In the Name of Empress

Sif's answer was not unexpected.

If she didn't even possess this basic political literacy, wouldn't all the lessons have been in vain?

Sif softly explained, "Father is aging, and after this turmoil, he must be utterly exhausted. Letting him return to the family territory to enjoy his later years is for his own good."

Roland smiled and nodded, "That would be best. But what about Prince Feino?"

The blood drained entirely from Sif's face; she clearly understood the implication behind Roland's words.

Father can abdicate, but what about Brother Feino, who is the legitimate heir?

If they both return, the Heraldry Institute and the Cabinet may not be willing to accept Father's abdication. After all, Father's actions are predictable and controllable, unlike her unconventional ways.

Even if Father abdicates, it should be Brother who succeeds, not her.

If it were six months ago, she might have thoughtlessly said, "Then let Brother succeed, I firmly support it."

But now she wouldn't.

She is no longer alone but the leader of an overseas team.

Roland and the others follow her not to share her misfortune. The officials and military of the Three Overseas Provinces support her for progress.

Even if she wants to retreat, she might wake up from a nap at her desk one day to find a crown symbolizing Imperial Authority on her head.

She has no way out.

Even if she disregards everything and insists on returning the throne to her brother, Prince Feino might not appreciate it. To eliminate hidden threats, she, as the temporary emperor, might die in an "accident."

It's not that Feino can't tolerate her, but he has no choice.

Breathing became a bit rapid, her chest heaved violently, and Sif's eyes grew slightly red.

While her relationship with her father is somewhat estranged, her bond with Feino is much closer.

Thinking of the warm scenes of sibling interaction from the past, her slender hands trembled fiercely.

Her lips quivered, and she finally asked the question, "Is there really no way for him to live?"

Roland did not speak; at such a time, he couldn't say a word.

Sif could make the decision to eliminate a competitor herself, but he couldn't take the initiative to instigate.

Her whole body went limp as she collapsed back into the chair, closing her eyes in pain, tears streaming down.

The air was deathly still, with only a gentle breeze blowing in through the window, rustling the scattered papers on the desk.

After an indeterminable amount of time, Sif's slightly hoarse voice was full of fatigue, softly murmuring:

"Brother Feino met misfortune protecting Father, I will take good care of his family, and let his son inherit his Count's title."

Roland remained silent, looking at the tear stains at the corner of Sif's eyes, sighing lightly in his heart.

This is the price of growing up, this is the heaviness of Imperial authority.

The birth of every Great Emperor title is accompanied by the deaths of millions, if not tens of millions.

Achieving success as a general already requires countless sacrifices, let alone as a Great Emperor?

No one can help Sif; she can only walk out on her own.

According to the ancient rules of another world, not a single member of Prince Feino's family could be spared, but this is Sussex, where the rules are different.

Sif's succession priority far exceeds that of Feino's children.

They are too young, completely unable to lead Sussex in seizing the right to survive amid the impending chaos.

Sentimentally, rationally, and legally, Sif should inherit the throne.

Of course, the precondition is that the Late Emperor is willing to decently step down.

If he, the elderly, is unwilling to step down, then it's truly a touching scene of a father's love and daughter's filial piety.

There is a standard answer to this question; Sif recognizing the correct choice is not difficult, the difficulty lies in how she faces this brutal reality.

After sitting dazed for a long time, Sif finally came back to her senses, softly asking:

"Roland, have I become bad, becoming more and more unfamiliar?"

Roland calmly said, "Your Majesty Sylph, the simple labels of good or bad only exist in children's fairy tales. In the adult world, there are no simple goods or bads. Politicians must certainly maintain their personal image, but leading the country onto the right track is more important."

Sif's spirits lifted.

Roland seldom used the name Sylph to address her. This time he used not only her formal name but also added a title, reminding her to recognize her identity.

Sif sat up straight, pulled out a handkerchief to wipe away the tears at the corner of her eyes, softly saying:

"Taking care of Brother's family and taking care of the country is my way of repaying him."

She didn't want to continue this heavy topic, so she smiled and asked: "When shall we go to the Oden Kingdom to borrow oak trees?"

"What do you think?" Roland asked with a smile.

Sif's spirits lifted, momentarily forgetting her demoted father and condemned brother, and began to ponder.

It was her favorite pop quiz session again, and she had to perform well.

After a moment of thought, she said somewhat sheepishly, "I think I need to verify some information."

Roland did not speak, seriously saluting to Sif, then went to find Alina.

He used this gesture to convey his sentiments to Sif.

This military operation was now Sif's to plan; he was only the Governor.

Alina was quickly summoned.

"Miss Fuchou, I need detailed information on the Oden Kingdom."

"Lord Count, please wait a moment."

Alina placed the prepared intelligence in front of Sif.

The Oden Kingdom is not large, with an area slightly smaller than the Three Overseas Provinces, and a population only half of that, but their people are tough, and their martial virtues robust. Before Sussex established the Empire, they even landed on the Sussex Continent to establish a colony.

After centuries of see-saw battles, they were driven out by the increasingly powerful Sussex people, but still managed to suppress the Sussex people at sea.

The naval battle over a hundred years ago completely snapped the backbone of the Oden Kingdom, also pushing the enmity between both sides to its peak.