Chapter 014: Proclaiming a Heir (Part 2)

“So, the question now is,” Duke Green sighed, “which prince of the Berlinger family has they placed their bets on?”
Du Fan frowned and said, “Father, from your perspective, setting aside everything else, if we consider only personal qualities, in this struggle for the throne—does the Eldest Prince have an advantage, or Prince Fischer? I don’t know what kind of person the Eldest Prince is, but after meeting him just last night, I feel he’s the kind of person who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. If such a person becomes emperor, he will surely be a tyrant. As for Prince Fischer, I spent a night with him, and I feel…”
Before Du Fan could finish, Duke Green interrupted, “Prince Fischer is young, intelligent, and incredibly talented. He’s kind, tolerant, and, despite his youth, possesses great vision. If he were to become king, he would likely be a wise ruler. If he had been born ten years earlier, this struggle for the throne might not even be necessary. Even if the current emperor could live another ten years, the Eldest Prince would most likely not be able to surpass him… It’s a pity he’s too young.”
“The Eldest Prince was born decades ahead of Prince Fischer. Even before Prince Fischer was born, he had been groomed as the heir to the throne. Moreover, the Eldest Prince is highly cunning and has been working behind the scenes for years. Already, most of the key officials in the empire are under his control. In terms of influence among local nobles, the military, and even the royal family, the Eldest Prince is far stronger than Prince Fischer. Additionally, the imperial guards are in his hands. Although Prince Fischer has court mages at his disposal, becoming a ruler of a country doesn’t depend on just a few powerful individuals. It’s the army and finances that truly hold the power in an empire… From this perspective, Prince Fischer is far inferior to the Eldest Prince.”
Du Fan thought for a moment, then looked at his father and said, “Then, Father, in your opinion, which side would the Berlinger family choose to support?”

Duke Green shook his head and said, “If I knew, I wouldn’t be troubled like this now. Du Fan, you should understand that while adding embellishments is good, nothing compares to offering help in times of need. Given Duke Belinger’s cunning, even if he secures a faction, wouldn’t he possibly turn against us at the last moment? So if we decide to side with anyone, we need to think carefully… But these matters aren’t urgent right now. After all, even if the old emperor is failing, he can still live another year, giving us time to make our choices… As for these days…”

At this point, Duke Green paused before continuing, “Du Fan, I originally wanted you to avoid wandering around the capital to prevent others from taking advantage of you. But it seems now that you need to travel around and gather information. If I were to do this, I’d surely attract criticism, but since it’s you doing it, there shouldn’t be too many problems… If the two princes invite you in the future, just go. But remember, your interactions should remain within the bounds of noble etiquette—keep it appropriate… Under no circumstances should you do anything inappropriate.”

Du Fan nodded and said, “Father, I understand what you mean… Whether it’s the eldest prince or Prince Fischer, I won’t show favoritism.”

Duke Green smiled and said, “That’s good… At a time like this, I can’t even have your two brothers return. Otherwise, our Green family might face even greater difficulties in the capital. Entrusting so many tasks to you must be burdensome for you.”

Du Fan shook his head slightly and said, “It’s my duty.”

Duke Green smiled faintly, rolled up the documents on his desk, and said, “Well, since you know about these matters, I won’t repeat them. In the future, when you go out, make sure to bring several people with you… Although the two princes won’t harm you, there are too many people watching over our Green family. Who knows—someone might act recklessly and try to harm you, which would be troublesome.”

Du Fan smiled lightly and said, “Father, rest assured. Many people want my life, but none have succeeded yet.”

