The royal princes are the most scrutinized members of the royal family. Since they are born with the potential to inherit the throne, this is an immutable and inevitable fact. For the princes themselves, this might even be considered a misfortune. Every word and action they take has the power to illuminate the nation’s future or plunge it into utter darkness. Their daily lives are like walking a tightrope or treading a path of thorns barefoot.

The First Prince, in this regard, fulfilled his role with perfect outward composure. As the firstborn of the royal family and the one most likely to ascend to the throne, he carried all the accolades and titles that typically accompany the crown prince.

Intelligent insight, a remarkable mind, and the qualities of a wise ruler.

While not an extraordinary genius, the First Prince bore this burden from a young age, supported by the expectations and trust of many within the royal family. Those around him believed he would soon rise as the crown prince. He himself may not have held any ambition for the throne, but he seemed to accept his destiny.

Then came the birth of the Second Prince.

The Second Prince possessed qualities that sharply contrasted with the First Prince.

An unrestrained eloquence, an equally remarkable mind, and outstanding martial skills. His attributes were far more visible than those of the First Prince. People began to murmur treasonous words, comparing the growing Second Prince to the First Prince, who had yet to be named as crown prince.

"The First Prince’s qualities seem lacking compared to the Second Prince."

"His Majesty must have already decided inwardly that the Second Prince will be the crown prince."

"Or perhaps the rumors about the elder son are true."

The First Prince did not crumble under the whispers and doubtful glances. Perhaps it was due to his inherently resilient nature or because he had someone to share his fate with.

"Your Highness, Princess Michelle has come to visit."

First Prince Louis Loire placed the book he was reading back onto the shelf. When studying grew tiresome, he immersed himself in other books—history, science, philosophy, and sometimes even the complex theories of magic. His attendant admired his master’s persistence, always holding a thick book even during breaks.

"...Let her in."

Louis said, setting the book aside with a long sigh. As he did, his attendant quickly opened the door. Beyond the door, brown hair appeared. Michelle, the First Princess, approached Louis with a graceful gait and bowed.

“Louis.”

“Good morning, Michelle. Did you sleep well?”

“I woke up feeling well, but then I heard some sudden news... I apologize for visiting unannounced.”

“Oh, there’s no need to apologize. By the way—”

First Princess Michelle Loire.

She bore a striking resemblance to the current king. Though overshadowed by her brothers, she possessed talents equal to theirs. By some twist of fate, she was the ill-starred royal whose destiny had been swapped with that of the First Prince.

The First Prince and First Princess did not envy each other’s fates but sympathized with one another. They were people who lacked what they should have rightfully had, who had been born and raised as the country saw fit. They had no destiny they had decided upon, no future shaped by their own wills.

Michelle and Louis were each other’s mirrors and supports.

"Sudden news?"

Michelle Loire dismissed the attendants as she took a seat in the chair Louis had pulled over. She thought of the group that had unexpectedly arrived at the palace this morning and began to speak.

"It seems new troops have been added under the Second Prince’s command."

"Under Kyle’s command...?"

At her use of his name, the princess narrowed her eyes briefly before returning to her normal expression.

"Isn’t that brat always gathering troops at every opportunity? Why bring it up now as if it’s something new?"

"They say an entire order of knights has joined him."

The First Prince frowned.

"An entire order of knights? That’s brazen, Kyle... or rather, it must be the doing of that count."

"You’re quite calm, Louis."

Michelle spoke in a dissatisfied tone, to which Louis responded with a wry smile.

"What could I do, knowing I have no means to counter him at this moment? Did you expect me to storm into Kyle’s presence and demand he halt his show of force?"

"You know I didn’t mean it that way."

The First Princess sighed.

"People have been assigned to me as well. People who will act as I wish. I never asked for them."

The First Prince raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"What? Surely they didn’t...?"

"It’s not like that."

Michelle shook her head, dispelling Louis’s worries.

"A single maid and four or five knights. I spoke briefly with them this morning... Their backgrounds are so certain that there’s no room for doubt."

The First Prince’s eyes flashed, picking up on the hint in Michelle’s words.

"Where are they from?"

"Myura."

The eastern noble family, Agon. Louis fell silent. Why would they send people to Michelle? By doing so, it would be tantamount to declaring their support for her as the next in line to the throne...

Louis's mind went blank as if struck by lightning.

"What on earth is Agon thinking by sending them to you?"

"In these circumstances, the most likely explanation is that they want to set me up as a puppet and meddle in the fight for the throne."

The First Prince shook his head.

"I can’t believe Count Agon would make such a foolish move. He’s not one to betray the greater cause, nor is he so reckless as to openly support you and clash with the Second Prince and Benning’s faction."

If that’s not it, then...

Knock, knock.

The prince’s thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. Michelle looked at him worriedly, while Louis bit his lip in thought.

"Louis?"

"Let’s see who it is. I doubt they’d come to harm us."

Let them in.

He masked his tension with a dignified voice as he permitted the guest’s entry. The door opened quietly, revealing a female knight with her hair tied back, exuding a distinctive air.

