Editing Tytania:Volume 3 Chapter 2 (section)

=== III ===
Duke Idris Tytania felt a harsh and intolerant sense of joy at the fact that Duke Ariabert Tytania had failed to achieve any grand military feat against the Bargash army. However, the moment when he, who had intended to merely spectate from the best seat in the house, was suddenly dragged onto the stage and forced into a solemn performance, occurred on the 17<sup>th</sup> of January, SY&nbsp;447, in the Supreme Council chamber of Uraniborg. On this day, a bizarre report had been delivered by Lord Balamy from planet Tyron.

“That brat Balamy is spreading groundless rumours. To think he was born into the Tytania Clan only to degenerate into a third-rate agitator.”

Idris hurled insults at the inexperienced reporter from afar, but Jouslain, sitting on the judging panel, pointed out a calm—or rather, from Idris’ perspective, a callous—remark. Reports regarding similar rumours had been brought forward not only by Lord Balamy but by other intelligence officers as well. Lord Balamy had merely gathered and reported rumours that could not be overlooked as a member of the Tytania, and that it was their responsibility to analyse and judge that information.

“Even so, it is a rather amusing rumour. Am I to be overthrown by Lord Idris? Not by an external enemy?”

Clanner Ajman let out a heavy laugh, and once he had composed himself, he added, “Though, of course, as a joke, it receives a failing grade.”

Idris’ fine features remained frozen in tension, and he did not even have the composure to laugh back. Showing no signs of interest in his reaction, Jouslain continued:

“According to Lord Balamy’s supplementary opinion, this is likely a scheme by the Blaze Flag Army to instigate internal conflict within the Tytania leadership.”

“A sensible view.”

This time, Ajman gave a thin smile.

“And does Lord Balamy himself believe that sensible view with all his heart? Common sense is often used as a shield to hide one’s true intentions.”

Jouslain should have been the one to answer, but Idris beat him to it.

“I hold a different view, Your Clanner Highness.”

Idris’ voice barely maintained an equilibrium on the verge of eruption. Although he had insulted Balamy, he did not consider him to be his primary enemy. By speaking up, Idris had saved Jouslain, who was being put to the test by the Clanner. Idris’ anxiety and irritation had changed the circumstances.

“It is against my wishes to utter such criticisms regarding a colleague, but…”

With that preamble, Jouslain realised what Idris was intending to say. He knew but could not bring himself to stop him and thus was forced to listen as Idris directed his pointed remarks at an absent party.

“Lord Ariabert has lost track of the Blaze Flag Army, his adversary on the planet Bargash, and has thus failed to achieve his original military and political objectives. This is a disgrace, both to the prestige of Tytania and to the personal reputation of Lord Ariabert himself. Might it not be that he resorted to petty tricks in an attempt to cover that dishonour and divert public attention away from his failure?”

Once he had finished speaking, Idris cast a gaze at Jouslain that could only be described as provocative. Jouslain masked his expression and looked up at the Clanner. Clad in grey, the Clanner sat with a poised, frigid stillness, much like a bronze statue.

Once again, Idris spoke:

“In other words, he intends to deflect the criticism aimed at himself by making me, Idris, the victim of malicious false reports. Otherwise, why would such rumours be spread at a time like this? I have nothing to hide. I ask for a thorough and, above all, impartial investigation.”

It seemed that his emotions had somewhat overwhelmed his reason. As Idris took his seat, the Clanner slowly turned his gaze toward the other duke.

“Let us hear the opinion of Lord Jouslain.”

Jouslain sensed a subtle vibration in that voice. The Clanner was finding the situation amusing. That’s what his instincts told him. From the perspective of divide and rule, it was undoubtedly desirable for dukes of equal rank to glare at one another.

“Regrettably, I cannot agree with the opinion of Lord Idris.”

Jouslain had chosen his words with as much care as possible, yet he could not entirely hide the bitterness in his tone. He felt the intensity of Idris’ glare upon his cheek.

“I find it impossible to believe that Lord Ariabert would devise such a cowardly scheme to entrap Lord Idris.”

He did not say aloud that the reverse might be true, but his tone alone might have conveyed the meaning. The Clanner’s expression darkened further, while Idris concentrated his dissatisfaction and fury into his eyes, making his gaze even more piercing.

