All Bagrada’s praise for Liam made Cleo’s feelings of inferiority prick at him inside. He felt like the trace of pride he possessed was screaming at him inside his chest.
“Yes,” he said after a short pause. “Count Banfield really is amazing. It seems miraculous that he chose to support me.” Liam really is impressive, unlike me.
Praise of Liam brought out the worst in Cleo, which he hated. He loathed the ugly envy he felt toward a man who’d not only guaranteed him his life but was practically handing him the role of emperor.
“Cleo, let’s say you’re victorious, and you become the next emperor,” said Bagrada.
“Your Majesty…?” Cleo was shocked by what he’d heard.
The emperor paid that no mind, continuing with a solemn look. “House Banfield would likely become a power the Empire couldn’t defy. After all, Count Banfield himself has elevated you all this way, almost to the very throne.”
If Cleo really did reach that role, he’d owe it all to House Banfield. He would then have to start repaying that debt immediately. That went without saying, but it was still a problem.
Cleo had relied too completely on House Banfield. He didn’t even have vassals who were loyal to him as opposed to the count. If he took the throne under these circumstances, House Banfield—not Cleo—would practically run the country. It would be far too influential within the Empire. If Liam wanted to, he could implement policies benefiting House Banfield throughout the entire nation.
“I understand Your Majesty’s worries,” Cleo said, “but no other options were available to me.” He was of course aware of why Bagrada would feel concerned, but House Banfield’s assistance had been too appealing to pass up. And prior to Liam, Cleo had had no one on his side. “I had no choice but to rely on his power.”
“I won’t deny that, but it’s not true anymore, is it?”
“Huh?” Cleo gaped at him.
Bagrada stood and walked behind him, putting his hands on the prince’s shoulders. “It seems you’ve been using Count Banfield’s funds to gather your own supporters, haven’t you? You even formed an Imperial Guard for yourself, and a formidable space fleet as well.”
“I-I…”
Bagrada was exactly right. Cleo had done just that in order to obtain a military force of his own. After all, if he actually managed to become crown prince, it would be ridiculous for him to have no might of his own.
“I merely thought it best to have my own forces at my disposal, so I’m not such a burden on Count Banfield.”
That wasn’t a lie, exactly. Cleo didn’t like burdening House Banfield every time he wanted to mobilize any kind of fighting force.
However, Bagrada knew the other reason Cleo had taken action. “You do need constant protection, true, and you may occasionally need to send troops elsewhere. House Banfield would surely grow tired of you relying on them for every little thing—I’m sure you truly do feel that way. But it’s a bit odd that you wouldn’t at least consult Count Banfield about all that, isn’t it?”
It would’ve been safer for Cleo to organize his forces with House Banfield’s assistance. On top of his expertise, the count’s connections would surely have helped Cleo gather skilled individuals. Cleo hadn’t relied on the count’s help simply because he hadn’t wanted to…because he was envious of him.
“Count Banfield is a busy man. I wouldn’t want to trouble him with such trivial—”
“That’s a lie. In truth, you wanted a force completely independent of House Banfield, correct? You wanted fighters loyal only to you.”
Cleo couldn’t hide his surprise. But his dependence on House Banfield was a major weakness of his. Should he alienate Liam, he’d essentially be helpless.
“You’ve relied on Count Banfield for everything until now, so you’re afraid of upsetting him, aren’t you? Thus, you formed a military force that isn’t loyal to him.”
Cleo couldn’t say anything in response.
Bagrada patted his shoulder gently. “It was a good move. We can’t let House Banfield run the country. Increasing your own personal power is the right decision.”
“R-right…” Cleo didn’t want to betray his biggest supporter, but he still wished to possess his own power. With some might of his own, he figured he’d be able to express his opinions to Liam, if only to a small extent.
“Cleo, you did the right thing,” Bagrada went on. “You’ll settle things with Calvin soon enough, but if you achieved victory entirely by relying on Count Banfield, it wouldn’t be good for the Empire.”
“I-it wouldn’t?” Cleo turned around to see Bagrada’s gentle expression. For some reason, he couldn’t take his eyes off Bagrada’s. He almost felt as if they were drawing him in, and it was…comforting.
“Just mull that over,” Bagrada said soothingly. “Count Banfield has his own domain. He shouldn’t take responsibility for the entire Empire. He has to prioritize his own territory, and he can’t put the needs of the Empire as a whole above his own subjects.”
“B-but…Count Banfield is a great ruler.”
“He’s a great ruler of his own domain. And, so long as the whole Empire doesn’t become his, he’ll be able to focus all his abilities on his own territory. Or do you plan to give him the entire Empire?”
Cleo didn’t believe either that Liam could act in the interests of the Empire as a whole. His distrust of Liam was only growing. “No, I can’t do that.”
“Exactly. So consider what it’s best for you to do. After all, you’re a prince of the Empire…and my beloved son.”