be to exploit internal corruption and division to slip inside the ring of military satellites.”

“Corruption and division, huh?…”

Hyulick let out an airless mutter. At present, the Tytania Clan appeared to be fractured. There was the Landless Clanner Ajman, the head of the clan, and Idris, acting in his stead. Against them, both Dukes Ariabert and Jouslain had raised their banners in rebellion, expressing their intent to resist through military force.

Thus, the universe lost its axis of fundamental order. Somewhere, something had gone wrong, for the Blaze Flag Army, which until yesterday had been hunted as a public enemy of the Tytania, found itself being invited to Uraniborg, the very heart of the Tytania.

It was Count Elman Tytania who had, to some extent, unravelled this confusion and brought things to the current state of affairs. Until now, he had been regarded as more or less harmless and useless within his clan, but he was beginning to attract attention as the individual capable of establishing diplomatic and manipulative channels between the “Blaze Flag Army Heretic Group” and Tytania.

The spacecraft ''Honest Old Man Junior'', carrying the heretics of the Blaze Flag Army, entered the ring-shaped barrier formed by fourteen military satellites. Communication waves leapt between it and Uraniborg, and the shabby-looking spacecraft travelled halfway around Uraniborg towards the spaceport.

“I wonder how we must look to the people living their daily lives inside Uraniborg,” remarked Miranda. Seraphine Coopers responded, lightly tugging on her own white earlobe. “The people living beneath those lights won’t even notice a ship like this.”

“Hahaha, you might be right.”

“It looks like they’re going to let us in through the main entrance.”

Alan Mahdi stroked his chin and frowned. His palm felt rough. He hadn’t expected to be welcomed by beautiful women clutching bouquets, but he thought to himself that he really should have tidied himself up.

The docking proceeded smoothly and concluded without any issues. As far as the crew<ref name="ftn3">“Crew” (搭乗員) is pronounced “crew”.</ref> of the ''Honest Old Man Junior'' could tell, both the facilities and the control systems were perfect.

“Well, I suppose it’s passable.”

As Miranda offered her pretentious assessment, wry smiles flickered around her. Along the way here, they had been repeatedly reminded of just how much of “country bumpkins” they were.

That, without a doubt, was typical Tytania “hospitality”. With that thought, the group stepped off the mobile lift and onto the artificial earth of Uraniborg. A moment later, they realised they were surrounded by dozens of men clad in Tytania military uniforms, weapons at the ready.

The sudden turn of events was blatant. Just as Doctor Lee coldly scanned the cluster of gun barrels and was about to say something, a woman’s scream erupted from among the men.

“I am the mother of Zarlisch and Arses! I am Duchess Theresa Tytania!”

The voice was excessively high-pitched, slicing through the air like a poisoned dagger. It was an unpleasant sound, but for Hyulick and the others, it presented a far greater problem. To her, Hyulick and his companions were the enemies of her sons and the targets of her hatred.

''“That is a death sentence proclamation.”''

Doctor Lee nodded, crossing his arms. It seemed the sarcasm he had been about to utter had vanished into another dimension.

“Do not presume that death will come easily to you.”

Poison oozed through the cracks of her elegant phrasing. Even her opulent dress could not conceal her excess weight or the distorted lines of her body, and her exposed face resembled that of a predator. She took a step towards her sworn enemy, raising a hand with lengthened claws. At that moment, something stood between her and her foe. A holographic image displayed the face of a young Tytania noble.

“Duchess.”

The young noble’s voice carried the weight of an active volcano in the dead of winter. Snow and ice cold-pressed the crater shut, yet should the lava burst forth, the searing heat would surely consume everything.

“What a wretched deed you have committed. Have you no shame? Do you truly wish for it to be said that Tytania ambushed its guests?”

Doctor Lee, who had been waiting for the opportune moment, bowed and addressed the image on the screen, ignoring Lady Theresa as she gasped for breath in vain.

“I presume I am addressing His Grace the Duke Idris Tytania. We of the Blaze Flag Army take the liberty of lodging a formal protest to the legitimate leadership of Tytania.”

Idris directed a sharpened gaze towards Doctor Lee. He had reacted to the adjective “legitimate”.

Receiving Idris’ silent, piercing stare, Doctor Lee continued:

“We have come here to Uraniborg at the request of Count Elman Tytania. We did so of our own free will. We shall not presume to claim that we are guests. However, our safety has been guaranteed by His Lordship the Count…”

The individual whose name had been called spoke up, struggling to suppress their agitation and tension:

“T-that is correct, Duke. Once a guarantee has been made in the name of Tytania, their lives are, upon my honour…”

“Count Elman, there is no need for you to interject. I understand very well.”

Theresa’s voice overlapped with Idris’. It was a voice that seemed to loom over, crush, and shatter, as if to trample the very fragments into the dust.

“Their personal safety!? I shall not permit such a thing, I will not! I will never let this rogue live after he caused the death of my precious, my precious Arses. He shall regret ever being born… even if he wails and begs for mercy…”

Theresa stepped forward, foam gathering at the corners of her mouth.

“Duchess!”

Idris’ voice struck a second time, like a searing, formless spear, piercing the heart of Duchess Theresa Tytania. Beneath her weathered skin, the muscles of the Duchess’ face surged and twitched. Showing no sign of caring, Idris declared:

“Duchess, to move troops at your own whim without even the permission of His Clanner Highness is utterly outrageous. I suggest you consider the possibility that you may be charged with treason.”

The Duchess gasped. Her full bosom heaved deeply. Soon after, her voice erupted, more turbulent and undulating than her chest:

“Treason? M-me? Treason?! To whom do you speak, Idris? I am the mother of Zarlisch. I am Tytania within Tytania!”

“I am well aware.”

“Then observe proper etiquette. Restrain your tongue.”

“I am restraining it. However, even that has its limits. As a noble of the highest rank within Tytania, you must set an example for those of lower station.”

Idris swiftly shifted his gaze to look upon the middle-aged nobleman, who stood there looking disgruntled.

“Count Elman, please escort our guests to their respective guest rooms. And…”