Tytania:Volume 3 Chapter 7

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Chapter 7 – The Great Schism

I

On the 15^th of April at 18:00, the two Dukes Ariabert and Jouslain finally reunited. While this was intended to be a private affair, it resulted in something of historical significance. Amidst the shocking event known as the “Great Schism” of the Tytania Clan, the two titans of the rebellion against Clanner Ajman ended up holding a meeting.

“Let those two meet in Bargash. You can be certain they’ll be plotting something.”

It was Idris who had shouted those words, but regardless of his true intentions, he ended up seeing his prophecy fulfilled. Although Ariabert and Jouslain had not met specifically to conspire, it was never likely that their meeting would consist of nothing more than idle chatter.

Leaving Princess Lydia and the others on the flagship, Jouslain headed directly from the central spaceport to the hospital where Ariabert lay, accompanied only by Balamy. Jouslain had heard that Ariabert’s recovery was progressing well and that he would be discharged safely within April.

After leaving Balamy to wait in the lobby, Jouslain entered the patient’s room alone. The doctor limited the visiting time to one hour before withdrawing to the adjacent room, allowing the two dukes to exchange greetings after their long absence. One sat propped up halfway in bed, while the other took a seat in an armless chair.

“I was relieved to hear that your recovery is going smoothly. How is the situation in Bargash?”

“It is what one might call a false peace. Fan Hyulick and the others are quiet. I suppose they are simply enjoying their afternoon naps.”

“When they awaken from those peaceful dreams, they will surely be bewildered. The more robust their strategic plans, the more bewildered they shall be.”

Tytania ruled the cosmos. Meanwhile, the modest forces led by Fan Hyulick stood in defiance. The framework that everyone had envisioned collapsed within these few dozen days, and Fan Hyulick’s victory beneath the sea remained buried within the strata of history, unknown to many. Now, hundreds of billions of sensory organs focused their attention on every single movement of the two dukes.

As far as Ariabert was concerned, it was a fact that he had failed to subjugate Fan Hyulick’s faction, and he had to take responsibility in some form. It was also true that he had sustained severe injuries that would take three months to fully heal, and his health was far too poor to wield his dictatorial powers in Bargash. Furthermore, it was certain that Idris would pursue him to demand accountability. Since he was unable to return to Uraniborg to offer lengthy explanations, Ariabert had no choice but to resign.

From that point on, the rapid escalation of events exceeded even Ariabert’s predictions; however, rather than a lack of foresight on his part, it would be more accurate to say that the situation itself had become irrational. Everything was accelerating. Or perhaps Clanner Ajman, himself cornered, had been forced into a sudden decision—provided the Clanner was indeed the true mastermind.

“There is nothing to be done about the defeat. It was my own blunder, for I temporarily lost sight of the bigger picture and grew too impatient to restore my personal honour.”

These were the terms in which Ariabert described his defeat.

“Even if I were to remain in the position of Commander-in-Chief, I would eventually find myself defeated by Fan Hyulick once more. I simply felt the need to take a step back and view the situation from a broader perspective…”

Ariabert cast his gaze toward his bedside. A vase overflowed with carnations in blue, white, and red. In the background, the sky was visible through the window, deepening into twilight with each passing moment, as the light of the fixed stars retreated and the points of light from other stars increased in both number and intensity.

“Tytania is an invisible rope. She binds not only our bodies but our hearts as well. I found myself wondering if it might be possible to break free from her.”

The shackles of Tytania weighed heavily even upon the dukes, who enjoyed privileges by virtue of the veneration they received from others. Though they had been raised under the values that ran through the very history of Tytania and were ostensibly adults, there were times when they were struck with horror by the reflection of themselves in the eyes of others. Once doubt took root, they could no longer remain content in their noble ignorance.

As a result, it might be said that Ariabert had struck first against the Clanner. Yet, whether that was something for Ariabert to rejoice in, Jouslain could not be certain. He did not believe that the Clanner, having been outmanoeuvred, would have accepted such a state of affairs with grace.

