To the citizens of the Empire, Lowellmina Earthworld was a multifaceted girl. More precisely, she was a girl who had built up many layers of nuance over the past several years.
Said to be intelligent and beautiful beyond compare, she was born the younger daughter of Earthworld’s great Emperor. The people cherished her with an honest, straightforward love.
However, politics remained the undisputed realm of men. Despite her impeccable lineage, Lowellmina was a woman. For a long time, she never stood on the diplomatic stage, and the populace preferred to keep it that way.
Everything changed with the passing of the previous Emperor. Momentum and support among the three princes declined as they squabbled for the throne, and favor for Lowellmina rose to prominence. She urged the princes to focus on peace and stability, fighting to those ends. Lowellmina was the people’s princess, and her steadfast, honest efforts made her the heart of Earthworld.
And that very same Lowellmina Earthworld had just been assassinated.
The capital, where she had been staying, was especially devastated when the news first broke in the Empire.
“Princess Lowellmina was assassinated?!”
“How could this happen?! I don’t believe it!”
“Are we certain it’s true?!”
Princess Lowellmina, an advocate for peace who devoted herself to the Empire, had suffered an untimely death. The shocked citizens fell into a deep, troubled sorrow, but their lament was silenced mere days later…
…when the Empire’s Prime Minister Keskinel officially announced that reports of Lowellmina’s death had been a case of misinformation.
“Hmph… Today seems like another rousing success,” Keskinel muttered as he peered out a window of his manor.
Although in the prime of life, the man carried an aura of mediocrity. He was a top-ranking official who had supported the late Emperor. His eminent status guaranteed his name would be carved into history. However, if one were to judge solely by appearance, he seemed more likely to be found sitting in a back alley with a drink in one hand than standing by the Emperor’s side as Prime Minister.
“Is support for Princess Lowellmina truly this ardent?”
Keskinel stared at the throng gathered before his estate. The people were relieved by his announcement. Princess Lowellmina’s well-being was all that mattered, more so than how the rumor of her demise had begun. She would surely make an appearance in good health to allay lingering unease…or so people thought.
Despite their restless anticipation, she had yet to emerge. Anxiety ate away at every heart and planted the seeds of doubt.
Was Princess Lowellmina truly safe? What if she actually was dead? Perhaps she’d barely survived the assassination and was bedridden with terrible injuries? Could this be a ruse to skip out on her responsibilities?
Speculations on Princess Lowellmina ranged from health concerns to whispers of debauchery, culminating in the crowd that had gathered in front of Keskinel’s manor in search of answers.
“Shall I send them away?” asked the subordinate by his side.
Keskinel slowly shook his head. “It’s not like they can break in, so leave them be. More importantly,” he continued, “our true focus has arrived.”
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. When Keskinel granted entry, a young woman appeared.
“Good day, Keskinel. This is quite a splendid manor,” Lowellmina Earthworld said with a smile.
“I see there are plenty of oddities here, too, just as there are in your office in the Imperial Palace.”
Lowellmina entered the room and looked around curiously. The furnishings in the room lacked a sense of unity, and many were twisted into bizarre shapes. Mysterious folk art of unknown origins filled the space. The Prime Minister was a famed eccentric in the Empire, and he lived up to his reputation.
While the princess thought on this, she picked up a gold vessel that sat on a skewed shelf.
“Keskinel, what’s inside this?”
“Dried spiders.”
“…”
Lowellmina gently placed the container back on its shelf.
“They are edible, so please help yourself.”
“I’m fine, thank you,” she firmly replied, yet she continued poking around.
“Well then, Princess Lowellmina,” Keskinel said with seriousness in his tone. “How long will you be visiting with us?”
“Oh dear. Why are you making such a face, Keskinel?” Lowellmina asked as she sat across from him with a provocative smile. “You speak as if my presence here is a problem.”
“Indeed.”
“Whaaa?” she replied in charming protest, but he ignored her.
