Chapter 147
Chapter 147. The Throne
Thus, the audience ended. For Hermes and his allies, it was fruitful, as they now had a clearer grasp of their future opponent. Most importantly, they recognized Laplace, the man who supported the First Prince’s faction.
It was also valuable that they could identify the King, the First Prince, and the Second Princess. Though they didn’t fully understand their pasts or ideologies, at the very least, they realized that letting things remain as they were would be disastrous. Above all, Liliana reviewed the current situation and reaffirmed the necessity to fight. In short, this audience had provided the information they needed.
And so, at last. Now, Hermes and Liliana’s faction will join the major camps of Herc and Lyla, creating a three-way standoff. With intertwined motives, vendettas, and emotions, countless clashes are expected to unfold. In what promises to be an intense battle over the throne—
—ended before it began.
That night, after the three candidates’ audience, a flat male voice echoed from somewhere within the royal capital.
“…I wonder if the Thracian lot are speculating by now on why I showed up at the audience.”
Walking in the shadows of a dark corner of the capital, where light does not reach, the man—Laplace—continued.
“From their perspective… yeah, maybe to apply pressure, verify something, or serve as a distraction from other important matters… that’s about it, isn’t it?”
Most likely, they’ll come up with such guesses. They’re reasonable enough, and if you look for them, none are entirely incorrect.
But. Beyond that—or perhaps for a reason unrelated to any of it— the real reason he was there, Laplace laughed and said:
“Nope. None of that.”
Yes, there was nothing. Because whether he appeared or not, the outcome wouldn’t change. So he just thought he’d take a look at the other candidates and their followers—nothing more. And perhaps size up that silver-haired boy and properly identify the princess… he had other minor objectives, but none were essential. Ultimately, it didn’t matter.
Why could he be so indifferent about it? Laplace answered in a cruel voice.
“Because—it’s already over.”
That’s why his presence there meant nothing. If anything, it was nothing but a “victory declaration.” He spoke and then exited the alley.
“The fact that I’m already in the First Prince’s favor. The Trakia should have taken that more seriously… not that it would change the result.”
Yes, as I repeat… it’s already over. In the faint light, Laplace looked up at the large building illuminated by the night’s dim glow—the palace. He turned his gaze toward where he believed a certain person was, and said one final thing.
“Isn’t that right? First Prince.”
◆
Meanwhile. At the top floor of the palace, in the King’s study. Late at night, the King was engaged in political duties, organizing documents, when a voice called from the entrance to his study.
“…Father.”
Hearing the voice, King Fried raised his head and looked in surprise at the person standing there.
“—Herc.”
The First Prince Herc’s face was concealed in the shadow of the doorway. Amidst the shadows, the King spoke in a slightly stern tone.
“What brings you here? Even as royalty, to enter the King’s study without knocking—” “Father. I know.”
But. Cutting off the King’s words, the First Prince Herc continued, as if muttering, harboring emotions veiled and unclear.
“I know that, deep down, you don’t think you’re fit to be King. You believe that it was your late sister—the ‘Witch of the Sky’—who was truly worthy.” “…Herc.” “Because of that, you sought unwavering heroism and strength in the next king. That’s why you allowed Astar to do as he wished… and why you abandoned us, who lacked Astar’s talents, without showing it.”
Slowly, the First Prince approached.
“I hold no grudge. Your judgment is sound. Of course Liliana, even Lyla… and even I. None of us have the qualities you sought, the extraordinary potential. We are limited, confined. With Astar gone, the vessel you sought for a king no longer exists.”
Then, illuminated by the moonlight, Herc’s face became visible.
“Still. I am the First Prince. I am bound to stand above this country. I must somehow deal with this country that’s already beyond salvation.”
He wore an expression hard to describe. As if grieving, as if furious, as if lamenting, as if resigned. And so, the prince with the highest priority in succession told him.
“—Then I shall do it.”
At the same time, clattering footsteps approached the throne.
“I’ll become the hero you desire, Father. I’ll use anything, sacrifice anything—even if it means selling my soul to the devil!”
Then, knights poured into the study—
—and simultaneously pointed their swords at the King.
“—” “This is what you wanted, isn’t it, Father?”
With a trembling yet determined voice, the First Prince Herc declared,
“You can’t do it. You’ve given up. You can no longer envision change, only preservation. We don’t have the luxury of time for a fair fight; something must be done immediately. Therefore—”
he struck with words of revolution.
“This is the beginning of a coup to usurp the throne. Prepare yourself, former King.”
That day. Mystery troops appeared from nowhere, seizing the entire palace and all major political facilities by force.
Though led by the legitimate First Prince, who held a rightful claim to the throne, this chain of events could strictly be viewed differently—
Taking power by force. It was unmistakably a coup d’état.
◆
“…There’s no need to bother with a formal succession battle.”
After completing the takeover, with steady steps, a man headed toward the audience hall, speaking.
“It’s absurd for siblings to fight one another. There’s no purpose in competing to develop the qualities of a king.”
Reaching the hall, he opened the doors.
“If one genuinely cares for the nation, truly seeking to eliminate unnecessary conflicts—then one should seize the throne from the start.”
In the center of the room, Laplace spoke to the former First Prince seated on the supreme throne.
“Isn’t that right, Your Highness… or perhaps it’s more fitting to call you Your Majesty now?”
“That’s a bit premature, Lord Laplace.”
Though his voice was somewhat strained, Herc replied.
“Where is the former King?” “He’s alive and held in confinement. Not out of sentiment, but because there are still things we need to extract… correct?” “Indeed.”
With a courteous bow, yet remaining vigilant, Laplace continued.
“We’ve already secured all major facilities. You can begin acting as King tomorrow. The first stage has been completed.”
“Ah, well done. But—” “Yes, there’s still work to be done.”
The First Prince took over from there.
“Yes. Some won’t stand idly by once they find out. I took these actions to avoid unnecessary conflict, so we must be thorough.”
“Understood.” “Indeed. That’s why we set today—when both of them would surely be in the capital—as the date of execution.”
Nodding solemnly, the First Prince Herc briefly recalled something.
—I believe in you, brother, sister.
(…It’s too late for belief to change anything.)
With a brief, bitter look, he swallowed his emotions and declared.
“…Troops have already been sent to Lyla. So, Lord Laplace—”
Facing Laplace’s unfathomable smile, the usurping prince issued a decisive command.
“Send your men to the other. Crush Trakia—and Liliana.”