“It was perhaps for the best that you were injured, Lord Ariabert. It saved you from being summoned to Uraniborg.”

“In exchange, I was dragged into your troubles, Lord Jouslain. It was quite a nuisance.”

Ariabert uttered a rather clumsy joke. It was not merely Balamy who was an exception; generally speaking, the Tytania nobility lacked a great talent for wit.

“That is why I wished to hear the truth from you, Lord Jouslain. What on earth happened?”

In response to the natural question, Jouslain readjusted himself in his chair and began to recount the circumstances at Uraniborg following Ariabert’s resignation.

Rebellions of a suppressible scale were beneficial for strengthening a ruling regime. This had been a political law since the era of ancient city-states, and there were numerous instances where powerful figures had even been driven into rebellion for that very purpose. Was the current incident one such example? While harbouring such thoughts, Jouslain nonetheless stated his position to Ariabert:

“Just to be clear, I had absolutely no involvement in this so-called attempted assassination of His Clanner Highness. In fact, I even doubt that the incident ever took place. As far as the actual facts go, all that exists is the official announcement made by Lord Idris.”

Although Jouslain did not explicitly say that he distrusted Idris’ words, his meaning was perfectly understood. Ariabert attempted to summarise the situation.

“So Lord Jouslain, are you saying that Lord Idris set a trap for you?”

“No, I cannot say that for certain. I cannot say whether Lord Idris framed me or if he was merely an accomplice or an accessory.”

“…”

“Personally, I suspect it was the latter. Lord Idris will likely take offence, but no matter how many conspiracies he weaves on his own, I do not believe His Clanner Highness would ever be led astray by them.”

It was a harsh assessment, but few would have disagreed. Ariabert gave a nod of affirmation, picked up a fragment of a note left by the bedside, and read it aloud in a low voice.

“His Clanner Highness was targeted and wounded, though his life is not in danger. The perpetrator was shot dead on the spot, and Lord Jouslain’s name remains associated with the crime as the one who ordered it.”

Ariabert allowed himself a small smile.

“It is a most convenient tale. Should His Clanner Highness pass away, regardless of the truth, the masses would drift away from Idris. At this moment, it is Idris who needs His Clanner Highness the most in the entire universe.”

Jouslain noticed that Ariabert had removed the title of “Lord” from Idris’ name, but he made no mention of it.

As the conversation shifted to the circumstances of his departure from Uraniborg and turned to the female captain of the Austra, Ariabert interjected:

“Edna is a highly skilled captain.”

Under Jouslain’s gaze, Ariabert realised that he had addressed Captain Edna Fredericks by her given name. Ariabert looked back at Jouslain’s face and admitted it dispassionately: he had been involved with Edna romantically.

This was the first instance in which Jouslain had become aware of one of Ariabert’s romantic entanglements. Ariabert was not the type of man to flaunt his many affairs as if they were medals of honour.

“Surely, Lord Ariabert, you were not attracted to her solely for her prowess as a captain?”

“Of course, she wasn’t a captain when we first met. It was ten years ago now.”

Judging by conversations such as this, Ariabert appeared to be a man whose sense of humour was perhaps even more clumsy than Balamy’s.

“Are you currently broken up?”

“We didn’t break up explicitly. She has her military duties and her own life, and we simply drifted apart over time.”

Ariabert shook his head and offered a smile, but a faint shadow crossed his handsome features. When Jouslain remained silent, Ariabert added:

“Besides, she is not the sort of woman who would be swayed by Tytania’s authority. I had no intention of using my position to bind her. That is the gist of it.”

Nodding, Jouslain changed the subject. The appointment of Edna Fredericks as the captain of Jouslain’s flagship. She was one who refused to obey orders she didn’t agree with and resolutely carried out her initial assignment as the one in charge of Jouslain’s flagship. Jouslain could not help but dwell on it. He wondered if someone had calculated this move.

