Chapter 11: The Coup and the New King’s Vision

A pall of darkness descended, and beacons of war flared across the land. An eagle spread its colossal wings, casting a shadow over all those trapped within the royal court.

The disciplined march of soldiers mingled with the piteous cries of the courtiers. Many courtiers, seizing the chaotic moment, fled the royal court, leaving only two opposing factions on the grand stage of the royal hall.

“This is an act of rebellion!”

Slowly, he raised his gaze, his eyes lingering on the official who seemed utterly oblivious to the unfolding reality.

Prime Minister Charles Faraute’s eyes were bloodshot, practically bulging from their sockets, as he furiously pointed at the soldiers who had stormed into the royal court, and at the central figure they heralded—Count Cliff.

Count Cliff, his neat brown hair perfectly coiffed, presented a face as stark as frosted glass, his posture impeccably straight. The corners of his eyes curved upward just perceptibly, his hawk-like gaze playfully scrutinizing the courtiers who still lingered near the throne.

With a subtle glance, Cliff signaled his soldiers to lower their weapons, then proceeded directly towards the Prince.

The monarch who had governed the Principality of Saint Fros for nearly three decades, restoring its vigor, now appeared utterly decrepit. The relentless march of time had eroded his former severity and unwavering resolve, leaving behind only the stark vestiges of old age and profound helplessness.

“Cliff, what is the meaning of this?” The Prince placed his hand on the armrest of the throne, his colorful rings dazzling. “I never issued a decree for you to enter the capital.”

Charles cast a nervous glance at the Prince, who, despite the unfolding coup, maintained a composed demeanor. This outward calm stemmed from the knowledge that his most elite Imperial Knights lay in wait within the royal court’s flanking chambers, poised to burst forth and offer support the instant an order was given. Yet, Charles wondered, would a few mere steps truly be enough time?

Cliff merely offered a faint smile, offering no reply. With a slight bow, he respectfully ushered forward the true architect of this unfolding drama—the figure who had been standing silently behind him.

This single action instantly shattered the Prince’s carefully maintained composure.

The Prince’s lips trembled incessantly, his eyes almost bulging from their sockets, as he stared directly at the person before him.

“Hear ye, Principality of Saint Fros, Glais Normanthine II. Due to your stubborn self-will, debauchery, attempts to violate the No-War Edict, and even defiance of the Elder Council during your reign, I now formally declare your dethronement on behalf of the Elder Council. Your throne shall now be inherited by your grand-nephew, Count Lopeda, Cliff Normanthine.”

As the sweet, bell-like declaration resonated through the hall, the Prince remained frozen on his throne, while Charles’s face was etched with sheer horror. With events having progressed to this point, there was no longer any indication that the Imperial Knights, concealed in the flanking chambers, would emerge. It seemed no one had truly forgotten the Elder Council’s ‘minor chastisement’ of the Saint Fros army three decades prior.

“Now, let the new king ascend the throne.”

The transfer of power happened in an instant; Charles had no chance to stop it. The old Prince he had served for many years, Glais II, simply removed the black and gold crown and, with both hands, presented it to his grand-nephew.

When the Elder Council had wielded its formidable power over Saint Fros in the past, Charles had been but an unworldly child, and tales of their influence were merely whispers he’d overheard. Now, however, he was witnessing the Elder Council’s true authority for the very first time.

Indiscriminate slaughter of soldiers, arbitrary dethronement and enthronement—this might only be the tip of the iceberg of the Elder Council’s hegemony. However, what puzzled Charles greatly was how a count of a principality could have allied himself with the Elder Council.

In short, without expending a single soldier, Cliff I settled firmly onto the throne. He immediately issued orders to quench the fires and reassure the populace. He then dispatched the soldiers and the now-loyal Imperial Knights to escort the old Prince away, leaving only Charles behind.

“You were my grand-uncle’s most trusted Prime Minister. I often heard him speak of you; he praised your loyalty and talent endlessly.” Prince Cliff conversed with Charles, a smile gracing his lips.

While Charles’s loyalty was nominally pledged to the succession of princes, he found it utterly impossible to reconcile himself with this young man, who was roughly his own age and had so recently usurped the throne from his own grand-uncle.

“I am grateful for the late king’s favor, but I am merely a mediocre talent, lacking in foresight and wisdom,” Charles replied blandly.

