Editing Tytania:Volume 1 Chapter 7

== Chapter 7 – The One Catastrophe ==
=== I ===
''“A circle has no corners, but it doesn’t mean it has no personality.”''

These were the words of the mathematician and essayist R. R. Poeman, and if one were to find such a figure in the Tytania clan, it would have likely been Duke Ariabert Tytania.

He lacked the contradictory nuances of Jouslain and the remarkable physique and mental robustness of Zarlisch. In the same way that his appearance was described as handsome but lacking individuality, his character and abilities were well-balanced and harmonious, and there wasn’t the sharp-edged quality that one could find in Idris.

If his rapid recovery after his defeat at the Battle of Cerberus was the result of Jouslain’s suggestion to adopt Fan Hyulick’s strategy, one could conclude that he ultimately had no originality of his own. Even as a military strategist, he was described as rather dull, and it was often said that he “lacked the brains of Lord Jouslain and the bravery of Lord Zarlisch”.

And yet, he was always the first among the Four Dukes of Tytania to make a name for himself, and his military achievements surpassed those of the other three. Even Zarlisch fell short compared to him. His acceptance of Jouslain’s suggestion to completely change the way a Weigert canon should be used proved that Ariabert was flexible, magnanimous, and not hindered by unnecessary competitiveness.

As a frontline warrior and a rear manager, his talents and achievements showed no signs of faltering. Even the Landless Clanner Ajman, while confiding his innermost thoughts to Jouslain, placed his trust in Ariabert’s abilities and character and didn’t punish him severely for his defeat at the Battle of Cerberus and offered him instead an opportunity to redeem himself.

Ariabert fully lived up to these expectations, and maybe Ajman valued him the most, not as the next Clanner, but as one of the Four Dukes. The relationship between one’s character and one’s position was a delicate thing, and a person who was competent in one position may not necessarily be competent in another.

Ariabert spent the month of July inspecting the Tytanian branches in each star system and returned to Uraniborg in August. It was in order to attend the monthly Supreme Council. While the entire organisation of Tytania was in reality under the dictatorship of the Landless Clanner Ajman, as one of the Four Dukes he couldn’t disregard formalities and ceremonies. Those who failed at fulfilling their obligations had to relinquish their privileges as well.

Some ten days before Ariabert, Duke Jouslain Tytania had already returned to Uraniborg.

He was accompanied by Princess Lydia of the kingdom of Elbing, who was astonished by the magnificence of the Celestial Castle. Looking up at Jouslain, whose eyes were far above her own, she offered her observations:

“Our country is poor, but it just means that Tytania is all the richer; isn’t that the case?”

Jouslain was often stung by what the young girl said. But while it stung, it was at the same time pleasurable, maybe due to some masochist tendency in him, and he sometimes found himself amused by it.

“A universe of Tytania, by Tytania, for Tytania.”

It was a famous quote to express Tytania’s wealth and power, although it was definitely plagiarised. Along with “If one is not of Tytania, one is not a human”, the prototype for such quotes could be found in past history. But while the original “government of the people, by the people, for the people” celebrated an ideal, this one described reality.

Even Jouslain felt that Tytania’s wealth was but a matter of course, given its responsibilities and capabilities. also didn’t feel like they were engaging in particularly unfair exploitation. But when a child spoke so bluntly about the situation, he couldn’t help but feel daunted.

His senior ''aide-de-camp'', Balamy, hated the “girl’s attendant” role that had somehow been assigned to him but somehow got used to her pace and, in spite of his complaints, showed her around the Celestial City. It seemed like even conspirators who were plotting to usurp all of Tytania were powerless before her.

Francia had also prepared a room for the princess and looked after her and kept her company. Upon returning to Uraniborg, Jouslain became focused on his official duties, approved several matters entrusted to him by Clanner Ajman, and prepared reports, leaving Francia alone, as was always the case. Keeping Princess Lydia company provided her with some comfort.

Thus did the 10-year-old princess gradually become a prominent figure in Jouslain’s life. And then, His Grace the Duke Ariabert Tytania, vice-admiral of the Vardana Empire, returned to Uraniborg and was utterly astonished to find a child in his cousin’s vast condominium who was supposed to be single like himself.

Entrusting the care of the princess to Francia, Jouslain greeted his cousin and ushered him into the reception room. Of course, Ariabert wanted to know what that was all about.

