Tytania:Volume 2 Chapter 8

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Chapter 8 – The Three Remaining Cards

I

The news of Zarlisch Tytania’s untimely demise sent enormous and profound shock-waves through Uraniborg. Since the time of the first lord Neville, Tytania’s rule had been subject to ceaseless military challenges, and there had been numerous instances in the past where the heads of the Five Families had fallen in battle.

Consequently, Zarlisch’s untimely death was by no means an unprecedented tragedy; yet there were indeed those who felt that, since the accession of His Highness Ajman, the current Landless Clanner, the authority of Tytania that had remained unshakeable until the previous year, was beginning to waver.

“First the younger brother, now the elder. What an ill-fated lineage.”

Some sighed in this manner. However, rather than indulging in sentimentality, many were discussing future political and military developments. Both within and outside Tytania.

“Even so, isn’t Tytania’s military organisation rather fragile? To lose to the Bargash army of all people, the very moment they lost their commander…”

“No, perhaps the true strength of Tytania’s Army is actually only of that calibre. Come to think of it, wasn’t it only about half a year ago that Duke Ariabert suffered defeat at the Battle of Cerberus?”

“So Tytania is by no means invincible, then?”

“Perhaps we have simply been intimidated by Tytania’s false image. There have been far too many instances of this lately.”

“It might be a sign that a crack is forming in the mirror. If that’s the case, I’m looking forward to seeing how Bargash plays its hand…”

Amongst those who harboured resentment or bitterness towards Tytania, such whispers were being exchanged with growing fervour. They shared the experience of having been let down time and again after raising their hopes. It would be unthinkable to destroy themselves in an attempt to shatter an illusion. Initially, they would likely confine themselves to observing from the sidelines.

It was said that the Dowager Duchess of Tytania, Teresa, who had lost both her sons Zarlisch and Arses within a short space of time, has been driven to madness. Although she presumably did not love Zarlisch as much as she did Arses, perhaps the instinctive bond between mother and child is ultimately unbreakable. While this naturally aroused sympathy, many had frowned upon the fact that the widow’s frenzy has been directed at her retainers and ladies-in-waiting, with one maid sustaining serious injuries after having a vase smashed into her face.

“Surely we cannot fail to invite his mother to the funeral, but if she were to display such wild behaviour, it would tarnish the prestige of Tytania. How will His Clanner Highness handle this?…”

The eyes of those loyal to Tytania were fixed upon the despot, Ajman. Come what may, the Clanner set the overarching policy, and others must abide by it. Ajman, for his part, maintained public silence for twenty-four hours after announcing Zarlisch’s sudden death.

Although Zarlisch’s disappearance should have been a tragedy, the first emotion Clanner Ajman felt was bitter anger. That, however, did not last long; it was replaced by cold calculation and reason. The dead cannot be brought back to life. It was impossible to revive Zarlisch. Yet his death had to be exploited to its fullest possible extent so that Tytania may secure the greatest political advantage.

To put it bluntly, Zarlisch’s life as an individual was not worth sparing. Though he was an unparalleled military commander, his seat on the Tytanian leadership could certainly be filled by another. Duke Ajman, the military strategist, and Duke Jouslain, the political tactician, were both still alive and well; and, above all, Clanner Ajman himself stood unshakeable. Tytania remained the greatest power bloc in the universe, and Zarlisch’s death was nothing more than a minor sunspot.

Meanwhile, Viscount Balamy Tytania has been posted to the planet Tyron.

For Balamy, having to leave Uraniborg at such a critical juncture must surely have been a source of deep regret. Moreover, this was the result of a punishment, in the form of joint punishment with the Duke Idris’ unworthy younger brother, that could almost be described as exile.

Planet Tyron to which Balamy had been banished, was home to one of the Interstellar City League’s four major trading posts; economic activity there was thriving, and it was by no means a barren wasteland. Furthermore, the planet was not necessarily well-disposed towards the Interstellar City League; as a reaction to this, it tended to lean more towards Tytania. As a counsellor at the Tytanian delegation and a holder of a peerage, he would undoubtedly be treated as a man of distinction. Although he was fully aware of these circumstances, Balamy could not shake the feeling that he had been exiled to a foreign land.

