The news that Crimson had entered the Fighting Tournament spread through the Imperial Capital in the blink of an eye.
Naturally, this spurred those who held a grudge against Rei from the Spring War into action. Simultaneously, factions that were displeased by the emergence of a new Alias Holder adventurer in the Kingdom of Mireana—a long-time rival nation—began to stir.
Because Rei had appeared in a public setting, the rumors circulating until then—describing him as a muscular giant—were quickly debunked. Since many people had seen him directly at the arena, the correction of this misinformation was swift.
Rei’s own delicate features, often described as a girlish face, had a significant impact. There were many women—and even some men, though fewer in number—who had come to watch the tournament and taken a liking to him. As a result, the true nature of the man known as Crimson became common knowledge almost instantaneously.
Under these circumstances, it was not difficult for intelligence agents from other countries or unrest elements within the Empire to obtain information. The same held true for the Third Prince Faction, whose lord was currently under house arrest.
"My, Rei is certainly making quite a scene. To think the news has reached all the way here already."
The one who laughed happily upon hearing the report was Vihera. Due to her popularity and prowess within the Empire, she was currently positioned as the figurehead of the Third Prince Faction.
Vihera herself had no intention of leading her younger brother’s faction, but she had been unable to refuse the request from Theoreme, nor the pleas from Tilleul, her most fervent admirer.
Tilleul, in particular, had used his vast network of connections to gather an immense amount of intelligence since joining the Third Prince Faction. With his silver-tongued eloquence, he had successfully recruited those who did not yet belong to any faction, as well as capable individuals who were being scrutinized by their superiors in rival groups. Even if he could not bring them into the fold, he succeeded in convincing them to leave their current masters and remain neutral, effectively weakening the military strength of the other factions.
All of this was for the sake of Vihera, whom he adored. To Tilleul, who operated out of pure devotion, the reason for Vihera’s joy was a mystery that made him tilt his head in confusion.
"Theoreme, Lady Vihera’s delight... what is the meaning of this?"
Faced with Tilleul's gaze, Theoreme was momentarily at a loss for words. However, he decided it would be better to avoid eventual chaos by not hiding the circumstances. Judging thus, he spoke.
"Rei, the adventurer with the Crimson alias, met Lady Vihera in the Labyrinth City Exil within the Kingdom of Mireana. While many things likely transpired at that time, they ultimately fought each other in earnest... You know this, don't you, Tilleul? That Lady Vihera seeks an opponent stronger than herself."
"Of course. But that is strictly a matter of combat ability. For her to show such a joyful expression is..."
It couldn't be. A dark premonition crossed Tilleul's mind, and unfortunately, that suspicion was as accurate as it could possibly be.
"Indeed. Just as you suspect, Tilleul. Because Rei fought her as an equal—or perhaps better—his presence has grown quite large within Lady Vihera's heart."
"...I see."
Tilleul muttered the words briefly, as if his worst fears had been confirmed. His voice was low, enough to make even Theoreme feel a chill of dread.
"Tilleul, if you were to do anything strange to Rei, there is no telling how Lady Vihera might react."
These were words one would not have expected from Theoreme, who, until the Spring War, had viewed Rei as a dangerous outlier and had maneuvered behind the scenes to eliminate him.
But that was only natural. Until last year, there had been no connection whatsoever between Rei and Vihera. Now, however, things were different. A firm bond had been established between the two. Moreover, it was a situation where Vihera held strong affection for Rei.
If one of his subordinates were to lay a hand on Rei now, what would happen? At worst, the total destruction of the Third Prince Faction flashed through his mind. It was one thing to fight and lose, but an internal collapse due to romantic complications was an outcome Theoreme absolutely wanted to avoid.
"I see. That may indeed be the case. However... I shall decide after meeting that man directly for myself."
"...I personally wouldn't recommend it."
Rei was a person with a strong personality, for better or for worse. Or perhaps it was more accurate to say he was exceptionally strong-willed. Because of that, those who got along with him formed very friendly relationships, while those who didn't felt nothing but disgust.
Theoreme predicted that Tilleul would likely fall into the latter category. Since Tilleul was fundamentally enamored with Vihera's personal greatness, he would likely find Rei's casual attitude toward her unforgivable.
(I hope this doesn't turn into something troublesome... but that's probably asking for the impossible. The only saving grace is that the rendezvous with Rei will happen after this rescue operation is over. We can avoid the folly of infighting while things are critical.)
Because Tilleul was infatuated with Vihera, he had worked to match her preference for power, becoming a person of considerable strength. He was skilled enough that ordinary adventurers or knights could not stand against him. If such a man were to fight Rei, the collateral damage would undoubtedly be immense.
"...In that case, I see. Then... no, but still. Ah, if it follows that path..."
Theoreme could not tell if Tilleul was muttering about the activities of the Third Prince Faction or something related to Rei. It was vaguely frightening, and he couldn't bring himself to ask for clarification.
However, as if to clear away his internal anguish, a voice called out to him.
"Pardon me, Lord Theoreme. Baron Zeotter has expressed a desire to act in coordination with us. The details are in this letter."
Theoreme frowned slightly as he received the report and the letter from the soldier.
"Baron Zeotter? He should belong to the First Princess Faction. Why would he come to us?"