“Lord Jouslain, if I were to ask if she were your illegitimate child, would you punch me?”

“I would also kick you. I’ve been asked that question countless times.”

“So, who is she?”

“Lord Balamy’s ''fiancée''.”

Ariabert looked genuinely surprised by this answer, and Jouslain smiled and waived his hand to clarify that he was only jesting. They were close enough for that kind of humour. Realising that, Ariabert also smiled.

“I see. I’m looking forward to the next ten years.”

In ten years, Balamy would be 28 and Princess Lydia 20, and it wouldn’t be a bad match, even though it was for now just a joke.

“By the way, how fares Balamy’s father? Is he in good health?”

Ariabert was referring to the Minister of Military Affairs, Marquis Estrade Tytania. Jouslain gave a somewhat indirect answer.

“I haven’t heard anything about him being ill, but is there a reason you are asking this question?”

Ariabert hesitated for a moment but eventually answered Jouslain’s counter-question. Ariabert was apparently not good at reading people’s intentions, and Jouslain couldn’t help but realise that he was the one who was being manipulative.

That aside, Ariabert told him that the future of the Minister of Military Affairs, Marquis Estrade Tytania, was the subject of much concern and discussion. Maybe it was that Balamy held the position of Jouslain’s senior ''aide-de-camp'' that made Ariabert inclined to tell him that. For Jouslain, this was a subject he wanted to avoid.

“Isn’t that just a rumour?”

“If it were the case, it would be fine, but it would be a pity if it made Marquis Estrade feel cornered.”

Ariabert had an inherent kindness, or maybe leniency, which might have been a source of dissatisfaction for Clanner Ajman. It was also probably what made Idris think that Ariabert was easy to manipulate.

In any case, it appeared that the first topic of discussion at this family meeting would be a matter concerning someone else. Count Arses, Duke Zarlisch’s brother, had let Fan Hyulick escape after seemingly having him under his control and, worse yet, had suffered an assault while trying to torture a woman. The woman had died, and Count Arses had suffered a terrible injury to his face, which he had been so proud of.

Upon hearing this, his brother became furious.

“He may be my brother, but there is no thought or pride in his actions. He is a disgrace to Tytania. How can I show my face to you all?”

Considering his upright character, these words that Zarlisch uttered when the Four Dukes gathered in the Clanner’s lounge were undoubtedly his genuine feelings, but they also likely came from a desire to avoid looking weak in front of the other four dukes. In any case, Arses wasn’t the kind of person who would stir a feeling of familial affection in his brother. If anything, it was quite the opposite.

At that point, Zarlisch probably wanted to have his brother confined, which would remove him from the shackles that were binding him in his public and private life. He wouldn’t go so far as to kill him. He also couldn’t ignore his mother’s blind love for her second son. But Zarlisch’s expression was resolute, as if to contradict his cousins’ speculation.

“Only Tytania may punish Tytania. A brother has to take responsibility for a brother’s misdeed. I shall deal with Arses. I hope you gentlemen shall all bear this in mind.”

After exchanging glances with Jouslain, Ariabert replied. It was as if he wanted to quell the wrath of the mighty man.

“Duke Zarlisch, you might call it a misdeed, but it is not something that warrants punishment. Me too; I was also outmanoeuvred by that Fan Hyulick. Compared to that, Count Arses’ blunder is but child’s play.”

“It may be child’s play, but even adults can die from children’s games. Wouldn’t it be too late to regret it afterwards?”

His point was valid, and neither Ariabert nor Jouslain had the opportunity to refute it.

“What is His Clanner Highness’ will on the matter?”

The final question was asked. A sharp and biting glint glimmered in Idris’ eyes as he threw it.

Among the Four Dukes, he was likely the most competitive, and he saw the recent scandal concerning Count Arses as an opportunity to surpass Zarlisch. For the time being, Idris didn’t intend to deliberately sabotage the other three dukes, but he also didn’t intend to prevent them from digging their own grave.

The one who answered was Ariabert.

“The Clanner is, obviously, unlikely to be pleased, but he is a man of inscrutable nature. It would be a disservice for us to jump to conclusions. I believe we must wait for his Highness’ judgement.”