Only two people saw Balamy off at Uraniborg’s second spaceport. Duke Jouslain Tytania and Princess Lydia of the Kingdom of Elbing. The lively ten-year-old princess seemed somewhat less boisterous than usual that day. She felt a child’s sense of responsibility.

“Bar, I’ve done a terrible thing. You saved me from that brute, and yet things have turned out like this…”

“No, please don’t worry about it, Your Highness. I’ve never liked that Radmoth guy anyway. I rather think I should have given him a proper thrashing.”

It was clear from the string of uninspired lines that Balamy did not mean what he was saying. However, the fact that he was taking care not to burden Princess Lydia’s heart suggested that the eighteen-year-old Balamy might have developed a certain maturity of character compared to before. Jouslain thought this must be a welcome change for his younger cousin, and felt renewed admiration for Princess Lydia’s refreshing influence on his character.

“Viscount Balamy, I shall summon you back to Uraniborg as soon as possible. But be sure not to rush things.”

Jouslain’s own farewell was not particularly original either. In fact, he believed that as long as Balamy did not act hastily, there would be plenty of opportunities for him to regain the ground he had unjustly lost.

In response to the words of his superior and elder cousin, Balamy made no attempt to reply at length and merely said, “Very well, I shall be off,” saluted, and turned on his heel to walk towards the boarding ramp of the transport ship.

Watching his receding figure, Princess Lydia spoke thoughtfully.

“Might my presence be a burden to you, Duke Jouslain? Bar has gone far away, and it is all my fault.”

It was no pleasure for Jouslain to see this usually vivacious princess looking so dejected. He placed his hand on Princess Lydia’s shoulder and patted it gently.

“Princess, do not worry needlessly. If a beauty frets too much, she will age prematurely.”

It was a poor joke.

“I shall certainly summon Viscount Balamy back before long. After all, he confronted that insolent man in order to rescue you. If you say you are to blame, it would make Balamy’s struggle unjust.”

“I see. I understand.”

The astute Princess Lydia seemed to find Jouslain’s reasoning convincing. Seeming to have regained some of her spirits, Princess Lydia’s curiosity was reawakened, and she posed a question to Jouslain.

“But, given what has happened, wouldn’t it cause you some trouble, Lord Jouslain, if Lord Idris were to become the next Clanner?”

“Well…”

Jouslain was evasive. It was a question he could not answer lightly.

Strictly speaking, this was not a question but Princess Lydia’s observation; yet the fact that even a child, however perceptive she might be, held such a view surely proved that, in the eyes of adults, the discord between Jouslain and Idris was glaringly obvious. This was not a welcome realisation for Jouslain. While Ariabert’s relationship with Idris was by no means friendly, the fact that rumours of discord between them had never circulated left Jouslain with no choice but to offer a wry smile, thinking, “I suppose that means I lack personal virtue”.

“Princess Lydia, do you dislike Lord Idris?”

Jouslain posed this somewhat unfair counter-question. Princess Lydia’s reply was frank and clear:

“I do not like him.”

Having asserted this emphatically, Princess Lydia seemed to pause for a moment’s thought.

“I do not like him, but that is not Lord Idris’ fault; it is simply that I dislike him of my own accord. So, well, it may not be fair. But in any case, Lord Jouslain, I prefer you and Bar.”

“I am most honoured,” replied Jouslain with a serious expression.

II

“I had expected someone to be absent eventually, but I never thought the first one would be Lord Zarlisch.”

The Clanner’s voice resonated with a heavy tone. Five chairs stood at the table in the Supreme Council Chamber, one of which remained empty. Without speaking any further about the occupant of that empty seat, the Clanner changed the subject.

“The government of Bargash has requested negotiations. It is only natural that they wish to avoid all-out war with Tytania, but I would like to hear your opinions on this matter.”

“It is a little too late for that, isn’t it?” immediately replied Idris.

True to form for this spirited young man, his tone was relentless and sharp. Jouslain thought to himself that his attitude, completely dismissive of the Radmoth incident, remained as unchanging as ever.