Since their opponent was none other than Clanner Ajman, he could not afford to ignore even the slightest flickering of a shadow. However, for the time being, Jouslain felt he should present the facts to Ariabert rather than his suspicions.

“In any case, much to my regret, I have been accused of the capital crime of attempted assassination of the Clanner. Naturally, as this is a false charge, I have no intention of submitting easily. I intend to fight to protect my own life, honour, and rights. Regardless of who my opponent may be.”

Jouslain made his declaration very quietly, then finished his explanation.

II

“You intend to fight His Clanner Highness…!?”

Ariabert’s voice trembled with dread. He was not a coward. No one within Tytania could cast such a slur upon him. Conversely, it meant that Clanner Ajman was the only person in the entire universe capable of striking such terror into Ariabert’s heart.

Jouslain gave a slight wave of his hand.

“Though I said ‘fight’, I don’t imply anything particularly heroic. I am no enlightened saint, so I shall simply struggle. That is all. However, since I refused to entrust my life to Lord Idris back then, it seems I have no choice but to keep struggling until my final breath.”

“It might be worth trying to explain yourself. Whether the other party accepts it is their concern. Ordinarily, I should be the one endeavouring to mediate, but given the current state of affairs…”

At that point, the doctor declared the need for examination and rest, and Jouslain left the infirmary for the time being.

Their second meeting took place after both had finished dinner, by which time night had already fully fallen.

“But why would the Clanner choose Idris as his successor? I cannot fathom it.”

Ariabert furrowed his well-shaped brows and muttered, almost as if to himself:

“Lord Jouslain, if you were to become the successor, I would have no objection. And even if it were Idris, I suppose it could not be helped. However, while I might obey, it would be difficult for me to truly accept it.”

“That is only natural.”

If one were to invert Ariabert’s psychology, it would reveal Jouslain’s. Idris was younger than both of them and inferior in both achievement and popularity. The Clanner must have been aware of this. Or perhaps, precisely because he was aware of it, he was attempting to bolster Idris’ power in order to balance the influence of the three dukes.

“Perhaps he has been considering this for decades.”

Jouslain entertained the speculation, yet he sought to avoid delving too deeply into the matter.

“However, it would be best to refrain for now. To pry into His Clanner Highness’ inner thoughts and fight within that labyrinth. We should merely respond to His Highness’ actions in a way that protects our own lives and pride.”

At that moment, Jouslain presented one of the most significant questions.

“Lord Ariabert, your subordinates surely swear their loyalty to you, do they not?”

“If the opponent were Idris, almost all of them would follow. But if the opponent becomes the Clanner, even half of them would be doubtful.”

“… That is precisely the problem,” murmured Jouslain, and Ariabert, in silence, tugged at the hem of his pyjamas.

Idris could not emerge victorious in the struggle for supremacy through his own strength alone. It was only by having the authority of the Clanner at his back that he could possibly oppose Ariabert and Jouslain.

Reflecting on this, Jouslain realised that he had been moving too hastily.

“In any event, Lord Ariabert, even if I were to go to war against the Clanner and Lord Idris, it pains me to involve you. I cannot allow myself to become a prisoner here, so I intend to depart from Bargash within the coming days.”

“A bit late for that, isn’t it?”

Ariabert gave a short laugh. His injuries had healed enough that he could laugh aloud.

“The situation where I could remain neutral is long a thing of the past. Lord Jouslain, I too have no choice but to fight alongside you. Or rather…”

Raising a hand, Ariabert silenced Jouslain’s opening remark.

“Lord Jouslain, it is not your responsibility. I was the one who clashed with Idris. There is no turning back now.”

… A full week before Jouslain had arrived at Bargash, Ariabert had received orders from Uraniborg to place him in detention as soon as Jouslain’s arrival was confirmed.

“I shall inform His Clanner Highness!”

Ariabert raised his voice toward the communication screen that had been brought into the sickroom.

