This is a continuation. I'm posting two chapters at once. This is the latter part. Please check it out.
"Thus it is, Your Majesty. Everything is due to my daughter's actions, and it is my responsibility for not keeping a closer eye on her."
Duke Yuu went to the Emperor, who was discussing the future with his ministers, and bowed his head, saying this.
Beside him, Elna also bowed her head.
In response, the ministers voiced their dissatisfaction with Al.
"If that's the case, you should have said so clearly..."
"The honor of the Duke's family is important, but the honor of the royal family is even more so! However, since this happened in front of the ambassador, we can't just say it was a mistake now!"
"You're complicating the situation... The other side will take a hard stance, citing the royal family's misconduct. If the responsibility of the young lady is the Duke's responsibility, then the Prince's responsibility is the Emperor's responsibility. Why can't you understand that!?"
"Moreover, it was Prince Arnold who made it possible to access the ventilation shaft. That alone is a serious issue! What is that Prince thinking! Really!"
"The problem is no longer that the jewel was broken. The fact that it was broken by a member of the royal family remains. If they start saying that it shows a lack of willingness to establish friendly relations, we won't be able to say anything in response!"
The ministers' criticisms of Al were voiced one after another.
No, it's not her fault, Elna wanted to say. However, she also knew that she was not in a position to say such a thing.
So, Elna held back her tears and endured.
Seeing this, the Emperor sighed.
"I knew Arnold was protecting someone, but I didn't think it would be the Duke's daughter."
"You knew, Your Majesty?"
In response to the Duke's question, the Emperor nodded.
"The box containing the jewel had defensive magic. No matter how good a sword, Arnold couldn't have cut it. So I confirmed it. Even then, he insisted it was him. I couldn't just do nothing in front of the ambassador. It couldn't be helped."
The Emperor sighed deeply and leaned back in his throne.
The original plan had fallen apart. Even if they prepared a new jewel, the Empire would not accept it. They would likely demand something like a mine, using the royal family's misconduct as leverage.
On the other hand, if they had investigated the matter on the spot, the ambassador would have become suspicious. Even if they honestly told the ambassador that Elna was responsible, he wouldn't have believed it. It was clear that he wouldn't.
Given that Al was present, there was no other option. The Emperor knew this, which is why he had put Al in prison.
"Duke, that's the situation. I'm sorry, but even if Elna comes forward, it won't make a difference. It's impossible to forgive Arnold now."
"Such...!"
Elna couldn't help but exclaim.
Everyone in the room turned their gaze to her.
Exposed to the cold gazes of the adults, Elna flinched but did not look away.
In the midst of this, a woman entered the room.
"I can't believe you would look at a child like that."
The woman, dressed in a black dress with black hair, was Mitsuba, the Emperor's sixth consort and Al's mother.
Why, of all times, would she be here?
The ministers all frowned. They expected her to plead for Al's release from prison.
However, to their surprise, Mitsuba said nothing and approached Elna.
"Are you the Duke's daughter?"
"Yes... Yes..."
"You did well to be honest, I'm proud of you. I'm sure he would have been willing to go to prison in your place."
As she said this, Mitsuba smiled and patted Elna's head.
The ministers were taken aback, and the Emperor chuckled.
"Mitsuba... You came for Prince Arnold, didn't you?"
"I was called, that's all. I have no intention of saying anything about Al. He made his own decision to protect this child. If she was to receive punishment, it's only right that he should as well. He knew what he was doing. It's his responsibility."
"But... That's true, but..."
"Besides, what good would it do for me to beg for Al's release? If he decided to protect a girl, and then was saved by his mother, his reputation would be ruined. Al made his own decision to help this child. That's his achievement. I have no intention of taking credit for my child's actions. Furthermore, even if Al regrets it in prison, I believe it will be for his own good. He will realize how difficult it is to protect someone and understand that he is always in a privileged position."
The ministers were speechless at Mitsuba's cold, yet logical reasoning.