Idris must be rejoicing inwardly, for one of the thick walls standing between him and the title of Clanner had been removed. Without getting his own hands dirty, Idris had managed to secure the sweet fruit of victory.

As he thought about this, Jouslain was overcome by a sense of self-loathing. While his insight into Idris’ psychology was likely correct, the very act of forming such an insight could hardly be described as a noble mental process.

“Lord Idris, do you wish to commence hostilities immediately?”

“Indeed.”

Idris’ argument was clear. He pointed out that this was a war of vengeance for Duke Zarlisch, and that the chances of victory would be high if they struck swiftly while the Bargash government was in disarray and had not yet completed its preparations for war. He argued that hostilities should commence as soon as possible.

Having heard Idris’ views, Clanner Ajman then sought Ariabert’s opinion. While Ariabert’s view was also in favour of going to war, it could be said that it was more cautious than Idris’.

“I believe that, in order to contain the unfriendly actions of Bargash within its own borders and prevent them from spreading to other nations, we cannot refrain from the use of force on this occasion. Should Your Clanner Highness issue the order, I, Ariabert, shall immediately draw up a draft war plan.”

“Hmm. Do you believe that there is no room for a non-military response?”

“No, I believe it will depend on how Bargash responds, but I think it would be wise, at the very least, to demonstrate our resolve not to shy away from the use of force.”

“How roundabout…!”

Idris spat out these words blatantly, and Ariabert reflexively shot him a sharp glance. At that delicate moment, Jouslain spoke up. His opinion was even more cautious than Ariabert’s, though this was by no means synonymous with advocating unconditional peace.

“I suggest we begin by making a formal request to the Bargash government. We should demand that they arrest Fan Hyulick and his followers and hand them over to us.”

“Do you think the Bargash government will agree to that demand?”

“If they do not, it will simply lead to all-out war. The Bargash government must do its utmost. Should they fail to do so, we may well use that as a casus belli.”

“I suspect they will simply try to play for time,” interjected Idris.

Ariabert’s calm voice replied:

“We only need to set a deadline. That will give us time to make our own preparations for war.”

He straightened his posture and bowed to Clanner Ajman.

“In that event, I would humbly request that command of the army be entrusted to me.”

The Clanner nodded. There was one further issue. A matter pertaining not to diplomacy, but to domestic affairs.

“Does Lord Zarlisch have a child who might succeed him?”

It was a serious issue. Legally speaking, Zarlisch was unmarried and therefore had no legitimate heir. One of the five families of Tytania was missing, and his seat was vacant. Someone would have to fill the vacancy. Zarlisch had many mistresses, and several illegitimate children were still alive. Even if one of them were to be recognised as heir, it would be unthinkable to entrust the highest authority in Tytania to a child. Should a regent be appointed until the heir came of age, or should the seat be left vacant?

Suddenly, Jouslain recalled Balamy’s late father, Marquis Estrade. Had he been alive, he would likely have taken a seat on the Tytania’s Supreme Council, if only temporarily.

Father and son were rather unlucky. Even if this was merely a matter of the present circumstances, Jouslain could not help but think so. The funeral of Marquis Estrade had been conducted with the utmost simplicity; Balamy himself, as the chief mourner, had been so preoccupied with the purge at the Vardana court that he had been unable to devote himself fully to organising the funeral. Although Marquis Estrade was posthumously awarded the title of fleet admiral, this was nothing more than a formality.

The Clanner ordered Ariabert to draw up plans for an all-out war against Bargash, and adjourned the meeting for the time being. As they left the conference room and walked side by side down the corridor, Ariabert spoke quietly to Jouslain:

“Until just the other day, I could never have imagined that Lord Zarlisch’s massive figure would never appear before us again. Human life is truly fleeting.”

“There is nothing in this world that remains constant. The universe itself is destined to return to nothingness one day; human endeavours are hardly worth mentioning in comparison. Unless met with untimely death, we simply grow old and frail.”

Jouslain’s remark gave Ariabert a slight start.

“So, Lord Jouslain, do you believe it inevitable that Tytania will fall?”

“No, that is not what I mean, Lord Ariabert. If Tytania’s current state is the result of human endeavour, then so too are the conspiracies and actions of the anti-Tytania faction. At the very least, I do not believe Tytania need to lose to an opponent inferior to her in strength.”

