“But before I do, I’d like to catch up with Glen and Strang,” Wein added.
“I see… Yes, that’s an excellent idea. We’ll likely have very little opportunity to meet each other in private from here on.” Lowellmina’s tone was tinged with melancholy. As she said, meeting in the future would be more difficult. Not only did Wein and Lowellmina belong to the most esteemed families on the continent, but they also led their respective nations as crown prince and Empress.
Ninym had a duty to support Wein, and Glen and Strang were loyal to Lowellmina. Not only that, Lowellmina and her retinue had no time to waste as they rebuilt the weakened Empire. At least for now, their paths would not cross outside the realm of politics.
“This may be our last farewell in this lifetime,” Lowellmina said.
Ninym sighed. “Come on, Lowa. No need to be dramatic.”
“Hee-hee. I’m only joking.”
“Well, let’s do our best to make sure that doesn’t happen,” Wein suggested.
Lowellmina smiled. “It was lovely speaking with you, Prince Wein. I earnestly look forward to the day we can fulfill our duties and meet again.”
“Unfortunately…” Lowellmina mumbled wearily not long after her talk with Wein and Ninym, “…that’s only if such a day ever truly comes.”
This caught the attention of the slim man beside her.
“Are you concerned about something, Your Majesty?”
“No, no. I’m fine, Keskinel.”
Keskinel had been the Earthworld Empire’s Prime Minister before the civil war, and although still quite far from old age, he didn’t have a shred of ambition or authoritative power in him. His exhausted demeanor resembled a withered tree’s—certainly not the type anyone would picture as the highest official in the Empire. However, in truth, this man was an exceptional figure who’d aided his nation since the previous emperor’s reign. He’d taken great pains to help the leaderless Empire through the civil war without taking sides. Keskinel’s abilities were recognized once Lowellmina took the throne, and he was reinstated as Prime Minister.
“Please continue your report.”
“Of course.”
At Lowellmina’s insistence, Keskinel skimmed the documents in his hand.
“Thanks to Your Majesty’s ascension, a degree of stability has returned to the public. We intend to seize this opportunity and increase our revenue.”
In the few years since the war broke out, the Empire’s economy had steadily declined. The civil officials, led by Keskinel, tried everything in their limited authority to fix the situation, but the government’s widespread instability did little to ease people’s fears about the future. And when things looked uncertain, the public’s purse strings naturally tightened, along with their hearts.
Empress Lowellmina’s arrival brought about a transformation, though. The populace saw a new glimmer of hope. Of course, whether her reign proved to be boon or bane was yet to be seen, but the citizens could finally let out a sigh of relief. Not to act on this fresh chance would be foolish.
“Fortunately, the harvest was plentiful this year. There is no reason for anyone to claim your coronation has angered the heavens.”
“That is indeed a blessing. If a natural disaster had struck as soon as I became Empress and rumors began to circulate of divine retribution, panic would abound.”
Needless to say, no politician in the world could manipulate the elements. Regardless, people would make their own assumptions about any such events. Lowellmina was in a precarious situation because her political authority was not yet unshakable. One large-scale natural disaster could ruin everything.
“I’m afraid I have some bad news as well, Your Majesty,” Keskinel said.
Lowellmina scrunched her face and groaned as the Prime Minister continued, “The first matter concerns the factions of Prince Bardloche and Prince Manfred.”
Second Prince Bardloche and Third Prince Manfred. Lowellmina had fought both for the throne and had emerged victorious upon their arrests. The next issue was how to deal with their factions.
“We’ve dealt with their supporters as leniently as possible, and I’ve ordered each group to disband and join us,” Lowellmina remarked. “However…”
“Yes. On the whole, they have obeyed Your Majesty’s command. Regrettably, a percentage has masked its whereabouts, and it seems others who claim to have accepted you secretly plot to reinstate their princes.”
“…Well, that’s no surprise.”
Lowellmina was history’s first female monarch. Her brothers’ factions had had their political dreams dashed. That was more than enough for them to seek revenge. Their cherished leaders yet lived, too, which surely emboldened them.
“Perhaps it would be best to execute Prince Bardloche and Prince Manfred after all,” Keskinel suggested.
Lowellmina’s brothers were confined and under tight surveillance, but she treated them with respect as royals.
“We’ve discussed this a thousand times. I will not execute them. Once my position is secure, I’ll send them off to live in the countryside or the like.”
“I still think you are too lenient,” Keskinel asserted. “Especially Prince Bardloche, who collaborated with the West’s Teachings of Levetia and has been criticized by Eastern Levetia for it. Many firmly believe only the harshest punishment will suffice.”
During the war, a desperate Bardloche had accepted the aid of the Empire’s Western rival, the Teachings of Levetia faith. Once Manfred discovered this, he’d appealed to Eastern Levetia, which swiftly leveled harsh censure upon the Second Prince.
“I have a meeting with Eastern Levetia’s key representative, Ernesto, soon to discuss Bardloche. We’ll get that sorted out. I guarantee their heads will not roll,” Lowellmina stated.
“Does your compassion run so deep?”
“Goodness, no.” The Empress sniffed. “In the public eye, I am a merciful ruler who’s bested her useless brothers. If I executed them the moment everything became official, people might believe I was revealing my despotic tendencies now that my position was secure. Politically speaking, that would leave us even more vulnerable.” She paused for a moment. “Besides, we can use those Western Levetia connections to our advantage. This dispute has sorely tarnished the Imperial Family’s influence, and the palace is under greater suspicion. Instead of fools beaten by their little sister, we can portray Bardloche and Manfred as victims of the West’s schemes. By making the West the true mastermind, we can deflect anger and garner sympathy.”
Keskinel hummed. “To accomplish that, we must minimize the chances of a factional revolt from either side.”
“It’s already minuscule,” Lowellmina replied with an overwhelming air of self-confidence. “No matter how many times my brothers turn their swords against me, I’ll always win.”
Keskinel groaned quietly at the once helpless princess–turned–Empress’s bold declaration. A brilliant flame burned in this young sovereign, and the Prime Minister thought to himself that perhaps that was precisely what had allowed her to succeed in the first place.
“If you insist, then I have nothing more to say on the matter,” Keskinel conceded. “However, we have more to discuss. Present issues include the Empire’s diminished military, the agenda of each province, and our alliance with Natra.”
Lowellmina subtly reacted to that last word. Keskinel understood the deep connection the Empress had with Natra, and that was precisely why that subject couldn’t be ignored.
“I believe the time has come to reconsider our alliance,” he stated.