"Good. Good. I know we have a lot of other Divisions inside the Imperial Army, but I have brought the top five here in regard to what had transpired not too long ago. It is as General Vandyck says, and I thank you all for taking some time out of your busy schedules to hold this round table discussion. This prompted us to raise our security to its highest level. For what we will discuss, it is none other than the assassination attempt of my firstborn son, Olivert Reise Arnor. I am unfortunate to announce that this attack has claimed my wife, to whom I will not disclose. She preferred to live a quiet life away from the capital, and this is the least I can do so her peace isn't disturbed.", Crown Prince Eugent declared, causing everyone's gazes to turn serious. Even mine was full of shock. Oy, seriously?
I mean, yeah. I knew that this event was going to take place, I just couldn't recall exactly when it would. I knew Emperor Eugent would become Erebonia's newest Emperor in S1189, but to think Oliver's mom would lose her life in the same year. This was a plot point in the original games, but at the same time, it's what spurred Olivert here to reconnect with his Father again. Unlike his Mother who had a different last name, Crown Prince Eugent actively served as Crown Prince. He quite literally dropped a bomb on us. The atmosphere tensed up, and all of us looked at Olivert. I saw that he held his head high, but it was clear his eyes were displaying sadness. I remained quiet during this conversation, I knew I couldn't speak out of hand right now.
That sadness soon spread to all of us. It was a great loss for the Crown Prince. From this event, the Crown Prince would eventually remarry after ascending the throne becoming the new Emperor, and receive Empress Priscilla as his second wife. After that, Princess Alfin and Prince Cedric would be born. In fact, with it already being well into the year, this might have happened in secret, already. I do recall these two are born in S1189, the same time Olivert loses his mother.
Amongst us present here, Aurelia was the one who showed visible anger in her eyes. She even clenched one of her fists, trying to hold her anger back.
"Who is brazen enough to launch an attack on the leading royalty of our Empire? They're just begging to be killed!", Aurelia retorted. "And they even went as far as to hire Jaegers to do it!"
"This attack seems quite sudden too, but we don't know how long it was planned out for. Jaeger attacks don't just suddenly happen. They're bound by contracts, so the question is, who bought them, and why?", Sir Victor said, before shaking his head. "The loss of Your Highness's wife is tragic for us all."
"We'll need to divert some attention to figure out the motive, and to secure Your Highness's safety. I can see why you have called all of us to gather here. We're here to serve as that extra cushion for protection while you are escorted back to Valflame Palace. Is that right, Your Highness?", Giliath questioned, observing Crown Prince Eugent from beside me. Let alone Father acting serious, it was even several times more rare to see him legit angry. You'd see him strutting about full of confidence. I don't think anyone would have the guts to tick him off like this. If we already knew who the perp was, there's a good possibility that Father would approach right up to their doorstep, and drag them out by force.
"That is one main reason, yes. But this alone doesn't paint the bigger picture. Initially, His Imperial Majesty announced that my coronation will be held in two months' time. But thanks to this assassination attempt, Lord Father pushed the due date up. It is set to happen before this week is over. With it being Sunday afternoon, you all are invited to stay inside Valflame Palace. Invitations are being sent out as we speak. We will hold a celebratory banquet tomorrow, which will additionally serve as a celebration of life. The ascension ceremony will be held on Tuesday. That is why you see my son here with me today. My wife would also be accompanying us, but alas...She ended up sacrificing her life to protect Olivert...", Crown Prince Eugent spoke, also containing a hint of sadness in his eyes.
This time, we all became surprised at this sudden announcement. I can see why this is happening though. To avoid any sort of power struggles from happening, or internal conflict, Crown Prince Eugent likely urged His Imperial Majesty to make his coronation take place earlier than attended. I just didn't think it'd be happening in two days. I thought I would just head inside Valflame Palace, meet with His Imperial Majesty to discuss my late mother, then depart with Father, and return to my training. But now, this is starting to shape up into an event much similar to Grandmother's birthday celebration back in Liberl that I had the joy of participating in. But here in Erebonia, it is a much larger country. Many individuals will be heading into the capital starting from now. Many characters from the Trailsverse that I will meet for the first time. And those who are gathered in this orbal car will be the first of many I will come to meet.
