Gloria explained the situation as follows.
Duke Lufort de Orange of the Kingdom of Franz, who had been absent until now, had arrived at the Cybele Mansion accompanied by a high-ranking nobleman.
That nobleman was Duke Alain Desmon de Grimaldi. He was King Richard's younger brother, forty-one years of age, and the ruler of the kingdom's southern territories, including Koup.
Regarding the succession, he was fifth in line, following Cesar and his younger siblings.
However, in his hand, he gripped the Key-Seal—the very item Cesar had been unable to find, despite his exhaustive search.
"My brother was uneasy about entrusting the nation to the current Crown Prince Cesar, and so he intended for me to succeed him. That is why he entrusted this Key-Seal to my care. It was meant to be announced after the ceremony concluded... but it is a tragedy that matters turned out as they did."
"I, who was at his side, heard him speak of this as well," Duke Orange reportedly added, backing the claim.
Following this development, more than half of the cabinet ministers had apparently shifted their support to Alain. Those still supporting Cesar consisted of less than half of the ministers and the various international representatives.
"...Why on earth would they do such a thing at a time like this?"
Even Jin could see that if they squandered their energy on internal squabbles now, the Celuroa Kingdom itself would collapse. And yet, was it possible that those obsessed with power were unable to grasp such a simple truth?
"They don't understand, Jin," Reinhard murmured sadly. "When eyes are clouded by power, it becomes impossible to see what lies at one's feet."
"...It seems it would be best if I did not accompany you."
The positions of Yalmar Bartz Gamma and Jin's group were different. He bid them a regretful farewell and departed.
Jin and Reinhard then headed toward the Guest House together with Gloria. Reiko followed, keeping a sharp eye on their surroundings to ensure they were not ambushed.
＊ ＊ ＊
Waiting for Jin and the others upon their return to the Guest House were the international representatives, all wearing grim expressions.
"Reinhard, you've heard, haven't you? You too, Jin-kun."
"Yes, from Gloria-dono."
Reinhard answered the question from the Shouro Empress. Jin simply nodded in silence.
"This is a troublesome development."
Once again, the Empress presided over the meeting.
"Um... what kind of person is this Alain someone-or-other?" Jin asked. Without knowing the man's character, they had no basis for judgment.
"He governs the southern part of the kingdom, including Koup. I've heard a bit about him from Stearena, Vivienne, and Eckart, but..." The Empress paused for a moment, then continued with a hesitant look on her face. "...It seems he isn't a very good lord. Apparently, he was the first to dispatch soldiers when they were requisitioning Eckart's ship."
"Ah..."
By this point, Laojun had finished compiling information from the Quinta units dispatched to that region and had relayed it to Reiko. However, Reiko could hardly announce it to Jin in the middle of this setting.
"If I may offer a personal impression, I would prefer to see Crown Prince Cesar become king."
Those words seemed to reflect the consensus of everyone present, as no one raised an objection to the Empress's statement.
"However, if we state that openly, it becomes interference in domestic affairs. It's a difficult position to be in."
"It is an internal matter for the Celuroa Kingdom, after all," Reinhard was forced to agree.
The discussion continued for a while longer, but with no definitive solutions reached, the meeting adjourned for the night.
"Father, I received a communication from Laojun a short while ago and took the message," Reiko reported as soon as they returned to their room.
"Alright, let's hear it."
"Yes. After compiling the reports from the Quinta units, it appears that Alain Desmon is of the same ilk as Richard."
"...That's easy enough to understand."
"He oppresses the inhabitants and grows fat off their labor. In the current crisis, the southern harvest has not dropped significantly, which has been their saving grace. However, Laojun analyzes that had there been a true famine there, a staggering number of residents might have starved to death under his rule."
"I see. I wonder if there are many royals like that," Jin muttered somberly. Elsa wore a similar expression.
"Jin-nii, it might be the magic of power... just like Rai-nii said."
"Exactly. Those who stand above have a duty to protect those below them. That's why the people follow them and pay taxes. If that relationship becomes one-sided, it's over."
"Mhm. I agree."
"As for me, I'm going to support Crown Prince Cesar."
"Yes, me too."
"Shall we state that clearly tomorrow?"
"Yes. Leave it to me."
As Elsa and Jin spoke, Anne stepped forward with a suggestion.
"Master, tonight is dangerous. We must arrange for guards."
"Eh?"
"In order for the candidate named Alain to ensure his ascension, Cesar-san's existence is a hindrance. At the same time, so are the world leaders who support him."
"Ah, right."
Anne was pointing out the possibility that they might resort to forceful measures, such as assassination or extortion.
"Master and Elsa-sama are safe because Elder Sister Reiko is here, but I am worried about the others."
"That's a good point."
Given the circumstances, their current strength felt insufficient. Jin decided to contact Laojun.
"Laojun, I want the international representatives and Crown Prince Cesar guarded. Please dispatch the Secret Mobile Unit (SP)."
"Understood. I shall send all of them out. Please leave the positioning to me."
"Alright, I'm counting on you."
For the time being, Jin had done what he could. Perhaps because of these thorough preparations, the night passed without incident.
The next morning:
"It seems nothing happened."
The Secret Mobile Unit (SP) members secretly dispatched to watch over the representatives had not reported any trouble. In this case, no news was good news.
"Ordinarily, laying a hand on foreign representatives would be a foolish move," Anne said, before adding, "But this is a country that carries out such foolishness without a second thought."
"Too true." Jin nodded with a wry smile.
"Naturally, we must also be careful with the food."
"Right, of course."
Jin, Elsa, Reinhard, the Empress, and Magic Technology Minister Degauss all possessed the detox magic tools Jin had crafted, but the others did not. While they could afford to be relatively relaxed until yesterday, they needed to be on high alert regarding their meals starting from last night.
Fortunately, there were no problems with the food delivered to Jin's group.
"If anything were to happen to Master, this country would perish," Anne said, her tone hovering between a joke and a threat.
"No—not just the country. I would destroy the world," Reiko replied with a completely straight face, making Jin resolve once more to be extremely careful.
"Well then, shall we head to the conference room?"
Jin thought they might be early, but when they arrived, almost all the representatives had already gathered. It seemed no one was in a relaxed frame of mind. Only Duke Blue and Earl Guarana arrived after Jin and Elsa.
"Now then, it seems everyone is present. I would like to begin today's briefing."
The Empress presided over the session. Since it was strictly an unofficial meeting, she opted for the word "briefing."
"The issue remains whether we should interfere in the vital decision of determining the next king."
This was the same topic from the previous day.
"One cannot help but consider one's own national interests," Duke Blue muttered with a wry smile.
"Exactly so," Marchioness Firenziano agreed.
But then, an unexpected person spoke up.
"...I believe we need to consider which of them would be the better monarch for the citizens of the Celuroa Kingdom."
It was Elsa, sitting next to Jin. As she had discussed with him the night before, she had decided to state their position clearly.
"...I believe we must not forget that those who stand above bear the duty to protect their people."
Her words stung the ears of several attendees.
"The Lord of Kunlun and I support His Highness Crown Prince Cesar as the next King of Celuroa."