Chapter 376: Side Story 2: The Bastard Prince

"Today is the start of your new lives." The Headmaster of the Academy said proudly, looking at the new students in the hall. The hall was divided into two levels, with new students aged 7 and above seated on the lower level. On the second level, pre-existing students of the Academy and university watched with interest, waiting for the special guest they knew was coming.

"Looking at all your faces, I feel proud seeing the next generations of men and women who will lead this world." The headmaster continued, "And it is with great pride that I welcome you all to the Lindonfall Academy." The Headmaster raised his head, "Now please rise." Every student stood up. The Headmaster nodded happily and made sure to watch with hawk-like eyes for the next part. "Lower your head in respect, for His Majesty the Emperor."

There wasn’t a loud applause or cheers from the students as Alfred walked out. The younger students didn’t truly understand and did as they were told, lowering their heads, whilst those who knew what Alfred’s presence meant lowered their heads in respect or fear. Alfred watched the silent student body as he strolled forward.

Walking over to the headmaster, he let him rise and shook his hand, before taking his place behind the podium. "Please rise," Alfred said smoothly. Unlike how it would be with the nobles each student rose a different times. Commoners rose instantly, whilst the children of nobility and wealthy merchants made sure to wait for a few seconds.

Alfred would never make a speech for students unless he had a reason, but it was the one request the Headmaster made for his children to have special privileges. Alfred didn’t care; it was an easy task, and standing in front of the students, he felt nostalgic. "When I first created the academy, I hoped to create the next generation of leaders in the Empire, to give those less fortunate a chance and to let talents hidden away bloom without fear or worry."

Alfred’s voice was gentle, and everyone latched onto his words. "I am happy to say, looking at those who have a new future and the fine students above, that I was right. I can feel happy and safe knowing that our future is in your fine hands."

Looking at the new students again, it was easy to notice the increased number of foreign students. The Headmaster had wanted him to know about it, and after thinking about it for a second, it was obvious why it was happening. His children were being admitted. It was one of the rare chances a foreign power would have to influence a future monarch.

"Many of you don’t come from the Empire sent abroad by your parents. I can guarantee that you will enjoy your stay here and learn about things you didn’t know existed in your own homelands. And most importantly, I promise you will be safe here."

"God bless the Empire," Alfred said proudly and looked at the student. Those from the Empire lowered their heads.

"God Bless the Empire. God Bless the Emperor." Those who lowered their heads shouted back to Alfred in an incoherent shout, completely out of sync. Smiling, he turned back to the headmaster.

"I kept my promise." The Headmaster nodded and walked back forward. Many of the older students left after Alfred finished, not wishing to hear the headmaster explain the rules and regulations to the new students.

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"How’re you newborn?" Alfred asked Issac, surprising him.

"Cute and healthy." With a rare smile full of fatherly love, Isaac’s cold persona melted. "The problem is she is already attached to my father."

Alfred chuckled, imagining William as a grandfather, and shook his head, "What about Samuel. He’s going to the academy, isn’t he?"

"Yeah. I hope he gets close to the Prince, but he’s a shy kid." Isaac sighed and massaged his forehead, "I assume Horace ain’t sending his daughter?"

"He has no plans to form what I know. Says she will undergo teaching as the family head." Alfred waved his hand, "He’s still trying for a son, but it doesn’t seem like he will discriminate against the gender of his kid."

"Poor girl." Issac let out all the air in his lungs.

"Yes, but let’s be honest with ourselves. We’re not going to do anything. For all their flaws, we need his family." Issac lowered his head back to the documents on his table. His eyes went cold as he clicked his tongue and shrugged.

"It’s not a nice thing to admit." Issac sighed, "Shall we get to what this is really about?"

Alfred’s face hardened. "The Church is crumbling, but Constance is holding onto power better than expected."

"The problem is Severia. We have to hand it to him, but he predicted the Templars’ splitting. Mobilising his father’s armies was a good plan." Isaac seriously looked into Alfred’s eyes, "I’ve been looking at the numbers with Marcus. If Severia attacks, we won’t be able to win, even if Ivan and Alexei help."

"What is the best outcome?" Alfred asked hesitantly. Matters regarding war were better left to Issac and Marcus, the two having vastly more experience than he.

"A stalemate. Victory is only possible if we can outmanoeuvre them. But the worst part is, we won’t be facing their whole force and still be outnumbered. They will have to keep a significant portion behind to defend against the Ammerians. Then we add whatever is left from the Church and possibly the Gotics and...." Issac didn’t finish.

"I don’t know the man, but I heard Emperor Theodosius is a dangerous man." Alfred covered his mouth and thought about how to move forward. "We need a plan. Either work out a deal with the man or get rid of him."

"That’s bold even for you." Issac quickly spoke without thinking, getting a glare from Alfred.

"He may be a fat bastard, but he is a strong ruler, the strongest that Empire head I have ever seen. It’s a shame the only child who can even begin to resemble him can’t inherit the throne." Alfred looked up at Isaac, as if he had a plan. "And we have met a man who has a claim and has an army."

Issac frowned in confusion. Alfred smiled and stood up. Whilst war was his weak point, political intrigue had become a craft he had perfected. Going over to the window, he thought about the Severian Empire. They were very similar to the Byzantines of his old world in their laws and bureaucracy. However, it was also eerily similar in that multiple people vied for the throne at all times.

Theodosius was an exceptional ruler, having survived numerous assassination attempts whilst also keeping his subjects in line. But all it would take was one small thing to prove he wasn’t infallible. "Issac. Have Horace find out where the mercenary company, the Ashed Brotherhood, is. Also, have Anton look around in Chent to see if they settled there."

It finally came back to Issac, whom Alfred was talking about. Thinking of Theodosius’ bastard child, he couldn’t help but think it was risky. Turning to face him, Alfred could see these worries and smiled. "Relax. It doesn’t matter who sits on the Severian throne or if the Empire collapses. We just need Theodosius gone. His connection to Constance is too dangerous."

"If that is what you wish, Your Majesty." Issac lowered his head. He couldn’t help but think it was a crazy plan, but he understood the reasoning behind it. The Severians were an ancient empire on a slow and steady decline, but there was a reason it stood as the continent’s strongest power for nearly 700 years. The throne had seen families rise and fall, but the Empire remained. It was a testimony to the stability and strength of the Severians.

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Camped on an open field, Ash lying under the night sky, staring into the stars. His ghostly appearance made it seem like he was in his natural environment. "Ash." Asmond walked over with a happy smile and looked at the tall man. "We’re a few days away from Chent."

"Good." His voice was a whisper as he looked into the sky, the darkness above matching the darkness in his eyes. "We missed our chance to fight in the Commonwealth War." There was a slight regret in his tone, but Asmond ignored it.

Asmond looked into the night sky, his eyes nostalgic. "Would we have fought for him again?"

"Whoever paid more." Ash quickly answered, making Asmond chuckle.

"Of course." The two went silent for a minute as Asmond remembered what else he wanted to say, "I just found out. The Gold Bank has set up a branch in Chent. It may be a good idea to move some of our money out of the Crystal Bank."

"Do whatever you feel best." Ash closed his eyes. Asmond smiled, standing guard, letting the bastard Prince casually sleep in the open air.