The Change in Gabella 2

Translator: Cinder Translations

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"Ingrid has reported back: Prince Felix and Duke D'Arshi plan to act within a week."

The Lady of Marianna—Marianna, her name within the Arcane Order—calmly shared the intelligence she had just received.

In a hidden chamber, Antonio, Aldridge, Yarvi, Anbolov, Carol, and other core members of the Ten Council, along with a few officials secretly supporting the second prince, were gathered to discuss the current situation in the capital.

Aside from Siegfried and McDonald, all core members of Prince Antonio's faction were present.

Anbolov, his thick beard trembling with agitation, frowned and said, "So, as soon as Marshal McDonald and the army leave, they can't hold back?"

"Your Highness, I believe we should strike first," suggested an elderly man in a black robe. This was Dorati Maite, a revered mage in the Arcane Order and second only to Antonio in influence among the magic wielders. Few had seen the master cast a spell, but no one doubted his power.

Aldridge, the head of the Scholar's Tower, also advised, "Master Maite's suggestion is sound. Now is when Felix and D'Arshi are at their most complacent. They think they have the advantage, unaware we have a hidden force of spellcasters right here in the capital. Your Highness, this is a small yet sharp dagger, and if wielded at the right moment and target, it could change everything."

The others voiced their agreement, each supporting the idea of gathering their forces to eliminate the crown prince's faction.

But while everyone was in accord, Antonio, the central figure, showed rare signs of inner turmoil. He paced back and forth by the table in silence.

"Your Highness!" Elder Odanel, the most skilled in mind magic among the Ten Council, slowly stood up and asked, "What is it that you're still worrying about?"

"My father…"

Antonio's voice was hoarse. "How am I to face him?"

A heavy silence filled the room.

Overall, Bartley Griffin was a good ruler. Unfortunately, he couldn't handle the troubling prophecy. Moreover, it was nearly impossible for such a traditionally minded king to accept the legitimacy of magic-wielders.

"Bartley is a good father," Aldridge said gravely. "But as a king, he's been too much of a father figure. With all you've achieved on the battlefield, he should've long named you as heir. But his so-called fatherly love prevents him from wanting to hurt Felix's feelings, so he hesitates to decide. This delay has only emboldened Felix and his supporters, while leaving the empire divided."

"So, Your Highness," Aldridge added solemnly, "as a loyal subject of Gabella, I urge you to end this uncertainty. Only by unifying the empire can we bring the continent together, and only with the continent united can we face the prophecy's great enemy."

Hearing this, Antonio asked with some pain, "And what of my father?"

"Let him abdicate," Aldridge suggested. "Let him retire as Emperor Father and enjoy his remaining days. I believe he'll be proud of your future deeds."

Antonio remained silent.

"Kehehehe…" A scratchy laugh echoed in the room. This was Enoch Christopher, another member of the Ten Council, who enjoyed working with poisons and corpses.

"Your Highness," Christopher said mockingly, "forgive me if I sound like a cynic. Perhaps, the Emperor is deliberately not declaring an heir, wanting you and Felix to compete. Remember, your father is still young and vigorous…"

"Enough!" Maite and Aldridge barked at Christopher in unison.

Christopher shrugged, slouching back into his chair without another word.

Antonio stood quietly, back turned to the others. Perhaps Christopher's words had struck a nerve.

"It will be a fight to the death," the prince finally said with a sigh.

Carol stood up and gently placed a soft hand on his shoulder, her eyes filled with affection.

"Your Highness, we are all by your side."

Antonio nodded. "Very well. Let's take action immediately."

When he turned to face them, the hesitation and frustration had vanished. The fierce imperial prince, undefeated on the battlefield, was back.

"Master Maite, Lady Marianna, gather the spellcasters near the palace and be ready."

"Yes, Your Highness. We'll make it happen."

"Anbolov, as captain of the guard, monitor Felix and D'Arshi's every movement within the palace."

"Yes, Your Highness," Anbolov replied, visibly excited. The prince had finally decided.

"Master Yarvi," the prince said, addressing the scholar. "Reach out to McDonald and Siegfried. We must secure critical locations surrounding the capital…"

"As for you, my teacher, Master Aldridge, be prepared to shape public opinion should we succeed…"

(End of the Chapter)

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