Emperor's Alternate - Chapter 14
In the early days of the nation, the imperial power was certainly strong. The Emperor married into numerous influential families, and those who contributed to overturning the country were duly rewarded. However as the centuries passed, their power decayed, and the crown’s authority wavered.
In the last 100 years, more emperors have been overthrown than in any other period. Dethroned, literally. Emperors were only emperors in name only, and the most powerful men at the time, the chancellors, put whomever was at their beck and call into office. The appointed emperors were typically dim-witted, jealous, and solely concerned with preserving their own position. The truly intelligent ones never ascended to the throne.
This country was led by powerful nobles, and even those individuals bowed their heads before Lecan.
“People are multifaceted and adapt their behavior based on the circumstances they face. If I lead the lord more wisely, someone previously known for their tyranny might transform into a just and righteous ruler.”
“That’s remarkable loyalty,” replied Lecan, looking less than impressed.
‘He is more dangerous than the rumors suggest.’
Lecan seemed like someone who I would undoubtedly have to eliminate to ensure the survival of the Sixth Prince. While uncertain, it seemed like Lecan had sensed something.
He was rude, yet exuded confidence like a victorious fighter. Amidst the collapsing empire, those with concerns seemed willing to pledge their loyalty to him. Furthermore, unlike the Sixth Prince, who didn’t even seem to appreciate valuable talent, Lecan would likely be a lord who respected his subjects.
There’s a saying that the number one investigator fears the most is the spirited young lion. I understood through experience why emerging factions gravitate toward Lecan.
‘What do you think the meaning of life is?’
The format of the interview was peculiar from the start. But I was rendered speechless by the question that seemed to pierce through my emptiness in an instant.
It sounded as though it wasn’t asking about the universal meaning of life but rather probing into my personal existence. Why do I live? To save my younger brother, to elevate the Sixth Prince to the throne, to restore my family’s honor.
There were reasons that came to mind, but none of them were for my own sake.
‘Snap out of it.’
I was seated here as the Sixth Prince.
“…The meaning of life is about contributing to others within a community and finding personal happiness as an individual.”
“I am asking about your own life’s meaning. And I’m inquiring about how it relates to your admission into Persi Academy. What do you perceive as the meaning of your life, and why did you decide to apply to the academy?”
To answer that I’m taking the exam to acquire the prestige needed to elevate the Sixth Prince to the throne was out of the question.
“Each person may have their own talents, but my ability to discern and govern people is particularly outstanding. I aim to achieve my life’s meaning by contributing to others while realizing my own potential. That’s why I intend to study political science and imperial studies in depth here at Persi Academy, as it offers the highest academic achievements in these fields.”
“…It seems Your Highness might completely misconstrue your strengths and weaknesses. Your strength isn’t governance, but rather unwavering loyalty, not imperial studies but magic. As for weaknesses…”
His gaze was sharp as a knife that was dissecting me to my core. If I continued facing him, I felt like everything would be exposed.
“Acting.”
“…?”
“Aren’t you feeling disconnected right now—putting on a false act and pretending you’re living a full life when you’re really just staring blankly into space?”
The question crossed a line, so casually delivered that it left me flustered. It was so intrusive, forcibly digging through my defenses as if he had already seen through the many layers of my disguise.
There was no reason for Lecan to feel threatened enough by the Sixth Prince to taunt him this way. Unless he keenly read the butterfly effect that would unfold in the future.
“I am living a fulfilling life. Even now, I breathe with complete confidence and everything feels perfectly aligned, from my outward appearance to my innermost thoughts. I feel entirely true to myself.”
“…”
My voice shook a little, perhaps from the resentment in my heart. Yet, even after my wavering, Lecan, who had been adept at speaking until now, remained unusually quiet for a while.
Observing me silently, Lecan extended his hand towards me as I sat upright. Caught off guard by the unexpected contact, I froze as Lecan’s hand somehow ended up on my hair. He rolled a thin strand between his fingers, muttering under his breath.
“Well-crafted.”
His hard red eyes were fixed on me, and my heart ached strangely. Unlike me, those eyes seemed like that of someone who clearly knew their life’s meaning.
“You’re like a doll.”
Those words crushed me more than any other.
I feel like I’m being asked who and what I’m performing for—the sensation of being completely laid bare. My breath caught in my throat, so much so that I would have preferred to have been strangled.
