Editing Tytania:Volume 3 Chapter 4 (section)

=== III ===
Ariabert’s injuries were diagnosed with a recovery period of three months. Although his mental acuity and vigour showed no sign of waning, his endurance was closely linked to his physical health. It was difficult for him to maintain the absolute authority over the expeditionary force that he had exercised until the day before.

From his sickbed, Ariabert issued instructions to divide his authority in two, delegating the negotiations and dealings with the Bargash government to Count Elman, while the management and operation of the military organisation were entrusted to Vice-Admiral Baldren. It was unavoidable that the authority of those in charge of the day-to-day operations should diminish in such circumstances. As Ariabert himself devoted himself to convalescence, he expressed his condolences and compensation to the fallen and their bereaved families, and thereafter remained confined to the hospital.

The planet Bargash was thrown into quite an uproar. While most were delighted by Tytania’s defeat, once the initial joy had faded, a sense of foreboding began to quietly knock at the doors of their hearts. People spoke in low voices to one another. For anxiety was something that ought to be passed from mouth-to-mouth, spreading to others rather than being kept to oneself.

“That is why we should have driven those troublesome sorts to the edge of the universe as quickly as possible. At this rate, they will pollute the seas of our planet. Don’t you agree?”

“Are you then planning to indict Lord Ariabert and his ilk for violating environmental protection laws?”

“Stop with this nonsense.”

“It is not as nonsensical as you fear. Duke Ariabert is still very much alive, so how exactly do you propose we drive away the Tytania army?”

While Ariabert himself was not disliked by the people of Bargash, there was, fundamentally, a sense of resentment and hostility towards Tytania. It was only natural that many reacted with “serves them right”, and it was equally understandable that cheers<ref name="ftn16">“Cheer” (声援) is pronounced “hail”.</ref> were sent to the forces that had dealt Tytania a bitter defeat.

The Tytania army’s responsibilities were divided such that Vice-Admiral Baldren was stationed in the capital to manage the headquarters’ functions, Rear-Admiral Paulsen continued sea searches while plagued by fury and self-reproach, and Vice-Admiral Silas commanded and supervised the mobile units in satellite orbit. Barring the occurrence of some urgent crisis, this arrangement should have been perfectly sound.

The dignitaries of the Bargash government who visited the hospital to pay their respects were politely brushed off and sent away. Even those who attempted to meet Ariabert in person to gauge his expression failed to achieve their purpose.

On the fourth day of his hospitalisation, Count Elman, who had taken on responsibilities far beyond anything he could have imagined a year prior, brought news regarding Uraniborg to Ariabert. It was then that Ariabert learned for the first time of the matter in which Duchess Theresa Tytania was causing bewilderment among the Clanner and the dukes by claiming she would succeed her late son.

“It must be quite difficult for Lord Jouslain as well.”

Ariabert’s voice sounded as if he were discussing someone else’s business. Count Elman politely observed the young duke’s expression. Surely, Ariabert himself must be facing greater difficulties than Lord Jouslain. Despite the fact that he could not possibly be unaware of this, Ariabert remained detached. It struck Count Elman that the man’s composure was almost excessive.

Ariabert received several reports from Count Elman regarding the negotiations with Bargash, gave his approval to the Count’s course of action, and then changed his expression.

“Lord Elman.”

Called upon, Count Elman braced his heart and waited for Ariabert’s words.

“I must take responsibility for the numerous failures, blunders, and errors in judgement I committed during this current expedition. I intend to submit my resignation to His Clanner Highness Ajman within the week. When I do, Lord Elman, I would like to ask of you to sign as a witness.”

“You wish to resign?”

Count Elman wasn’t completely feigning denseness through political acting. In truth, he was somewhat bewildered. Until now, Ariabert’s handling of his own failures had been nothing short of perfect. Count Elman had believed that the convalescence in the hospital was merely a way to buy time to devise a strategy to avoid being held accountable by the Clanner. However, Ariabert was now announcing his withdrawal not only from his position as commander-in-chief of the expeditionary force but from all public offices.

“A letter of resignation is merely a written expression of one’s intent to step down.”

Whether consciously or not, Ariabert had given an evasive reply. Count Elman suppressed a click of his tongue.

“But once Your Grace has relinquished your military authority, whom are we to appoint as the supreme commander of the Tytania expeditionary force?”

“That matter rests solely with His Clanner Highness. It would be inappropriate for someone in my position, a remnant of a defeated force, to presume to say otherwise.”

To Count Elman, Ariabert’s response seemed perfect. Or perhaps the man truly desired a life of quiet seclusion. Unable to judge his true intentions, Count Elman attempted to probe Ariabert’s heart.

“However, once Your Grace has relinquished your military authority, it is likely that Lord Idris will succeed you in that position. Even so, will you still step down?”

“I will.”

Ariabert responded dispassionately, and then, for the first time, a sardonic smile flickered across his face.

“I do possess a certain amount of self-confidence. If Lord Idris is capable of doing more than I can, then I should very much like to see him prove it.”

“Lord Idris is young, but because of that, one might expect great potential from him. I suppose that is all we can hope for.”

Count Elman had deliberately taken a risk. Had the person he was speaking to been Zarlisch, such a remark would likely have been met with a thunderous roar of fury and a display of strength pushed to the very limit. Ariabert, however, merely gave a light laugh.

“Then so be it. It would be a joyous occasion for Tytania, and it would simply mean that my loss of position is only natural.”

“But…”

Count Elman met that bland conjunction with silence. Was Lord Ariabert’s attitude that of a defeated man who had lost both tension and spirit? Was he a political strategist, awakened to intrigue, plotting something? Or was it some high-minded philosophy? No, perhaps it was merely the naive observation typical of a young man of high nobility, believing that his time would inevitably come again.

Beneath his gentle expression, Count Elman’s mind worked through a whirlwind of thoughts, yet he could reach no conclusion. Ultimately, Count Elman had never truly understood this noble admiral, who was some fifteen years his junior.