Chapter 55: The Council of State

The western annex of the Imperial Palace, Rohan’s office, was awash in the slanting light of evening.

The glow spilling through the window was warm, and as the cold air met the heat from the hearth inside, dew formed on the glass.

“Lady Retina has departed for Silvaren with the Elphirians.”

“She left early.”

He had expected as much, having spoken with her the previous day.

She had been visiting the inn on the outskirts of the capital, looking after the Elphirians, and once they had recovered, she had set off for Silvaren without delay.

---

—I’ll be back soon, Rohan.

---

Now, they were no longer just people brought together by necessity, but friends.

She had said she would hurry back because she was worried for Rohan’s safety, but he had told her not to worry so much.

To such a Rohan, Retina had said this:

---

—If by any chance you... run into that guy... Shakan, you must avoid him at all costs. If nothing else, his skill rivals that of a Silvarene.

---

She had looked out for him until the very end.

“But, Your Highness.”

William hesitated for a moment before speaking.

“Will Count Frolan really do as we hope?”

He set down the papers on Rohan’s desk, observing his lord’s expression over the rim of his glasses.

Rohan said nothing, simply gazing out the window.

“Wouldn’t it be better to submit Grian’s will at the start of the trial? It’s the fastest and most straightforward way, after all.”

At William’s quiet suggestion, Rohan finally spoke.

“That’s true.”

He turned to William with a gentle smile.

“But what then?”

“Pardon?”

“Do you really believe that with just that will, we can prove beyond doubt that the Marquess orchestrated the illegal auction and killed Grian?”

“...Hmm.”

“No matter what His Majesty has done behind the scenes, the current Marquess isn’t someone who can be dealt with by the law alone. He’s a man who moves the nobles before the law can even react.”

Rohan rose from his chair and drew the curtain aside a little.

“And what of those nobles? They care nothing for others’ lives, scheming together to protect only their own interests.”

“...”

William pressed his lips tight.

“What I want is his complete downfall. Not just a few months in prison, or some hefty fine.”

Rohan smiled.

“The Marquess’s fall means sweeping out all the nobles tied to him and rebuilding this Empire from the ground up.”

“...!”

So His Highness was thinking that far ahead.

“Do you mean to... overturn the Empire?”

“If things continue like this, all I’d be doing is letting the Empire walk the path to ruin.”

He had killed Rohan and his mother, started a war, and slaughtered innocent subjects.

Kazin Fabian’s very existence spelled disaster.

Rohan was the only one who knew that truth.

Meanwhile, William was lost in thought.

‘He’s a man with terrifying ambition.’

Couldn’t he just choose the easy path?

Wouldn’t it be better to simply hold on to the Crown Prince’s seat and ascend the throne as is?

But the boy before him didn’t seem interested in that.

He would not compromise, but would smash through anything in his way.

‘Just who...’

He also felt his own heart beating faster.

Did Count Needro know what the Crown Prince was truly thinking?

Did he place William on this stage knowing all this?

“That’s why you’ve moved the Count. If the will is delivered through him, the nobles will start to withdraw quietly. Nothing is more frightening than the power right before your eyes, more so than the law.”

In reality, the Marquess held more power than the Emperor.

If Rohan was planning to push such a man over a cliff, it meant he was ready to fall himself.

“Ha, this... The game’s far bigger than I expected, Your Highness. My heart’s pounding right now.”

William spoke with an awkward smile, but Rohan didn’t smile in return.

Instead, he tapped his finger on the corner of the desk.

“By now, the Marquess must be riding high. He’ll bare his fangs at the upcoming Council of State.”

And when the enemy lets his guard down like this is the best moment.

Soon, the Marquess would formally put the succession issue on the agenda and push it with all his might.

How did Rohan know this?

‘Because that’s the only breakthrough he has left.’

He would grow increasingly anxious, and Rohan planned to use that anxiety and impatience.

William stroked his chin and spoke.

“Well, even if he’s under probation... that kind of punishment won’t hold him. Who knows what he’s plotting behind the scenes as we speak.”

“Indeed.”

Rohan took a letter from the drawer and handed it to William.

“Take this letter to Count Needro.”

“Yes, understood. Should I go right now?”

“Go.”

William gathered up the letter and his coat and left the office.

“Now, it’s time for a counterattack.”

Memories of defeat from a past life. The shame of living as a mere puppet emperor.

It would not happen again.

He would repay everything he had received.

Rohan spread a map across his desk.

---

The next day.

Rohan slowly opened the door.

The inner east wing of the palace, deep within, Amanda Consort’s private quarters.

The air was thick with the scent of fragrant herbs, peaceful and quiet as always.

The once-abandoned greenhouse had regained its vitality, Amanda’s touch evident everywhere.

“Mother.”

At the gentle voice, the woman looking over the flowerbed turned her head.

Amanda Consort.