To Idris, Ariabert’s moderation often appeared as being passive. Right as he was about to open his mouth to make a sarcastic retort, a louder voice pre-empted him by a split second. Zarlisch had let out a sigh that seemed to pierce his entire chest.

“There is no way that His Clanner Highness would forgive that damned Arses’ perversion. I feel so ashamed<ref>Literally, “I feel like my body is shinking”, an expression used when feeling extremely embarrassed and humiliated, as if one had shrunk in status.</ref>.”

“Whether it is aestheticism or perversion is up to one’s personal tastes. But when combined with power, one might well become a Nero or a Caligula.”

What Jouslain had mentioned were the names of tyrants from ancient Earth. Historically, when a void appeared between the immense power of a ruler and his pettiness, it would always be filled with brutality, lust, and extravagance. Arses was likely no exception.

Oddly enough, Nero, Caligula, and the like were utterly devoid of originality, either in thought or action. One might wonder why they were so similar, as if one individual had been cloned and scattered across different eras?

His thought process had shifted. In short, the power of Tytania could not be entrusted to Count Arses. He decided that it should be better to agree with the elder brother, Zarlisch, on this matter. Thus, Jouslain settled on a course of action.


=== II ===
The Four Dukes moved from the lounge to the formal conference room. Following proper form, they each placed their military caps on the table facing their seats.

While waiting for the arrival of Clanner Ajman, they conversed in low tones. Ariabert whispered to Jouslain. Talking about Arses’ blunder, he said, “Tytania’s fleet numbers 100,000 vessels and 10 million soldiers. Is there anyone who would dare oppose it?”

There was. Indeed, the courtiers of Vardana, the armed force that called itself the “Blaze Flag” fleet, and what happened a few days ago in Ementhal City. There were many who opposed Tytania. But it was only equivalent to the fact that even a strong person couldn’t avoid catching a cold or getting a cut on his fingertip.

Was it possible for the various forces hostile to Tytania to unite and form a unified army under a powerful leader to challenge Tytania? Even for Jouslain this was merely an interesting hypothesis to consider and not an immediate threat.

Eventually, in the presence of Clanner Ajman, the formal meeting began. Of course, the scandal concerning Count Arses was on the agenda, and the Four Dukes learned an extra piece of information from the Clanner. Apparently, the companions of the woman who had been killed by Count Arses’ carnivorous fish were heading to Ementhal to exact their revenge.

“Well then, Your Highness, are we to remain idle as observers?”

If Count Arses were the kind of person who’d let himself be assassinated by knaves, then so be it. It was a common argument in Tytania. Even when dealing with talented and promising individuals. If Count Arses were useless, the Clanner would be all the more inclined to be rid of him. However, the Clanner made a gesture to dismiss Idris’ question.

“I didn’t say that. A hostile action against a member of Tytania is a challenge to all of Tytania. Anyone is free to challenge us, but their arrogance must be punished, or it would undermine Tytania’s authority.”

The Clanner’s gaze swept across the faces of the Four Dukes and stopped upon Zarlisch. The muscular frame of the mighty Tytanian warrior, renowned for his prowess, stiffened as if he were transfixed.

“Duke Zarlisch, there is no end to your woes, is there?”

“I’m afraid not…”

“Never fear. Not even in Tytania does one need to share his brother’s sins and responsibilities as an adult. If anything, it is all those who bear the surname Tytania who should share them. In that sense, Lord Zarlisch, you are not the only one to whom this matter is of concern.”

Idris slightly shifted, looking somewhat uncomfortable, probably because his youthful ardour had been shut down. Looking at him from the corner of his eye, Clanner Ajman fell silent and flipped through the documents he held in his hand. He quietly flicked a few pages with his fingers, and his sight settled on one particular page, and, remaining in that posture, he declared:

“Concerning this matter, Count Arses has requested to leave planet Ementhal and remain in Uraniborg for the time being. I have no reason to refuse, so I will agree to it, but any of you gentlemen have any objections?”

Upon hearing his decision, expressions of displeasure fluctuated on the faces of the Four Dukes with differences reflecting their personalities. It was all too clear that Count Arses dreaded being the target of revenge and wanted to move to a safer place.

