Realizing the original plotline might once again have shifted due to her interference, Astrid slightly pursed her lips. Her two long, smooth legs sheathed in black stockings shifted position as she crossed them, the sharp, slender heels tapping against the floor tiles, overriding the soft rustle of fabric and forming a graceful jarring high note within the otherwise melody.
"Where did the Imperial Brother hear this news?"
As a crucial military force protecting the imperial authority, troop movements within the Imperial Guards directly concerning the capital's security. With such arrangements, Hibbort will never allow too many people to become aware of them.
Especially now, when numerous imperial nobles secretly speculated that the Emperor's health had drastically declined, and a change in the throne might occur within the next few years, multiple factors combined make it extremely difficult for Lucas to obtain such a confidential intelligence.
Even Astrid's awareness of this matter stemmed only from subtle hints in the novel's narration and later timeline reconstruction, gradually piecing together the approximate date through deduction.
Hearing the doubt and surprise in the lady young's voice, Lucas's tone carries a hint of smugness.
"As a prince, it's my duty to stay informed about domestic and foreign affairs."
"Although Father hasn't explicitly stated anything, I gathered the relevant information from his scattered remarks. I spent yesterday confirming this news and obtaining part of the troop deployment list."
This was exactly why Lucas appeared so confident before Astrid. Hibbort hadn't concealed the Imperial Guards' arrangements during the imminent succession, even in Lucas's presence, such a signal was already quite clear.
He was most likely Hibbort's top choice for heir, standing only a single step away from the throne symbolizing the peak of power.
Thinking thus, the reward was within reach, making his recent period of self-restraint and meaningful patience.
"Is that so?" Astrid responded with an elegant sip of wine, her ruby-like pupils half-hidden beneath long lashes.
Something felt off... How could Hibbort casually hint such crucial intelligence to Lucas?
Could it truly mean he had implicitly decided to hand the throne to the eldest prince?
In Astrid's mind, Hibbort's best course of action should have been to establish the heir early, allowing other nobles to pick their sides sooner, instead of wavering between two princes who both had a chance at succession.
While the second method might result in an average, mediocre ruler unable to lead the army against Kingdom of Velys's invasion, at the very least, internal political stability would be stronger than the current situation.
Perhaps the past Hibbort believed he had ample time to cultivate the next generation, completely unprepared for an accident that destroyed his previously healthy body, causing his cultivation plan to fail midway and plunging him into this current dilemma.
He had already missed the optimal period for decision action. His physical illness no longer allows Hibbort to use forceful measures to eliminate political factions and pave the way for one of the princes.
Quickly running through the possibilities, Astrid reached her conclusion.
It was possible Hibbort intended to designate Lucas as heir, but the probability was extremely low. Based solely on his current actions, there was insufficient support for Lucas to ascend securely.
This man who had sat on the throne for over twenty years was always decisive and forceful. If he truly made his decision, his subsequent moves against the second prince would undoubtedly be like a storm, not as calm as the present situation.
"In that case, Imperial Brother, you will likely have to double your efforts and not disappoint Father's expectations."
"Correct. The more critical the moment, the less we can afford to relax."
Gazing at the impeccably dressed Imperial Princess across the table, Lucas moistened his throat before speaking again.
"By the way, has my dear sister been very busy lately?"
"I've long wished to invite you out for a chat, but according to Elise, you seem to have had no time."
Sometimes Astrid even gave Lucas the impression that this silver-haired girl was minimally in contact with him.
Today, Lucas specifically sought out Astrid to discuss these matters, not only to instruct this political ally on when to strike against the second prince but also to remind her of his future exalted status.
He will be the future Emperor of the Empire. It would certainly do no harm to appropriately curry favor and maintain emotional connections with him. Astrid should understand this logic.
Guessing Lucas was again celebrating prematurely, Astrid slightly nodded, responding in a calm tone.
"Mm."
