Who Did You Say My Father Is? - Chapter 50

In a way, Marina, Karl’s mother, was entangled in the circumstances that led to the loss of his parents.

Karl’s father, Prince Mainhardt, left the capital voluntarily to avoid being a threat to his brother, Prince Bayern, who was often discussed for his frail health.

The empire’s military was divided into three types: Primo for royal protection, Alter for capital defense, and Tertio for regional protection. Prince Mainhardt, as the commander of Tertio, dedicated himself to defending the empire’s borders, showing no interest in the throne.

Yet, Marina saw Mainhardt as a threat and persuaded Emperor Alexander to continually send him to dangerous front-line battles.

Mainhardt bravely fought on the front lines to protect the empire and died heroically in battle. Karl was only three years old at the time. Since his mother had passed away giving birth to him, he became an orphan at the age of three.

This was why Franz was treated as an unwelcome presence.

“We must expose those wretches this time. I’m counting on you, Karl.”

Wearing the crown must have been too heavy for the young emperor, just 14 years old. The throne was too big for such a young boy.

Pulcheria had never been at ease, seating her young nephew on the throne. Her anxiety only grew as Franz roamed freely in the royal palace. Her worst fears were realized with the death of Emperor Maximilian.

Upon hearing of Maximilian’s death, Pulcheria fainted. Karl was concerned she might collapse again in excitement.

“Please, don’t be too angry, Aunt. It’s harmful to your health.”

“How can I lie down and sleep until the culprit is found? Oh, Almighty…”

Pulcheria wiped her eyes with a handkerchief. She couldn’t afford to shed tears until the perpetrator was found and punished.

Only after exposing everything and holding the criminal accountable could she fully mourn. Pulcheria swallowed her tears of blood.

Franz and his mother might have hidden the real causes of the former emperor’s and crown prince’s deaths under the guise of natural causes, but there was no such excuse for the young emperor Maximilian.

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