Jouslain regretted his rashness. Had Idris heard his remarks, he would undoubtedly have denounced them as defeatist sympathies with the enemy that were unbecoming of a Tytanian noble. Although Ariabert was a man of integrity, and it would be rash to take that for granted and lose one’s caution.

Jouslain changed the subject.

“Duke Ariabert, if you were to lead your army into battle against Bargash, what are the prospects?”

“I believe I could win the battle itself. The problem is whether we can maintain the gains of that victory.”

The question was: having won the battle and forced the Bargash government to swear an alliance, what diplomatic benefits could be secured thereafter? The aim of the battle was not to destroy Bargash.

“Those who remain in Bargash will hardly be at ease either. Granite has been given a thankless task.”

Commander Granite, who had served as Duke Zarlisch’s aide-de-camp, had transported his lord’s body to the Tytania branch in Bargash and reported his death to Uraniborg. A petition has been submitted in which he humbly accepted the Dukes’ judgement and offered to serve his sentence for having failed to protect Duke Zarlisch’s safety as his aide-de-camp.

“How we treat Commander Granite will be a test of Tytania’s magnanimity. While it is only natural to hold him accountable, if the punishment is too severe, it will cause our staff to become timid. If they cease to offer advice for fear of punishment, it will not serve Tytania’s interests.”

On that point, Jouslain expressed his opinion clearly, and Ariabert supported him. Idris raised no objection, and so the Clanner issued an order for Granite to remain in Bargash for the time being to command the remnants of Zarlisch’s forces.

Should Tytania and Bargash actually plunge into all-out war, the Tytanian combat units under Granite’s command would find themselves in a rather delicate position. Tytania would have to utilise them as valuable assets in both its political and military strategies against Bargash. Both Ariabert and Jouslain were fully aware of this, and in that respect, they were by no means merely espousing a naive, lenient stance.

III

“Lord Idris, are you not considering using the Emperor for your own ends?”

Theodora Tytania, the woman who had only recently been formally promised the title of Countess, asked this question in Idris’ boudoir. Theodora was a guest in Idris’ bedchamber two nights a week. While they might well be the most ambitious couple in the universe, it did not mean that they were on the same wavelength.

Idris retorted mockingly:

“What do you mean?”

“To put pressure on the Emperor, corner him, and provoke him into hostile acts against Tytania. Then, on that pretext, you would depose him. Aren’t you considering this?”

Emperor Harsha VI was still only thirty-five years of age; should he be deposed, his six-year-old son would ascend the throne as a child emperor. Naturally, he would be unable to rule in person, and the office of regent, to whom full authority would be entrusted, would have to be established. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the person to assume the regency must be a member of the Tytania clan, and indeed, Idris, the Minister of Military Affairs, would be named as the most likely candidate.

Of course, Idris did not desire the office of regent for its own sake. Backed by the state apparatus and military organisation of the Vardana Empire, he sought to establish his position within Tytania and emerge victorious in the fierce competition for the next Clanner.

Ultimately, it would surely matter not if the positions of Supreme Commander of Tytania and Emperor of Vardana were both held by the same individual. Eight generations had passed since the founder Neville; it was a time when a complete fusion of substance and form might well be achieved.

However, Idris did not share his grand vision of the future with his new lover. He merely gave a cold, brief laugh and dismissed her.

“You impertinent woman.”

“Have I offended you?”

Theodora smiled. It was a radiant smile, yet it stirred a subtle sense of unease and displeasure in Idris. He could not help feeling as though she had read his innermost thoughts. Idris did not seek a bond of comradeship with women. He attached no greater significance to this affair with the woman who was to become a countess than that of simply carrying on a romantic liaison with her.

Theodora studied Idris’ expression; shifting her position on the bed, and uttered a bold request:

“Would you not be so kind as to arrange for me to inherit Lord Zarlisch’s title?”

The reply was not immediate. At least not in words. Idris’ expression as he stared back at Theodora, utterly dumbfounded, spoke volumes about his inner thoughts. For the first time, Idris had encountered someone whose ambition to rise in the world was even more intense than his own.