"Graduation is approaching, and there are many matters to handle at Elizabeth Academy of Magic. I really can't spare the time."
Using this as an excuse was quite appropriate.
After hearing this, Lucas nodded, momentarily unable to find fault.
"If my dear sister is too busy, I could arrange someone to assist with the Empire Weekly."
Assist? Most likely, Lucas's true intention was to gradually absorb and control that resource.
Hearing this, Astrid slightly parted her pink lips, feigning concern.
"There's no need to trouble the imperial brother with this. After all, most state affairs will soon require your attention to assist Father. If you spend additional time and energy on such trivial matters, I, as your younger sister, will feel guilty."
Her response was flawless, simultaneously satisfying Lucas's vanity.
The man seriously considered it, agreeing Astrid made sense. After all, the person she currently relied upon was only him, her brother, so there was no possibility of betrayal. Furthermore, her performance over recent years has been decent. Aside from befriending too many reformist nobles, which showed some lack of judgment, she basically required no additional effort from him.
Leaving the Empire Weekly in the hands of its founder, Astrid, should pose no issues.
After exchanging a few more words regarding the third princess's studies, appropriately demonstrating a brother's concern for his sister, Lucas began fantasizing about Alistair's disgrace and humiliation, kneeling before the palace.
The imperial throne would undoubtedly belong to him, and he would become the wealthiest man in the entire empire.
Seeing the blond man finish his last sip of wine, Astrid picked up her handbag and stood, speaking softly.
"Then let's end here for today. Imperial brother, remember to take care of your health amidst your work."
"You too, my dear sister. Do you need me to arrange someone to send you back?"
"No need. Elise has already prepared the carriage."
"Very well. Be careful on the way."
Watching Astrid and Amalia leave the private room, Lucas remained seated, his gentle gaze fixed on the dinner plate gradually turning dark and mysterious.
When he ascended the throne, he wouldn't just strip Alistair of his royal status, he would make him a prisoner for life, forcing him to watch helplessly as Lucas became the supreme existence throughout the empire.
...................
Boarding the carriage, Astrid took Amalia's hand, pulling the girl into her embrace, her knees gently pressing against the younger princess's crooked leg covered in white stockings.
"How did you feel about this lunch?"
The first thing Amalia asked after Astrid erected the soundproof barrier was about her own state. Leaning against the soft warmth behind her, her heart warmed slightly. Dark hair like falling stars cascaded beside her hand, creating a stark contrast with the pure white thigh-high stockings.
"It's alright..." After saying this, Amalia added, "I'm fine, Sister."
Although somewhat nauseating, she could suppress it.
Amalia didn't regret accompanying Astrid today. Compared to letting her sister face Lucas alone, this way made her feel a little better.
Looking down into Amalia's eyes, confirming the girl wasn't forcing herself, Astrid draped her arm around the girl's waist, gently encircling her.
"Good."
Despite the soundproof barrier, discussing overly sensitive topics outside was still inappropriate. Only after returning to their residence did Astrid instruct Elise to send people to investigate the intelligence Lucas mentioned today regarding changes in the Imperial Guards.
"Sister, is that man... going to die soon?"
Halfway through, reminding Hibbort's affection for Astrid, Amalia retracted her original words, switching to a gentler way of asking.
Although she herself had never enjoyed paternal love since birth, her sister had given her meticulous care. In front of Astrid, Amalia would appropriately restrain herself from using particularly harsh words to attack her adoptive father.
Hearing Amalia's question, Astrid neither shook her head nor denied it, replying after a moment of contemplation.
"Judging from father's current behavior, it seems likely."
Whether it was starting to reminisce about the past or arranging posthumous affairs, Hibbort's every move leans towards entrusting his legacy.
But doing so... compared to the original timeline, it's too early...
Astrid believed her presence had certainly changed many plot points, but regarding Hibbort's health issues, her butterfly effect shouldn't have caused significant waves.