He muttered while checking the wax seal on the letter, which indeed bore Baron Zeotter's House Crest. After a moment's hesitation, Theoreme approached Vihera, who was a short distance away and in a good mood after hearing the report about Rei.
"Lady Vihera, a letter from Baron Zeotter. He says he wishes to act with us, but..."
Seeing him trail off, Vihera took the letter and thought for a moment before remembering.
"He's someone from my older sister's faction, isn't he?"
"Yes. Therefore, it seems rather strange for him to want to act with us. One could consider it's because you are here, but that brings up other issues."
"Other issues... like what?"
"There is a distinct possibility that they intend to use this opportunity to harm you, Lady Vihera."
"Would my sister do such a foolish thing? Oh, I don't mean because she dotes on me. If she were to try and lay a hand on me in this situation and fail, I would definitely become her enemy. Knowing my strength, do you think my sister would take such a risk?"
At Vihera's words, Theoreme thought for a few seconds before nodding in agreement.
"True, I cannot imagine her taking such a high-risk measure. In that case, for what reason do you think she sent Baron Zeotter?"
"Well, surprisingly, my sister might genuinely be thinking of helping that boy out."
"...Is that so?"
Even though they were the words of her younger sister, Vihera... no, precisely because they were sisters, it was hard to believe. Theoreme trailed off, his skepticism clear.
In fact, the First Princess was famous for her gentleness. But if asked whether such a person, who prioritized kindness, would form her own faction and enter the struggle for the Right of Succession to the Throne, even Theoreme had to doubt it.
Watching Theoreme's unconvinced expression, Vihera spoke with an amused smile.
"It's true that my sister has many sides, but she's not exactly cold and ruthless. You could say she is fundamentally a person of goodwill. That's why I think she's helping us—she has likely judged that things have gone too far this time."
"...If that were the case, could she not have helped us directly without resorting to such roundabout methods?"
Tilleul asked, having presumably decided to set aside the matter of Rei for a moment while Vihera was speaking.
"True. People would certainly think so normally, but it's also a fact that my sister is seriously aiming for the Emperor's seat. Though her reason for that is likely her belief that things will otherwise turn into a bloody conflict between brothers."
"But as a result, it has become a three-way... no, including us, a four-way struggle."
"Considering my older brothers' lust for power, she probably thinks this is for the best. Most likely, she is trying to settle things in the best possible way. That is what I believe."
At Vihera's words, both Theoreme and Tilleul retreated into their own thoughts.
In Theoreme's case, he realized they knew their goal was the Third Prince's Rescue. For a moment, his blood ran cold at the discovery, but he reconsidered that it would actually be convenient if they were willing to cooperate.
(But... even if we cause chaos in the Imperial Capital for that purpose, will they still cooperate with us?)
It occurred to him that their actions might be exactly what the First Princess intended. However, that thought was immediately overwritten by a different emotion. Specifically: So what?
It might be true that their actions were currently in the palm of the First Princess's hand. But the one he had judged worthy of being Emperor and to whom he had sworn his loyalty was strictly the Third Prince. Not the First Prince, not the Second Prince, and not the First Princess.
If their actions were events on the palm of a hand, then they simply had to step off that palm. If there was a trap, he would tear it apart. If there were still those who tried to interfere, he would tear out the throat of the one who owned that hand.
Realizing he was thinking this way, Theoreme gave an internal wry smile.
(When all is said and done, I might be significantly influenced by Rei as well.)
The fact that he associated tearing through a trap with brute force with Rei showed just how much that image of Rei had taken root in his mind. Though, given that Rei had actually broken through his traps many times before with sheer power, it was by no means a false accusation.
Watching Theoreme, Vihera clapped her hands to draw the attention of both men.
"Now then, regardless of what we do, it's a fact that we'll first need military strength. When the time comes to act, people like Rei and Margrave Larkus who are in the Imperial Capital have agreed to cooperate, but I think it's a bit much to rely on that from the start."
"That is true. To be honest, I have no personal acquaintance with this Crimson person, so I cannot say anything regarding that. However, it is also a fact that causing a disturbance in cooperation with foreigners would be quite problematic diplomatically."
"...Indeed."
Theoreme nodded in agreement with Tilleul's words, and the conversation concluded with the decision to increase their military strength in preparation for the inevitable moment.
"But just increasing our numbers might just result in a rabble. We'll need to conduct thorough training as well."
"Please leave that to me. ...Also, regarding our strength, I might be able to bring several Beast Soldiers over to our side."
"Heh. I was wondering why Siance wasn't around; so that's why?"
At Vihera's words—she had found it strange that Siance was nowhere to be seen—Tilleul also nodded in understanding.
"I haven't seen him for the past few days, indeed. However, I heard that the Beast Soldiers are currently under strict surveillance?"
"...Fortunately, there are many who are favorable toward me. They contacted me from their side. It is quite a dilemma."
Even as he said so, he was clearly not displeased. An unmistakable smile played on Theoreme's lips.
"The Beast Soldiers... I've heard rumors that many of them are coarse and violent. Will that be alright?"
Considering that most of those used as base materials for the Beast Soldiers were criminals, Tilleul's concern was not without merit. They might be a powerful force, but it would be unbearable if they were to run wild internally.
Theoreme nodded back to Tilleul.
"I have also considered the possibility of an attack against us. If anything should happen, I shall settle the matter with these hands."