Clovis knew Yang Hui saw through what he wanted to say and was deliberately changing the subject. But seeing the changes in Yang Hui and hearing about his recent experiences, Clovis felt that he, too, had to make a change.
"Africa has been conquered, and the Cabinet has already confirmed that Africa will be renamed Ten. I intend to petition Father Emperor to go to Ten as Governor..."
"You? Forget it."
"...Do you also think I can't do it?" Clovis asked Yang Hui dejectedly.
"I know you've been secretly learning how to handle government affairs and manage a fief, but that is ultimately just textbook theory. You don't have the ability yet. It's not that I'm looking down on you, but among all the princes and princesses, none of them can do it except for Schneizel. That includes Imperial Sister Cornelia; she only knows how to fight, not how to manage."
"What about you?"
"Me? Haha, forget it. Not interested."
"If you're not interested, does that mean you can do it?"
"What do you think?"
"...Can you be serious for once?"
"Alright, yes." Yang Hui admitted it directly, hiding nothing from Clovis. "But I have no interest. For now, I have no interest in being tied down to one place. The world is so big, I want to go and see it."
Clovis froze, his whole body turning cold. From Yang Hui's nonchalant tone, he felt a sense of cold-bloodedness and cruelty. He understood that the "seeing" Yang Hui spoke of was by no means simple.
"I know I'm not qualified enough yet, but I don't want to stay in the Imperial Palace anymore. I also want to go out and gain some experience," Clovis said firmly.
"...Have you decided?"
"I have."
"It will be very difficult. The world outside isn't as beautiful as you imagine."
"That is why the canary always wants to fly out of the cage to find Freedom."
"..." Yang Hui stared at Clovis's face, trying to gauge his determination and resolve.
Their eyes met. Facing Yang Hui's imposing aura, Clovis gritted his teeth, forcing his gaze not to waver.
After two or three minutes, Yang Hui withdrew his aura and picked up his black tea again. "Have your mother go and plead with him. Do it as soon as possible, preferably before Imperial Sister Cornelia leaves Africa. I will send someone to go with you. Listen to him and learn from him for five years. Can you do that?"
"I can."
"Then go. My people are absolutely reliable; you can trust them without reservation. As for your Knight order... find them yourself."
Although Ten had been occupied by the Empire, it was still quite dangerous. Having just been conquered, it was unstable. The EU would certainly not sit idly by while Britannia took complete control of Ten, so there would be constant interference, and rebel groups would definitely appear frequently. It was dangerous. If Clovis went to Ten as Governor as he was now, he wouldn't even know how he died.
Yang Hui certainly wouldn't leave Clovis to his own devices. He would arrange for people to help him in the shadows and also arrange for people to assist and teach him openly until he became a qualified ruler.
However, he would never interfere with Clovis's Knight order. The Knight order of every prince and princess consisted of their most trusted inner circle and confidants; they had to be found, recruited, and conquered by the royals themselves.
"I understand. As for the Knight order, I will definitely handle it well."
"I'll look forward to it, then." Now that the serious business was over, Yang Hui returned to his casual, lazy attitude.
"Haha, you... what did you ask for as a reward from Father Emperor?"
"Two people. Two people from under Schneizel..."
"Hmm, if they are Imperial Brother Schneizel's subordinates, then it's no surprise. He has many talents under him. But... there's more than just that, right?"
"...The privilege of establishing a private unit belonging only to me."
"You're crazy!" Clovis stood up in shock. "That's seizing power from Father Emperor! He could never agree to that!"
"He agreed."
"Huh?"
"The old man agreed."
"This... how is that possible? He is... what was he thinking? What is he plotting?" Clovis also realized the situation wasn't simple, rubbing his chin as he analyzed it.
"Don't think too much about it." Yang Hui interrupted Clovis's thoughts. "What the old man is thinking isn't that easy to guess, and I have no need to guess."
"Why? Aren't you afraid this is a trap set by Father Emperor?"
"What is there to fear? Even if it is a trap, before it is sprung, this privilege is real. Moreover, the force I build will absolutely belong to me. As long as the power in my hands is sufficient, what does a trap matter?" Yang Hui said plainly.
"That's true... but... I just can't figure it out."
"If you can't figure it out, then stop thinking about it. You're wasting brain cells."
"Yang Hui! I'm worrying for your sake!"
"The emperor isn't worried, but the eunuch is."
"Curse you! Yang Hui! I want to Duel you—! Wait, I can't beat you!"
"Uh, saying that out loud is quite embarrassing."
"Curse you! A Duel!"
"Shall I give you a one-hand handicap?"
"Get lost!"
With the serious talk finished, it was impossible for Clovis to remain serious even if he wanted to, because Yang Hui wouldn't allow it. While the two brothers were fooling around, Euphemia, who had left earlier, finally returned, but her expression was somewhat anxious and flustered.
"Imperial Brother Clovis, Imperial Brother Yang Hui..."
