40 - Headache
The Grand Princess of Forebros calmly ate strawberry cake.
It was, at the moment, the safest strategy. Because the moment she stopped eating, someone would ask another question. And every question tonight seemed capable of triggering a diplomatic crisis.
So Mariana focused very seriously on the slice of cake in front of her. Strawberries. Cream. Soft sponge. Very important matters.
Across the table, however, the Vernon men were already planning a counteroffensive. Grand Duke Maximus leaned back in his chair, arms crossed tightly over his broad chest. His earlier fury had not disappeared. It had merely… evolved. Now it had become strategy.
“That Crown Prince thinks he can simply announce an engagement in public and make it reality.” His voice was low. Dangerously calm. “Well, he’s about to discover otherwise.”
Aguerico leaned forward immediately. “Father, give the order.”
His grin was sharp. “I’ll personally escort that bastard back to the capital.”
“Sit down,” Darelene muttered under her breath.
Maximus ignored both of them and continued speaking. “We’ll go to the Imperial capital.”
The table paused.
Eirwen lifted an eyebrow slightly. “Luxor?”
Maximus nodded. “Yes.” The capital of the Empire. The heart of House Clematis. The place where imperial decrees were issued. His fingers tapped the table once. “I’ll request an audience with the Empress.”
Aguerico looked delighted. “Oh this will be good.”
Maximus continued. “She’ll issue a formal decree stating that the supposed engagement between Mariana and the Crown Prince does not exist.”
He leaned back slightly. “That will end this nonsense immediately.”
Across the table, Mariana slowly ate another strawberry.
Her mind whispered. Please don’t drag the Empress into this.
Because somehow she had the feeling that would only make things worse. Eirwen rested his chin lightly against his hand.
His expression remained thoughtful. “… Father.”
Maximus looked at him. “Yes?”
Eirwen spoke calmly. “You are assuming the Empress will oppose the Crown Prince.”
Maximus frowned slightly. “What do you mean?”
Eirwen’s crimson eyes were steady. “Zafiel is not simply the Crown Prince.” He paused briefly.
“He is also a Sword Saint.” The room quieted slightly.
Even Aguerico stopped talking. Because that title meant something.
Something dangerous. Eirwen continued. “There are historical articles regarding Sword Saints.”
His tone was academic. “Ancient military records.”
Maximus grunted. “I’ve read them.”
Eirwen nodded. “Then you know what they say.” His voice remained calm. “It takes at least ten Swordmasters to defeat a single Sword Saint.”
The statement hung in the air. Mariana paused mid-bite.
Ten? That sounded… terrifying.
Aguerico scoffed. “That’s just old legends.”
Eirwen shook his head slightly. “No.” His gaze sharpened. “It is recorded fact.” He leaned back. “Zafiel became a Sword Saint at fifteen.” His tone remained level. “Which means he is currently the strongest swordsman in the Empire.”
Maximus frowned.
Eirwen continued. “Confronting him politically will be difficult.” He glanced briefly toward Mariana. “And confronting him militarily would be worse.”
Aguerico clicked his tongue. “Since when are we afraid of a swordsman?”
Eirwen looked at him calmly. “Since that swordsman can defeat entire battalions alone.”
Aguerico fell silent.
Meanwhile—
Mariana slowly resumed eating cake. Her brain whispered. Why are we discussing how many Swordmasters it takes to defeat my supposed fiancé…?
This dinner had escalated far beyond normal family conversation. Across the table, Alistair finally spoke.
His voice was quiet. “Father.”
Maximus looked toward him. “Yes?”
Alistair rested his hands lightly on the table. “If the Crown Prince has already moved…”
He paused briefly. “… then we should know why.”
Maximus narrowed his eyes. “What are you suggesting?”
Alistair answered simply. “Allow me to go to Luxor.”
Aguerico blinked. “Luxor?”
Alistair nodded. “I’ll observe the capital.” His voice remained calm. “Listen to the court. Watch the political movements.” He looked directly at his father. “If Zafiel is making this move, there is a reason.”
Maximus studied him silently.
Alistair continued. “I’ll find out what it is.”
Aguerico frowned. “You want to spy?”
Alistair shrugged slightly. “Observe, gather information, it’s the same thing.”
Maximus tapped the table slowly. Thinking.
Across from him, Aguerico suddenly leaned forward again. “I have a better idea.” Everyone looked at him. Aguerico crossed his arms. “Let’s declare neutrality.”
Darelene blinked. “… what?”
Aguerico grinned slightly. “Forebros becomes politically neutral regarding imperial succession.”
Maximus frowned. “That’s a drastic measure."
Aguerico shrugged. “But it solves the problem.” He gestured toward Mariana. “If we officially separate Forebros from imperial court politics…” His grin widened. “Then Mariana’s future has nothing to do with the imperial family.”
Mariana froze. Her fork stopped halfway to her mouth.
Aguerico continued enthusiastically. “No engagement. No imperial marriage. No Crown Prince.” He leaned back in his chair. “Problem solved.”
Mariana’s brain whispered. That… actually sounds nice.
Eirwen frowned slightly. “That decision would carry enormous consequences.”
Aguerico shrugged. “So?”
Eirwen answered calmly. “It would also isolate Forebros from the imperial court.”
Aguerico smirked. “We’re already powerful enough to stand alone.”
Maximus stroked his beard slowly. Clearly considering it.
Meanwhile—
Mariana quietly ate another bite of cake. She had absolutely no intention of joining this discussion. Because every possible outcome sounded terrifying.
Across the table, Darelene pressed her fingers against her temple. Her expression was beginning to tighten. Because the Vernon men had entered full strategic debate mode.
Maximus spoke again. “If we go to Luxor—”
Aguerico interrupted. “Neutrality is better—”
Eirwen added calmly. “Information gathering should come first—”
Alistair said quietly. “I can leave tomorrow—”
“NO ONE is leaving tomorrow.” Darelene’s voice finally cut through the chaos. All four men stopped. The Grand Duchess sighed slowly. Her hand still pressed against her forehead. A headache was rapidly forming.
“I cannot believe what I’m hearing.” Her gaze swept across the table. “You’re discussing war, neutrality, imperial decrees, and espionage.” She gestured toward Mariana. “While the person at the center of this entire situation has said nothing.”
The men slowly turned.
Mariana was still sitting quietly. Fork in hand. Cake half eaten. Looking extremely focused on her dessert. Darelene stared at her daughter for a long moment. Then sighed again. “… Mariana.”
Mariana froze. Slowly. Very slowly. She lifted her head. “… yes, Mother?”
Darelene rubbed her temple again. “Do you have anything to say about this situation?”
The entire table waited. Mariana thought carefully. Very carefully. Then she looked down at the cake. “… the strawberries are very good today.”
Silence.
Aguerico burst out laughing. Alistair quietly pushed the rest of the cake toward her again. And Grand Duchess Darelene seriously considered requesting medicinal tea for her rapidly worsening headache.