Kaelion wasn't in a rush when he saw his 5th son staying quiet.
"I assume you've noticed the discontent brewing among your brothers?" Kaelion's voice was calm, but Leonard knew it wasn't idle chatter.
He simply nodded to follow the flow. He was unsure why his father felt the need to mention it.
"You must be confused about why I'm speaking about this, right?" Kaelion shifted his gaze toward the lively atmosphere in the garden.
"It's quite simple. Why not try to investigate the culprit behind the poison incident. If you can figure it out, then there shall be a reward. If you can't, then…"
Kaelion didn't finish his sentence, but his gaze and mannerism made it clear. There would bound to be trouble for him if he were to fail.
Simultaneously, his aura began to change.
"Alright, you can leave now to begin your investigation. You're not the type to enjoy a large celebratory feast anyway." He resumed his emperor's demeanor and walked away.
The nearby attendants in wait, swiftly followed behind the emperor.
Not a single soul was left behind in this small private venue.
'Some crown prince I am.' Leonard nearly laughed aloud. Rather than being a crown prince, he was more like a puppet crown prince. His position wasn't secure, and any princes who displayed spectacular feats could replace him.
His very duty was to provoke and motivate the other princes to start maturing if they wanted this crown.
Sometime later, Leonard quietly exited the imperial garden.
His outfit and crown were very eye-catching though. Many guards still bowed slightly when graced upon his presence.
Just as Leonard stepped onto the marble corridor leading out of the garden, shadows loomed ahead—three people emerged.
"Hmph, I don't understand what's father thinking. How could they let you become the crown prince?"
"I know right. 3rd prince Rowan Draymoor is way more qualified than the 5th prince."
Rowan Draymoor raised his chin up when he heard their praises. He was from House Draymoor, a martial nobility. They were a dominant military house known for dragon riders and elite knights.
Leonard naturally recognized him at a glance based on the memories he received. Although Rowan was arrogant, he was indeed highly skilled in martial arts and battlefield strategy.
It was just a pity that his arrogance was his major flaw.
Standing next to Rowan and the first to speak up was none other than his 4th brother, Sylas Viren.
The 4th prince Sylas Viren from Spencer's warning was a manipulative person. After all, Sylas hailed from House Viren, a House of Shadows. It was known for its spies, informants, and secretive dealings.
To summarize, they were a house to be wary and distrusted, but undeniably useful to the Empire. Moreover, no matter how powerful the house was, they were still under the control of Emperor Aldros.
As for the remaining person who was just echoing Sylas' words, it was just a small servant from the 3rd prince's side.
For a small servant to be capable of moving alongside Rowan, it was evident that their flattery and bootlicking skills were to Rowan's liking.
"So it's third brother and fourth brother." Leonard greeted lightheartedly. He completely ignored the servant.
"As much as I agree with you, this is Emperor Aldros's decision. Also, mind you, I'm not just another prince anymore. I'm Crown Prince of Aldros!"
The moment Leonard finished his words, he called for the guards nearby and had 3rd prince's servant detained.
"What do you think you're doing?" Rowan raised his voice. He was clearly alarmed and stunned by the cowardly prince's sudden decisive action.
"3rd brother, are you seriously asking me that question?" Leonard raised an eyebrow.
"Your small servant's form of address and sneer is tantamount to questioning our father, Emperor Aldros's judgment. Or are you saying that his words are correct and that our father is wrong?"
THUD!
Rowan's face turned somewhat pale and stepped back a little bit. He was arrogant, alright. But he wasn't foolish enough to not understand the implication behind Leonard's words.
Sylas, on the other hand, kept a calm expression on the surface. His gaze was darted at Leonard with a curious thought. 'When did the 5th prince become courageous and well-spoken?'
In a few seconds, the guards nearby had apprehended the small servant.
The small servant began to panic and pleaded with the 3rd prince for mercy.
"3rd prince, please save me." He cried aloud.
Alas, Rowan turned a deaf ear to his pleas. He wasn't going to risk staining his honor or his house reputation for a mere servant.
When the guards noticed Rowan had zero intention of stopping the process, they proceeded with the motion.
One of them, clearly wearing more medals than the rest, approached Leonard and asked, "What is the Crown Prince's decision on the matter?"
Leonard pondered for a few moments and glanced at the small servant who was close to staining his pants from fear.
"Consider this a charity to the empire. Have him execute and use his body as fertilizer to the imperial garden." He exhaled softly and decreed.
The guard didn't bother saying anything and directly raised his hand to signal his subordinate to do as command.
"No, please don't execute me!"
"I'm sorry, Crown Prince. Spare my life!"
"I was just following the 4th prince's command."
"Shut up!" Suddenly, Sylas erupted in anger and harrumphed. "How dare a mere servant try to slander another prince! Slash his mouth and make sure his filthy mouth can no longer talk!"
In the blink of an eye, one of the guards dragging the small servant away retrieved their sword and gave it a clean cut.
SLASH!
Droplets of blood scattered across the glistening floor tile, and the small servant's eyes turned white from the attack. His pants were officially soiled from his own urination.
Nevertheless, the guards proceeded with the motion and some of the maids nearby readily cleaned off the blood with magic. There was no change in their expression, almost as if it were a common task.
As for the small servant, he was called Daryn, a minor-born with dreams of rising by association. However, those dreams died the moment he opened his mouth. Daryn could only wait to be dragged to the execution hall.
"What a pitiful soul. Even with death at his doorstep, he wanted to drag and frame 4th brother for the crime." Leonard chuckled amusingly and walked off.
Sylas held an awkward smile whereas Rowan eyed Sylas suspiciously.
The last speech from Leonard made Rowan brainstorm whether or not his 4th brother was truly on his side.