"What's wrong? Euphy, did someone bully you? Tell me, I'll take care of them for you!" Yang Hui asked jokingly.
"No, it's... Imperial Sister Guinevere is here."
"..."
Upon hearing this, the smiles on Yang Hui and Clovis's faces vanished completely. Yang Hui patted Euphemia's head and walked toward the exit.
"I'll handle it," Yang Hui said.
"Mm." Clovis nodded. Because of his upbringing since childhood, no matter how much he disliked her, he couldn't stand his ground before his older siblings.
Yang Hui, on the other hand, had no such qualms. Even when dealing with Schneizel, the most powerful man in the Imperial Capital, he dared to push back if provoked.
The visitor's relationship with them had always been poor, and Euphemia's expression proved the other party came with ill intent. Clovis knew very well that it was better to let Yang Hui handle it.
The three of them walked together back into the exhibition hall. The elegant music had stopped, and the guests wandering about had come to a halt and lowered their heads. It was quiet, without a single sound of discussion. Only in the center of the gathered nobles stood a tall woman in a purple dress, looking at the painting before her and muttering to herself.
"Hmph, after spending so much time, this is all the progress made? As expected of a waste. Knowing he has no talent, yet only wasting time on such things. Truly a disgrace to the Imperial Family..."
Her voice wasn't loud, but the quiet environment amplified her self-muttering evaluation, making it crystal clear to Clovis, his heart burning with scorn.
Just as Clovis was about to step forward to argue with the woman, Yang Hui pressed his shoulder and then walked forward himself.
"All great achievements are accumulated from small bits of progress. I don't think you are qualified to insult it, Guinevere."
Guinevere do Britannia, the First Princess of the Empire.
"Oh? I heard you were back. It seems you really have returned." Guinevere turned around and looked at Yang Hui, her eyes filled with disdain and loathing.
"Did I disappoint you?"
"Hmph, still as unrefined as ever, Yang Hui."
"Unrefined?" Yang Hui feigned confusion and tilted his head. "Is so-called refinement bad-mouthing people behind their backs? Is it wantonly trampling on others' hard work? Sorry, I really don't have that kind of refinement, nor do I want it."
"Hmph, sharp-tongued as always. Is this how you speak to your sister?"
"You want to be a sister? That requires qualifications, Guinevere. Not just anyone is qualified to be our sister. Is your qualification merely because of the blood flowing in your veins?"
"You! Hmph, don't think that just because you've earned some military merit outside, you're qualified to be so disrespectful. Yang Hui, don't forget your status!"
"My status is for the old man to decide. You have no right to judge it."
"You actually show such disrespect to Father Emperor! I'm going to—"
"What? Tell on me? Go ahead."
"...Yang Hui! I'm not here to bicker with you!"
"What a coincidence, I don't want to waste time on you either. I haven't seen Clovis and Euphy in a while. If you're smart, leave on your own. Don't disturb our reunion."
"Hmph, take this." With that, Guinevere threw an envelope to Yang Hui as if giving alms; it was an invitation.
"Oh? A banquet hosted by His Highness the Crown Prince." Yang Hui looked at the signature on it; it was from Odysseus v Britannia. The invitation was addressed only to him, so it seemed the other party had been keeping an eye on his movements.
"Be honored, Yang Hui. Even a savage like you is qualified to attend the banquet hosted by Imperial Brother..."
"What a coincidence, I'm not free today. I promised Clovis. Tell him to change it to tomorrow." Yang Hui waved the invitation, rejecting Guinevere without the slightest concern.
"What did you say? You actually refuse!?"
"Why? Can't I refuse if I'm not free?" Yang Hui feigned confusion. "A man must keep his promises. Since I promised Clovis, I naturally can't stand him up."
"You... very well. I will relay your words exactly to the Crown Prince." Guinevere was furious but didn't dare to explode, because she saw the mocking smile on Yang Hui's face and realized she had just lost her composure. If she continued, the Imperial Family's dignity would be completely discarded by her.
"Great, I'll leave it to you then, Guinevere. That is... if you really do tell him."
Yang Hui knew very well that Guinevere would definitely not relay those words to Odysseus. Odysseus was a mild-mannered man; if he heard Yang Hui say "I'm not free today, change it to tomorrow," he would only give a hearty laugh and move the banquet to the next day.
Moreover, this sudden banquet was definitely Guinevere's doing; she either organized it herself or goaded Odysseus into doing it.
"Hmph!"
"By the way, there's something I've wanted to tell you for a long time." Just as Guinevere and Yang Hui crossed paths, Yang Hui suddenly whispered to her, "Your hairpiece is truly ugly. It's so ugly I can't help but want to pull it out for you. So... change it."
Yang Hui controlled his volume, ensuring the surrounding people couldn't hear, so it only entered Guinevere's ears.
It was cold and cruel, making the elegant and haughty Guinevere unable to stop herself from shuddering. She quickened her pace and left the exhibition.