For a moment, surprise flickered in her eyes, but it was soon replaced by a smile.

“Crown Prince? What brings you here at this hour...?”

“I came to see how you’ve been.”

Rohan sat at the greenhouse table.

Sunlight filtered through the curtains, coloring his mother’s hair.

Not so long ago, even sitting face to face like this had been difficult.

With the medicinal herbs he’d found and Retina’s help, Amanda had fully recovered her daily life, and that made Rohan happy.

“Are you well?”

“Of course! Can’t you see? I don’t even need a wheelchair anymore.”

She lifted her skirts a little, showing off her health.

“By the way, I heard Retina returned to her homeland. Will I not see her anymore?”

It seemed she had grown quite fond of her.

Even though Retina wasn’t the warmest person, Amanda surely knew how much she’d cared.

Seeing his mother’s regretful face, Rohan gave a small reassuring smile.

“She’ll return. Life in the capital must have been quite enjoyable for Retina as well.”

“I’m glad. I worried she might have been too burdened because of me...”

“Are you lonely?”

“Oh, not at all. How could I be? More than anything, I have the Crown Prince by my side.”

Amanda hurried over and took the seat opposite Rohan.

“This greenhouse is wonderful because you can see flowers even in winter. I used to think, once this winter passes, I’d never see them again...”

She smiled softly, saying she’d once believed she’d never leave her bedroom again.

Those difficult times had taught her to cherish even ordinary moments, and now she wanted for nothing more.

“Mother.”

Rohan listened quietly, then finally spoke.

His voice was low and cautious.

“What is it, Crown Prince?”

“It’s about Father.”

At those words, Amanda’s smile faded quickly.

“His Majesty...? Why, has something happened?”

Rohan hesitated a moment before speaking.

“His Majesty’s health is failing.”

Amanda’s hand froze over the teacup.

Her expression, even her breath, seemed to stop.

“Everyone pretends not to know, but I do. I know he’s unwell, and that his time is running out.”

His mother’s tearful back.

It weighed heavily on his heart.

Was it right for him to bear this alone?

“Why not try speaking with Father again, Mother?”

Perhaps...

He worried his mother might regret it now that her health and mind had returned.

That the pain would become too much for her.

After much deliberation, Rohan finally spoke his mind.

“That man...”

Amanda’s eyes trembled.

“He’s hidden so much from me. He kept me at a distance—even his own son, the Crown Prince...”

“Haven’t those misunderstandings been resolved? The truth of the fake letter incident came to light, and Mother... aren’t you missing Father?”

“...”

“I know what you’re afraid of, Mother. But that’s that, and this is this.”

Getting close to the Emperor would make her a target.

Especially with Empress Emilia sure to be watching.

For her son’s sake, climbing ever higher, Amanda couldn’t become a hindrance—not even a little.

That was a mother’s heart.

“My priority is Rohan. Our Crown Prince.”

Amanda smiled gently.

“But... perhaps I didn’t realize just how much you’ve grown, Crown Prince.”

To be receiving such mature advice from her son...

‘You really have grown, Rohan.’

Amanda nodded.

“I’ll think about your suggestion, Crown Prince.”

“Thank you.”

Only then did Rohan’s face brighten.

He didn’t quite know why, but it felt good to see his parents’ relationship improving.

But one thing was certain: this path would bring his mother a better life.

---

The morning of the Council of State.

Rohan headed to the Grand Assembly Hall with William.

Sunlight streamed through the corridors, clear and bright, but the two walked with heavy expressions.

“Do you really think the Marquess is trying to alter the Imperial Succession Law itself?”

William asked, uncertainty in his voice.

The rumors had already spread far and wide.

It was said the Marquess was determined to amend the law this time.

The Imperial Council of State convened only twice a year.

It was an event that dealt with the Empire’s gravest affairs.

Rohan kept his gaze ahead, answering briefly.

“We’ll see once we’re inside.”

William let out a quiet breath and nodded.

They soon arrived at the entrance to the Grand Assembly Hall.

The place was packed with nobles attending today’s Council.

Attending the Council signified considerable influence within the Empire.

“A large turnout.”

“This Council... seems even bigger than before.”

Was it because of the rumors, or the Marquess, or both?

One thing was certain: today’s Council would be a fierce battleground.

Inside, seats were already filled and the room buzzed with noise.

An unprecedented number of people, and an unusual atmosphere.

Especially, the faces of the conservative nobles looked especially grim.

“Count Lorance is here, too.”

“Yes.”

Count Lorance, Zenon’s father, was seated, surrounded by other conservatives—a clear display of his power within their faction.

Next, Rohan’s gaze shifted to none other than—

‘Elliot. Isabel.’

The central dais, reserved only for the Emperor’s direct bloodline.

Isabel, spotting Rohan entering, raised a hand in greeting.

But Elliot sat steadfastly, staring straight ahead.

And as he saw that, Rohan’s eyes narrowed.