Duke Green sighed and said, “In any case, it’s best if you be careful. Your elder brothers are now far from the center of this vortex, so I have nothing to worry about. But you’re currently in the heart of it. In this imperial capital, whether it’s the royal family, the military, the nobility, the Holy Church, or the magicians’ guild… every single one of them is ruthless. Although you have connections with many parties now, aside from the power of your own family, who can you truly trust unconditionally? You must know that in the face of power, people will abandon even their own relatives and friends—so what do they care about an insignificant person like you?”
Du Fan simply nodded. He was well aware that his father had spent half his life in the imperial politics and possessed a shrewd perspective that even someone with two lifetimes couldn’t match. His understanding of the situation was certainly a hundred times greater than Du Fan’s.
Seeing the expression on Du Fan’s face, Duke Green smiled and said, “Well, I’ve said everything I needed to. Let’s go outside to discuss the rest of this matter…”
With that, Duke Green put aside his official duties and slowly walked out.
Du Fan followed Duke Green out of the secret room and back into the study. There, he saw Duke Green slap the desk casually, causing the bookshelf that had been moved to return to its place with a clattering sound.
After signaling Du Fan to sit down, Duke Green pondered for a moment behind the desk, then glanced at him and said, “I heard you recruited a magician for the family?”
Du Fan nodded. “Yes. This magician once helped me greatly in the North, so I went to some lengths to bring her here. After all, our family hasn’t had a magician before. Having one more is certainly beneficial.”
Duke Green frowned. “Well, just keep her. If the expenses are too much, just draw from the family funds. Although our Green family isn’t as wealthy as the Belinger family, we can still afford to support a magician… But I heard… this magician is a woman?”
Du Fan was slightly surprised. “Yes…”
“Is that so?” Duke Green suddenly laughed heartily. “In that case, I’m relieved… By the way, what did Prince Fischer tell you last night?”
Du Fan’s heart stirred, but he still answered honestly, “He asked me to help him control a few military generals.”
“That’s all?”
“That’s all!”

Hearing Du Fan’s words, Duke Green suddenly seemed relieved and murmured, “That’s good! That’s good! Du Fan… you must remember that although Prince Fischer is highly talented, every genius tends to have some peculiar temper. So whether we support him in the future or not, you need to keep in mind… your interactions with him must not cross any boundaries…”

Du Fan was puzzled, but given Duke Green’s expression, he didn’t dare ask questions. He could only reply, “Yes, Father.”

Upon hearing Du Fan’s answer, Duke Green nodded and said, “That puts my mind at ease… Well, it’s already late. You should go now and get some rest. I’ll speak to your mother on your behalf. You can visit her when you have time in the next few days…”

Hearing Duke Green’s words, although his tone was strange, Du Fan still didn’t dare question him. Though puzzled, he stood up and bowed deeply, saying, “Then I’ll retire now, Father!”

With that, Du Fan slowly moved toward the door.

Duke Green merely nodded, though his expression was somewhat distracted. After watching Du Fan leave, he suddenly stood up, sighed bitterly, and said, “It’s good! It’s good! It’s good that the young prince really just wants to win over our family, and not… It’s good… It’s good…”

At that point, he couldn’t help but grab the wine bottle that had been on the table and gulp down a few sips. With a hint of anger, he continued to talk to himself, “None of those royals are normal. No good. Although he’s not interested in Du Fan now, who knows what might happen in the future… No, no, I need to think of a plan quickly. Otherwise, if it really happens, it will be too late…”

Then, Duke Green slammed the wine bottle down and tapped it lightly on the desk, calling out, “Someone!”

Soon, Daniel appeared in the study. Seeing Duke Green’s angry expression, he said respectfully, “My Lord Duke, I’m sorry to disturb you at this late hour…”

Before he could finish speaking, Duke Green interrupted, “From now on, any letter sent to the third young master must have a copy sent to me. Select a few of the girls undergoing training who are both beautiful and of good character, and send them all to keep the third young master company… Also, provide me with detailed information on the noble families in the capital, especially regarding their female lineages. I need it clear by tomorrow. Do you understand?”

Daniel was stunned for a moment, then suddenly gave a bitter smile and said, “My Lord Duke, what are you doing…”