Chapter 1 - Hey, How About Becoming Empress?
Summer.
The season when the sun's brilliance neared its zenith, the earth was a carpet of vivid blossoms, and the footprints of animals wandering the fields revealed a pep in their step.
Normally, the people would be just as excited to be outside and soak up the rays. However, their attitude this year differed from the norm slightly.
Premonition was to blame.
They lacked solid evidence and couldn’t explain the logic behind the feeling. Still, everyone harbored the vague suspicion that something big was on the horizon. This sentiment echoed across the continent, and humanity had every reason to be nervous.
The Imperial Capital of the Earthworld Empire, Grantsrale, was a melting pot of cultures and peoples. It was the symbol of a land that continued to invade and annex its neighbors. A peculiar summer destined to leave a mark in the annals of history loomed over the city.
"I apologize for calling both of you on such short notice. I understand you're awfully busy." said a girl with a voice like a bell. She had vivacious eyes and luscious hair that shone like gold. Her fine figure and straight back reflected her exceptional upbringing.
Such was to be expected of the Second Imperial Princess Lowellmina Earthworld, one who stood at the pinnacle of Imperial society.
“I had hoped to contact you earlier, but I'm afraid I’ve been occupied as well,” she continued.
Lowellmina sat in a room of the capital’s Imperial Palace, which functioned as a private residence for the Emperor and his family. Across the table from her were two young men around Lowellmina’s age.
The first was an imposing, dyed-in-the-wool military officer who looked uncomfortable in his formal attire. The other was a slim civil official whose mannerisms lent him an air of intelligence and sophistication. The two were polar opposites at a glance, yet neither seemed nervous or uneasy in the princess’s presence. In fact, one could even say they were pretty relaxed.
This made perfect sense. The three were old friends, after all.
“I'm pleased you have accepted my invitation, Glen. Strang.”
The name Glen Markham belonged to the military officer, while Strang Nanos was the civil servant’s moniker. Lowellmina was the girl formerly known as Lowa Felbis. The trio had spent their days together as friends at the Empire's military academy.
‘‘Honestly. I was pretty confused,” Glen admitted. ‘‘Our current positions should've made it impossible to meet like this.”
“I do not concern myself with status.”
Unlike Lowellmina. a royal. Glen belonged to one of the Empire’s lesser noble families. Strang hailed from one of the nation’s annexed provinces. Indeed, neither of the men would have had the chance to speak with her so casually under normal circumstances, even with their shared past at the academy.
However, that wasn’t Glen's point, and Strang clarified his friend’s statement.
“Social status is one matter...but more importantly, we now each belong to separate factions.”
At present, three members of the Earthworld Empire’s ruling family—Second Prince Bardloche, Third Prince Manfred, and Second Princess Lowellmina—were embattled for the throne. Each led a faction, with Glen and Strang serving Bardloche and Manfred, respectively. Simply put, the three gathered here were enemies from a tactical standpoint.
“I have 110 qualms over that either. One’s public and private lives are two separate matters, no?”
Lowellmina’s words were more sincere than mere consideration for old friends. She spoke from the heart. Her ability to view the situation as an open-and-shut case was impressive, but the men remained less than enthusiastic.
“It’s not that simple, y’know.”
“Even if ire agree with you, there is still the issue of whether or not those around us will follow suit.”
Despite belonging to different factions, both men had answered Lowellmina’s summons. Outsiders may have suspected collusion. Naturally, this meeting was clandestine: Glen and Strang wouldn't have a leg to stand on if exposed.
“Nevertheless, you have both answered my invitation. I take it you've determined you possess the leeway to speak with me?”
“Well, I can't argue that,” Glen said with a wry smile. "So why did you call us here? It's not like we’re in any position to shoot the breeze and reminisce on an old friendship. Don't tell me you're gonna try to convince us to defect?”
“And if I said I was?”
“"I refuse,”” Glen and Strang replied in unison.
“Gaaaah, ” Lowellmina groused. “Can’t you at least think it over? My side is currently the horse to beat, right?”
Her remark was 110 exaggeration. The Imperial Family had attempted several fierce schemes since the war for succession began several years prior, placing Lowellmina’s camp two steps ahead of the competition. Moreover, such a sizable lead convinced many fence-sitters to flock to the most promising faction. This afforded Lowellmina more resources and perpetuated a cycle of victory in which the very scent of success promoted its own realization.
If anything, the current problem was the countless people who hoped for the chance to meet the princess and leave an impression. Lowellmina groaned at the long line that seemed to form almost daily.
It’s not a great time for us to be in her favor, at least as far as those guys are concerned, Strang thought.
Lowellmina had personally invited Glen and Strang to her headquarters.
Were it possible to buy the seats the pair currently occupied, people would have scraped together every last coin in their purses. These two men did not share that eagerness, however.
"For now. I’ve decided to serve Prince Bardloche. I can’t just switch sides arbitrarily.”
"Hahhh. Ah yes, your manly machismo. Loyalty is fashionable only if you have the upper hand. When on a sinking ship, it’s best to swiftly cut your losses and jump to a different one. Admittedly. I was the one who sank yours, though!”