“There’s no need for excessive modesty. I recall it was you who resolved the capital riots two years ago, was it not?”

“That was merely a stroke of luck on my part, and more importantly, thanks to the late king’s brilliant decisions.” Charles bowed his head.

“My father often said that with General Royce guarding Saint Fros externally and Prime Minister Faraute internally, the Eledis Empire could be kept beyond the Great Wall. This is no exaggeration.” Cliff I’s face still bore the smile that Charles detested. “Today’s events also prove your loyalty. It seems that in this vast royal court, only you possess some backbone, daring to point your finger at me and scold me.”

Charles remained speechless, a profound silence enveloping him.

“I mean nothing by it, I merely hope that your loyalty to the former king can be swiftly transferred to me.” Cliff’s smile vanished, his infamous hawk-like gaze fixed on Charles, making him utterly uncomfortable. “However, it seems an Elder has already visited here?”

“Yes, she introduced herself as Chloe, and it seems she came to claim the Avros territory you recently occupied.” A flicker of joy sparked in Charles’s heart. Although it was unlikely Cliff would break with the Elder Council over a piece of land, adding some trouble for him was always a good thing. “Moreover, she brought a legitimate heir named Lady Xina, whose father, Lord Norlin, was the original lord of Avros.”

“I remember him now, that old madman. I wonder if his daughter is as mad as he was.” Cliff tapped his fingers on the throne. “What is Lady Chloe’s demand?”

“She wishes to co-govern that territory with Lady Xina.”

“I see, how generous indeed. Then what do you suppose the Elder Council’s true intention is in sending Lady Chloe to partition our territory?”

“To monitor us, I presume.” Charles felt a touch of confusion. If they had already sent someone to directly interfere with the principality’s affairs, what further need was there for surveillance?

“Then let us grant it to them for now.” Cliff seemed to bear no psychological burden, perhaps because the territory was acquired illicitly, making it easy to relinquish. “However, if an Elder were to become my vassal, that would be an act of profound insubordination.”

“I share that sentiment deeply. So, what is your proposal?”

“How about we allow the Avros territory to become independent?” Cliff gestured towards the domed ceiling, where a map of all Saint Fros was depicted. “The Avros territory lies on our border with the Eledis Empire. With border lords defecting one after another, if we use an Elder as a buffer, the Empire will find it difficult to connect their territories, and they would not dare usurp an Elder’s land. At that point, we can focus on dealing with the traitors within our own nation.”

Charles was somewhat astonished. In truth, the former king had long entertained the idea of granting independence to the border territories but had never found a suitable candidate. Now, Lady Chloe certainly presented herself as a perfect choice. He had previously dismissed Cliff as merely a dissolute noble, even suspecting him of colluding with the Empire. It seemed appearances could truly be deceiving.

“I agree wholeheartedly, but the Avros territory is merely a small countdom; I fear it might not suffice as an adequate buffer.”

“Then let us bestow upon her the surrounding regions as well.” Cliff drew a circle on the map. “In doing so, we would no longer share a border with the Empire at all.”

“But… what we would be ceding amounts to a tenth of the entire Principality. At that point, an Elder would possess the stature of a duchy, and I fear what changes time might bring.”

“There’s no need to worry excessively; Elders are also bound by the No-War Edict,” Cliff stated. “The territories we are ceding are sparsely populated borderlands, and the damage to our nation would not be substantial. Instead, let us use this period to bide our time, consolidate our internal forces, and await changes in the world.”

Charles’s perception of Cliff had undergone a significant shift. Even if his ascension was illegitimate, if the new king brought forth a fresh era, then serving him might not be an ill choice.

Moreover, the powerful noble faction backing Charles had, in truth, long grown weary of King Glais, who had shown a clear bias towards commoners. Welcoming a king with a new stance was undoubtedly a positive development. Although news of the succession had not yet reached the entire kingdom, it was highly probable that over three-quarters of the great nobles would wholeheartedly support Cliff’s ascension.

“I will serve you with all my heart and might.” ‘Recognize your position, and do not antagonize the nobles,’ Charles thought to himself.

“Your words are enough.” Cliff looked towards the domed ceiling. Charles followed his gaze, where the eyes of a majestic eagle seemed to look down upon them both.