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JUST as Heilland’s princess and her adviser finally shared their feelings, Crown Prince Fritz was also holding his beloved in his arms in an empty private chamber.
“Please let me go. This won’t do at all!” Charlotte protested.
“It’s okay. There’s nothing to be afraid of, Charlotte.”
“But please, liste—”
Her protests were cut off as he sealed their lips together. Slowly, her struggling ceased as Charlotte grew calm.
But when they separated for air, he looked down to find Charlotte’s cheeks red and her eyes filled with sadness. His heart ached with love as he stroked her cheek.
“If you’re worried about status, don’t be. You may not be royalty, but you are of House Yggdrasil. Besides, I’m the true heir of Erdal. I won’t allow anyone to speak ill of you.”
“That’s not it,” Charlotte murmured, shaking her head, her tear-filled gaze averted from his own. “Your Highness is to marry Princess Alicia, aren’t you? And I really like Her Highness, too. She’s so kind and strong; I love her too much to hurt her.”
“You’re mistaken. Neither of us holds feelings for the other. And those rumors about us getting married are just Mother’s hopes.”
“But Her Majesty won’t allow us to be together.”
“This doesn’t concern Mother!”
Charlotte’s shoulders jumped at the crown prince’s harsh tone. He instantly regretted his outburst, soothing a gentle hand down her back.
“I’ve finally realized that I was born with the right to inherit the empire… So don’t worry. I’ll create a world where you can be happy by my side.”
After a few more moments of tenderness, the crown prince left the room. He gave the closed door a final look of regret before striding forward, cold and determined.
The empty corridor echoed with his sharp footsteps. Soon, he arrived at the door to a large room.
The door opened to reveal Chancellor Yggdrasil and several officials seated around a table, deep in discussion. The chancellor raised his head as Fritz entered, then stood and spread his arms in welcome.
“What a surprise, Your Highness. It’s rare for you to join—”
“Yggdrasil, I need to speak with you.”
Yggdrasil seemed confused, then turned to the officials and dismissed them with a smile.
Once everyone had left, the chancellor shut the door tight and turned to Fritz, still smiling.
“We rarely get to talk in private, Your Highness. Is something troubling you? Or are you here to talk about my daughter?”
“…You knew?”
“Don’t worry, I didn’t hear it from her. Very few incidents that happen in this castle escape my notice. Oh, of course, Her Majesty does not know about it. I don’t wish to place my daughter in harm’s way, after all.”
“Then we’re on the same page,” the crown prince said with a grimace.
It was just as well that the chancellor was already aware. It saved him the trouble of breaking the news to the man. Now, it was just about negotiations.
And thus, Fritz got straight to the point.
“You told me once that there is a way to surpass the all-powerful empress. I want to know what you mean.”
“I didn’t mean anything. Trust me when I say that treason is the furthest thing from my mind. Everyone knows that Your Highness is the best choice as Erdal’s next emperor.”
“I didn’t come here to listen to compliments. If you have nothing else to say, I have no business with you.”
The chancellor just smiled quietly. Seeing the man’s strong and steady manner, Fritz lowered his voice.
“Lend me your strength, Yggdrasil. Help me steal the throne.”
“What strange words, Your Highness. The throne is already yours; there is no need to steal it.”
“But I cannot overcome the empress. I don’t want to live as Her Majesty’s—as Mother’s pawn.”
The two men glared at each other, the chancellor with a calm smile and Fritz emotionless with his guard up. For a moment, they looked deep into each other, searching for the answers they sought.
Finally, Yggdrasil broke the silence.
“Let’s say I abandon my position and join forces with Your Highness. What do I stand to gain? And keep Charlotte out of this. My intention is to keep her away from Your Highness, just as Her Majesty wanted.”
“I can give you anything you want. Power, riches, fame, anything. Aside from the throne, you can have anything you want.”
“Power, riches, and fame are things that House Yggdrasil has no shortage of.”
“That’s only true with Mother on the throne! When I become emperor—”
“Which you won’t be for a very long time yet without my help. And until then, my position is fortunately quite secure.”
Fritz frowned. He had so many choice words to say, but he needed to get Yggdrasil on his side if he wanted to fulfill his ambition.
How could he possibly change the man’s mind? Before Fritz could think of anything, the chancellor spoke again.
“But Her Majesty won’t give me what I truly desire. If Your Highness can give it to me, I will help you surpass the great empress and carve your name in history.”
“What do you want?”
Despite Fritz’s impatience, the chancellor took his time, slowly walking to his desk. A map was spread out on top, and Yggdrasil slid his finger across it, stopping at a certain spot.
The chancellor’s smile deepened as Fritz stared with wide eyes.
“I want Heilland, Your Highness. For Erdal’s honor and pride.”