Among the four, Zarlisch in particular was infuriated, his broad shoulders trembling beneath his grey military uniform. Even though the Clanner had tried to console him, he was the one amongst them who shared the closest family ties with Arses, and it was a great humiliation for him to know that the same decadent blood as his brother was running through his own veins. He had objections but couldn’t voice them. He was not so insensitive as to not understand the Clanner’s intentions. The Clanner was planning on the fact that Count Arses would be attacked while en route to Uraniborg by those who sought revenge against him.

Once the formal meeting was concluded, Jouslain was summoned once more by the Clanner. He was in the Clanner’s private observation room. There, Jouslain would confirm the Clanner’s intentions.

“Well then, do you intend to appoint someone to eliminate the rebels if Count Arses were to be attacked?”

“Who do you have in mind?” answered the Clanner in the form of a question. Jouslain responded almost immediately:

“Among the Four Dukes, I would pick Lord Idris.”

“Hum…” The Clanner didn’t answer immediately. “Lord Jouslain, isn’t the initial trigger of Lord Arses’ woes the very person he was supposed to capture?”

“Yes. That Fan Hyulick. He had him in his grasp but let him escape, and that’s how things have turned out since then.”

“There seems to be some strange connection between that man and our clan.”

“Is is as you say…”

“But ultimately, it is just our paths intersecting briefly. A man who rejected Tytania’s offers must be eliminated with all our might, no matter how insignificant he is. Don’t you think so?”

“Yes…”

The floor they were standing on was made of layers of translucid ceramic that separated their atmosphere from the vacuum. Beyond that vacuum stood planet Ryutehi, the capital of the Vardana Empire, adorned in blue-green and white stripes.

True to its name, the Celestial City resided in the heavens, trampling from above the throne of the Emperor of Vardana, who ruled over the land. That spatial relationship was in essence a social one.

“By the way, Lord Jouslain, I would like to ask why you specifically recommended Lord Idris to protect Count Arses.”

Jouslain didn’t immediately answer, and Ajman’s eyes narrowed slightly as he glared at him with a gaze as sharp as the tip of a sword and pressed him further. Jouslain had no choice but to answer:

“Lord Idris, as commander of the Imperial Guard of the Vardana Empire, represents Tytania’s interests and keeps his eye on the anti-Tytania factions.”

“So?”

“If the Minister of Military Affairs, Marquis Estrade, harbours seditious intentions, he will see Idris’ absence as an opportunity.”

He didn’t believe that he would make an immediate move, but he would probably try to take contact with the courtiers and devise a plan to neutralise the Imperial Guard.

“Hum, so Lord Jouslain, you are claiming that Marquis Estraden, my half-brother, might act on ideas in line with the Vardanan courtiers?”

“…”

“How disappointing for my half-brother. To be perceived at the same level as those courtiers.”

“I’m not saying that Marquis Estrade himself will act. Rather, it is the courtiers who will act. They will interpret the situation to their own convenience. I have no doubt they will act rashly.”

Narrowing his eyes yet further as he concealed his expression, the Landless Clanner Ajman looked at Jouslain. Jouslain felt like his nerves were being scratched.

“I see, so these courtiers who lack foresight and scepticism might dance to our tune. But even if they dance to our tune, will my half-brother dance to theirs?”

Marquis Estrade Tytania wasn’t thoughtless. Even if the Vardanan courtiers tried to incite him to rebel against the Landless Clanner, he wouldn’t carelessly fall for such a scheme. The conversation shifted rapidly to how to deal with Marquis Estrade.

“I believe he would. May I explain my reasoning, Your Highness?”

“Hum, you may speak.”

Prompted by the Clanner, Jouslain replied:

First, regardless of Marquis Estrade’s reaction, if the courtiers incite him to rebel, it would give an excuse to purge them. Second, if Marquis Estrade attempts to conceal the fact that the courtiers had incited him to rebel, he could be held accountable for it. Third, if Marquis Estrade reports to the Clanner that the courtiers are trying to incite him to rebel, they can conclude that for the time being he has no intention to rebel. In any case, there was nothing to lose for Tytania. Except for the burden placed on Lord Idris.

Jouslain fell silent, and Clanner Ajman diverted his powerful gaze to the floor as he fell in thought. Jouslain, on the other hand, cast his gaze upwards and steadied his breathing to avoid being noticed.

“Very well, Lord Jouslain, I shall take your opinion into consideration.”