"Yvonne?"

Michelle reacted, causing Louis to inquire with curiosity.

"Do you know her?"

"...She’s a newly appointed knight under my command."

"From Myura...?"

The knight knelt as soon as she entered the room, displaying flawless etiquette, as though she had been meticulously trained under Count Agon.

"Your servant, Yvonne Monet, begs forgiveness for this sudden and rude visit."

Michelle’s voice was cold as she reprimanded her for the discourtesy.

"If your reason for this abrupt visit is not justified, be prepared to face the consequences."

"I thought this might be my only chance to meet you both without drawing attention. I’ll accept any punishment if it’s deemed necessary."

Louis caught on to her words, realizing this wasn’t a situation to quibble over manners and etiquette. This was clearly a matter that had to be kept hidden from Benning’s spies.

"Very well. Now, as someone under Michelle’s command, what business do you have with me?"

The knight, who introduced herself as Yvonne, took on an even more resolute expression at his proactive stance.

"It concerns precisely that."

"What, that Count Agon has sent his people to support Michelle as a candidate for succession?"

"Yes, Your Highness."

A glance exchanged between Michelle and Louis seemed to discuss their options.

"Stand up and speak freely."

"Thank you for your kindness."

Without hesitation, Yvonne rose, her swift movements indicating the urgency of the matter.

"Count Agon has indeed sent his people to support the First Princess, just as you guessed, Your Highness."

"You seem quite willing to share this in front of her rival."

Louis’s sarcasm faded into a blank stare of shock.

"And soon, the Border Marquis will be sending people to you, Your Highness."

The declaration of the Border Marquis. Louis's eyebrows twitched.

"What is the meaning of this?"

Now his voice carried a definite edge. Even without magic or weapons, the force of his princely presence could fill the room.

"Do you nobles plan to set Michelle and me up as shields, turning this grand hall into a sea of flames and blood, thanks to Kyle, that reckless fool, who’s tarnished the dignity of the royal family?"

His voice was cold, trembling as if he could no longer stand by.

"Do you view the king and the royal family with such disdain?"

The prince’s words were low, but they carried an undeniable power. Yvonne lowered her head.

"It is by royal command."

"...What?"

Louis's eyes wavered. Michelle gasped softly.

"Count Agon of Myura, Lord of the Eastern Land. Marquis Fay, Watcher of the Border and the Kingdom's Shield."

Yvonne stated the royal decree with solemnity.

"By royal command, both of you are to be supported as heirs to the throne."

 

"They’ve finally arrived."

Lionel Becker’s gloomy voice slipped out quietly. Paola glanced at her and offered a word of caution.

"It’s fine to complain, but be careful."

"I understand."

Lionel and Paola’s conversation was light, but the atmosphere surrounding their group was anything but.

The Black Crow Knights.

Having made a name for themselves in no man’s land, they were now one of the kingdom’s most prominent knightly orders, standing in formation in their signature black uniforms at the royal palace. Though they tried to suppress their energy and compose themselves, the sight of dozens of knights dressed in black created an overwhelming sense of intimidation around them.

"What on earth is that?"

"Their uniforms are completely black, with no decorations. Is that the infamous Black Crow Knights?"

"Are they here on a mission?"

"I heard the Second Prince will take them under his command."

The courtiers murmured among themselves.

"They should’ve been ordered to disarm before coming."

Paola clicked her tongue. The sword at her waist felt unusually heavy. Lionel looked at her in disbelief, but Paola merely gave a nonchalant shrug.

"Vice-Captain."

Finally, Teodora whispered a gentle warning before assuming a courteous knight’s stance with a hint of a smile. Despite her caution, Teodora spoke in an apologetic tone, as though feeling remorseful.

"…I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for things to take such a strange turn."

Paola shook her head. Teodora had nothing to apologize for. If anyone deserved blame, it was the Second Prince or his aides who arranged this deployment.

"Who could have imagined they’d send us in like this? I suppose I spoke too soon."

Paola replied lightly, shrugging her shoulders. At that moment, a man who appeared to be a royal attendant approached Teodora.

"His Highness, the Second Prince, is on his way."

Teodora nodded and straightened her posture. At her signal, Lionel and Paola adjusted their stances, followed by the ranks of knights, ready to welcome their new lord with flawless precision.

Thud, thud.

The sound of footsteps approached, announcing their presence with clear authority. Though there were two figures, only one set of footsteps claimed attention.

Two figures entered their view. Teodora knelt without hesitation. The sight of dozens of knights simultaneously kneeling was nothing short of a spectacle.

"Impressive."

The voice seemed to admire the knights’ presence.

"Raise your heads."

Teodora slowly lifted her gaze to meet the individuals standing before her.

"You must be the daughter of Benning, the Black Crow Knights’ captain."

A man with dark brown hair and a smirk of arrogance, the Second Prince, stood before her. At his side, like a shadow, was Leon Benning, gazing coldly at Teodora.