“What an astonishing woman. Have you not only just laid claim to the title of an count’s house? Would you rather be a duchess than a count, then?” finally said Idris, his words sharp and laced with anger. “Don’t get too big for your boots. The Dukes of Tytania are in a league of their own compared to other nobles. Even within the Tytania clan, a count is merely granted a share of glory and wealth. But a duke is something quite different.”

“I am well aware of that. The Tytania clan rules the universe, and the Five Families rule that clan. But surely, even the Five Families are not set in stone for all eternity?”

“Hey…”

“Lord Idris, had Lord Zarlisch still been alive, he would surely have stood in the way of your grand ambitions. But if it were me…”

Waving his hand brusquely, Idris silenced his mistress’ eloquence.

“If you want to become a duchess that badly, ask His Clanner Highness. No matter how much of a good word I put in for you, it will ultimately rest with the Clanner alone.”

“With His Clanner Highness…”

“His Highness may seem cold and stern, but he’s actually quite keen on the pleasures of the flesh. If you’re willing, he’ll welcome you into his concubine’s quarters. They’re far more spacious and luxurious than my own bedroom.”

With a deliberately loud laugh, Idris ordered Theodora to get dressed and leave. She complied, but Idris, left behind, remained reclining on the bed which had now doubled in size, and, with a look of unease, muttered as he gazed up at the ceiling:

“I can’t imagine that His Clanner Highness would take that woman’s nonsense seriously, though…”

A shadow of mild confusion and suspicion fell across Idris’ handsome face. What he had said to Theodora was, of course, not what he truly meant. It was merely a parting shot, intended to show her that her ambition was impossible. Yet Theodora’s ambition seemed to have been spurred on by Idris’ single remark, as if it had been given a new direction.

If Theodora were to act as Idris had suggested, and succeed in currying favour with Clanner Ajman to reap the fruits of her ambition, Idris would have effectively created a powerful rival through his own assistance. Repeatedly dismissing the thought with “Surely not”, Idris could not help but click his tongue at his own blunder: taking on an unnecessary worry at such a critical juncture.

IV

On the 5^th of November, Corvin, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Bargash Government, visited Uraniborg accompanied by Count Elman Tytania. He was a middle-aged man who appeared utterly unremarkable; he seemed to have been struck by terror from the moment he arrived at Uraniborg, and could not conceal his pallid face and trembling hands. In a pitiful display, he took out a handkerchief to wipe away the cold sweat, only to drop it; as he bent down to pick it up, he lost his balance and fell to the floor.

Tytania’s junior and mid-ranking military officers and staff could not help but chuckle. Initially, when Ajman had pointedly refused to grant him an audience, he had rushed about Uraniborg in a state of panic and confusion, pleading for assistance from numerous influential figures, only to then come down with a fever and be confined to his quarters. Even when he finally managed to meet the Clanner, he could scarcely speak, merely bowing his head and stammering incoherently.

“How dare they send such a good-for-nothing. It would seem the Bargash government has no genuine intention of seeking peace.”

It was hardly surprising that Idris curled his lips in derision, but Jouslain’s mind was preoccupied with Count Elman, who had accompanied Corvin.

“That count is quite a shrewd character.”

It was said that Count Elman would henceforth act as a mediator in diplomatic negotiations between Tytania and the anti-Tytania armed factions. While there was certainly a need for someone to fulfil such a role, the manner in which the Count had secured the position by offering his services directly to the Clanner struck him as somewhat calculating.

Jouslain did not believe that the Minister of Foreign Affairs Corvin was the feeble and incompetent figure he appeared to be. The representative of the Bargash government appeared to be a truly feeble and insignificant figure. But might that timid, pitiful display simply be an act? If that was indeed the case, was the Bargash government such a collection of dullards that a man of such incompetence could occupy the key post of Minister of Foreign Affairs? Upon reflecting on this, Jouslain could not help but reach a single conclusion:

Bargash was desperately resorting to tactics to buy time. This was only natural, for it is only through peace that Bargash could continue to prosper and develop as the capital of the frontier star sector. Even if it were to plunge into all-out war with Tytania, Bargash would have little chance of victory. Even if it were to avoid war, it would take time to establish a diplomatic policy and devise various strategies. For the time being, might Corvin not have volunteered to play the role of a figurehead, merely for show, in order to prevent Tytania from opting for a swift campaign?

