Some are illusions, some are guesses, some are rumors, but as soon as you link this information with the Crown Prince before you, the conclusion is quite simple.
"Because of ambition, an ambitious person will not be content with being merely a pawn," Brand felt this was his most lucid moment ever, as if his mind was in sync with his spirit, and all the past speculations about this Crown Prince became the basis of his current speech.
He felt as if he stood on the shoulders of giants, lifting his head to calmly say: "Since you could find a spark of life for the Wood Main Priest in such desperate circumstances, how could you ever let others manipulate you back then?"
"Impressive, but indeed so." The Crown Prince sighed: "I did stop some things, within the limits of my abilities. Some of the endeavors from Mother I was happy to see, but I did not necessarily agree with the methods."
"Besides, everyone has their own interests at heart, and I don’t see it as a sin," he replied.
The Princess wanted to speak, but suddenly stopped. She glanced at Brand, signaling him to continue. This trust was well understood by Brand, so he asked, "Then what exactly are your interests, whose side are you truly on?"
"I told you, we are on the same side. I want to become the King of the North, and you need me to be your shield in the North." The Crown Prince spoke with a tranquil demeanor.
But Brand carefully observed his facial expressions and had a gut feeling that the Prince was not fully truthful. He subconsciously looked aside and noticed the maid next to Levin Onesen frowning slightly.
She seemed to want to say something, but the Crown Prince gestured for her to stop.
"All this is just a mirage, you are well aware of your fate. Is it worth risking your life just to be a King of the North for a year or two?"
"Brother." Princess Griffine finally couldn’t hold it anymore and spoke.
The Crown Prince let out a laugh and replied: "Griffith, have you ever tasted the feeling of not being able to control your own destiny? I vow, one day I will carve my own path, even if it’s just for a minute, a second—remember what I told you during the winter hunt?"
"...You said that Erune is like a Black Forest and if you were that Head Wolf, your choice would be the same..." For a moment, Princess Griffine recalled that trap buried in the snow and the bloodstain that dyed her vision red.
The year of the Astrologer, the scenery when the cold wind swept across the Highland still sends a shiver down one’s spine.
"Even if it means chewing off my own leg, I will seek freedom because the wilderness is my true home," Levin bared his white teeth and replied: "Moreover, I’m not certain to fail. Although the North is filled with hardships, there’s always a thread of hope. Surviving in desperate situations is what I’m best at."
"Griffith, if you can’t defeat me, I will relentlessly beat you. Just like you, I will not allow Ambeser to remain divided for long, not even for a day." A cold voice echoed in the vestibule.
Even Miss Merchant was startled, turning back with wide eyes at this madman.
The Crown Prince did seem mad, but at least he was a graceful madman. He saluted his sister, not allowing a single error to be found in his manners.
The Princess remained cold for a long time before stopping him: "Do you assume I wouldn’t dare to kill you?"
"Yes."
"...But I won’t agree to your demands."
"And then?" The Crown Prince was not surprised and asked with a smile.
The Princess silently watched him.
...
Two carriages rolled out one after the other from the manor, many people waiting in the courtyard to board them.
"He didn’t tell the truth." Antitina whispered a reminder to her Lord as she boarded the carriage: "At least not the whole truth."
"I know, are you referring to that part?" Brand, as usual, helped his Staff Lady onto the carriage, making him appear unusual. But Brand ignored the odd glances from the servants and looked up to ask.
"I don’t know, but I feel he hid something, just a hunch."
"A hunch?"
"A hunch is also a kind of experience, Lord," Antitina answered seriously.
Brand thought for a moment and found reason in her words. He turned back, looked at the other carriage. The emblem on the carriage was so dark it was nearly colorless, and he had the same doubts in his heart. The Crown Prince was certainly the steadiest person he had encountered since his transmigration, such a person couldn’t be entirely truthful.
But the key lies in what exactly he’s hiding.
He turned back again, pinched the nose of Roman who peeked out, causing the latter to fall back with an "Ouch." Then he boarded the carriage, greeted the Little Prince and the cold-eyed Princess, before sitting beside Roman.
Princess Griffine frowned, seemingly deep in thought.
Among those present, probably only Brand understood her thoughts. But he said nothing, just lifted the curtain and looked out the window. Outside, the scenery of Ambeser was gradually swallowed by twilight.
From today, Levin Onesen Sifah, her brother, was no longer the crown prince of the Colcorva family, but under the joint appointment of the Princess and the Holy Temple—a legitimate, new title awaited him as the new head of the Sifah Family.
This newly-appointed Duke would be entrusted with organizing the North to fend off the Lion-man’s invasions. Essentially, it meant promising him the kingship of the North, and everyone would understand this.
Although none of this was finalized, Brand could already guess what the Princess’s response would be.
This seemed like a compromise from the Royalists’ side.
But only a few people understood the truth within.
Perhaps some would think the Princess should stand firmer, but others might see this as a more mature political maneuver. However, what truly puzzled Griffine was her brother’s apparent confidence.
No one knows if this was a mistake.
But to Brand, the outcome seemed rather favorable. What Erune needed was not righteous platitudes, but more precisely, time. As long as he had a bit more time, he’d have the power to save this Kingdom.
And now, what the Crown Prince provided them was exactly what he longed for. As long as the Northern nobles stop restlessly plotting. The Princess can focus on tidying up the Southern chaos.
More importantly, three years of peace, after which, the enemies Erune can face will not be limited to the current rabble.
The Crown Prince had his plans, and so did Brand.
Valhalla is the cornerstone of it all, he was certain of it.
He took one last look at the golden dusk outside the window, towards that direction lay a glistening coastline, as if through the golden clouds, the majestic scenery of the Trade Wind Ring was in sight. Then he let the curtain fall, deciding not to ponder these matters further.
As for what the Crown Prince truly wanted, let history judge in the future.
At least, for Brand.
...
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