Lativ's 13-year-old mind raced.
"Refreshments."
Larak wanted to speak, but all he managed was a bow.
Archduke Larak immediately summoned a servant. "Bring refreshments."
"I didn't know you carried this sort of innocence," Guren remarked, watching Lativ. Beneath his alert eyes, he could sense the subtle fear Lativ had learned to hide from most nobles.
"Y-Your Majesty?"
Was that meant as a compliment? Larak wiped his sweating brow.
At a sign, Lativ bowed deeply. Something was wrong. Very wrong.
"Forgive me, Your Majesty. I have misspoken. Please grant me death!"
Goodbye, mother, goodbye, father. Your son goes first. internal cries
Stupid. You don't even know if you've erred.
Guren fiddled with the tassel on his coat.
"Death, huh?"
A flicker of something crossed Guren's eyes. "Indeed. Death is a bliss for those who long for it."
"…"
"If you wish to die, die elsewhere."
Huh? He survives? Hooray!
"…I will do my best, Your Majesty!"
"I'm not deaf."
"Y-Yes…"
Larak's voice dropped to a whisper.
"What takes precedence, family or the Empire?"
Lativ swallowed hard.
Erm.
It was a delicate question. His father had made him aware of how the Adiand royalty viewed family and loyalty. But Lativ had grown cherished, protected, loved. He would do anything for his parents.
And now, facing the Emperor himself, every word had to be measured.
First, how would he act if he were in His Majesty's place? Could he be merciless enough?
"Your M-Majesty, I think it would be bes—"
"Your Majesty, I've brought refreshments to go with your tea," Xiwen's voice interrupted from outside, cutting through his flustered thoughts.
A wave of relief.
"Serve it."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Two teacups appeared before Lativ and Guren, accompanied by sweets. Lativ's eyes lit up. Sweets, his favorite. But he couldn't dare indulge just yet.
"Strange, I thought you liked these," Guren observed.
"Ah, forgive me, Your Majesty. I do, but…" Lativ stammered, "it feels undeserving to enjoy delicacies with the Emperor while I am not yet an official."
Xiwen nudged the cake toward him. "Please, Young Master. The Emperor himself favors this cake."
Lativ couldn't help comparing Guren's composed face to the mannequins he'd seen in shops.
"Then I humbly thank His Majesty's generosity."
"Now tell me your thoughts," Guren pushed.
Lativ swallowed the sweet muffin in one gulp, careful not to clang his cup.
"Answering the Emperor… each land is divided, each ruled by someone. A nation can be seen as a single family. Therefore, the Empire is more important."
"Then would you kill your own little family for the Empire?"
"I… I—" Lativ laughed nervously. Of course I can't. But what if I must? Father, I'm not eloquent enough.
"Is your family part of the Noble Faction?"
"Y-Yes…"
"And if an Empire had divided families, would it still matter?"
Lativ's fingers clenched his sleeves. His father had never delved into these intricacies with him, but even at his age, Lativ knew the Imperial and Noble Factions were quietly at odds.
The Neutral Faction? Irrelevant.
"I, Your Majesty, will do whatever is required. I am your servant."
"It was just a simple question."
Not simple! Lativ's mind spun. It was like asking him to choose who to kill first mother or father? But he forced himself to think as the Emperor might.
"N-No, but… if I may, it could be an advantage to discern conspiracies. We could find spies who works at each sides, see who aligns with whom." His voice faltered.
"Good. Keep going," Guren's eyes were calm but piercing.
"Not all supporters of the Emperor, or any faction are trustworthy. Neighboring nations watch. If we know, we can preempt betrayal."
"Hmmm."
"Our Empire is strong. We needn't execute blindly yet knowing possible threats matters."
Guren's next question struck. "If I were to kill your family for treachery, what would you do?"
Err… C-Calm down! Think strategically, think like Emperor!
Lativ exhaled. "I would identify the betraying families, present evidence, and ensure loyalty to His Majesty. My… my apologies, Father, for the burden I may place on you."
He bowed deeply. "We shall remain loyal to Adiand. If the royalty thrives, we thrive. Should anyone betray, I, as heir, will pursue them… relentlessly."
"You sound hesitant."
Mother, I just want to be a strategist on the side!
"I will make them vanish, and they shall never see the sun set again."
For trees and grass, he was the same age as the Emperor. Yet he'd never killed, not even an insect. How foolish he must appear before one who commanded legions, razed citadels, and spilled countless blood.
"For someone unversed in death, you are bold," Guren noted.
"I… I am sure Father would understand."
"For the sake of family?" Guren's gaze lingered, recalling a dream: fire, blood, a frightened boy now replaced with controlled, resolute anger.
"I was merely asking," Guren said.
Lativ fell silent.
A simple question could carry the weight of life and death. Yet he did not regret his answer. There were still lives he must protect.
He calculated his next moves, ensuring the Emperor's attention would fade from his family. Does this mean our family could be marked? He shook himself free.
"…Eh? Where… where is the Emperor?"
"His Majesty already left," Xiwen replied, the smile gentle, unwavering.
"Eeek!" Lativ flinched.
"Forgive my daze in front of His Majesty," he muttered, chest still racing.
"You did well," Xiwen said softly, hand on his shoulder. Empathy. Relief.
"Thank you! Sob!"
A servant guided him back.
"May the heir of the Duke of Yushon enjoy the remainder of His Majesty's banquet," Xiwen added.
"Ye-Yes, thank you!" Lativ bowed, gratitude in every movement.
"Then I shall take my leave," Xiwen said, bowing.
"Hik."
Such kindness… amidst all this fear…
Curiosity got the better of him. "Sire, is it worth serving His Majesty?"
Xiwen blinked, then smiled. "It is normal to ask."
"Yes… thank you again."
"It is an honor, Young Duke."
"Hehe, it's my pleasure. I will take my leave first!"
Xiwen observed silently as Lativ disappeared into the corridors, the soft music from the Banquet Hall trailing behind him. The twinkling lights above contrasted the somber halls of past years.
"Your Majesty, the Young lord Lativ left."
"What did he say?"
"The youthful duke is intrigued by assisting His Majesty directly."
"You worded that well."
"I dare not flatter, Your Majesty."
"When he arrives, accommodate him."
"Your Majesty?" Xiwen wondered if the boy's innocence had sparked interest.
"He is far too lively," Guren noted. The way his expression just shows what he is thinking. The way he would falter just by his gaze. It's too different yet…same. Annoying.
"Understood."
Xiwen hid his smile. Isn't this a wonderful situation for this gloomy place?