I was able to meet Lord Asha for the first time in three years.
Though the time was brief, it felt incredibly rich and fulfilling.
My cheeks are still burning, perhaps from excitement, and my head feels light and airy.
"Hehe, hehe... I'm glad I studied so hard."
I'm proud that I could converse with wise Lord Asha without being regarded with disdain.
More than anything, I understood what Lord Asha was saying, and our conversation flourished—it was a truly delightful time.
I must express my gratitude to Count Stratege, who arranged this meeting.
"And I must show this to Mother as well."
I gently look down at the paper I hold carefully in both hands.
It is a handwritten note by Lord Asha, a diagram illustrating what we discussed about the Four Attributes.
I had thought it natural for magic to have attributes, but Lord Asha, being an alchemist, did not consider it natural.
Because attributes differ by race.
And because there exists physical enhancement that cannot be classified by attributes, he had contemplated the significance of the attribute framework.
Furthermore, in alchemy, there are medicinal substances called Essences that can classify effects by attribute.
"Because humans, beings of color, manifest magic through form, attributes take on color. ...If one could acquire the color of attributes through artificial means, perhaps magic could be used regardless of race."
Lord Asha's words offered a glimpse into a world I had never imagined.
Truly, Lord Asha is an extraordinary person.
And the handwriting he prepared for explanation was indeed the same as in his letters.
My brother had insisted repeatedly that they were different, and even though I was certain they weren't, his persistence had made me anxious.
So when this was written for me, I hastily asked if I could take it home.
"I hope he doesn't think me strange. Ah, that's right. I should write a letter, a thank-you letter, and then..."
I feel slightly embarrassed by how flustered I am now.
With my unsettled feelings, I rise from the sofa where I had sat.
This is the wing of the palace where distinguished guests stay.
Depending on the occasion, detached palaces may be opened, but this time, since it is only Father and myself, we have borrowed one wing.
"There were no writing implements in the bedroom, so should I call someone? No, come to think of it, a study should have been prepared."
Father, being the King, brings his work even when away from the country.
It had been prepared with that in mind.
I had been allowed to be alone in the room with my elated feelings, so I headed straight for the study.
Then I noticed the door was not properly closed, and there was no one around.
Voices could be heard from within, suggesting that people had been cleared away.
"Truly, the First Prince is extraordinary."
How dare he!
I feel a strong urge to object to the voice I heard.
However, it was a voice I recognized.
Curious, I peeked in, and there I saw Father and Count Stratege.
Surely, it was Count Stratege who spoke.
"To think an assassination attempt really occurred. Even against a weak Emperor, to go so far as to attempt something so bold."
"Moreover, to protect himself, identify those involved, and even uncover that a criminal guild was involved, truly..."
"I see, if he can do that much, he is indeed an extraordinary person."
Father nodded greatly while smiling wryly.
I feel ashamed of my own narrow-mindedness in reflexively assuming criticism.
...But something is strange.
An assassination attempt? Lord Asha said nothing of such...
"Did you not tell Diora?"
"The First Prince has the awareness of being a prince. He does not broadcast imperial scandals."
"...My daughter is consulting about Adel's behavior, though?"
Father's shoulders dropped.
I had written in my letter that I was troubled by my relationship with my brother, but come to think of it, I had also been told not to write about such things.
I had thought my studies were paying off and things were going well, but it seems I still do not measure up to Lord Asha.
Though I have regrets, my worry outweighs them, and even knowing it is improper, I cannot move from this spot.
An assassination attempt—at such a terrible time, I was acting so elated.
"Is it truly only the House of Edenbar? Certainly, they have connections built over generations. However, they do not possess the political faction to confront Duke Eurasion head-on. They should know that many would turn against them to seize those interests once Edenbar falls."
"What are you trying to say?"
"You understand, don't you? I'm asking who the malicious scoundrel was that whispered to the cornered House of Edenbar to target the beloved children to break the Emperor."
"There's no way I could say that."
"So, you have a suspect in mind."
Father shrugged as if he had heard the answer, regarding the evasive Count Stratege.
Count Stratege made a bitter face at having his hand read, but Father leaned forward without flinching.
"I won't ask for names. Inside or outside?"
"...Both."
At Count Stratege's answer, this time Father made a bitter face.
"Inside as Duke Eurasion."
"Speak clearly."
"No, no matter how you look at it, the one who would benefit most from eliminating the princes with succession rights is him, right?"
"Duke Eurasion himself has not moved. He knew he would be the primary suspect and did not move."
"So, tacit approval."
Knowing and remaining silent.
Knowing there was a malicious scheme and deliberately not stopping it.
Is that not evil?
"That's why that side cannot be pressed. The fact remains that the House of Edenbar was the one that actually moved. Now that they have failed, Duke Eurasion is steering toward thoroughly crushing them, calling it blasphemy against the Imperial House."
"Outside is east, west, south, north—which is it?"
"Don't pry. As if I could say."
To the persistent Father, Count Stratege responded in a tone I had never heard before.
Come to think of it, Father also seemed to have set aside his usual kingly demeanor.
"Well, considering Duke Eurasion, the candidates would be houses that once had Imperial blood, I suppose."
Father seemed to see that he could extract no more and leaned back.
The Empire's history is long.
Accordingly, they have formed marriages with many houses and nations.
At the same time, if the bloodline is close, there are also nations and houses where the previous Emperor's princesses still live.
I placed my hand on my chest to suppress the spreading unease.
I gripped that hand with force, as if grasping sweat.
"The princesses who married down—perhaps they believe the Emperor stole a once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity from them."
"That would make Duke Eurasion the foremost... Ah, but they do not hold the throne there."
"If they believe they can win by contending with the power of the royal house behind them, they set their sights on that and first targeted the four successor princes to achieve it."
"Would it not be three? The First Prince is clever but not highly regarded."
Father spoke as if belittling Lord Asha, and Count Stratege fixed his gaze upon him.
At the overly intense gaze, Father also pressed his lips together.
"That First Prince—do you truly think he would hand the throne to lawless ruffians who eliminated his own younger brothers?"
"In other words?"
"Do not wake the sleeping lion. At first, he was pushed to the edge of the palace by adult convenience. However, he is already of an age to think and act for himself. He chooses to hide. Because he knows his own talent threatens his younger brothers."
At Count Stratege's words, I received a shock.
I moved away from the door and contemplated the meaning of what I had just heard.
Talent is something to be celebrated, something to be developed.
That is what I had thought.
But Lord Asha—he lives hiding that wisdom?
And the bad rumors that never disappeared came to mind.
Anyone who knew him should recognize Lord Asha, yet that intellect remains unknown.
Is Lord Asha himself concealing all of it?
For the sake of his younger brothers?
"Could such a thing be? How much endurance must that require?"
I feel pain in my heart just from being rejected by my brother, a discomfort like murky water.
If Lord Asha deliberately accepts that and endures for his younger brother's sake.
"I shall write a letter."
I want to know Lord Asha more—no, I must know him.
I murmured as if seeking light amidst confusion, and forgetting the reason I had headed to the study, I returned to my original room.
*Commemorating 1200 bookmarks*