"..."
Glen had no clue whether to fear Lowellmina. feel exasperated, or blush at his own powerlessness.
"Strang, do you agree with Glen?”
"Prince Manfred is vital to me. but I do not harbor the same devotion,” he replied with a shrug. Such blasphemy would enrage his fellow faction members if only they'd heard. He hadn't changed at all since their school days.
"However,” Strang continued, “in the event His Highness does take the throne, he has promised to grant my home of Wespail full autonomy. So long as Prince Manfred keeps his word. I’m afraid betrayal is out of the question.”
Wespail looked out upon the Giant's Backbone, the mountain range that split the continent. Strang's dearest wish was independence for his homeland.
“Wespail. you say? I've heard it remains prosperous even in these dark times. I'm terribly jealous.”
The substantial amount of civil unrest incited by the conflict for the throne had left people on edge as the Empire’s economy slumped. If Wespail was prospering regardless, it was bound to become the object of envy.
“Yes. thankfully. However, that is precisely why the Empire has no desire to relinquish it. Wespail is a key financial resource.”
“...What if/promised you independence?”
Strang smiled. "It’s pointless to presume the impossible. Lowa. You’ve absorbed the conservatives from Prince Demetrio’s faction but have no idea how to deal with them, do you?”
“Gwah.”
First Prince Demetrio had initially battled his brothers for the throne but lost a political bout with Lowellmina’s side. He was presently secluded in the countryside. The princess had seized control of Demetrio’s sect. Unfortunately, his conservatives didn't appreciate her progressive mindset, and a hazy trench had formed between them.
Demetrio himself was indifferent to the provinces, but the traditionalists who comprised the majority of his faction thought provincial autonomy was outrageous. If Lowellmina casually promised independence for the provinces, the fissure between her original supporters and those taken from Demetrio would only widen. That possibility was enough to threaten even her currently prosperous forces. Lowellmina wished to avoid that at all costs.
“I’ve been reviewing the situation, but the conservatives and I can't meet halfway since we both have reputations to uphold...” she grumbled. “Alas, very well. I never intended to propose betrayal in this manner anyhow.”
This wasn’t a defensive response to rejection. Lowellmina truly had no intention of inspiring the men to defect.
“If that were my goal. I'd take a more ruthless tactic.”
Glen and Strang knew exactly what she meant. Moreover, they were certain that even if the three had met with one of their own factions in the lead, none would urge betrayal or agree to it.
As to why...
“Settlin’ things that way just wouldn’t sit well.”
Each member of the trio recognized the others' strengths.
Glen's military prowess.
Strang's sharp tactical eye.
Lowellmina’s knack for showcasing her talents during political strife.
Each ability was a unique yet effective blade that got the job done.
Thus, all three wished to know for certain who would win when they clashed.
“Well, victoiy will surely be mine!” Lowellmina announced with a carefree smile.
The two men's expressions turned sullen. They were dying to argue, but there was no question that the princess's faction held the upper hand.
“By the way, I've called you here today for one reason only. To hear my declaration as both friends and foes.”
“A declaration, huh?”
“That’s right. Glen, Strang. Soon, I shall put an end to this battle for the throne.”
Both immediately shot her a sharp glance.
“You serious?”
“Of course. After all, we cannot allow the situation to drag on and weaken the Empire further. Therefore, I am moving ahead with my plan.”
“...That’s true. It's been a while since His Majesty’s passing. Every Imperial citizen is praying for the conflict to end soon.”
The Earthworld Empire had been sinking deeper into exhaustion since the last Emperor passed away from an illness. Its golden age of prosperity had vanished, leaving only a sense of entrapment. That was why Lowellmina had announced her plan to end it here.
“Ah and in the event I do become Empress, you both shall serve as my vassals. There will be absolutely no running away.”
“...Hey, if I lose, then I'm at your service. Assuming I don’t die, that is,” Glen replied.
“In any case, as Empress, you’d have the entire Empire at your fingertips. Would we really be necessary?” Strang asked.
“Why, whatever do you mean? Aides trustworthy in both character and skill are exceedingly rare. To knowingly allow such boons to do as they pleased would be a terrible loss for the nation. We must pull the weary Empire from this period of civil unrest; there is no such thing as too much help.”
Yes, the throne was a highly sought-after prize, but the Earthworld Empire’s journey would not end once someone claimed it. Even if Bardloche or Manfred ruled instead of Lowellmina. there was still the monumental task of rebuilding the nation. As vassals, Glen and Strang would also naturally have a load of responsibilities. All three were readying themselves for the war’s aftermath.
“...We can’t leave them waiting too long either,” Lowellmina muttered.
The others immediately knew to whom she referred.
“I wonder what they’re doin’ right about now.”
“One is up to something as usual. I'm sure.”
“And the other is complainin' while she lends a hand.”
“Yes. most assuredly.”
All three envisioned the same pair. They smirked at the shared thought.
“We are talking about Wein and Ninym, after all.”
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