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Therefore, she first had to guarantee her own safety. Lowellmina made every effort to build up her personal guard and the private information network she’d had since the previous Emperor’s passing.
“Besides, I was thinking it was high time I took more direct measures.”
Lowellmina’s information network had captured a suspicious intruder several weeks ago.
The princess had then conducted a covert investigation, and once she’d confirmed it was Bardloche’s people who’d plotted to kill her, she’d hit upon a rare opportunity.
“First, ruin their original plan by devising a fake failed assassination ahead of the real attempt. Then, spread the word about the would-be culprits and pretend like everything actually happened. Finally, hold Keskinel responsible and sabotage his neutrality… Everything went perfectly, if I do say so myself.”
If it had simply been a matter of stopping their assassination plot, Lowellmina could have reported the criminals or captured them herself and been done with it. However, she used this opportunity to take a shot at Keskinel. Thanks to the princess’s tactics, the Prime Minister now had no choice but to protect her and pursue the failed assassins to atone for his accidental contribution to the threat on her life.
Even so, Keskinel appeared to side with Lowellmina to the general public. Not only that, but his search would lead straight back to Bardloche. His position would force him to denounce the prince and validate everyone’s suspicions that the Prime Minister of the Empire and the princess were allies.
“A number of influential leaders who have remained impartial thus far are already seeking an audience with Your Highness.”
“Excellent. Let’s make good use of their people, money, and resources. Oh, by the way, Fyshe, our plan to rouse the citizens is coming along nicely, I hope?”
“Yes. They’ve been quite passionate, so it’s proceeding well.”
Lowellmina smiled with clear satisfaction. “The princess, whose heart breaks daily as she laments the fate of the Empire, who was nearly murdered by her own brother, of all people… It’s only natural for the populace to rise up in anger. Once we’ve fanned those flames into an inferno, I’ll have a legitimate reason to gather an army.”
Because of her reputation as a peacemaker, Lowellmina had no military. However, firepower was absolutely vital if she hoped to get rid of her two brothers and bring this war to a conclusion. Therefore, she needed a justifiable reason to gather a military force that the citizens would accept and soldiers would fight for. Once Bardloche and Manfred fell to her lawful legion, the Empire would witness the birth of the continent’s first female ruler.
“All right, onward to victory.”
Lowellmina set out toward the triumphant path she had blazed herself.
“That crafty little…!”
The subordinate couldn’t help but shout when Keskinel revealed the truth of the situation.
“Mind your tongue. She’s still our princess.”
“Ah yes, pardon me. Still, are you sure about this, Your Excellency? Princess Lowellmina will undoubtedly use you as she pleases…!”
“There’s nothing we can do. It’s my fault for being outwitted.”
The Empire had its own information network, as did Keskinel. Of course, they were mostly used for covertly gathering knowledge both domestically and abroad, but it was absolutely inexcusable that they’d allowed an assassin to slip into the capital and attack a royal.
“Still, I never imagined she’d corner me so completely.”
A wry smile formed on Keskinel’s lips. Lowellmina’s character aside, she’d grown into a marvelous political strategist. He felt a sense of both happiness and grief.
“…At this rate, I suppose an Empress will be born soon.”
There was an unease in the subordinate’s expression and tone that wouldn’t have existed if their conversation had centered around either of the princes. However, the Prime Minister didn’t believe this attitude was worthy of reproach.
History’s first female monarch.
Future historians would laud such a milestone, but there were too many unknown factors for those living in this era and land. Who wouldn’t be afraid to watch their ship suddenly change course and sail an untraveled route?
“The brilliance of an Emperor’s reign depends on the skill of their officials. An Empress won’t change that. There’s nothing to fear, so just focus on quietly serving the Empire.”
“Yes…”
Keskinel sighed at his subordinate’s reluctance.
“Besides, Princess Lowellmina’s victory isn’t yet guaranteed.”
“Even so, the situation certainly appears to lean that way…”
The Prime Minister gave a small laugh.
“Such moments are when shadows creep in.”
“Prince Bardloche, there is someone requesting an immediate audience with you.”
“Not now! Make them wait!”
“B-but they have insisted the matter is most urgent.”
“…I’ve already got enough to do! Who the heck is it?!”
“Ah yes, well… She is a female merchant named Ibis…”
“Prince Manfred, this may be an excellent opportunity.”
“Opportunity? At a time like this?”
“Yes. However, I must humbly request Your Highness’s utmost cooperation. Let’s see… First, I would like for you to write a letter.”
“I can manage that much, but who’s it for?”
“Prince Wein.”
“Prince Bardloche and Prince Manfred won’t let things end here. Once cornered, they’ll drop all appearances and madly fight to the death.”
Keskinel’s subordinate instinctively gulped at these words. Despite the three candidates’ ongoing battle, there had yet to be a decisive clash. However, the situation was swiftly approaching its climax, and all bets were off.
“The die is cast. From this point forward, the fight for the throne will be settled with a final bout. As for what fate will roll us…”
Keskinel gave a fearless smile.
“…only the heavens know.”