Editing Tytania:Volume 2 Chapter 9 (section)

=== IV ===
On their father’s side, Ariabert and Jouslain were first cousins of the same age. This was recorded as such in the official genealogy. No other facts were acknowledged. Yet there existed a bloodline that would never be officially recognised.

Tytania was, in essence, a system of power dominated by blood ties; should the bloodline die out, the system would collapse. Consequently, alongside customs such as marriage between blood relatives and adoption, there were also many unofficial instances of childless couples resorting to extreme measures to achieve conception. It was not uncommon for the legitimate son of House A to be, in fact, the genetic son of the head of House B within the span of eight generations of the Clanner. When the rule of the bloodline elevated the single principle of “not letting the bloodline die out” to an absolute justice, it bred a murky folly that left ordinary citizens speechless.

Ariabert was even more averse than Jouslain to discussing his private life with others. As he was no saint, it was certain that he had one or more mistresses, but even Jouslain knew nothing beyond the rumours.

Jouslain himself had no interest in the amorous affairs of others; if he took any notice of the relationship between Idris and Theodora, it was purely in a political context. Even so, Jouslain sarcastically observed that Idris had his hands full of his younger brother Radmoth and his mistress Theodora who were both rather turbulent characters.

When Ariabert visited Jouslain’s flat to thank him for his assistance with the matter of Baron Radmoth, he brought along some peach ''bavarois'' and ''éclairs'' for Princess Lydia.

“I don’t really understand women’s tastes, but I wonder if the princess will be pleased with these?”

The young Tytanian commander handed the box of sweets to Francia and clinked glasses of whisky with Jouslain. Naturally, the conversation turned to the upcoming campaign. As far as military tactics were concerned, Ariabert’s prediction was clear:

“Bargash will likely entrust Van Hyulick’s faction with a certain degree of authority as mercenaries. However, unless he assumes overall command of the Bargash army, Tytania will not be defeated. Even if we concede ground in local skirmishes, we will undoubtedly prevail in the grand scheme of things.”

After pausing for a moment, Ariabert added quietly;

“Overwhelmingly so.”

Jouslain did not regard those words as exaggerated. Ariabert was not the sort of man to indulge in empty boasts; the gap between his track record and his confidence was remarkably narrow. Although he had once been defeated by Fan Hyulick, Clanner Ajman’s trust in his consistent military prowess had never wavered.

After about an hour, Ariabert took his leave. In the few hours before he went to bed, he would no doubt continue to refine his tactics, racking his brains to the limit to work out how best to manoeuvre his troops.

“Duke Ariabert is a fine man.”

It was not merely because she had been given some sweets, but Princess Lydia spoke with genuine admiration. Jouslain naturally agreed with the Princess’ assessment, but what pleased him most was that his personal judgement of the man coincided with hers. However intelligent he might be, the fact that he placed himself on the same level as a ten-year-old child was undoubtedly a peculiar aspect of Jouslain’s character.

While the practical responsibility for the large-scale mobilisation rests on Ajman’s shoulders, Clanner Ajman, as the ruler of all Tytania, also had to approve various matters. Amidst a wide range of duties, including personnel matters, organisational structure, supplies, and court intrigues in Vardana, Ajman, accompanied by Count Elman, inspected the facilities at the military spaceport. Count Elman had come to report on the matter of repatriating Corvin, Bargash’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Gazing down at the vessels in the spaceport over the high railing, Ajman addressed his escort:

“Count Elman, having visited Uraniborg for the first time in a while, I trust you have gained some valuable insights.”

“May I speak my mind?”

“By all means, do so.”

“Then, with all due respect, it is my humble opinion that the future of Tytania will be guided by the cooperative relationship between Duke Ariabert and Duke Jouslain.”

“So Duke Ariabert will conquer the outside world, while Duke Jouslain governs the realm from within?”

“Precisely.”

Count Elman’s reply, which seemed to put on an air of insight, appeared to put the Clanner in a sarcastic mood.

“But as the saying goes, two heroes cannot stand side by side. If the two share the people’s trust, a faction will form. And once a faction forms, petty men will seek to exploit its power to stir up conflict.”

“That would indeed be unfortunate for Tytania. Therefore, undermining the cooperative relationship between the two of them would surely become a matter of urgency for ambitious people with anti-Tytania sentiments.”

“Ambitious people? Surely such men do not exist solely outside Tytania?”

A smile like a blade played at the corners of the Clanner’s mouth A blade that was both cold and thick.

“What of you, Lord Idris? As far as I can see, your ambition and obsession with the Clanner’s throne surpass even those of the other two dukes.”

There was a slight pause before he replied.

“With all due respect, Your Clanner Highness, I must say I agree with your observation.”

He said no more. He did not voice his own opinion.

Ajman cast a glance at the face of Count Elman who sat below him. The smile he now displayed resembled the thin blade of a rusty razor. Count Elman even felt a physical pang of pain.

“Never mind. It concerns matters after my death, after all.”

Had anyone else uttered such words, they would surely have been regarded as the height of ill omen and disrespect. This was freedom of speech permitted only to Ajman.

“The great river of time contains many waterfalls. In the space of just a year or two, the situation may change dramatically, ushering in a new era beyond imagination. Those who cannot keep up will have no choice but to drown.”

The Clanner walked across the well-polished floor. His gait was full of power and authority, yet accompanied by an elegance reminiscent of a feline predator. Keeping a distance of about seven paces behind the Clanner, Count Elman wore a blank expression. The Clanner knew that this was proof that the Count was deep in thought. He knew it with such precision as if he had eyes in the back of his head.

“Count Elman.”

“Yes, what is the matter, Your Clanner Highness?”

“Accompany Lord Ariabert. When he accepts the enemy’s terms of peace, assist him in his capacity as a diplomatic adviser.”

“As you wish.”

The count bowed respectfully, and the sound of the Clanner’s footsteps faded away beyond his head.