For many years, Virel had been a territory of the Kaizel family. With its vast plains and mines rich in iron and gold, it bordered Vera and Clozium, making it a hub for commerce and trade, highly coveted by everyone within Karileum. The fame of the Kaizel family stemmed from the value of the crops, iron, and gold produced in that land. If it were taken away, Kaizel would inevitably fall.

Looking at the strongly protesting Eilen, Ail decided to give him a choice.

“Then, would you rather be executed for treason? Either way, Virel will be reclaimed. Choose what you want.”

“This is a frame-up!”

“The evidence is already flawless. If you want, I can have you executed for treason. After all, Kaizel’s fall is inevitable. Just remember that if treason charges are applied, Nathan will be at the front line, facing the executioner’s blade along with the traitors.”

Ail was making it clear to Eilen and Tasha that this wasn’t a war between the Kaizel family and the imperial Linus family, but rather a battle between Nathan and himself, centered around the imperial power. Though Lyman and Ail had pointed their swords at each other, in the end, it was Nathan who had been pushed to the forefront by Lyman. Nathan was still too young to understand what imperial power was, yet he had been placed in the front line by his maternal uncle. A war over imperial power had nothing to do with one’s age or will. In such a battle, there could only be victory or death.

Tasha, who understood Ail’s words, felt dizzy and staggered. Nathan, not understanding the conversation, trembled in fear and clung to Tasha. Eilen, too, bit his lip. He understood this situation was the worst possible outcome.

No matter what, the great ship of Kaizel was sinking. However, he couldn’t allow Nathan to be on that sinking ship. Nathan was the only hope for the Kaizel family. It was to make Nathan emperor that Lyman and Eilen had orchestrated everything. If Nathan died, the last chance for the Kaizel family would vanish.

That could never happen.

As the extreme situation gradually cleared his mind, Eilen began to feel a sense of calm. Initially, he had been overwhelmed, searching desperately for a way out, but now that he acknowledged the dead end, his mind settled. He began to see the details more clearly. He also realized that making a mistake in this situation would be suicidal.

Eilen, who had been standing, apologized for his earlier impudence and sat back down, looking Ail in the eye. With a calmer demeanor than before, he asked Ail.

“Will reclaiming the Virel region suffice?”

“For now.”

After saying that, Ail gave a soft smile. Eilen and Tasha frowned, as though they didn’t understand his intentions. The conditions Ail had presented were extraordinary for them, but for Ail, they offered little benefit. Whether treason charges were applied or a trade was made, the imperial family would eventually gain control of Virel. Of course, applying the charges would complicate matters further, but the outcome would be the same. From Ail’s perspective, applying the treason charges seemed preferable. He couldn’t understand why Ail was trying to win them over instead of just pushing them out. He studied Ail’s face, trying to gauge his intentions, but Ail remained expressionless, offering no clues.

“That’s all I needed to discuss with you.”

As Tasha stared at him intently, Ail coldly told her to leave. Tasha, not wanting to look at Ail’s face any longer, stood up without hesitation.

“Then, I’ll leave.”

“Nathan stays.”

When Ail suddenly spoke, Tasha, who had been tightly holding Nathan’s hand, stiffened her expression. Nathan, who understood Ail’s words, also hid behind Tasha.

“What business do you have with Nathan?”

“Ruth wants to see Nathan. Don’t you want to see Ruth, Nathan?”

Upon hearing Ruth’s name, Nathan, who had been hiding behind Tasha in fear, brightened up and nodded eagerly, although he still stayed hidden behind her.

“I have to visit the Northern Palace in a little while, so I’ll take Nathan with me. Eilen, if you have no more words, feel free to leave.”

Ail’s tone had softened, and Eilen slowly stood up, bowing respectfully before leaving the room with Tasha. After they disappeared down the hallway and the door closed, only Ail, Jessie, and Nathan remained in the room. Nathan, now alone with Ail, stood frozen, unsure of what to do. Ail, looking at him, spoke to him in the gentlest tone he could muster.

“Sit down.”

Though Ail had a different mother, and he wasn’t someone to get emotionally attached to others, especially not to Nathan, he made an effort to be kind. However, despite Ail’s effort, Nathan still hesitated and remained standing. Ail clicked his tongue in frustration.

“Sit.”

Ail’s tone grew harsh again. Startled by the sharpness in Ail’s voice, Nathan quickly sat down in a chair. His posture stiffened, and he lowered his head, looking as though he were being scolded. Jessie, seeing Nathan’s discomfort, felt pity for him. Though they had only met a few times, Jessie thought Nathan was a kind and innocent child. Unlike someone he had met at four years old, who seemed almost inhuman, Nathan was pure and sincere.

“Your Highness, please don’t be too harsh on Prince Nathan.”

When Jessie spoke in a slightly reproachful tone, Ail nonchalantly replied with another order.

“Pack these up. And bring that child to the Northern Palace.”

“Right now?”

“Yes.”

“You should have a servant do that.”

“You do it.”

Having decided to put Jessie to work, Ail now tasked him with even the smallest errands. Jessie, by now, had figured out that Ail was taking childish revenge on him, but he also realized he had no choice. He could only grumble inwardly, knowing he couldn’t refuse Ail’s commands due to his previous wrongdoings.

“I’ll follow your orders.”

Accepting the reality that he would have to keep quiet and appease Ail for the time being, Jessie packed the letters and documents into a leather bag, bowed to Nathan, and left the room. With Jessie gone, only Ail and Nathan were left in the room. Ail, no longer trying to be kind, spoke to Nathan in his usual indifferent tone.

“Do you want to live?”

Nathan, who didn’t fully understand the meaning of Ail’s words, looked up at him in confusion. It was too abstract and difficult a question for Nathan. Watching him struggle, Ail muttered to himself, “I really can’t stand kids.”

“Do you want to live in the imperial palace, with Ruth?”