I know we're talking about the death of royalty and all, but that's pretty commonplace in fantasy stories like this. If you suddenly found yourself as a prince who earned the right to vie for the throne, but realize you aren't alone, you'll have a vicious battle to partake in against your own relatives. Trust me, there are many stories out there whose royalty isn't all sunshine and rainbows. Thankfully Crown Prince Eugent here is the sole son of His Imperial Majesty. If he had any other sons, a very different scene would likely be playing out right now, like whose side you would stick to, and such. Since none of that is taking place here, His Highness found it that pushing the coronation upward was likely the best action to take at this time. The sooner he can become the next Emperor, the better.
As for the example I provided, a very real situation occurred a couple hundred years ago here in this very same country. You should know what I'm referring to, the War of the Lions! Emperor Dreichels was the one who came out of that victorious and vicious battle, and became Erebonia's Emperor during that time.
I couldn't help but glance my eyes at Olivert again, who was seated near me. Sensing my gaze, we locked eyes.
"Is this what you meant by you will become a Prince sooner than later?", I whispered at Olivert.
"Indeed. Once Father's coronation is over, he will likely announce me as the next Crown Prince. It is not known to many so keep it secret for now, but Lord Father has a second son and his first daughter he is now rearing. I have yet to meet her, but I am interested in meeting my new mother-in-law. This will be the first time I get to meet my new siblings too.", Olivert uttered back at me, making me surprised. But at the same time, it verified my doubts. Looks like Olivert was going to meet his new family for the first time on this visit. He's probably been mostly residing with his late mother before the attack happens. It does make sense, given his character. He didn't like what happened in the courts, as one would say. He'd rather live as a commoner than a prince.
But now, similar to how I might become Liberl's Crown Prince in the future, Olivert here suddenly found himself as Erebonia's Crown Prince, which will be official in two days' time. How ironic, right?
But that thought ended once I saw a shadow stir beside Olivert. Just like how much I was preoccupied with the commanding officers here in this orbal car and His Highness and Olivert, I failed to recognize there was another individual seated beside him, making it twelve people inside, not eleven. A look of anger appeared on this guy's face, but my eyes lit up. Wherever Olivert goes, you'd typically find this person following him, no matter the time or place.
"You really shouldn't tell someone you just met confidential details like that, Olivert.", The voice uttered, keeping his voice down. I could see the Generals and His Highness currently holding a discussion, so we couldn't exactly interrupt them. We had to keep our voices low. His tone appeared angry after hearing Olivert say that, and a look of anger appeared on his forehead. You know the kind of angry forehead look you'd often see in anime, haha!
"But that is where you are wrong, Mueller, my boy. Met, we have just done. But in a way, all of us in this vehicle are connected in one way or another. I feel I can trust you with this information, young one.", Olivert uttered back. His face beamed into a smile.
"Thank you. I promise I will not tell a soul of this to anyone.", I replied, smiling back at him.
"Now listen here you two, it isn't just about making promises. This is...", Mueller uttered back, retorting in anger again. Olivert let out a low laugh hearing that.
Sure enough, this was the same Mueller Vander, Matteus Vander's first son. Kurt Vander would become his second son, but regardless to Mueller, he is his first. He acts as the sole bodyguard who directly serves Prince Olivert. Olivert isn't a Prince yet, he will be if things go well these next two days. But it looks like Mueller already received his post, acting as his bodyguard. He appeared to have just become an adult, not that middle-aged look you'd find in the games. If I recall, he was around the same age as Aurelia, so maybe he's not quite an adult yet? He should be around fifteen or sixteen now. Rather young, but he's already taken up his post, which surprised me.
In response to that, there were two notifications I received. This time I read them, causing me to inwardly smile.
[Ding! You have unlocked Favorability with Olivert Reise Arnor.]
[Ding! You have unlocked Favorability with Mueller Vander.]