“There are far too many questions regarding this matter from the very beginning. It is impossible that Lord Jouslain would attempt to harm His Clanner Highness. First, I request that you grant him a fair opportunity to defend himself.”

However, the figure that appeared on the grainy display of the communication screen was not the Clanner, but Idris. Ariabert demanded a direct meeting with the Clanner, but Idris brushed him off with disdain.

“It is impossible for His Clanner Highness to meet with you. His Highness is, unfortunately, confined to his bed after being attacked by a band of lawless rioters. It is only natural that Lord Jouslain, who directed the violent acts of those rioters, should be held accountable.”

“That is exactly why I am demanding you produce evidence. To defame Lord Jouslain, one of the four dukes, as an instigator of assassination without physical proof, and to plot his arrest, is that not an act that disregards both honour and human rights?”

“If he has something to say, he would do well to speak it in the presence of the Clanner. Provided he has nothing to hide, that is. To abandon his own opportunity to defend himself and flee is tantamount to an admission of guilt. Lord Ariabert, should he attempt to evade justice by remaining in Bargash, I shall be forced to use force to hold you accountable for harbouring a criminal. I trust you are prepared for that.”

“I suggest you moderate your braggadocio. Do you truly intend to compete with me, Ariabert, on the matter of military prowess?”

“How amusing. You are the one boasting. A defeated general, beaten not once but twice by a mere wandering bandit like Fan Hyulick, dares to lecture me on the use of troops?!”

Idris sneered. The conversation between the two dukes, which had been clashing like blades, ground to a halt. It took a span of time equivalent to light travelling three million kilometres before Ariabert opened his mouth once more.

“… You are not the one I lost to, Idris.”

Ariabert’s voice was low, yet it pierced through Idris with sharp precision.

“If you truly possess a talent for stratagems that surpasses that of Fan Hyulick, then prove it with facts. Bring forth an unprecedented, massive army and march upon me. I shall see you returned to Uraniborg, laid to rest in a gilded coffin, just as it is fitting for you!”

It must have been the most fervent oration of Ariabert’s life. A great volume of blood surged through the vessels in Idris’ face, and the cartilage in his throat bobbed.

Once he finally steadied his breathing, Idris forced a voice that was little more than a groan through the corner of his lips.

“I shall take that as a declaration of war, then, Lord Ariabert.”

“How else could you possibly interpret it? Don’t act so high and mighty, you idiot!”

The final words were delivered with an intensely provocative tone, lending a spark of spirited vitality to Ariabert’s face, which had often been described as lacking character. Idris’ eyes grew bloodshot. The capillaries had burst.

“Just you wait. I’ll kill you!”

Following that blunt outburst, the transmission was severed, and the screen of the interstellar communication terminal faded to a cloudy white…

“… And that is how it stands. Even if the Clanner were to forgive me, Idris never would. He would undoubtedly set out to kill me in earnest. It means I am left with no other choice.”

Exasperated, Jouslain gazed at his cousin of the same age.

“Lord Ariabert, I had no idea you possessed such a childish temperament. I thought of you as a much more mild-mannered and sensible man.”

“I thought so too. However, it seems I had only deceived myself. Perhaps I merely wished to become that but failed to truly become it.”

Ariabert’s reminiscence reached back into the past. A past shared by them both. Jouslain remained silent. He found himself unable to offer even a verbal response.

“Lord Jouslain, do you hate my mother?”

It was a question he had anticipated, yet he could manage no more than a simple, “No.” Ariabert appeared to have expected that very reaction. For he did not press him with a question like, “Are you certain?”

“It is only natural that I should be hated. But when I was a child, my mother said to me: ‘Never allow yourself to be hated by others, it is enough that you hate yourself’.”

Ariabert cast his gaze toward a corner of the ceiling.

“Then again, even from the perspective of her own son, my mother was a shrewd woman, so that might have been a kind of act as well. Well, regardless, it is in the past now. Since things have reached a breaking point, it would be best to focus on what lies ahead.”