Meanwhile, on Tytania’s side, a large fleet was always on combat alert, ready to open hostilities the moment the Clanner issued his orders. Legally, however, Emperor Harsha VI would have to declare war through the Minister of Military Affairs. Without the Emperor’s declaration of war, any military operations by Tytania would be regarded as private warfare waged by a private army, making it impossible to mobilise the Vardana Empire’s military or logistical support organisations. Of course, there was no precedent in history for the Vardana Imperial Household to have refused a request from the Tytanian Clanner’s Court to issue a declaration of war. At the very least, there has never been a single instance where such a refusal has been made public.

The declaration of war was not written by the Emperor himself. It was drafted by the Chief Court Clerk, reviewed by the Chief Imperial Secretary, and signed by the Emperor. As both the Chief Court Clerk and the Chief Imperial Secretary were individuals thoroughly under the influence of the Tytania clan, there was no possibility of any problems arising.

Although Harsha VI found the presence of Tytanian loyalists within the court intolerable, his late father remained unperturbed. His father’s view was that, since he had absolutely no intention of coming into conflict with Tytania, he did not mind in the slightest having members of the Tytania faction on either side of him so long as they fulfil their duties as courtiers.

As with other matters, Harsha VI was unable to follow his father’s policy on this issue. Every time Tytania demanded a declaration of war, his pride as Emperor was wounded, and deep down he could not help but wish for Tytania’s defeat. It may seem underhand, but for a man as powerless as he was, it was the only means of taking revenge on the tyranny of the powerful ministers. Consequently, Ariabert’s defeat at the Battle of Cerberus and Zarlisch’s untimely death on this occasion gave him a deep, bitter joy.

Harsha VI both detested and feared Duke Idris, who had become Minister of Military Affairs. These two emotions each possessed a dual structure, with those directed at Tytania as a whole and those directed at Idris personally inextricably intertwined.

The former Minister of Military Affairs, Marquis Estrade Tytania, was, even as a member of the Tytania clan, mindful of the courtesies to be observed and the formalities to be followed, and never subjected Harsha VI to any more psychological pressure than was necessary. Idris, however, was a harsh, rude and merciless young man. Every time he came face to face with him, Harsha VI felt as though his nervous system was being rubbed with sandpaper. Had this been someone like Ariabert, Harsha VI would have rejoiced in his defeat without being driven by a personal desire for revenge.

However, a different perspective was also possible.

Harsha VI was devising a strategy to overthrow the Tytania clan in his mind. He would topple the arrogant and tyrannical Tytania clan and reclaim the power that had been unjustly taken from him. The military might, wealth, organisation and diplomatic influence that the Tytania clan had accumulated would all return to the hands of the Vardana Imperial House. He, Harsha VI, would leave an immortal name in history as the illustrious ruler who revived the Vardana Empire, and Vardana would continue to flourish for all eternity.

Amidst those vivid visions, Idris had been assigned the role of a pliable pawn. Idris was the youngest of the four dukes; he harboured an unusually strong competitive spirit towards the other three, and his ambition for the title of Clanner was both intense and clear. Perhaps that very trait would make him easier to control. That, at least, was Harsha VI’s assessment.

As for the other three dukes, Zarlisch was intimidating and made one shrink back merely by looking at him, while Jouslain gave off a strangely unfathomable aura that aroused suspicion. Ariabert behaved as a mild-mannered man of common sense and, at first glance, seemed easy to deal with; yet, at the core of his being, there was a quality that kept conspiracies and political manoeuvres at bay, making him a formidable opponent.

