Editing Tytania:Volume 2 Chapter 9 (section)

=== III ===
Although not quite as boisterous as in Bargash, rumours were rife even at Uraniborg, the headquarters of Tytania.

“Duke Jouslain is well-regarded for his political acumen, but how does he fare as a commander in actual combat? He’s unlikely to measure up to Duke Ariabert or the late Duke Zarlisch.”

“However, since Duke Zarlisch’s passing, Duke Ariabert has been the crown jewel of the Tytanian Army. Before he sets out on campaign, might Tytania not dispatch some other commander instead?”

“What about Duke Idris?”

“…About him. For the time being, rather than commanding a large army, that gentleman’s more pressing task is probably keeping his younger brother in check.”

The remark ended in a quiet chuckle. Idris had never been a figure of immense trust and respect to begin with, but his standing had diminished further because of his unworthy younger brother, Radmoth. Public opinion clearly blamed Radmoth and sympathised with Balamy, who had been exiled to the planet Tyron.

Radmoth, having finally had his house arrest lifted, went to visit his elder brother.

“Brother, I intend to do my utmost in everything so as not to bring shame upon you as your younger brother.”

“How very commendable. Work hard and do your very best.”

There was no trace of brotherly affection in Idris’ voice. Even if Radmoth were banished to a frontier even more remote than that of Balamy, it would not cause Idris the slightest pang of conscience. Whether he was aware of his brother’s true feelings or not, Radmoth spoke in an earnest tone, saying:

“I have a request. When Lord Ariabert sets out on campaign, I would like to be allowed to serve as a staff officer.”

Facing Idris, who raised his eyebrows without a word, Radmoth continued:

“I’m not asking for anything extravagant. Being a senior ''aide-de-camp'' or a chief of staff would do. In any case, I want the chance to earn military honours on this campaign.”

Idris’ reaction was one of utter insincerity: “A senior ''aide-de-camp'' or a chief of staff would do”? The nerve to spout such nonsense! It struck Idris that Radmoth seemed to be under the impression that these two posts were particularly easy roles. He lowered his raised eyebrows and turned the conversation back to him:

“Radmoth, I believe I granted you the position of Commander of the Vardana Guard the other day. It is a prestigious post that any Imperial soldier would covet. What on earth have you done with that position?”

Faced with his elder brother’s stern words, it was Radmoth who fell silent this time. Neither his features nor his build suggested he was a seventeen-year-old boy; he was brimming with a kind of ferocious vigour, to the extent that Idris himself appeared frail by comparison. His sullen silence gave the impression not so much of fear as of petulance.

“If you were not of the Tytania clan, there would have been no way you could have attained such a prominent post at the age of seventeen. You ought to be fully aware of this, conduct yourself with due respect, fulfil your duties properly, and ensure you do not invite the censure of others. Yet to get into a brawl with the likes of Balamy and incur the displeasure of His Clanner Highness. What utter folly!”

As he spoke, Idris’ anger grew. As his younger brother, Radmoth ought to understand his elder brother’s ambitions and cooperate to help achieve them; yet, instead, he was trying to hold Idris back.

One of the reasons Idris had looked down upon Zarlisch during his lifetime was that he had been unable to keep even his own younger brother, Arses, under control. Yet, upon reflection, Idris himself was at a loss as to how to deal with his unworthy younger brother. The more he recognised this fact, the more he found himself unable to suppress a bitter rage.

Had Radmoth’s calibre and ability surpassed Idris’, the ducal title would have fallen into Radmoth’s hands. The standard of judgement for the Clanner of Tytania was to prioritise talent over seniority. In that sense, Idris ought to be grateful that Radmoth lacked talent, but it would be even more troublesome if his utter incompetence and lack of judgement were to hold his brother back.

“When I was seventeen, I had far more resolve and a greater sense of responsibility. I strove to prove myself worthy of being a member of one of the Five Families of Tytania.”

As Idris paused briefly, Radmoth looked back at his elder brother with a strangely intense gaze.

“If I were to become head of the ducal house, I’d make at least that much of an effort.”

“What? Such impertinence!”

As his brother shouted angrily, Radmoth fell silent once more, his eyes alone gleaming.

Suddenly, Idris felt a chill run down his spine. His younger brother, Radmoth, seemed to him like some unidentifiable monster. Though he was his own brother, this was a man capable of running amok, disregarding common sense and restraint. The other day, it had merely been a fistfight with Viscount Balamy, but there was a possibility he might eventually cause trouble on a much larger scale.

If that were the case, maybe losing his position as Commander of the Royal Guard was actually a stroke of good fortune? Not for Radmoth, but for Idris. Perhaps it would be for the best to send Radmoth to serve on Ariabert’s campaign, as he himself wished, and shift the responsibility for supervising him onto Ariabert.

Below Radmoth, Idris has one younger brother and two younger sisters. His youngest brother, Zelpha, respected his eldest brother and was of good character, but at merely twelve years old of age, he was still too young to assist his elder brother. It seemed that for the next five years or so, Idris would have no choice but to shoulder the responsibilities of the family alone.

Idris’ pride would not allow him to bow his head to Ariabert and ask for his younger brother’s appointment. In that were the case, there was only one course of action.

Idris sought an audience with Clanner Ajman and implored him to grant Radmoth an opportunity to clear his name. Ajman fixed Idris with a piercing gaze, but nodded silently and promised to convey the matter to Ariabert. The following day, Idris heard that Ariabert had said the following:

“I hear that Baron Radmoth is a valiant young man, if not the most courteous. Should he distinguish himself in battle, he might well achieve a reputation that surpasses even that of Lord Idris, his elder brother. I hope he will do his best.”

These words spurred Idris in a negative direction. He brooded sullenly, though not for long, and in the end withdrew his petition to have Radmoth join the expedition. Ariabert feigned disappointment, though this was nothing more than a superficial pretence.

“It seems to have turned out well. I am glad I sought Lord Jouslain’s counsel.”

Ariabert thanked his adviser, and Jouslain nodded with a wry smile.

Ariabert was about to command his first large army and embark on an all-out war against Bargash. Just as he was preparing to devote all his wisdom and power to planning and executing the campaign, he could not bear to have the front lines disrupted by a member of his own clan, someone like Radmoth who lacked both foresight and a spirit of cooperation.

He could have flatly refused Radmoth’s request to join the war, but that would have subtly undermined morale before the outbreak of hostilities. Ariabert consulted Jouslain, and, following Jouslain’s advice, managed to appeal to Idris’ complex feelings towards Radmoth.

“It must be quite a burden for Lord Idris, too, having to deal with a good-for-nothing brother. Well, I wonder if Lord Radmoth will be satisfied with this?”

Jouslain could not help but reflect on the weight and taint of the blood they bore.