Jouslain nodded in silence. He understood. He understood that when the interstellar communication from Idris was severed, Ariabert had severed a part of the mental wiring that had stretched back from the past.

III

Jouslain found and rented out an entire mid-sized hotel located a three-minute walk from the hospital where Ariabert was receiving treatment, using it as both his headquarters and quarters.

The hotel, named “Hotel Avion”, stood ten storeys high. The headquarters functions were situated on the first through sixth floors, with a guard post on the seventh, the quarters for the staff officers on the eighth, and Jouslain’s own residence occupying the ninth and tenth floors. Balamy’s private room was located on the ninth floor, while the private rooms for Lydia and Francia were on the tenth. Jouslain’s office was on the sixth floor, his salon on the ninth, and his bedroom on the tenth.

Having been entrusted with them by Jouslain, Balamy had carried out these specific arrangements. Reappointed as senior aide-de-camp by Jouslain, he was regarded by outsiders as Jouslain’s confidant, and he was proving himself through his actions worthy of that title.

There was one other person who believed Balamy to be a confidant, and he had to fulfil a role for that person as well. Upon seeing that individual, Princess Lydia of the Kingdom of Elbing, looking somewhat lost, he spoke to her:

“Do you wish to see your grandfather, Princess?”

Princess Lydia did not answer immediately. She gazed through the window at the landscape on the ground, which she was seeing for the first time in nearly a year, and replied while still looking down at the ordinary courtyard with its fountain.

“It would be difficult to return without some sort of souvenir. One who belongs to royalty must bring benefit to the nation. Since I am not yet capable of that, I cannot return just yet.”

She must have been longing for her homeland. That Balamy had surmised the Princess’ true feelings in such a way might have been an indication that his powers of intuition were maturing.

Princess Lydia turned to face Balamy and asked him another question, her expression tinged with worry:

“Will it come to a point where the Tytania army attacks the Kingdom of Elbing, Bal?”

“No, I believe you need not worry about that.”

Balamy stated it with certainty. He felt for Princess Lydia, but the Kingdom of Elbing was simply not within Tytania’s concerns. Whether they remained neutral or sided with either the Clanner’s faction or the anti-Clanner’s faction, it would be like a weakened mosquito landing on the surface of one’s skin; it would cause no real irritation or pain.

As he pondered upon this, Balamy realised yet one possibility. The matter belonged more to the realm of political manoeuvring than strategy. To show those who sided with the anti-Clanner faction what consequences awaited them, “Uraniborg” might attack the Kingdom of Elbing, potentially destroying entirely this impoverished and powerless stellar nation. That Balamy felt Lord Idris was capable of such an act could not be called a fair assessment; rather, it was a malicious prejudice.

That prejudice had a significant influence on the course Balamy chose to set. With Jouslain departing Uraniborg and Idris set to wield power as the Clanner’s deputy, Balamy found himself in a precarious position. At the very least, staying under Jouslain’s command should have ensured a brighter future for him. Furthermore, he felt needed here, and it allowed him to remain far removed from the sense of alienation and isolation he had experienced during his time on the planet Tyron. In many respects, it should have been the right choice.

“The next time I return to Uraniborg, I shall do so as one of the victors,” he resolved in his heart, yet he was far from possessing perfect confidence.

It struck him with a fresh shiver that, should matters continue to unfold in this manner, he would find himself fighting Clanner Ajman. The Clanner was the very symbol of Tytania’s power and an object of infinite awe. Even with the alliance of Ariabert and Jouslain, he wondered if they could truly hope to defeat him.

Nevertheless, he set aside his inner anxieties for the moment. As a knight, he had to hold his head high in the presence of the princess.

“Princess, let us go to the tea lounge. I hear this hotel has forty different kinds of fruit pie. We shall certainly not lack for treats for the time being.”

He had become quite fond of pastries.