Clanner Ajman had made his decision in a short moment. Jouslain mechanically bowed. The grey hue of his own military uniform came into his field of vision.

“However, I believe that Marquis Estrade will resort to a fourth possibility.”

“A fourth possibility, you say?”

“I find it odd that you, Lord Jouslain, haven’t noticed it, but… well, never mind, there is no other course of action. You made a good analysis.”

Bowing once more to the Clanner, Jouslain realised why he found that princess from that small country so appealing. Her frankness was refreshing and devoid of any political calculation. For someone who needed to engage in conversations with the Clanner that were filled with calculations and suspicions, such frankness acted as a necessary mental antidote.

Jouslain reflected on his own life when he was 10 years old. Even back then, the mindset of being a part of the mainstream Tytania clan had been instilled into him. Loyalty to the Clanner. Being a valuable asset to the Clanner. Everything was for Tytania, even as a child. He had to not act rashly to avoid harming the clan. He could not talk without thinking. Thinking carefully. Thinking deeply and thoroughly before speaking. If he were to be rejected, his entire life and family would be over.

Jouslain seized the opportunity to make a request to the Clanner. It concerned the lively princess who came from the small and remote kingdom of Elbing.

Even the ever-so-meticulous Ajman had forgotten about her and tilted his head in confusion at Jouslain’s request. It went to show how insignificant the matter was to Tytania.

“Your Clanner Highness, if her country is unable to pay its debts…”

“Lord Jouslain, are you saying that you will take on that debt?”

“Depending on the circumstances, I might.”

“Lord Jouslain, you are quite the eccentric.”

The Landless Clanner faintly smiled. That smile wasn’t necessarily unwelcome, but to Jouslain, the smiles of the Clanner always weighed heavily.

“Lord Jouslain, no matter how I look at it, I think she is too young for your bedchamber, but if she happens to suit your tastes, then even as the clan leader, it isn’t my place to interfere. Isn’t the courage to persevere in love also a necessary quality for Tytania?”

Jouslain politely ignored the Clanner’s provocation and reported that he had listed a few ideas and sought the Clanner’s approval. First, he wanted to provide Princess Lydia with an education. Second, he wanted her to be placed under his protection. Furthermore, he wanted to take on the debts of the kingdom of Elbing in ten annual instalments so they could repay Tytania. And he would take all official duties concerning the kingdom of Elbing.

“In some 15 years, we might be able to introduce some new and good blood into Tytania. Keeping our bloodline confined can murk our lineage.”

Jouslain didn’t explicitly mention Count Arses as a prime example, but Clanner Ajman perfectly understood who he was alluding to. Or, to be more precise, he believed he did. From Jouslain’s perspective, he had succeeded in subtly influencing the Clanner’s thoughts. The self-loathing he felt that accompanied this success was an unavoidable side effect.

If the Clanner refused, the fate of that small frontier nation and its young princess would have been akin to a small spaceship coming too close to a black hole. He needed to obtain the Clanner’s approbation, even if it meant manipulating him.

“Very well, Lord Jouslain, I’ll let you deal with it.”

With the Clanner’s words, Jouslain felt true joy for the first time that day. To sum it up, he ended up with a country and a 10-year-old princess. Of course, no matter what others, Clanner included, might think, he didn’t choose this 10-year-old princess with romance in mind. He saw Princess Lydia as a future that he was unable to foresee for himself.


=== III ===
When he was summoned by Clanner Ajman, the Minister of Military Affairs, Marquis Estrade Tytania, looked at his discoloured expression in the mirror. He distrusted the Clanner, and his own heart was far from innocent. He didn’t recall giving his half-brother any excuse that could be used as a pretext for a purge, but it offered him no comfort.

Clanner Ajman, who had ordered the assassination of the Prime Minister in front of the Emperor, wouldn’t show any more mercy towards the Minister of Military Affairs. They may be brothers, but in Tytania, the greater good always meant sacrificing a member of one’s own family. The second Clanner, Nuri, had caused his father to die from a fit of rage, and since then, Tytania has shown the same ruthlessness to deal with both internal and external enemies. Nevertheless, the internal cohesion and unity within the clan were considered to be of utmost importance, and Estrade himself had never questioned that belief. Until now.

