Even after everyone was seated, the Emperor said nothing. He merely gazed at his children with an inscrutable look.

No one dared to speak first. The uncomfortable silence continued, and only after a long while did the Emperor slowly open his mouth.

“……First of all, I am overjoyed that everyone has gathered here to celebrate Prince Chaez’s birthday.”

The Emperor’s slightly cracked voice settled heavily in the hall.

“Until now, there have been many matters both inside and outside the imperial family that I have neglected, but that will change from now on. Just like today.”

……Exactly what?

Elaina’s eyes narrowed slightly at the Emperor’s ambiguous words.

“Of course Sinclair, as well as Prince Chaez, and Crown Prince Hister. And now Elaina, the prince’s consort who has become a proper adult of the imperial family. From now on, everyone will receive equal treatment within the imperial palace and be treated accordingly. Without exception.”

Ha.

A subtle scoff flashed across Sinclair’s face.

“I am not unaware of the commotion surrounding the succession to the imperial throne, but I have no intention of settling anything definitively right now. We must simply strive to move forward with one heart and mind for the endless glory of Edenbell.”

“……”

“But it would be good for everyone to know this clearly. If anyone causes any more disturbances, be it the crown prince or a prince, I intend to punish them severely regardless of their position.”

So he’s taking this attitude after all.

Sinclair had already anticipated this the last time he saw the Emperor bedridden, in great shock.

That the most likely action the Emperor, who could no longer trust anyone, would take was precisely to remain uninvolved.

Of course, from the Emperor’s perspective, it was the wisest choice.

As it has been until now, protecting Hister, the crown prince, could lead to being killed by Sinclair, whose reputation was gradually improving. Especially since he even held the Emperor’s weakness.

Moreover, in a situation like now where trust with Hister was broken, there was no need to go to such trouble.

However, switching sides to Sinclair, the prince, would be too reckless an action. Sinclair remained a dangerous element for the Emperor, as he always had been.

Furthermore, knowing Hister’s nature that didn’t even value his father’s life, openly protecting Sinclair would put his life in danger from Hister. Additionally, the fact that his feelings towards Sinclair were still not good was a bonus.

‘Cowardly human.’

But it can’t be helped.

Because this is exactly what you’ve done all your life.

Unable to take any proper action, miserably reading others’ faces and seeking ways to survive.

Sinclair looked at the Emperor mockingly.

“……”

Between wrinkled eyelids, clouded golden eyes gazed at his three sons.

‘For now, this is the best option.’

Sinclair’s guess was unmistakably clear. The Emperor prided himself that his current choice was the best he could make.

Now, he no longer intended to lend strength.

To any of his sons.

And…….

‘If I can’t trust anyone, and can’t pick anyone……’

He would let them tear each other apart, and bring in the one who survives to the end.

At the very least, to minimize the chaos in the glorious Edenbell.

That’s what the Emperor thought.

And that he wouldn’t care at all about any sacrifices that might occur in the process.

“……”

While Sinclair maintained his usual expression, Hister was different. He was glaring at the Emperor with eyes dripping with betrayal and anger.

Not only for failing to protect him, but for the despicable attitude of stepping back alone and merely observing the entire situation.

……However, Hister quickly withdrew that expression. Because he knew well too. The fact that from now on, showing such emotions would do no good at all.

“I have heard the words of the respected Emperor well. And I dare say I wholeheartedly agree.”

Hister smiled a friendly smile and addressed everyone.

“It’s true that Sinclair and Chaez haven’t been treated properly until now. That has always weighed on my mind. But now, thanks to Your Majesty’s boundless consideration, all my brothers have found their rightful places. What could be more joyous than this?”

But why is his face so swollen?

Elaina, who had been trying her best to manage her expression while looking at Hister, only then belatedly realized one fact.

That the bug Sinclair had beaten to death with his fist was none other than Hister.

Surprisingly, the Emperor did not ask why Hister was in such a state.

Perhaps that was proof that he would observe everything as he had just said. Elaina inwardly scoffed at that irresponsibility and cowardice so subtly resembling each other in Hister and the Emperor.