Now, although Jouslain had been suspended from his authority as Commander-in-Chief, he had not been formally dismissed. Had he been dismissed, under whose command would the Tytania forces stationed in Bargash have operated? Would Ariabert return to his post? However, Ariabert had already welcomed Jouslain, ignoring the notification from Uraniborg. If Ariabert were to join Jouslain in refusing to submit to Uraniborg, both would be branded as rebels and sought for destruction by the Tytania heartland.

A civil war between Tytania and Tytania.

It was a situation powerful enough to shock the entire universe. Until then, human history had been recorded in terms of “Tytania versus non-Tytania”. Struggles and conflicts had always been depicted through the framework of “Tytania versus anti-Tytania”. That traditional pattern had now been shattered. Many people found themselves unable to decide or judge how to deal with this new paradigm, which was unfolding beyond the bounds of their imagination.

Planet Bargash remained under the occupation of the Tytanian military. Or should it be said that it had instead passed under the control of the anti-Tytania forces? The people of Bargash were forced into an unexpected state of confusion when trying to describe the situation.

“If Lord Ariabert has indeed defected from the service of the Clanner, then there is no legal basis to continue the garrisoning of Bargash. We ought to demand their withdrawal.”

That was an opinion shared by some, but it lacked sufficient realism and failed to garner widespread support.

“This has become quite a bizarre situation. Which side should our government side with? Or shall we remain neutral?”

“Regardless, if things continue as they are, Bargash may face a full-scale assault from the Tytania forces, effectively turning it into a stronghold for the rebels.”

“Good heavens, how did it ever come to this?”

The councillors and officials of Bargash gathered to deliberate. Though they intended to speak in whispers, their voices grew loud in the heat of excitement.

“Might we take this opportunity to side with the AJ Alliance and strike a blow against the long-standing Tytania regime…?”

While the “AJ Alliance” certainly took its name from the initials of Ariabert and Jouslain, they had also been unilaterally bestowed with other names that were hardly poetic, such as the “Two Dukes’ Compact” or the “Anti-Clanner Faction”. Perhaps the name “Anti-Idris Faction” would have been the most apt, yet strangely, no one ever uttered it.

“Clanner Ajman remains in full health. Even if the AJ Alliance rebels, their chances of victory are slim. Wouldn’t it be better to establish ties with the Clanner and exclude the AJ Alliance, thereby coexisting with a new Tytania administration?”

“Do you truly think it would be that simple? If the AJ Alliance were eliminated, the Clanner’s power would grow even more formidable, and his attitude towards Bargash would become even more overbearing.”

“Indeed, why should we lend our cooperation to the Clanner? Regardless of whether Tytania’s Clanner faction or the AJ Alliance emerges victorious, the best course of action would be to maintain a position of neutral non-interference.”

“Mere observation is too timid. We ought to intervene skilfully and aim to bring about the mutual destruction of both sides. This would be the perfect opportunity to collapse the Tytania ruling system.”

“Preposterous. We must avoid intervening as if this were some mere game. Do not forget that Tytania is, by nature, a clan with strong unity. If we meddle carelessly and cause them to be reminded of their blood ties, it will only lead to trouble. Serious trouble.”

It seemed as though almost every inhabitant of Bargash had become a critic regarding Tytania’s political and military strategies. An unusual excitement had taken hold of them.

The rule of the Tytania Clan had appeared as powerful, stable, and unmoving as a mature star. Now, however, it was trembling violently, and any error might lead to its total collapse. Such turning points in history were more intoxicating to people than any drug.

“After all, Lord Ariabert and Lord Jouslain possess a great fleet of twenty thousand vessels. They are the strongest armed force in the universe. Does Uraniborg possess the talent capable of countering them?”

“But that is the Tytania military, not Lord Ariabert’s private army. If the Clanner were to clearly declare them public enemies, how many of those twenty thousand ships would actually follow Lord Ariabert?”