Despite her son, a prince, being imprisoned, she could calmly say it was his responsibility. This was considered abnormal, as most consorts were overly protective of their children.
"I called for you, Mitsuba. If you had pleaded, I was going to release Arnold."
"That's not necessary. I always let him do as he pleases. I always tell him that it's his responsibility. If he wants to play instead of studying, that's his choice. But if he doesn't learn, that's his responsibility. If he is criticized or ridiculed, that's his responsibility. The same applies this time. He made his decision and is now in prison. It's all his responsibility."
"Hmm... You're telling me not to forgive him, aren't you?"
The Emperor scratched his head, looking troubled.
As an emperor, he couldn't be lenient with his children. That's why he called for Mitsuba. If she pleaded, he could use that as an excuse to release Al.
However, in reality, the Emperor wanted to release Al, while Mitsuba insisted he stay in prison.
This was an unprecedented situation.
"Mitsuba, your laissez-faire approach to education is what led to this. I suggest you be more strict with the Prince."
"What problem is there? If the Empire needs a jewel, we can get another one. Compared to other princes and princesses, Al is a low-maintenance child. I believe we have saved enough money to cover the cost of a jewel."
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, who made the comment, grimaced.
Many ministers and nobles looked down on Mitsuba, who was originally a dancer. They maintained a polite facade but secretly considered her a social climber.
If Mitsuba were more reserved, the ministers could have smiled and dealt with her, but she was far from being reserved.
"The issue is not the money. The Empire's ambassador is no longer satisfied with just the jewel."
"Then let him leave."
"Ha... I shouldn't have discussed politics with you, Mitsuba."
The Minister of Foreign Affairs bowed his head, realizing his mistake.
Half of the ministers looked at him with sympathy, while the other half looked at him as if he were a fool.
Mitsuba, who had traveled to various countries, was known for her deep insight among the consorts. She was not a woman raised in a sheltered environment. Thinking of her as the same as other consorts would only lead to a painful backlash.
The Emperor nodded in satisfaction at Mitsuba's sharp retort.
However, her next words were directed at the Emperor.
"Your Majesty, this is a good opportunity to say this."
"Um... What is it?"
"Be an emperor. I never agreed to be a wife who looks to other countries for approval."
The Emperor frowned at her sharp words, and Franz put his hand to his forehead.
To the two of them, Mitsuba said:
"Did the Chancellor propose to give the jewel to the Empire and buy time?"
"That's correct, Mitsuba."
"Considering the Empire's situation, it's a reasonable decision. However, a weak diplomatic stance will embolden the other side. Since your reign, the Empire has maintained a strong stance. Showing weakness now will lead to unnecessary misunderstandings, don't you think?"
"That's true, but we can't afford to antagonize the Empire until we reach a ceasefire with the Kingdom of Perlan."
"Then send the Minister of Foreign Affairs to negotiate a ceasefire immediately."
The Minister of Foreign Affairs was taken aback by the unexpected nomination.
He couldn't say no. Mitsuba's words conveyed a clear message that he was expected to succeed. It was his duty as the Minister of Foreign Affairs to maintain diplomatic lines with enemy countries even during war.
"It could be seen as a sign of weakness."
"It's better than getting bogged down. It's a difficult task to break the Kingdom of Perlan, which is being supported by sea. Moreover, I don't think the Kingdom of Perlan will take advantage of the Empire's position. If the Empire clarifies its stance, they won't risk getting involved unnecessarily."
"What stance?"
"The stance of protecting sub-humans. When you accepted the dwarves, you took this stance. Concluding an immediate ceasefire with the Kingdom of Perlan is to protect sub-humans. If they take advantage of this, it will create dissatisfaction both inside and outside the Kingdom of Perlan."
Mitsuba knew this from her travels.
While the Empire and the Kingdom had many sub-humans, the Empire had almost none. Therefore, when sub-humans were involved, the two countries had only one path to choose.