But the fact that he was discarded as a choice to become the Clanner caused a schism in his values. In spite of diligently serving Tytania and all his achievements, he had to stand below the status of his half-brother, Ajman. How absurd was that? His resentment towards Ajman stemmed from his ire towards that injustice. And now, ambition has been thrown in the mix. Ambition that had been fuelled by his son, Balamy. He had only been aware of this ambition for a short period of time. Could it be that Ajman had sensed it already?

As he suppressed his inner turmoil, Estrade presented himself before his half-brother, the Clanner. His son Balamy was being held hostage in Uraniborg under the guise of serving as Duke Jouslain’s senior aide-de-camp. He had no possibility of resistance or defiance. However, it turned out that the Minister of Military Affairs didn’t need to show either resolve or panic. He had been informed that Duke Idris left the capital, that Marquis Estrade would be entrusted with the surveillance of the courtiers, and that Balamy was granted leave and given permission to accompany him. That was all there was to it.

Duke Idris Tytania, commander of the Imperial Guard, was to leave the capital and go to the distant planet Ementhal. During his absence, the command of the Imperial Guard would be entrusted to the Minister of Military Affairs, Marquis Estrade.

When this was proclaimed to the Vardanan court and government, it stirred some people’s hearts like wind rustling the grass. It seemed like a golden opportunity for them. They were never aware that they were dancing to someone’s tune.

Thus, one night, four nobles of the Vardanan court who were staunch anti-Tytanian went to visit the residence of Marquis Estrade. They believed that they had taken enough precautions and had devised a pretext to visit him. They claimed that one of their sons worked for the Ministry of Military Affairs and wanted to petition a promotion for him. It wasn’t particularly unusual in the Vardana Empire, and the son in question did indeed aspire to rise in his career.

Upon receiving them, they attempted to persuade and entice Marquis Estrade. That group of nobles told him that as a Tytanian leader, he should assume the position of Landless Clanner. With devices of their own and concealing their true intentions of overthrowing Tytania, they spoke in this manner:

“Under the rule of the current Clanner, there is no hope for progress. Though we humbly pledge our loyalties to His Majesty the Emperor, it is all in vain. Unless we place our trust in Your Excellency the Marquis Estrade, there is no future for us. For the sake of our common interests, we are willing to do anything.”

After letting them deliver their passionate speech with voices trembling with emotion, Estrade dismissed them without a single word of commitment.

When the uninvited guests took their leave, his son, Balamy, who had been waiting in the room next to where the reception took place, was unable to hide his disappointment and criticised the way his father handled the situation.

“Just sending them away wasn’t enough, Father.”

Balamy’s voice and expression were filled with a sense of overwhelming crisis. Estrade frowned. The Minister of Military Affairs had drunk with his guests and was under the influence of alcohol. After exhaling a large breath laced with alcohol, the Minister of Military Affairs listened with irritation to his son’s words.

“It’s a trap. Can’t you see it, Father? You yourself admitted that the Vardanan courtiers were unreliable. Have you forgotten that?”

It only served to intensify the Minister of Military Affairs’ displeasure.

“I know; you don’t have to tell me. The Clanner drove Idris away from the capital to trap the courtiers into taking reckless actions. That’s why I sent them away, as you saw yourself.”

“And that’s all you did?”

“What more did I need to do?”

“Father, you are so naive!” cried out Balamy. He was so overwhelmed by disappointment that it almost blinded him, and he couldn’t help but shout.

He had never thought that his father was incompetent. He was a man who had achieved remarkable accomplishments, both as a soldier and as an administrator, and he had good faith that he would continue to do so. But maybe he had been wrong about it. Was his father unworthy of the position of Clanner, and that was why he never could become one? As these unpleasant suspicions started to stir Balamy, his father’s actions appeared to prove them.

“Shut up! What do you know? Be careful with what you say,” shouted Estrade in a trembling voice. From his perspective, his son was more ambitious and talented than he, and he had confirmed his son’s intentions to rebel, so being dismissed by him as “naive” left him with no leg to stand on. Not only was his half-brother, the Clanner, looking down on him, as well as the Four Dukes, but also his own son?

At that moment, Estrade’s reason went slightly off-track. As a consequence, his tone became erratic, and he lashed out hysterically at his son:

“Do you think you can order me around? Don’t get ahead of yourself. I’ve been a leading figure in Tytania long before you were born.”