“And the rest would turn their spears against him? Yet, Lord Ariabert commands the deep devotion of his officers and men.”

“The awe felt toward the Clanner is likely much deeper.”

“The Clanner, huh? He truly is a monster.”

“What on earth was that man thinking?”

At this point, people fell silent. They were exhausted, and whenever the sculpted features of Clanner Ajman drifted into their minds, they felt an indescribable sense of intimidation.

IV

On the 16^th of April the following year, Ariabert and Jouslain met at the hospital once more to discuss their future strategy. One pressing issue was that they had to devise a just cause to justify armed resistance against Clanner Ajman.

Jouslain had a proposal in mind:

“To strike down the conspirator at the side.”

Upon hearing Jouslain’s words, Ariabert clapped his hands lightly.

“I see. So our target is Idris. If so, the cause is just. Even regarding your own situation, Lord Jouslain, none of the Clanner’s own words have been relayed to us. It is possible that Idris has been speaking as he pleases.”

“It will likely be deeply regrettable for Lord Idris, however.”

The AJ Alliance declared war with the aim of removing Idris. From that very moment, Idris became a political pawn. Should the AJ Alliance achieve a military victory and corner the Clanner, the Clanner might seek peace negotiations by sacrificing Idris. Conversely, should the Clanner’s forces emerge victorious, Ariabert and Jouslain would be removed from the stage of life itself, leaving only the echoes of Idris’ triumphal song.

“While I may feel pity for Idris being targeted, I also feel pity for us, forced into rebellion against our will. Whether we resist or submit, for the time being, we have no choice but to dance within the Clanner’s enormous palm.”

“In other words, even combined, the three dukes cannot match the Clanner alone.”

“That is precisely why he became the Clanner, bypassing his elder brother.”

Ajman’s elder brother was, in effect, Balamy’s late father, Estrade. Just moments before he could challenge his younger brother’s authority, he met an untimely death, and his surviving child now resided within Jouslain’s camp. It seemed that for two generations, father and son were destined never to find peace under Ajman’s rule.

It was a fact that bore repeating, but both Ariabert and Jouslain were Tytanians. They knew that, at this stage, seeking a peaceful resolution with empty hands would be futile. They had no choice but to defend themselves through force. It was not to say that it was right from a humanitarian point of view. However, that was the grim reality of the universe under Tytania’s dominion.

Ariabert made a proposal.

“How about a plan like this? We send a secret envoy to His Majesty Harsha VI of the Vardana Empire, obtain a secret decree, and have him command us to strike down the Clanner. At the very least, under the laws of the Vardana Empire, we would possess the righteous cause of a government army.”

“His Majesty Harsha VI would certainly rejoice. However, that would be all. The notion that he could punish Tytania exists only in his delusions.”

Furthermore, if they intended to use the receipt of the Emperor’s secret decree for political advantage, they would have to make it public. Once made public, the Clanner would likely pressure Harsha VI to annul the decree. Or, he might even take that opportunity to force his abdication.

Rather than that, they could simply announce that they would respect the Vardana court in general from now on. It would require effectively nothing from them, and it would improve Harsha VI’s impression of Jouslain and the others; furthermore, if they used that to pressure Harsha VI, it would only damage the reputation of the Uraniborg side.

“Furthermore, Count Elman shall return to Uraniborg. He must convey to His Clanner Highness that there is no discord between the two of us.”

This was not Jouslain’s true intention. In the first place, Jouslain did not actually believe that Count Elman would return to Uraniborg and sincerely defend Ariabert and him.

To put it plainly, Jouslain wanted to keep Count Elman away from their immediate circle. In Jouslain’s view, the man was entirely more trouble than he was worth. To use a more cynical expression, he had no utility. When fighting an unparalleled great enemy, one could not afford to have the ground dug out from under one’s feet. It was best to keep him at a distance, even if only out of respect. Fortunately, there was someone suitable to send him to Uraniborg. Commodore Nostitz, who had been taken prisoner by Jouslain.