"Didn't you decide this yourself? To protect sub-humans. Why are you wavering?"
"For the good of the country."
"For the good of the country, you should be a strong emperor. Your Majesty, children think more than adults realize. Al must have thought a lot. About the Empire, about you, and about this crying child. After considering everything, he decided to take the blame. Plotting against the emperor and tarnishing the royal family's honor are things a prince should never do. However, as a prince and a boy, he showed his resolve and followed through. Even if many people criticize him, I want to praise him. He demonstrated the qualities of a prince. Following through on his resolve is important for a prince and an emperor. If your son can do it, you can do it too."
The Emperor looked up at the ceiling, pondering Mitsuba's words.
He took a deep breath, and the frown on his forehead, which had been there since the dwarves' country was invaded, disappeared.
He had come to a decision, influenced by his consort's words and his son's actions.
"Franz, do you have any objections?"
"I still think we should take the safe route, but I understand that it goes against your principles."
"Indeed. Regardless of what Arnold has done, he followed through on his resolve. I want to acknowledge and accept that. Who else will accept and acknowledge him besides me and Mitsuba? We are his parents. We must act like parents. A father who is inferior to his son cannot accept and acknowledge him. As a parent and an emperor, I want to show a proud figure."
The Emperor declared this with a clear expression.
Beside him, Franz sighed deeply. Despite his efforts to persuade the Emperor to take the safe route, it had come to this.
Franz looked at Mitsuba with a slightly resentful expression, but she had already turned to leave.
Seeing this, Franz muttered under his breath:
"Your Majesty, I find Mitsuba difficult..."
"Indeed, I find her difficult too..."
"Then why did you make her a consort...?"
"I thought she was a good woman... I wasn't wrong."
Nodding in satisfaction, the Emperor stood up and began giving orders.
"Summon all the captains of the Imperial Guard. Duke, you may leave. But be ready to call out if needed. Prepare yourself."
"Understood."
"And bring Arnold. I need to show him the figure of an emperor."
With a grin, the Emperor added this last order.
Franz, who was exasperated by this childlike behavior, began to act on the Emperor's orders.
***
In the throne room, the Emperor, the Chancellor, and the captains of the Imperial Guard were lined up.
Surrounded by the Empire's elite warriors, the ambassador asked nervously:
"Your Majesty... What is this about?"
"Indeed. My son was rude earlier. As an apology, I have prepared a new jewel. I would like you to take it back with you."
"That's what this is about... Your Majesty, our country does need jewels. However, we have obtained a certain number from the dwarves' country. What we need now is the dwarves' craftsmanship. Please hand over the dwarves, or something of equal value. Otherwise, we will have to report that the Empire is not interested in friendly relations with our country."
"Hmm... Then tell them that."
"Excuse me?"
The ambassador, who had been feeling confident, couldn't understand the Emperor's words at first.
However, he understood the Emperor's intent when he met the Emperor's sharp gaze.
"Are you saying that our country will be hostile to the Empire?"
"Exactly. The Empire does not have the custom of expelling those we have welcomed. If you are not satisfied with jewels, further negotiations are meaningless."
"Our country is at war with the Kingdom. I don't think it's a good strategy to fight the Empire as well?"
It was a bluff.
The ambassador was convinced of this.
The Empire was only putting on a strong front; they couldn't be preparing for war.
Thinking this, the ambassador maintained his confident expression.
However,
"We have already sent a messenger of truce to the Kingdom. This is a war to protect sub-humans. The Kingdom will understand."
"Surely not..."
"Do you not believe me? Then I will say it directly. The people who have come to our country are our subjects. At this moment, those who have taken root in the Empire's territory are people I must protect. I will not give them up to anyone. If you want them, come and take them. But if you do, come prepared. I will lead the Imperial Guard myself."
A cold sweat ran down the ambassador's cheek.
The Imperial Guard, composed of warriors who could match a thousand men each, being led by the Emperor meant he was serious.