“Father, if things go on like that, you will end up closing the doors to your own future. I request your permission to punish these courtiers.”

Was the father taking issue with the tone in his son’s voice or with the contents of what he said? Perhaps he himself couldn’t quite tell.

“Shut up! I’m not hearing any more of this.”

Seeing his father’s face red with excitement, Viscount Balamy Tytania realised his mistake. While attempting to correct his father’s blunders, he ended up further diverting him from his course. He should have realised that stress had kept building up in his father during all this time, and he should have soothed his emotions and calmed him as one would comfort a small child.

With his keen intuition, Balamy should have been able to realise this, but his own brilliance was unfortunately hindered by his lack of life experience, making him miss his window of opportunity by about 50 seconds. The first time he had enticed his father, it went as planned. Maybe that success made him overconfident.

“Father, I apologise. I have spoken out of turn once again. Could you please just once listen to what I have to say?

With Balamy pleading in a low voice, Estrade, who had been stomping down the stairs with heavy footsteps, realised his own immaturity. But changing his attitude too quickly would put his abilities into question.

“Tomorrow. Let us speak tomorrow. I’ll listen to what you have to say tomorrow.”

Inwardly satisfied with his parental authority being re-established, Estrade forgot his drunkenness and took a long stride. This very act would rob him of a tomorrow. His son, unable to wait for a tomorrow, stretched out his arm to stop his father. Their physical postures were as misaligned as their minds, and the son’s hand ended up poking the father’s body.

The father’s foot stomped on empty air. Around him, the world turned upside down. He heard his son screaming from below. Estrade’s body was defying gravity. A dull shock echoed, a momentary pain pierced through his entire body, and all colour and shine vanished from Estrade’s senses. They were gone, never to return.

After remaining in a daze for some 200 seconds, Balamy barely managed to regain control of his mind and body. He stumbled into a room and sat down in front of the TV phone that was directly connected to Uraniborg.

“I request to talk with Lord Jouslain. I am Viscount Balamy Tytania. I have an important matter to discuss; please connect me to him.”

He was a senior ''aide-de-camp'' who had business to discuss with his commanding officer. He probably didn’t have to stress that point. Balamy was immediately put in contact with Jouslain.


=== IV ===
Once more, Jouslain Tytania was reminded about the limits of his imagination.

He looked at Balamy’s pale face on the screen while the latter recounted the events in a state of exhaustion, and he realised that the 18-year-old had exceeded the limits of his psychological endurance. After ordering him to rest, Jouslain immediately contacted Clanner Ajman.

The Minister of Military Affairs, Marquis Estrade, had died in a ridiculous fashion. But aside from his own disgrace, his death held great political significance. That significance was precisely what made Tytania Tytania.

Upon hearing Jouslain’s account, not even Clanner Ajman could completely maintain his composure. He lightly shook his head and exhaled, probably in reaction to learning that Marquis Estrade had died from falling down the stairs. It felt as if he were sharing Zarlisch’s feelings of shame for having such an unworthy younger brother, but he quickly straightened his posture.

“Well then, Lord Jouslain, what do you intend to do? Will you punish Lord Balamy for parricide?”

That question from the Landless Clanner stirred an unexpected emotion within Jouslain. It wasn’t hatred, but something extremely close. Did Ajman view the destinies of his own clan as nothing more than pawns in some intellectual game?

“Your Clanner Highness, the other day you said that the Minister of Military Affairs would take a fourth path. Had you already foreseen today’s events?”

When asked this question, Clanner Ajman subtly moved the muscles around his mouth.

“Lord Jouslain, I didn’t expect that you’d prioritise your own doubts over answering my question.”

“… My apologies.”

“Fair enough, I’m not exactly enjoying the situation either. This is a fifth scenario. What I had anticipated was that the Minister of Military Affairs would try to clear himself from treason charges by denouncing, arresting, or killing the Vardanan courtiers.”

Ajman’s reply was relatively long and almost perfect in its logical consistency, but right now it irritated Jouslain in an odd manner.

The Clanner added:

“To be more accurate, I should say that I was hoping for it.”

“Hoping for it? Do you mean the fact that the Minister of Military Affairs would be thwarted by his own son?”