The novel described Hibbort as a lion whose vitality was irreversibly and rapidly fading, incurable by any means. According to that description, Hibbort's death should not be delayed, nor should it be drastically accelerated by external factors.
"Father has become somewhat emotional lately. Or rather, more sentimental," Astrid said.
Last night, lying on her bedroom bed, Amalia had asked what she discussed with the Emperor that morning. Astrid didn't hide anything, choosing to reveal the entire conversation.
Amalia didn't say much after hearing it all, silently leaning against Astrid's chest, listening to the heartbeat muffled by layers of clothing, becoming less distinct.
Under Astrid's patient guidance, seventeen-year-old Amalia could barely comprehend Hibbort's actions, but she wouldn't forgive him.
"I heard people change drastically before they passed away?" Amalia asked.
Astrid nodded upon hearing this, her voice low.
"That's also one of the reasons for my previous judgment."
Only death could make the iron-willed Emperor, who had become stoic after losing his wife, reveal such tenderness.
"..."
"If that's the case...should we start preparing...?"
Amalia whispered softly.
"Sister is currently one of the leaders of the Reformist Faction, maintaining deep business cooperation with the Velmont family, and is also the founder of the Empire Weekly, controlling public opinion within the noble circles."
"But... this alone is far from enough..."
In Amalia's view, the above points were nowhere near sufficient to support Astrid placing an illegitimate daughter whom no one had ever seen on the imperial throne.
First, being a Reformist leader was a double-edged sword. This identity actually garnered Astrid fewer noble supporters than opponents. Second, although the Empire Weekly could control public discourse and guide opinion, its continued publication without replacement relied not only on its high quality and early market dominance but also significantly on royal backing, or rather, the Emperor's support.
The royal family represents absolute authority. Hibbort's newly enacted law stipulated that only they were official, legal newspaper publishers, forbidding others from unauthorized distribution. Otherwise, many more types of newspapers would have already sprung up like mushrooms after rain.
As for the Velmont family, Duke's mercantile nature meant he wouldn't easily commit to any faction. His son Tristian's previous marriage proposal to Astrid was already a massive investment, indicating their favor and support toward the Eldest Prince Faction.
But it was only "favor" and "support", specifically toward the Eldest Prince Faction, not toward Amalia Valeria, who had never appeared in politics.
Strictly speaking, these forces were insufficient to make Hibbort change his mind. They needed a political power capable of delivering a decisive blow or providing absolute support.
For example... Duke Charles, who had close ties with the royal family?
Hearing Amalia's murmured words, Astrid remained silent for a moment before slowly speaking.
"Amalia, there's actually one thing I seem to have never told you."
"...What is it?"
Amalia asked, lifting her head in confusion to look at Astrid.
Sensing the white-dressed loli's gaze, Astrid spoke softly, revealing her purpose.
"The reason I frequently socialize and actively court various factions is ultimately not to ensure Amalia stands out in this imperial succession struggle."
"Their existence is solely to allow Amalia to quickly take over the empire and fulfill imperial duties after ascending, minimizing internal chaos to the greatest extent possible."
"As for how to ascend, first let Alistair and Lucas completely lose their chances of succession. After Father passes away, you, possessing royal blood, will naturally become the best candidate."
Noticing Astrid used the word "completely," Amalia fluttered her eyelashes, vaguely understanding the other's meaning.
Completely losing succession chances, mere disgrace wouldn't suffice. The most direct and permanent method was actually very simple.
Burying both princes completely, dead men couldn't become emperors.
"You mean..."
The black-haired girl lifted her eyes, silently staring at Astrid, speaking calmly.
"...Kill them both?"
In an instant Astrid couldn't see, those blood-red eyes flickered with slight excitement. Amalia's lips curled upward, but quickly composed themselves, afraid of being noticed by Astrid.
She had originally thought her sister, who always encouraged her to be kind and taught her to love the world, would show mercy towards the two.
If that were true... then she could also be slightly less restrained herself...