Chapter 017: The Final Gift

“Respected Father… My elder brother has nothing to do with this. So, if you want to blame someone, blame me alone… But isn’t it a bit excessive of you to call your own son a scoundrel?”
A soft sigh came from a corner of the hall. A handsome figure slowly stepped out of the shadows. Moving extremely slowly, he arrived in front of the throne, bowed slightly, and said, “Your son, Fische, greets His Majesty!”
After that, he turned to Kimberly and said calmly, “Teacher… it’s been a long time since we last saw each other.”
Kimberly’s expression remained unchanged. She gave Prince Fische a brief glance, bowed slightly in a noble gesture, and said softly, “Your humble servant greets Prince Fische!”
Prince Fische nodded slightly but said little. He simply looked up at the emperor seated on the throne and sighed softly.
The old emperor stared at his son for a moment before waving his hand and saying, “Fische… since when have I allowed you to act on your own?”
Prince Fische smiled gently and said, “Father, this isn’t acting on my own… I’m just helping you make a decision…”
“You’re helping me make a decision? What a good son you are…” The old emperor took a breath and said calmly, “Forget this matter for now… Retire. I still have matters to discuss with your teacher and others!”
Prince Fische smiled faintly and asked, “What matters? I think Father won’t mind if I listen here.”
The old emperor frowned. His withered arms slammed hard on the armrests of the throne, and his silent voice echoed like thunder in the hall.
He took a deep breath before shouting loudly, “How dare you! Fische, since when do you have the right to speak here? Retire at once, or I’ll charge you with disrespect!”
Prince Fische shook his head slightly and said, “Father, I think now isn’t the time for you to punish me. I’m here… only to tell you one thing… That is, my father! All these years—so many years! Whether it’s me or my elder brother, you should make a choice by now. It’s time to do so… Because after tonight, you’ll never have another chance!”

The old emperor’s expression changed slightly. He suddenly coughed violently, clutching his mouth in pain. Finally, he slowly lowered his hands, a hint of panic flashing in his eyes—as his palms were covered in black blood!

Austin III looked at the blood, smearing it on the animal skin beside him. Then, with a complex expression, he stared at Prince Fischer and said in a low voice, “Good! Very good! My most beloved son… the one I placed the highest hopes on… would actually do such a thing to me! Fischer, is that really all you want—to take that position?”

Prince Fischer shook his head slightly. “It’s not like that… My respected father… if I wanted that position, I wouldn’t be here now. I’m here only to tell you one thing: my elder brother can no longer wait!”

The old emperor frowned. “What do you mean?”

Prince Fischer replied softly, “What I’ve done today has given my elder brother an excuse to seize power. With his nature, how could he pass up such an opportunity? If I’m right, he’s already mobilizing his troops. He’s made all the preparations, waiting for the moment you fall so he can legitimately take over the throne… So, dear father, I’m here only to tell you… it’s time to make a choice! Because if I’m right, you won’t see tomorrow’s sun again!”

The old emperor’s face turned ashen. Already weak from illness, he now resembled a zombie. He clenched his fists tightly, his palms bleeding—clearly showing his utter reluctance.

But he was still a man of great vision. After a moment of silence, he fixed his gaze on the silent Kimberly and suddenly smiled bitterly. “Old friend, it seems we have to make another choice sooner than expected tonight! So now, shouldn’t you tell me… what choice should we make?”

Kimberly bowed slightly, giving Prince Fischer a deep look before saying calmly, “Your Majesty… I have given you countless pieces of advice throughout my life, but for this one, I am unable to offer you any… The eldest prince is ruthless and cruel in nature; though he lacks the qualities of a ruler, if the empire falls into his hands, it is likely to become even stronger. As for Prince Fischer, he is young but promising, cautious in his thinking, and patient by nature… Although he possesses the qualities of a ruler, Kimbley really dares not speculate about what would happen if the empire fell into his hands… Therefore, my dear Majesty! For this one time, I truly cannot give you any advice!”

Austin III took a deep breath. After a moment, he stared at Prince Fischer and said calmly, “Fischer… You heard our conversation just now. So I ask you… If it were you, what would you do against the Lanny Empire?”

Prince Fischer replied calmly, “The Imperial Guard should select a group of strong cavalry to take over the defense of the southern legions, while also choosing a general who is not part of the military to lead the troops against the enemy. Only in this way can there be a chance of victory… How could the mighty Gavin Empire simply agree to peace so easily?”

“What if it were your elder brother?”

“Him?” A sarcastic smile appeared on Prince Fischer’s lips as he said calmly, “He would most likely seek peace right away, then use the opportunity to seize power and suppress the nobles who are not part of his faction, thereby reclaiming most of the imperial authority… As for the lost territories, perhaps there will be a chance to regain them in the future!”

Austin III’s body trembled slightly. He looked up at his son with a complex expression, observing his calm demeanor…

Finally, after a long, long time, the old emperor suddenly sighed, with a hint of helplessness and difficulty in his voice, “It seems I must die tonight…”

Prince Fischer did not answer, only nodding slightly.

Time seemed to freeze. The old emperor’s eyes turned red as he carefully looked at his son. Finally, with another sigh, he said, “Actually, I should have realized that at this point, if I lose my life, then whatever choices I made before… would be meaningless, right? You two brothers, no matter who it is, won’t spare the other, will you?”

“But you still have a chance now,” Prince Fischer smiled. “Right now, I stand here alone, surrounded by people who are loyal to you, Father… So, Father, see? Even at this final moment, you still have an excellent choice.”

Austen III did not answer. He slowly shook his head before saying, “My son, tell me one thing… Since you anticipated what would happen tonight, how many preparations have you made? If I were to side with you, what are your chances of success?”
“Perhaps one percent, perhaps ninety percent, but Father, does it matter to you? Didn’t you say that no matter who succeeds to the throne, it would be an excellent choice for our Austen family?”
“Is that so?” The old emperor finally smiled. He glanced at Kimberly, then sighed softly and said, “Old friend! I think… I understand what choice I should make this time!”
Kimberly bowed slightly and said calmly, “Your Majesty, with your wisdom, I am sure your choice will be the most correct and perfect!”
Austen III gave a bitter smile and said softly, “Perhaps… perhaps so.”
As he spoke, the old emperor raised his hand and made a gesture behind him… Soon, a group of servants stepped out from the shadows. They went to the palace gates and slowly, gradually closed them…
Outside the hall, thunder rumbled on; inside, the lights were bright…
…
In a royal estate on the outskirts of the capital, the eldest prince stood there in combat gear, holding a fine silk handkerchief as he carefully wiped his sword!
The sword shone brilliantly, exuding a deadly aura, flashing with cold light with every movement of the prince!
Under the light of the sword, the prince’s face appeared gloomy, just like the overcast sky outside!
At that moment, a fluttering sound was heard, and a homing pigeon flew in through the window, landing in front of the prince.
A hint of seriousness crossed the prince’s face. With a wave of his hand, he drew the pigeon into his palm. Then he untied the thin thread tied around the pigeon’s leg and took out a scroll of parchment to take a look.
His expression suddenly changed, his eyes showing complex emotions. After a moment, those emotions turned into joy, and a cold smile appeared on his lips…
“The last gift I gave to my respected father… Has he finally received it?”