Idris was eleven years younger than Harsha VI, a fact that further aroused the Emperor’s antipathy. This stemmed from the humiliation of having absolute power over life and death held in the hands of a greenhorn like Idris. And so, before long, Harsha VI came to devise the following plot:

“What if I were to tell Ajman that Idris has his sights set on the title of Clanner? Surely Ajman would think that this is consistent with Idris’ character? If Idris were to be purged by Ajman, that would be a great step towards my goal…”

Harsha VI continued to ponder this with a dark fervour. He even went so far as to imagine the very scene of the plot succeeding, with Idris, who continued to protest his innocence, being bound and led away to the place of execution, and Harsha VI was almost entranced by that thought. However, for the time being, this “conspiracy” could exist only within the mind of the ill-fated emperor. He lacked the concrete means to bring it to fruition; and above all, Harsha VI had no subordinates worthy of his trust.

Meanwhile, Clanner Ajman had a fairly accurate insight into Harsha VI’s innermost thoughts.

“He cannot help but harbour such thoughts. Whatever the nature of his conspiracy, it will remain nothing more than a delusion until it is put into practice. If we were to take issue with every single one, we would likely have to depose and reinstate a new Emperor every month.”

In this instance, the Clanner’s tolerance stemmed from his contempt for Harsha VI. Ajman knew full well that, no matter how audacious the conspiracy he might devise, Harsha VI possessed neither the power nor the subordinates to carry it out. In that case, he might as well let the Emperor roam freely in his inner space as he pleased. Whether he chose to burn or hack to pieces the entire population of Tytania within his own delusions was none of Ajman’s concern.

The dead are gone and will never return. Such nonsense as reincarnation should be left to religious figures and religious entrepreneurs. What Tytania had to do was to exploit Zarlisch’s death to the fullest extent possible at the political and diplomatic levels. This was something recognised not only by Clanner Ajman, but also the three surviving dukes.

“If you have time to weep, think instead.”

These were the words with which Neville, the founder of Tytania, chastised when he lost his youngest son at a young age. Neither Clanner Ajman nor the other three dukes shed a tear over Zarlisch’s death. Idris regarded the other three dukes as nothing more than potential rivals, while neither Ariabert nor Jouslain harboured any particular animosity towards Zarlisch, but they did not consider him a close friend with whom they shared a bond. The manner of his death, too, was, if anything, of the sort that dampened their spirits. At the very least, within the five families of Tytania, there was no custom of feigning grief that did not genuinely exist.

Zarlisch’s funeral was to be held with great pomp, involving the entire organisation of Tytania. The ceremony would serve as an eloquent proclamation of Tytania’s intentions to the entire universe. That Bargash was to be regarded as a public enemy and vanquished. Meanwhile, would the government of Bargash send a delegation to pay its respects? And if so, what rank of official would they dispatch?

As this was the death of the head of the household and the heir apparent was absent, Clanner Ajman himself was to act as chief mourner, while the diplomatic protocol department of the Clanner’s Court was to handle the practical arrangements for the funeral. A flurry of activity filled Uraniborg, amidst which Bargash’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Corvin, was rushing about.

By this stage, it was clear that Corvin was an investigator masquerading as a diplomatic envoy, but Corvin Ajman had turned a blind eye to his presence. Rather than fearing a single investigator, he had chosen to demonstrate Tytania’s true strength to him. However, he summoned Corvin and handed him a formal proclamation of wartime embargo.

A wartime embargo was a legal measure prohibiting military personnel and high-ranking government officials from enemy nations from boarding ships of neutral nations. In this instance, should a military officer from Bargash attempt to board a neutral vessel to join his own country’s forces, Tytania would have the right to sink that neutral vessel. In such cases, legal action could be taken against anyone seeking to cooperate with the Bargash military, even if they were not officially part of the Bargash armed forces.

While it is, in practice, impossible to monitor every hostile actor, this serves to publicly signal Tytania’s stance. From Ajman’s perspective, it was intended as a precursor to a declaration of war, and Corvin understood this. His complexion changed so drastically that one might have thought he was about to faint; yet, managing to steady himself, he staggered away from the Clanner’s presence.

It was on the 10^th of November that Duke Ariabert Tytania’s operational plan for the war against Bargash was finalised. This was the day before the magnificent funeral of Duke Zarlisch. The following day, six thousand vessels of all sizes, fully armed, gathered in the airspace surrounding Uraniborg to hold an aerial procession in mourning for the deceased, striking fear into the hearts of the Bargash people across the vast expanse of space.

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