Chapter Twenty-Five: Contradictions

A waiting room that was once spacious now brimmed with people, every noble of even the slightest standing gathered within its walls. Temporary chairs had yet to arrive, so, following the example set by Second Prince Walker, Third Prince Murphy, and Rose Princess Lilia, everyone stood, awaiting news from the emergency ward.

As each minute slipped by, the atmosphere thickened, and the room's factions became ever more pronounced—three distinct camps, their allegiances clear. Even those who had previously remained neutral found themselves forced into a temporary stance.

It was obvious: the supporters behind Third Prince Murphy outnumbered those of Second Prince Walker and Rose Princess Lilia combined, and then doubled again. The rumor that Walker had plotted against the Crown Prince for the throne on the world battlefield was an indelible stain on his reputation.

Such things happened often enough in noble houses, and many present had themselves ascended to power by questionable means—one brother's methods hardly better than another's. Yet Walker was no ordinary noble; he was of the royal family, and the tradition dictated the eldest legitimate son would inherit the throne. From the evidence, he was deeply dissatisfied with the kingdom's current state, yearning to emulate the Red Cloud Empire.

But Walker, before even ascending, had already shown ruthlessness toward his kin, and through war and swift promotions, had placed loyal followers in control of much of the military. A king with such ruthlessness, background, and capability, eager to learn from the Red Cloud Empire—whose interests would the nobles rely on once he took power?

Yet despite sheer numbers, the supporters of the Second Prince exuded the strongest presence. They were, on average, younger and more vigorous, and Walker himself, with his powerful build and square, commanding face, radiated authority even in sorrow.

In contrast, Murphy and Lilia paled. Murphy, gentle-faced and fleshy, tried to look sorrowful but resembled nothing so much as a downcast Buddha. Lilia, for all her dazzling appearance and tear-stained cheeks, seemed pitiable—but in a contest that determined decades of future and countless lives, pity was ground to dust.

In truth, the Second Prince and his supporters had already seized upon the fact that only Lilia was present when the Queen fell ill, using it as a weapon to mock her. Had Murphy not occasionally intervened, Lilia's youthful innocence and the Queen's own status as a woman would not have shielded her from harsher words; she would have been dismissed as inexperienced and told to prepare for an arranged marriage.

As the golden hour for resuscitation passed, Lilia's situation worsened. Only the seasoned foxes present, who understood the art of biding one's time and forging alliances from enemies, kept her from being immediately restricted. Still, those with nothing left to lose or ambitions to advance began to speak out.

“Princess Lilia is still young, lacking the experience to care for elders, and failed to properly look after the Queen.”

“The Queen is old; it’s time to name an heir.”

“She’s ruled the kingdom for so many years. If she passes, the nation will be shaken. We need someone with authority, skill, and reputation.”

“Prince Murphy is generous and well-respected at home and abroad. With him at the helm, the kingdom would surely flourish.”

“With unrest between the Red Cloud Empire, Morningstar Alliance, and Dawn Alliance, and with the loss of Dawn Alliance’s market, some countries are already unstable. We need a leader versed in war and able to command.”

Though Murphy had previously aided Lilia, now, as the Queen’s fate hung in the balance, both camps sought first to push Lilia aside.

Lilia herself, hands covering her face, was nearly despondent. She lacked the deep foundation of her rivals; despite inheriting her father's legacy and displaying diplomatic skill, her latent power had yet to fully emerge. Now, in crisis, she glanced about, finding no one willing to speak on her behalf. Her few supporters, seeing their weakness, fell silent and even considered defecting to Murphy’s side—better to safeguard their own interests.

“My grandmother’s health has always been robust; this is but a temporary chill,” Lilia said, deliberately referring to Queen Eliza as “grandmother.” She paused, then continued, “Still, I find your points reasonable.”

“Though I have not yet participated in state affairs, I have occasionally heard my grandmother mention, during our chats, that friction is increasing, and clashes are frequent. There may be a brewing war.”

“Thanks to my uncle and all of you, the Kingdom of Flowers suffered little in the last world war. Our coastal position allowed us to ride the wave of reconstruction, but it may soon make us, as the Red Cloud Empire proverb says, a target for all.”

“Though we have signed peace treaties with other nations, treaties are not always honored. The Kingdom of Barlin has broken them several times—recently, they agreed to reconciliation one day, then sent troops claiming dissatisfaction with compensation the next. It's hard to trust or feel secure.”

“I ask nothing for myself, only that the Kingdom of Flowers not be drawn into war. I do not wish to see its children orphaned before the age of ten…”

The subtext was plain, almost unvarnished; all present understood her meaning. Sometimes the simplest words are the most effective.

As Lilia spoke, the temperature in the waiting room seemed to drop by eight degrees, the air suddenly precious, every breath measured. Those who had traded barbs now found themselves silenced, as if a hand gripped their throats.

“Heh,” Prince Walker spoke at last, breaking the tension. “Rest assured, niece. The kingdom’s army is like a well-honed blade, and under my care, it grows ever sharper. The Kingdom of Barlin, mouse-hearted, would not dare face the Kingdom of Flowers’ sword.”

“Uncle, then I am at ease,” Lilia replied, tilting her head, a tear seemingly at her eye. “But Barlin is easily blinded by small gains; taking a single strand from them feels like taking flesh. They often react to imagined threats as if they were real. One fears they might make a mistake in a moment of confusion.”

“But with you, Uncle, I trust you’ll make them pay for any mistake before it’s made. That is reassuring.”

“You always bring such fierceness, Brother,” Murphy interjected before Walker could reply. “Your sword is sharp, but Barlin’s isn’t dull. I’ve done some business with their nobles and know them well; they won’t start a war lightly. Bullying smaller nations is one thing, but they lack the courage to challenge us—they don’t want rivers of blood.”

“Then I am truly reassured…” Lilia fell silent, as if suddenly relieved. She seemed about to say more, but a look of surprise blossomed on her face—

The door to the emergency ward creaked open. A middle-aged doctor in a white coat stepped out. “Why so many people? Everything went well. Her Majesty is healthy; she needs only a few days of rest…”