POV: Grett Baal


    It takes guts to show your face before me, Ill give you that.


    I am aware of the trouble we have caused for Your Highness too, due to the recent events.


    I red at the man kneeling before me, as if showing deference.


    The man, named Snowe Halphas, was a knight and my brother Lars second inmand.


    He surely knew in advance about the n of sending Rossellia to the Maxwells. It might have even been his idea.


    I barely managed to contain the impulse to cut him down on the spot.


    So? What brings you here?


    If its not interesting enough, youre going to suffer the cruelest death man has ever imaginedthat was the intention implied in my tone. Snowe raised his head and answered, a grave expression on his face.


    Prince Grett, I havee here for the sake of fulfilling your wishes.


    My wishes? Know that if you are talking about Rossellia, I will not allow it. After sending her away to an enemy country, how could you


    No, I am not talking about the Princess. I havee to humbly offer a way for Your Highness to be emperor.


    I frowned.


    Someone like you is able to make me the emperor? Thats amusing. Do go on.


    Thank you, Your Highness. Soon, our First Imperial Army and the Imperial Knights will lead a coordinated attack on the Maxwell province. We wish to obtain the assistance of your Second Imperial Army for this campaign.


    I should assist my brother, you say? Utter nonsense.


    I sneered at the absurdity of Snowes words, but he shook his head, now lowered again.


    It is true that, if the operation seeds and the Lamperouge kingdom falls, Prince Lars would fulfill thete emperors will and inherit the throne. But that would only happen if Prince Lars survived the fall of Lamperouge.


    .


    I reflected for a short while, then confirmed Snowes intentions.


    then, what you are proposing is to join this alliance of yours to take down Maxwell, and take advantage of the confusion to murder my brother too  is that right?


    Brilliant intuition, Milord.


    Hah, save the praise. My superiority to Lars is a well-known fact.


    However, I add: I could understand the words spoken by the man before me, but there still was something unconvincing.


    Your full name is Snowe Halphas, correct? If I remember, your brother was a knight too. You would assist me in bing emperor, even if it meant killing your brother in the process?


    My question caused a storm of emotions in Snowes expression: rage, pain, regret  a series of emotions coursed through his face.


    .five years ago, in the battle against House Maxwell, Prince Lars abandoned my brother, Eis Halphas, to certain death. The responsibility for the defeat fell entirely upon our House Halphas, and my brother  who was once called one of the Twin Wings  had his honor and reputation dragged through the mud.


    So you want to avenge your brother, then?


    ..


    Snowe nodded, silent.


    (I seeLars let his brother die, at Maxwells hands. This n would mean killing both of them  two birds with one stone. He is not the younger brother of Eis Halphas, the Wise General, just for show, I suppose.)


    My lips curved into a smile.


    (Using Rossellia for their ns is still unforgivable, but there is merit in cooperating with this n. Once Lars is gone, what happens to the kingdom is inconsequentis long as Rossellia is back, Ill make her my wifeand if she refuses)


    I could always make use of the turmoil caused by the war to lock her up in the dungeons.


    Rossellia is lovely in her beautiful dresses, but I do want to see her in prison clothes too, all ragged and dirty


    Very well, yes, I think I will join in your n. As I am sure you are aware, any betrayal would mean


    Naturally, Milord. My eternal loyalty for you, Prince Grett


    The mes of hate danced in the eyes of the kneeling knight.


    As I gazed upon them, I contemted the life that awaited me once I brought back Rossellia