“That’s another issue. I simply thought that someone with views on the throne should at the very least have that level of skill. Such as the decisiveness to punish courtiers in order to ensure his own safety as well as the interests of Tytania.”

The Clanner placed his fingers on the collar of his military uniform and pulled on it. It seemed to be an unconscious action.

“Well, it’s a roundabout way of doing things, but let’s return to my initial question. Lord Jouslain, what is your opinion about how to deal with Lord Balamy?”

“I disagree with publicly punishing Lord Balamy.”

The Clanner didn’t fly into a rage. He merely slightly lifted an eyebrow, looked at Jouslain, and ordered him to explain his reasoning. Steadying his breath, Jouslain began:

“First, if we accuse Lord Balamy of patricide, it will only result in the anti-Tytania faction, courtiers included, raising a toast. They will call Tytania a blood-cursed clan. Whether there is any merit to it or not…”

Jouslain slightly raised his voice in order to face the Clanner’s expression that was far too scathing to be mere sarcasm.

“… there is no need to allow them to utter such words. Secondly, although Lord Balamy made a mistake, he is a capable individual, and losing him would be a loss for Tytania. I request your wise consideration upon these two points.”

“A loss for Tytania?”

Ajman’s voice was not convinced, and dripping with sarcasm, but the Clanner didn’t press any further.

“Lord Jouslain, assuming I accept your opinion, what do you believe should be our course of action?”

“Marquis Estrade’s death is accidental. If we were to announce that he fell down the stairs because he lost his footing in his haste to inform Your Clanner Highness about the courtiers’ treasonous intentions…”

“We can then at least purge the courtiers? Well, fine. It won’t be a loss for Tytania. But the task of purging the courtiers while simultaneously keeping people quiet is best left to Balamy.”

A note of sternness was added to the Clanner’s voice.

“If he is unable to handle that much, then I’m afraid I won’t be able to accept your claim about Balamy being an essential asset for Tytania. Let Balamy handle it. I won’t compromise on that point.”

“As you wish,” muttered Jouslain. Extracting any more concessions from the Clanner would be impossible.

“Still, Lord Jouslain, you’re a wise man, and I don’t consider myself to be a fool either. For the two of us to make predictions and have our predictions overturned by a mere accident…”

A faint whisper of self-deprecation escaped from the Clanner’s lips.

“Human knowledge has its limits.”

Jouslain agreed with that realisation but didn’t voice it. He couldn’t manage to feel favourably disposed towards either the Clanner who had become so talkative and was treating him like his chaplain, or himself for accepting it. He couldn’t help but feel disgusted at his own proposal, which tried to anticipate the Clanner’s intentions and ended up cornering Marquis Estrade.

The next day, Idris came to say goodbye. After a few polite exchanges, Jouslain asked Idris how he planned to carry out his assigned task on a technical level.

“Will you set up a trap?”

“Of course I will,” replied Duke Idris with a defiant gaze that clearly signalled his intent to challenge him.

The sharpness of Idris, the youngest of the Four Dukes, was evident in his gaze.

“I intend to lay a trap that is not particularly original but effective nevertheless. The Clanner wishes to kill two birds with one stone. As a member of Tytania, I shall do my best to act in accordance with the Clanner’s wishes.”

Jouslain could guess what Idris was planning. He would pretend to guard Arses while actually creating an opportunity for Arses to be killed and then eliminate Fan Hyulick and his men. It wasn’t particularly original, but it wasn’t due to any lack of talent on Idris’ part, but rather to external circumstances.

From Idris’ perspective, being burdened with unnecessary clean-up work for the sake of the clan wasn’t any fun. Even if he succeeded, he wouldn’t receive much praise for it. As for failure, it was unlikely that Idris had even considered the possibility. But maybe Idris was taking on the opportunity to his advantage and solidifying his position. The psychology of a Tytanian leader in his early twenties was not an easy thing for others to analyse.

“In any case, take care of yourself. I wish you good fortune, Lord Idris.”

Jouslain extended his hand, somewhat formally, and Idris shook it even more curtly.

“I suppose I’ll accept your wishes. After all, I’m off to do a job I have no desire to do. I wonder who came up with that idea.”

Said Duke Idris with a cold and malicious tone. He then pulled his hand away from the handshake, lifted his shoulders in his grey uniform, and proudly walked away.