Shattering noises resounded throughout the room. A series of advisers stood against the wall giving the angry 4th Prince room to release his anger. It was their first time seeing the Prince so livid. Another series of clangs, thuds, and clattering sounds reached their ears before the angered prince took his seat with heavy breaths

His gaze remained dangerous while looking across his advisers. His eventual stare landed on one man in particular who started shaking. A cold shiver ran through his spine and cold sweat drenched his back.

He immediately dropped to his knees and started begging for forgiveness. He knew his guilt. At their last major meeting, it was none other than him who suggested crushing and absorbing Iridescent. 3 weeks into actioning the plan, they were astounded to see Lady Reviarra already defending against them.

What’s worse is that not a week later, their organization started leaking wealth like a pot holding water was punctured. The failure extended even further as the public somehow managed to link the 4th Prince to Lunar Supply bringing to light his hidden wealth and, with further investigation, potentially his hidden army.

In terms of loss, the 4th Prince suffered a massive strike incomparable to what Iridescent felt. Cruelly, Iridescent seemed to rub salt into the wound even further by expanding their company once again into neighboring territories while also defending against Lunar Supply.

Beyond doubt, it was clear Iridescent was fighting back against Lunar Supply and they were well aware of the 4th Prince backing them. This meant that Lunary Supply held no fear towards imperial backing and was willing to strike back.

At this stage, it was hard to tell what exactly infuriated the 4th Prince. He had so many options, afterall. Should he be angered over the failed assault? The counterattack? The dismissive attitude towards the imperial family? The lack of evidence proving who linked his identity to Lunar Supply, or should he instead be infuriated that this was all from a strike against a 9 year old’s company?

Reality was truly too strange. The adviser’s repeated bows turned his forehead into a bloody mess. His knees leaked blood from porcelain shards digging into them as he kneeled and bowed and yet Prince Roland remained fixed on him with a frozen gaze.

The remaining men stood fixed in place observing the whole scene. Each of their fists clenched with white knuckles showing. They were well aware of the type of man Prince Roland was. He was good to his subordinates and leveraged the carrot and stick exceedingly well.

Punishments for failure were always proportional to the failure however, this could possibly be the greatest failure any of them had ever caused. The damage was simply too extensive. Fear budded at the deepest regions of their heart towards the invisible Lady Reviarra behind Iridescent.

“Get up.”

Bloody and shaking, the adviser lifted himself with great effort to a limping standing position. His pale face retained practically no blood and the terror with leaked from his eyes like a waterfall. His shaking body remained in place awaiting for his final judgement.

“Does this Prince need to explain your degree of failure?”

“N-No. Th-This servant is w-well aware…”

“Explain your failure to me.”

“Th-This servant… This servant is un-unclear. E-Everything should have w-worked…”

“This Print understands you to be admitting that a 9 year old, spoiled noble lady who has yet to even bleed, somehow out performed one of this Prince’s top advisers? Have you not considered that to be absurd?”

The man dropped back to his knees slamming his head to the ground repeatedly. The terror in his system converted into brazen anger towards the young opponent who bested him. His lips slipped his true thoughts without a filter.

“This servant refuses to believe his loss is from Lady Reviarra! This servant knows the Lady to have exceptional advisers amongst her.”

“This Prince has already looked into the matter. All advisors beside Lady Reviarra are trained by her and come from commoner backgrounds. Are you telling this Prince that a mere commoner is more learned than you?”

“Im-impossible!”

The adviser’s eyes shook at the Prince’s declaration. He couldn’t believe his defeat was from a 9 year old little girl. Who could believe such a farce? Prince Roland understood the disbelief in the man’s eyes and scoffed internally. Clearly, his men have become too arrogant.

Prince Roland gestured to a nearby guard and before the man could react, an iron blade separated his head and neck. Until his last moment, the man refused to accept who defeated him. Another gesture from Prince Roland had two more men grab the adviser’s body and drag it from the hall.

His gaze eventually fell upon his remaining advisers standing along the wall. His eyes narrowed in deep thought before gesturing for them to sit down.

“This Prince understands that each of you also held a part in this Prince’s failure… This Prince expects your performances to be superior. That little arrogance and pride you have? It’s worthless. Toss it away. Lunar Supply is being beaten back by a 9 year old child. Accept it. That is reality…”

He let his words settle in their mind and was about to continue when a knock at his door disturbed their meeting. He called in the servant and received an invitation from King Blonsall. The letter was rather direct using the standard decorum to invite another to a ball.

After reaching the second half of the invitation however, Prince Roland’s pupils contracted. He fell into deep thought with fingers tapping rhythmically against the table. Not long later, he broke from his thoughts and addressed the men.

“This Prince’s Imperial Father just invited this Prince to the Queen’s banquet. Apparently, the Queen selectively invited Lady Reviarra as well. What are your thoughts?”

The advisers jumped at the opportunity to recover from their earlier failure.

“This servant believes the Queen and King are aware of the Prince’s conflict with Lady Reviarra. It would make sense if Queen Blonsall is attempting to rope in Lady Reviarra for Prince Elric. As it stands, Lady Reviarra, even standing apart from her father’s power, could be considered as being amongst the most powerful women in the Kingdom.”

“This servant agrees. Lady Reviarra has shown her talents to truly be monstrous. Should Prince Elric obtain her support, it’s likely she alone could push him halfway to the throne. If we add in Prince Elric’s talents and current control over the government… th-this servant is afraid to say the outlook is bleak for the Prince…”

The man was so caught up in analyzing the situation that he only recalled who was sitting across from him after reaching his conclusion. His conclusion did nothing but confirm his own boss’ loss. How could he do such a thing? He held his breath waiting for his punishment, however after a period of silence, all he saw was the Prince fixated on the invitation.

Prince Roland’s stoic face cracked and a smile graced those in the room. He waved the invitation in his hand and said, “It’d appear Imperial Father is assisting this Prince. Not only has the invitation been extended to me, it’s likely he extended the invitation to my 2nd and 3rd brother as well… Though this Prince doubt’s those fools can make use of this opportunity. Imperial Father must not want the competition to end too quickly… Or maybe he felt the Queen was overstepping and wanted to balance the scales…”

“This servant agrees with the Prince’s assessment. King Blonsall has never played favorites in the past and none of the concubine mothers can compete with Queen Blonsall as long as she heads the King’s harem. It’s very likely King Blonsall is using this as a way to curb the Queen’s assistance and provide a platform for the 1st Prince’s brothers.”

“What stance should this Prince take against Lady Reviarra during the banquet?”

The men looked at each other, their thoughts apparently aligned, however they were unable to state it. There were some places where pride and honor should always be maintained, however there was an urgent need to push things forward as well.

Observing their obvious hesitation, Prince Roland said, “Just say it. This Prince won’t hold it against you. This Prince is acutely aware of this Prince’s current situation…”

“P-Prince Roland…”, said one man before all the advisors dropped to their knees. The man took a deep breath then continued. “These servants suggest obtaining Lady Reviarra at all costs, through any means.”

“This Prince will follow your advice… Prepare the medicine.”, said Prince Roland before he stood up and left the room leaving behind a series of shocked ministers. After the door closed behind him, Prince Roland tightened his grip drawing blood from his palm. He was well aware how weak his current position was thanks to the strike Lady Reviarra gave him.

Since the Lady struck him down, isn't it only fair for her to raise him back up?