Editing Tytania:Volume 4 Chapter 2 (section)

=== V ===
''“Let those two meet in Bargash. You can be certain they’ll be plotting something.”''

Once, Idris had cried out exactly such words. His malice-filled prophecy had proven true. Or rather, it would be more accurate to say that his malice was what had ultimately forged the bond between Ariabert and Jouslain. Idris did not wish to admit his own blunder, yet he could not shake the bitter feeling that disposing of the two of them one by one might have been the best course of action and that perhaps he should have waited for the opportunity with more patience.

It was then that a new guest arrived.

“Brother Idris.”

“Zelpha? Well, come and sit.”

Idris’ expression softened. It was a rare thing for this young nobleman, who usually kept his features sharp and guarded to ensure no weakness showed in either offence or defence, to show such a gentle impression to another. For Ariabert or Jouslain, such a sight would have been difficult to even imagine.

“Though we both reside in Uraniborg, we have not had an opportunity to meet for some time.”

“That is because you have been so busy, Brother. I have longed to see you, but I have endured my patience. I hope I am not causing you an inconvenience today?”

Idris’ youngest brother gazed upon his eldest brother with heartfelt devotion.

Idris let out a sigh. It appeared to be a sigh that released his true feelings.

“Zelpha, if only you and Radmoth had been born in the reverse order. I would have had a most dependable lieutenant.”

“I am sorry.”

“No, you are blameless.”

Idris gave a wry smile.

“It was my wording that was at fault. Forgive me.”

Inwardly, Idris cursed Radmoth. ''“If only just once he could try saying something as charming as Zelpha.”''

“It is a pity that I cannot be of use to you presently, but Brother Idris, when you become Clanner, I shall serve you with utmost loyalty as your foremost subject. I hope that day comes as soon as possible.”

Idris’ expression, which had begun to soften, changed abruptly. Almost unconsciously beginning to glance around the room, Idris rebuked his adorable younger brother.

“Zelpha! Mind your words. To speak of ascending to the Clanner throne is an act of high treason. Have you forgotten your propriety and your loyalty?!”

Zelpha’s complexion changed instantly, and his body went rigid. A sense of awe toward the Clanner was ingrained in the very spirit of the Tytania nobility. From the time they were children. Furthermore, if anyone were to overhear talk that undermined the Clanner’s prestige or speculated on his life or succession, there was no telling what manner of calamity might descend upon them.

“Brother, I…”

“No, I spoke too harshly as well. There is no need to be afraid. But mark my words: be extremely careful with your language, and ensure you do not invite any unnecessary misunderstandings.”

“Yes, I shall take great care.”

“Very well. You may go now.”

Idris embraced the shoulder of his youngest brother, who looked as though he might burst into tears at any moment, offering him as much kindness as he could muster before seeing him out of the room. At that same moment, a new visitor appeared. It was a communications officer, his expression taut with tension.

“I bring urgent news. According to reports from the Bargash region, both Dukes Ariabert and Jouslain…”

“They are no longer dukes.”

“I… excuse me…”

“They are traitors. Refer to them as such.”

“Very well. Regarding the traitors Ariabert and Jouslain…”

“Have they offered to surrender?”

“No, quite the opposite. They have set out from the planet Bargash, leading a fleet.”

“What?”

Idris’ voice rose involuntarily. The deadline he had set for them had not yet arrived.

“It appears to be their entire force, or at least most of it. The total number of vessels is approximately twenty thousand. There seem to be almost no deserters.”

Idris furrowed his well-shaped brows.

With what intention had Ariabert and Jouslain moved three days ahead of the deadline Idris had provided? And they had done so with their entire strength. Were they mad, mobilising twenty thousand ships merely to save the Kingdom of Elbing? No, wait, assuming they were sane…

The heel of Idris’ boot struck the floor.

“I am going to the Combat Command Centre right away. Prepare the three-dimensional star charts.”

“Understood!”

“And we shall simulate their future course. Gather the necessary personnel and materials.”

As its name suggested, the Combat Command Centre was intended to be the most vital location during the military engagements of Uraniborg. Conversely, as long as Uraniborg was not under direct attack from external enemies, it remained a useless relic. Although it had undergone maintenance for over a century, it had never actually been put to use. Idris had decided to open the doors to that room, which had long been known as the “unopened chamber”. Having received his first reactions from Ariabert and Jouslain, Idris was invigorated to the point of near-exhilaration, for better or worse.

Though he was not particularly favoured by Ariabert or Jouslain, Idris was a possessor of the kind of ambition befitting a duke of Tytania.

Both Ariabert and Jouslain appeared to be posturing as brave dissenters, but that was only possible because they were far removed from Uraniborg. For Idris, who had managed Uraniborg alone while always feeling the Clanner’s gaze upon his back, this was an opportunity to show them what he was truly capable of.

If Clanner Ajman were to appear and declare, “I support Lord Idris,” the chaos and disorder currently tossing the universe about would, in an instant, vanish. If that could not be hoped for, Idris would have no choice but to tilt the situation in his favour through his own strength. Once he had made his decision, even a slight lack of confidence was of no consequence.



Twenty thousand vessels had gathered in orbit around the moon of the planet Bargash. From the night hemisphere, they appeared as a cluster of light that overwhelmed the very stars in the sky, and people watched, breathless, captivated by their dangerous beauty.

“Idris gave us a deadline of one week…”

“You intended to make your move before that from the very beginning, did you not, Lord Ariabert?”

“That is correct. Why should I blindly obey Idris’ orders?”

The conversation between the two took place via the communication screen connecting the ''Golden Sheep'' and the ''Austra''.

“In that case, Lord Ariabert, I shall be serving under your command from this moment forth. I am no great man, but I look forward to working with you.”

“Well then, I shall leave the fleet’s movements and combat to you.”

“By the way, what is our destination? As it stands, there is no longer any necessity to head for the Kingdom of Elbing. Even the Uraniborg fleet, which should have been bound for Elbing, will likely not depart as originally intended at this late stage.”

Ariabert responded to Jouslain’s question with a smile.

“We are heading for Uraniborg.”

“Hum, I see.”

It was a light remark, yet Jouslain caught his breath.

“Lord Jouslain, if we are to strike directly, it will be at Uraniborg rather than the Elbing expeditionary fleet.”

“Was that your intention from the very beginning?”

“Indeed.”

“I could never have imagined it. I clearly lack the qualities required to be a military leader.”

“I am telling you to leave such trivial matters to me. All you need to do, Lord Jouslain, is take your time considering how to make Idris capitulate. Now, I shall take my leave.”

“Understood.”

Jouslain adjusted his seat slightly and turned his gaze to another screen. He could hear the sharp, commanding voice of Captain Edna Fredericks. It appeared that the ''Austra'' was also cautiously changing its position. The entire army, which had been in a spherical formation, was transitioning into a wedge formation.

“Bal, I heard that Lord Jouslain and Lord Ariabert will manage somehow.”

“I’m impressed by your keen insight.”

From a nearby seat, the conversation between Princess Lydia and Balamy drifted over. The girl’s voice bounced with joy, and the young man’s voice seemed almost drawn in by in.

Jouslain looked towards the seat on the opposite side. Wearing pearlescent overalls that seemed to accentuate her elegant curves, Jouslain’s lover returned his gaze with a soft look, without saying a word.

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