Meanwhile, lavish dishes were gradually taking their places on the table. The maids began setting down plates very skillfully and neatly.

But Elaina’s gaze had been fixed on one place for a while now.

“……”

On Chaez, sitting right across from her, shaking his legs as if being chased by something, secretly wiping away the cold sweat starting to form on his forehead, and looking around aimlessly with eyes wavering like a stormy sea.

And of course, Elaina wasn’t the only one who noticed this.

“……Chaez.”

As the food was being set down, Sinclair slowly opened his lips while looking at his younger brother.

“You don’t look well. Why don’t you ask His Majesty for permission and go out for some fresh air?”

“……”

“Or we could call a physician if that would be better.”

“I… I’m fine.”

Chaez shook his head and said in a voice that was not fine at all.

“You all came here to congratulate me… I’m sorry for causing you worry, Sincl, Sinclair elder brother.”

“Would you like a handkerchief, Chaez? You seem to be sweating a lot.”

When Hister, sitting next to him, smiled and spoke to him, Chaez flinched noticeably.

“No. I’m fine.”

At that moment, Elaina saw clearly. Chaez’s hand, hurriedly wiping the sweat from his face, was trembling just like someone with frostbite.

“Isn’t this the first time all members of the imperial family have gathered for such a joyous occasion? How about we raise a toast together to commemorate this day, Your Majesty?”

“Do so.”

As soon as the Emperor’s permission fell, Hister looked ahead. As if she had been waiting, a maid approached with a tray, and Elaina unconsciously tensed her expression.

What was on the tray was…….

“It’s a medicinal wine specially prepared by the Prince’s Palace for Prince Chaez, I believe.”

……A different type of wine from the medicinal wine she had just handed over to the knight earlier.

“I was truly moved. To take such care of your younger brother. What a kind elder brother you are. Isn’t that right, Your Majesty?”

“……Indeed.”

“Then shall we raise our glasses in the spirit of peace and harmony for the glory of Edenbell, without a single exception?”

At last, the maid set down glasses in front of everyone, and Hister held out the bottle to Chaez as he continued speaking.

“Of course, we can’t take away the drink that elder brother specially gifted to his younger brother, so let’s give the medicinal wine entirely to Chaez. Chaez is almost an adult now, isn’t he?”

“……”

“Come, take it.”

“Yes……”

With a face even paler than at the entrance earlier, Chaez finally received the bottle Hister held out.

“For His Majesty the Emperor, I’ve prepared a separate wine……”

“No, that’s enough.”

The Emperor, who had been staring intently at the medicinal wine in Chaez’s hand and the wine bottle on the tray, suddenly shook his head and moved his lips.

“I’m still recovering, so it’s better not to drink alcohol. You can understand that much, can’t you, Chaez.”

Hister nodded as if it was indeed the right thing to say and uttered unnecessary words.

“Your Majesty, I was short-sighted. Then, regrettably, this time it would be best to do it with elder brother and younger brother. And with the Prince Consort as well.”

“……”

“Especially since it’s a gift directly from the Prince’s Palace, it would be meaningful for elder brother to share a drink with his younger brothers.”

Though he was trying his best to suppress the trembling, it was of no use. The moment she faced the liquid sloshing in the bottle, Elaina realized.

That something else had been mixed into the medicinal wine she had prepared.

And that this was precisely the reason why Chaez had been shaking uncontrollably all this time.

……It’s poison.

It was a trap Hister had prepared in secret, even from the Emperor.

To pin everything on Elaina and Sinclair.

Sinclair had also noticed this fact. He looked at Hister with a subtly hardened expression, while Hister stared only at Chaez as he continued speaking.

“Now, Chaez.”

“……”

“Give the bottle to elder brother. Elder brother will pour the drink for you personally. To celebrate your birthday.”

Thud…….

The medicinal wine in Chaez’s hand was placed very carefully in front of Sinclair.

And Chaez, with hands drenched in cold sweat, politely held out his glass to Sinclair.

With trembling lips.