Commodore Nostitz was extremely displeased in his state as a prisoner. Given his situation, this was only natural. Under normal circumstances, he was not the sort of man to fall for a trick involving a feigned surrender, but because his opponent was one of the four Dukes of Tytania, he had shown proper courtesy and approached the enemy ship of his own accord. Having had that courtesy betrayed, there was no way he could be anything but incensed.

He was subsequently released, and Jouslain requested that he escort Count Elman Tytania back to Uraniborg. Jouslain offered a polite apology for the previous discourtesy and, extending a hand for a handshake, told Commodore Nostitz that they should meet on the battlefield with honour. It was a piece of political theatre, performed with the full knowledge of Nostitz’s temperament. Nostitz was genuinely moved, and after pledging that he would undoubtedly escort Count Elman safely back to Uraniborg, he withdrew from Jouslain’s presence.

At this time, Jouslain acted with a single purpose, ensuring that he placed no restrictions on Count Elman’s movements until his departure. At the very least, Jouslain was far more unscrupulous than Commodore Nostitz.

While Ariabert was entrusted with military leadership and oversight, Jouslain devoted himself primarily to political and diplomatic manoeuvres. This began, first and foremost, with matters within Tytania itself. He had heard strange rumours regarding Farah, who had accompanied them from Uraniborg. It was Balamy who had gathered the information, reporting that Farah had been summoned by the Clanner and whispered something of great importance.

“Shall I question Farah, Your Grace?”

“It would be in vain. There is no guarantee that His Clanner Highness spoke the truth to Farah. Lord Balamy, His Highness is a man capable of intimidating others with words that do not reflect his true heart. Whatever Farah was told, I believe he was merely chosen unilaterally to throw us into confusion.”

Ultimately, a decision regarding Farah’s fate would have to be made. Of course, he would not be killed. Since they had effectively raised a rebellion against Uraniborg, Jouslain and Ariabert had to present an antithesis to the existing Tytania style of human governance. While ideals alone could never triumph over reality, it was more advantageous to establish a clear stance and direction. Even if they could not increase their allies, they at least wanted to reduce their enemies.

“Do you think we ought to devise some sort of strategy regarding Fan Hyulick?”

When Ariabert consulted him in this manner, Jouslain tilted his head slightly.

“No, let us leave Fan Hyulick alone. I believe he will seek contact with us eventually. As long as we do not close the door on him and remain ready to offer tea at any time, that will suffice.”

“Assuming he does approach us, can you predict when that might be?”

Upon being questioned again by Ariabert, Jouslain found himself reflecting.

“It is difficult to be certain with specific numbers. However, I can answer if I use a different phrasing.”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning, it will be around the time Lord Idris makes contact with them.”

Ariabert nodded at Jouslain’s response and gave a short laugh. There was no reason for Idris to feel superior to Ariabert regarding pure military talent. Furthermore, Clanner Ajman held immense expectations for Idris’ capabilities.

“The Clanner might even hire them as mercenaries by guaranteeing Fan Hyulick’s faction considerable favour. In fact, I would not be surprised if he were granted supreme command over the active combat units.”

Upon hearing Jouslain’s opinion, Ariabert formed what was, rather, a satisfied smile.

“That is interesting. Even if the banners under which we rally change, it means Fan Hyulick and I must still fight one another. I should like to aim for a single victory after two defeats.”

As he watched his maternal cousin’s smile, which conveyed a sense of both mental fortitude and flexibility, Jouslain was picturing a somewhat different scene in his mind. How would Fan Hyulick and the others choose their future paths?

On this day, the 20^th of April, a decree was proclaimed in the name of Tytania’s Landless Clanner, Ajman, stripping Ariabert and Jouslain of all public offices and official rights, including their ducal titles. Of the four dukes who had stood together at Uraniborg one year prior, one had died, two had been exiled, and Idris was the only one who remained.

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