Editing Tytania:Volume 2 Chapter 5 (section)

=== 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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