Episode 182: First Prince

The Serodonia Kingdom, royal capital San=Serodia. Rising at its center is the magnificent royal palace—Serodias Castle.

In one of its chambers, First Prince Garfilia and his confidant Lazro sat facing each other.

“What a troublesome turn of events. At this point, who would have thought Sylphirosé would throw her hat into the ring for the succession. …That little brat.”

Garfilia spat out his words, making no effort to hide his irritation.

Third Princess Sylphirosé, who had been thought completely unrelated to the succession struggle, had suddenly appeared on that very stage. Throughout Serodonia, an atmosphere of ‘Princess Sylphirosé as the ruler of our era’ was gradually building. And Sylphirosé herself seemed to be moving as if accepting that backing.

“We were supposed to use Lord Siegfried through Princess Sylphirosé’s marriage. However… now that Lord Siegfried has become King of Kirchhen, our positions have been reversed.”

Without disturbing his mask-like expressionless face, Lazro stated his assessment.

“Princess Sylphirosé has always been popular with the people. However, she lacked backing and possessed no significant military power. But with Lord Siegfried becoming King of Kirchhen—Lady Sylphirosé has gained tremendous backing.”

Sylphirosé held the low succession rank of Third Princess, and from that position, there were virtually no nobles who would support her as the next ruler. With her low inheritance rights and no backing, her desire for the throne had seemed hopeless.

However—she now possessed powerful backing. Her fiancé and King of Kirchhen, Siegfried, as that backing.

“Moreover, what makes this worse—Lord Siegfried himself has gathered popular support throughout Serodonia.”

He was the hero who had slain Lugdura, one of the world’s threats known as the ‘Seven Great Calamities.’ Additionally, he was someone to whom Serodonia owed a great debt for eliminating the ‘traitor’ Volfirio. If Sylphirosé, who was engaged to that very Siegfried, were to ascend to the throne, what would happen?

It would mean the establishment of the Kirchhen-Serodonia Royal Alliance—with the ‘Strong King’ Siegfried and the ‘Merciful Queen’ Sylphirosé. For the people of Serodonia, this was truly a desirable future.

“To speak frankly… Lady Sylphirosé has more than enough possibility of becoming Serodonia’s ruler.”

“Ridiculous!”

Garfilia slammed his fist onto the table with fury.

“That little brat as Serodonia’s king!? Impossible! The throne of Serodonia… belongs to me!”

“As you say. There is no other suitable candidate for the next king than Lord Garfilia. In fact, our faction still maintains superiority in terms of power. Nevertheless… the Third Princess’s momentum cannot be underestimated. We must devise countermeasures immediately.”

“Our faction maintains superiority in terms of power… is that so?”

Garfilia muttered as if chewing over Lazro’s words.

 

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The next day. In the king’s private chamber hidden behind the throne… the ‘King’s Inner Sanctum.’

Radophilias settled his aged body into a chair and played the violin. It was far from a skillful performance. But for him, it was a moment that healed his heart. However, that melody suddenly ceased. The door opened and someone entered.

“…Garfilia, is it?”

Radophilias looked up.

“When was the last time you showed your face here? Do you not remember? When you were small, you and Volfirio used to come here to play. Long ago, you and Volfirio weren’t necessarily on bad terms…”

“Unfortunately, I have no intention of indulging in old stories.”

Without even taking a seat, Garfilia spoke coldly.

“I’ll be direct. Declare me as the next king of Serodonia—announce it before the people.”

“Do you… want to become king, Garfilia? Honestly, being king doesn’t bring much good. I who have sat on the throne for many years say this. There can be no mistake.”

“You have no intention of naming me as king?”

“Must you insist… that I name a successor?”

“Of course.”

“If I were forced to do so—I would not choose you.”

“What…!”

Garfilia’s eyes widened.

“Surely not, Father—”

“Indeed. If I must name the next king—I would choose Sylphirosé. Of course, if I were to name Sylphirosé… I understand that you would try to crush her by force. I would prefer… to avoid such a situation.”

Radophilias’s gaze looked upon Garfilia with pity.

“Garfilia. You are certainly strong. Military skill, personal prowess… you excel among the Serodonia royal family in both. However, you cannot match Kirchhen’s new king, Siegfried. …It is not your fault. That man is—beyond normal standards.”

The image of a silver-haired young man floated in Radophilias’s mind. In addition to strength, intellect, charisma, leadership—and even ambition, that man who was on a completely different level from Garfilia.

“If it were Sylphirosé, she could cooperate with King Siegfried. But with you, who relies on power, that would be impossible. If you were to become king, you would be destroyed. Just like Volfirio…”

“Silence!”

Garfilia’s hand reached for his father king’s neck, those powerful fingers choking the old king’s throat.

“I didn’t want to resort to this method. But if that’s your intention… it cannot be helped!”

Killing intent took form, and power was applied to his hand.

To end Radophilias’s life—that was Garfilia’s decision.

Currently, his own faction still held the advantage. Then… if the king were to die now, he could ascend to the throne. Originally, he had intended to act after carefully planning. His purpose in coming here today was merely to confirm his father king’s true intentions. However, surging impulse drove him forward.

(The court physician is already in my pocket! Even if I kill Father here… it can be processed as death by illness! Yes, I should just finish this now!)

There was no turning back now. As if to justify his actions, Garfilia convinced himself internally.

“If you have any… final words, I shall listen! As a token of mercy!”

Garfilia’s hand choking the neck loosened for just a moment. Would the old king’s final words be curses, or perhaps pleas for his life? Whatever words they might be, he had no intention of wavering.

However—the faint voice that leaked from the king’s mouth was unexpected.

“So… rry…”

In the old king’s eyes, there was no color of anger or shadow of fear, only quiet resignation.

“I couldn’t… be a good father… sorry… Gar… filia…”

The old king’s weathered hand gently touched Garfilia’s cheek.

“Father… I… that side of you is what I…!”

His heart creaked deep in his chest. But as if to shake off that pain, Garfilia applied strength to his fingertips.

 

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Eventually.

In the ‘King’s Inner Sanctum,’ there remained the corpse of one who had once been king, and the shadow of a man standing beside it. He dropped words to no one in particular.

“I am—this country’s new king.”