love conquers all | kirisuna

Chapter XIX - The Captain of KOB

Between a nameless prince of lowly birth who was regarded as a murderer, and pure royal who was acknowledged to contribute in many ways for the country, who would the people choose as a ruler?

Between someone who is lacking and someone competent, who would they favor?

Without question, it would be the latter.

But if Kazuto had been aiming for the throne, why has he been hiding in the shadows for a long time?

To conceal his identity and show no interest in aristocracy, what reason could there be?

[Ruby Palace, King's Chambers]

"I will lead the royal delegation," declared Kazuto with resolve.

Displeasure was written all over the king's face as he finished Kazuto's sentence. "...and step into the enemy's territory."

There are three duchies in Aincrad. One was granted to the heir of the late successor, the Antinous family; the other was a prosperous family from the line of knighthood, Duke Thierri of the Black Cats, and lastly, the duke that was known to be the most powerful of the three, infamous for his vicious way of fighting that brought home many victories in Aincrad, the one who is the center of the political power circle, the Duke of the North: Shigemura Tetsuhiro.

"Shigemura is undoubtedly loyal to Vasillios. If their aim is to make Raios the center of this event, I cannot guarantee their cooperation."

"It's true. They will do everything to resist any interference to Raios' succession to the throne but wasn't I powerless against the aristocratic faction?" Kazuto sneered, shrugging his left hand. "Knowing of my current situation, they will think of my attendance as a desperate move to suck up on any of the noble's support. I'm sure they will tolerate such a move since in a big event like the subjugation—and with their power, it will be easy to fabricate an incident to get rid of me. Permanently, if they wish."

"Do you take this as a game?!" Astonished by the blunt resolution, his eyebrows raised.

"I think it's good to think that way," Kazuto scoffed, looking elsewhere. "Someone told me to take more care of myself, but there will always be risks."

"That's impossible. Where would you even ge—"

"Is his majesty perhaps worried about me?" He bravely interrupted with a chuckle. "Ah, forgive me, it looks like I've been chatty today," he smiled. "I hate to take up more of your time than I already did. His majesty will need to rest so I'll be taking my leave now." Kazuo stood up, making a soft creaking sound from his chair as he placed his hand on his chest and bowed. Rising, he smiled again. "Well then, I should go and inform the Captain to make some preparations." He took three steps backward as he bid his goodbye and left the room.

When the doors behind him shut, Kazuto made a loud sigh. Despite the brevity of his exchange with the king, he was already tired, and there was still much to do.

"You wonder where I can gather support?" he smirked and strode along the spacious hallways, mumbling to himself.

Servants froze and lowered their heads when they'd run into him but as he walked by, but even now, the disdainful gazes and sword-like tongues that whispered their pity and resentment were unchanging.

For a young boy who was never favored by his father, it was enough reason for the servants to be moved by prejudice and treat him badly.

***

Seeing the prince walking straight instead of turning left towards his office, the old butler hurriedly followed suit.

"Is there any particular place his highness wishes to be?" he asked meekly.