Chapter 206
“Do you still feel the same way about it?”
“What are you talking about?”
Emperor Debrica and Crown Prince Aseraianspent a rare, quiet moment alone together.
They had settled in the greenhouse garden, sitting across from each other, sipping warm tea and exchanging casual conversation.
“I mean the position of Supreme Commander of the military. I’m curious—do you still want to leave it to the Grand Duke?”
Not long ago, Emperor Debrica had offered the position of supreme commander of the empire’s military to Grand Duke Persha.
That post was still vacant. Debrica had continued to intend for Grand Duke Persha to take the role.
‘It’s a tricky matter.’
The Duchy of Persha was technically part of the empire historically and maintained close ties as an ally, but it remained an independent country.
Handing over the empire’s military authority to the ruler of another country was no trivial matter.
Was he planning to reabsorb the duchy into the empire?
Fortunately, Grand Duke Persha had treated the proposal lightly and dismissed it without issue. But if he had reacted badly…
‘It could have broken the alliance and led to war.’
Debrica’s offer for the supreme command was essentially saying, “Come back under my authority again.”
Yet even in the face of Persha’s indifference and refusal, Emperor Debrica still waited for him to take the position.
“Aseraians.”
“Yes.”
“Do you remember how your mother passed away?”
“…….”
The sudden question caused Crown Prince Aseraians to pause, quietly picking up his teacup as if to hide the tension in his expression.
“She was betrayed and killed by the one she trusted most, the one assigned to guard her.”
“…Yes, that’s right.”
The outside world believed it was an accident, but a few knew the truth—and Aseraians was one of them.
That the empress had lost her life at the hands of the very knight she had long trusted and relied upon.
“In this empire, you see, an unseen power has been at work for a long time.”
“…An unseen power?”
It was the first time he had heard of it.
“I first heard of it from your grandfather. And upon ascending to the throne, I have felt that power from time to time.”
The playful, relaxed expression that so often graced Emperor Debrica’s face had completely vanished. Seeing this, Crown Prince Aseraians stiffened as well.
So there was another power moving the empire…
“Many have been swayed by it. Even now.”
“And this power… what exactly is it?”
“Marial, the Marquis.”
“…….”
Emperor Debrica smiled faintly at the startled Crown Prince, as if to say he understood everything.
“What did you observe?”
…So he already knew. That Aseraians had been investigating Marquis Marial.
“When I was crown prince, there were those like that too.”
“…Excuse me?”
“People who suddenly wield an inexplicable power, unlike anything before. As if without limits…”
A bitter smile flickered across Debrica’s lips and disappeared, as a sense of despair and helplessness seemed to wash over him again.
“I couldn’t figure out anything.”
What that power was, and who was truly behind those who wielded it.
‘And what their ultimate goal was.’
He had an inkling that something was going on, but in a frustrating situation with no evidence at all.
“I couldn’t even know precisely who was following that power.”
Countless betrayals had occurred by those he had trusted. Losing the former empress was one such incident.
“I still don’t know how far that power reaches.”
“…….”
“But you know.”
A smile returned to Emperor Debrica’s lips, more confident this time.
“For three hundred years, there has been one place that power has never reached.”
“That place… is…”
“Yes.”
The Duchy of Persha—
A place that had remained closed to outsiders for three centuries. A place that, through all those years, had done nothing but guard its position.
“The one I can trust.”
“…….”
“The position holds the safety of the royal family and the empire.”
The position of Supreme Commander… who else could it possibly be entrusted to?
“…….”
Seeing Emperor Debrica’s resolute gaze, Crown Prince Aseraians could no longer raise any objection.