“As Prime Minister of the Earthworld Empire, my responsibility is to its well-being. This includes aiding the future Emperor. Therefore…”
“You can’t take any sides in the battle for succession, right?” Lowellmina shrugged. “What an honorable attitude. As both a royal and a citizen of the Empire, I’m highly impressed.”
“Judging by your tone, I’m not the least bit convinced.”
“I speak the truth and feel personally grateful. Had you supported any of the princes, this civil war would have ended in a heartbeat and left me no room to intervene. However”—Lowellmina paused—“I do wonder why you’ve gone to such lengths to remain impartial. If you were motivated by a love for the people or wished to do what’s best for the Empire, wouldn’t you desire a swift resolution?”
Lowellmina would never have set foot in the manor if that were the case. She had no intention of complaining about Keskinel’s neutrality, yet his vague motives bothered her.
“There seems to be a misunderstanding. I, too, possess love and ambition.”
“I’m just saying it doesn’t look that way.”
“That’s because I have purposefully chosen not to announce it to the entire world.”
“Oh dear. Is that a criticism of the Imperial Family, whose members clash and crackle with ambition? I must call the military police.”
“Have you forgotten that I command them?”
“And yet you remain ‘neutral.’”
Lowellmina shrugged while Keskinel eyed her.
“Your Highness, I understand your apprehension. And if I may be so bold…I deeply treasure this Empire. My own heart has told me to align with no one.”
“…”
Lowellmina stared at Keskinel. He’d served by the previous Emperor’s side since she was a small child, and even if he didn’t act like some starry-eyed maiden, she knew his patriotic love was genuine.
“We’ve gotten a bit off track. At any rate, I must remain impartial, and your presence in my manor threatens that. I ask for your understanding.”
Keskinel’s tone was composed, but a force just below the surface brooked no room for debate. Lowellmina hardly felt beaten, but she nodded lightly in acceptance.
“I do so wish we could have cooperated, but I’ll respect your decision. However, we mustn’t forget who is responsible for both the failed attempt on my life and the ensuing chaos.”
“Ngh…”
Troubling rumors of Lowellmina’s assassination had upset the people, but they would realize they were false when they saw her alive and well. Yet although she lived, there had been an attempt on her life.
“Ah, I was so shocked. To think I would be suddenly attacked in the Imperial Palace… If my valiant guards had not driven back the assailant, I would have surely fallen.” The princess shook her head theatrically. “To try and kill a member of the Imperial Family within this very capital is unheard of and has greatly tarnished the Empire’s authority. Moreover, without an Emperor, the onus for whatever happens in Grantsrale naturally falls on you, Keskinel.”
“…”
Lowellmina’s words were more than a false accusation. In addition to commanding the military police, Keskinel carried the responsibility of defending the capital and the Imperial Palace. Lowellmina’s personal guard had successfully avoided the worst outcome, but that would hardly protect Keskinel and his guard regiments from criticism.
“Perhaps…you intentionally slackened our defenses, Keskinel?” Lowellmina openly provoked the Prime Minister.
“…I wouldn’t dream of it.”
Keskinel grimaced slightly, but the princess’s taunts weren’t the reason for his sour mood. It was the fact that he’d already predicted how this conversation would end and had realized he was trapped.
“In that case, you should have no trouble capturing our would-be assassins and making them reveal their client,” Lowellmina declared. “In the meantime, I shall remain here. The Imperial Palace is dangerous. The manor of the Empire’s current commander-in-chief will be much safer. Wouldn’t you agree?” she asked with a bewitching smile.
Keskinel could only sigh.
“Imperial Princess or not, how shameless can one woman be?!” exclaimed an aide.
“Please calm down. Princess Lowellmina is the victim here, and our ill-preparation is undeniable.”
Once Lowellmina had left the room, Keskinel’s disgruntled subordinate was free to converse with the contemplative Prime Minister.