Even if the Kingdom agreed to a truce, it wouldn't happen immediately. If the Empire attacked during that time, the Kingdom would be forced into a two-front war.
However, the Emperor was saying he didn't care.
"Will you use the Duke's family?"
"Indeed."
"Using the holy sword recklessly could lead to criticism from other countries, you know?"
"This is a war to protect sub-humans. We have the moral high ground. Other countries cannot criticize us for using the holy sword, a treasure of humanity, in war. Even if the Empire falls."
The ambassador understood the Emperor's resolve from these words.
He was determined to go all the way. The Emperor was willing to destroy the Empire to achieve his goal.
Feeling intimidated by such a determined emperor, the ambassador said in frustration:
"You will regret this...!"
"Do not underestimate the Empire. We do not look to other countries for approval, nor do we bow down. We are not afraid of war. However, we cannot tolerate being seen as weak! The Empire is a strong country, and I am a strong emperor! Go back and tell your country that the negotiations have failed."
The ambassador left the room with a twisted expression, feeling humiliated by the Emperor's stern words.
The Emperor then dismissed the captains of the Imperial Guard and called for Al, who had been watching from a corner of the throne room.
"Al"
"Yes, Father..."
The Emperor placed his hand on Al's head and gently stroked it.
"This is your father's job. Making decisions. That is the role of an emperor. Whether good or bad, making decisions is the job. Implementing them is the job of the subjects."
"It's a tough job."
"Forgive me... I wanted to show you the figure of a righteous emperor. Remember this, Al. If you aim for the throne in the future, or if you want to put someone else on the throne, remember my figure today. If you aim for the throne, follow my example. If you want to put someone else on the throne, choose someone close to me. This is your reward. However, you must still go to prison. Understand?"
"Yes!"
Seeing the Emperor's mischievous smile, Al also smiled similarly.
Franz, who had been watching, thought they were a similar pair, but he felt a bit down when he thought about the enormous amount of work ahead.
***
And now.
"Mother, why is there a half jewel on display...?"
"It's a lucky jewel."
"Lucky? Even though it's only half?"
"Yes. Thanks to this jewel, Al obtained a treasure."
Mitsuba, with Krista on her lap, recalled that day.
After the Emperor made his decision, Elna followed Mitsuba and deeply apologized with the Duke.
In response, Mitsuba told her to help the child if she ever needed it.
On the other hand, Elna swore on the Duke's sword that she would never abandon Prince Arnold again.
That day, Al obtained the Empire's strongest sword through his actions. He didn't realize it, but that's what happened.
Mitsuba didn't tell him that the girl from that day was Elna. She thought Elna would tell him herself someday.
"What kind of treasure?"
"A sword. A very fine sword. Al seems to be struggling with it, though."
"Indeed. A sword doesn't suit Brother Al."
Krista and Mitsuba laughed together.
Even so, Mitsuba thought about Al.
Al had seen the ideal figure of an emperor. That's why he was trying to put Leo on the throne.
For Al, an emperor was not something to become but something to see. Therefore, he had no intention of becoming an emperor himself.
Seeing Leo as a fine emperor was Al's dream. That's why Mitsuba was a bit worried.
It felt like Al was not in the future he was envisioning.
"I have a report. A messenger has just arrived. Prince Leonard and Prince Arnold are returning."
"Really!?"
"Oh, then let's go and welcome them."
Mitsuba put her small worry aside.
It wasn't the time to think about it yet.
"Cough, cough... It's cold. Shall we put on a jacket...?"
"Are you catching a cold again?"
"Yes, but it will be fine soon."
With that, Mitsuba and Krista held hands and went to welcome the two princes.
And so, the third part begins.
This story was originally supposed to be posted at 12 PM and 12 AM today, but I thought it would be better to post them together.
So, there will be no 12 AM post today <m(__)m>
I will continue to work hard, so please support me (/・ω・)/