“That possibility is just as low as the likelihood of Lord Idris harbouring disloyal thoughts toward Your Clanner Highness. For my part, I can believe neither.”

It seemed he was merely being a mere ''provocateur'', Jouslain realised with a touch of irony. His manner of cleverly stifling an opponent’s rebuttal while maintaining a veneer of politeness suggested a rather malicious nature. Furthermore, Jouslain felt no sense of guilt regarding Idris.

Idris let out a low growl.

“My point is that I cannot endure being slandered without evidence. That is what I am saying!”

“The same applies to Lord Ariabert: there is no evidence there, either. To designate a colleague as the source of a conspiracy requires clear proof. Otherwise, one would merely be falling prey to the machinations of an unseen enemy and playing into their hands. I must ask you to exercise restraint, Lord Idris.”

“What a long-winded patronising speech!”

Finally, Idris flared up, his restraint snapping completely. He rose from his chair and cast a terrifying glare at Jouslain.

“Lord Jouslain, by what right, I ask, do you presume to lecture me, Idris? If anyone is the victim of these malicious rumours, it is I, and no one else.”

“I am obviously well aware of that. However, that does not mean you are permitted to obstruct the actions of Lord Ariabert, who is currently on the battlefield. Should he be forced to withdraw his army, the Bargash government would surely applaud the news.”

“In that case, as unworthy as I am, allow me to replace Lord Ariabert as the commander-in-chief of the expeditionary force and strike down both the Bargash government and the Blaze Flag Army. Your Clanner Highness, I await your judgement!”

''He went too far'', though Jouslain once again. It was impossible for the Clanner to revoke a personnel appointment once it had been decided and put into effect. Idris had performed his part, knowing this full well. Of course, while Idris likely took great pride in his own military talent, even the Clanner would have found his acting far too transparent, leaving him feeling thoroughly disillusioned.

Ajman did not appear particularly impressed, merely nodding his head in a formal gesture. He stated that he understood the sincerity of Duke Idris’ passion and instructed him to leave. For the time being, the matter was concluded.

But Jouslain understood that nothing had been resolved. Idris might well be an undesirable, destabilising factor for Tytania. If seeds of internal strife and mutual suspicion were to be sown within the heart of Tytania, it would not be unusual for rumours to spread, like, for instance, that Ariabert might move the armies under his command to launch a coup. Idris should have considered why it was he himself who had been chosen as the subject of such rumours.

The tangible and intangible enemies of Tytania were watching Idris, seeing him as a crack into which they might drive a wedge against the impregnable fortress’ walls. Idris was being targeted. If he knew this, he ought to be careful with his words and actions, striving to avoid provoking resentment or suspicion from within Tytania. If Jouslain had been Idris’ ''aide-de-camp'', this is the counsel he would have offered. But of course, as reality was otherwise, Jouslain ought to have no obligation to advise him.

Clanner Ajman rose to his feet and addressed Jouslain. He stated that they would convene a meeting on a different agenda within the week.

“Even though the New Year has passed, Duke Zarlisch’s seat remains vacant. While I do not advocate for rushing things, I would like to see this vacancy filled by the middle of this year, if possible.”

“And how fares Duke Zarlisch’s mother?”

As Jouslain lowered his voice slightly, Ajman shook his head in silence. For a moment, it seemed as though even the resolute and pitiless Clanner flashed a look of exasperation. Zarlisch’s mother, Duchess Theresa Tytania, had been staying at Uraniborg for some time now, causing great bewilderment among the people.

Those of Tytania nobility who held the title of duke were required to participate in the administration of the central core of this vast, formless empire. If the sole purpose had been the preservation of lineage, an infant might have been permitted to become the head of a ducal house, but such a thing was not permitted in Tytania. One had to have reached adulthood and possess both exceptional talent and the physical health to support it. Even in the case of Idris, who was often considered problematic, his talents and achievements in both politics and the military were sufficiently extraordinary, especially considering he was only twenty-five years of age. It was precisely because of this that he had been permitted to inherit his ducal house at such a young age.

Jouslain had not held Zarlisch in particularly high regard during his lifetime, but once his seat became vacant, there were few who were capable of immediately filling the void. Anticipating the hardships that lay ahead, Jouslain saluted the Clanner and departed.