Holy Amelia Kingdom, Ducal House of Ignister.
In the magnificent, lavish guest room, a distinguished lineup representing the very pinnacle of the Holy Amelia Kingdom had assembled.
"So the plot against my sister failed?"
Dressed in luxurious red attire, a handsome blond young man asked with a grim expression.
"Yes. Ketzer was sentenced to death on charges of plotting to assassinate Her Highness Rosemary. It has also been officially decided that his Ksar Domain will be transferred to the House of Akinashi."
"That's absurd! House Kusar belongs to our Blood Alliance, Prince Gilbert's faction! Confiscated territory rightfully belongs to one of our own—that is our tradition!"
"It appears to be a reward for their aid in subjugating the evil dragon Deboa."
The room instantly dissolved into an uproar, buzzing like a jar crammed full of hornets.
"Are you telling me that evil dragon was slain?! Deboa is a legendary evil dragon—even the Hero declared that attempting its subjugation would mean risking one's very life!"
"We have received a report from the central government stating that Her Highness Princess Felice commanded Titan and succeeded in vanquishing the beast."
"To think that Lady Felice, missing for all this time, would..."
As an elderly noble stared into the distance, reminiscing, another attendee spoke up.
"If that's true, it all adds up. It is a legendary Spirit King, after all."
One after another, those present voiced their agreement.
"What do you think, then? Why not bring Her Highness into our ranks—into Prince Gilbert's faction?"
"I agree. That Spirit King wields immense power. Having her on our side would grant us a massive advantage in the royal selection."
"Duke Ignister, where do you stand on this?"
At Prince Gilbert's inquiry, Duke Salpo Ignister wiped the sickening grin from his square jaw.
"Following the dragon's subjugation, Her Highness Princess Felice declared her allegiance to Her Highness Rosemary."
"My sister again?! It's always like this! Whenever it matters most, that woman snatches away everything I desire!"
Prince Gilbert spat the words, naked chagrin written across his face.
"Regarding this matter, His Excellency the Prime Minister has sent word."
As Duke Salpo Ignister held up a letter in his right hand, everyone caught their breath, and the air in the reception room turned to ice.
Prince Gilbert swallowed hard.
"R-Read it," he ordered, unable to hide his agitation.
Duke Salpo Ignister gave a slight nod, untied the cord binding the scroll, and began to read aloud.
"'To His Royal Highness Prince Gilbert and all of his esteemed supporters: I trust this letter finds you in good health.
Exerting all your strength in the royal selection is most commendable. However, there is a limit to all things. Moving forward, I ask that you conduct your activities strictly in accordance with the established rules of the royal selection.'"
Johannes Roosevelt, Prime Minister of the Holy Amelia Kingdom. He was the one man nobody dared make an enemy of—a universal, unwritten law within the realm. Judging by its contents, the letter was nothing short of an ultimatum from Johannes. A man of absolute fairness and integrity, he never made empty threats. If he swore to take action, he would carry out a purge without hesitation, even if the target was the prime candidate for the throne.
"Damn it all! We can't rely on direct methods anymore!"
Leaping to his feet, Gilbert strode to the window and kicked the wall hard.
Taking several deep breaths to compose himself, he turned back to Salpo.
"Fine, so be it. What of our collaboration with the Hero's party?"
"The Hero and his companions have offered their counsel regarding the management of our territory. If their advice is implemented, there is no doubt that Westland's revenue will see a substantial boost."
"So that's progressing smoothly, at least. Either way, my sister doesn't have a single decent subject in her domain. Her Royal Guard is a good-for-nothing dropout, and she won't be able to gather any real talent anyway. Territorial development is a crucial factor in this contest. On that front, there's no way we can lose."
"Indeed. If events continue on their current course, your succession to the throne is all but assured, Prince Gilbert. For now, we must simply bide our time."
"I know. Once I take the crown, I'll make sure that woman pays for this humiliation tenfold."
Flames of burning humiliation and indignation flared in Gilbert's eyes as he muttered the vow, searing it into his very soul.