AWDC Chapter 54

Three days after the Crown Prince raised the flag of rebellion, the capital had regained its peace.

The fact that the retainers of the Midland and Gregg families stood at key points in the capital was significant, but more than anything, the fact that the Royal Army submitted to the Crown Prince was the biggest factor.

“We pledge our lives to Crown Prince Michael!”

When the captain of the Imperial Guard was the first to offer his sword to the Crown Prince, who had taken control of the Royal Palace, soldiers successively swore their allegiance.

Because the Royal Army was brought under control, no one was killed resisting this rebellion.

And because the Midland and Gregg families controlled the east and west of the country, the seeds of chaos did not spread to the central region.

The soldiers of the Crown Prince faction who entered the Royal Palace detained the King and close aides such as Riyuki without any resistance.

The King’s close aides were simply standing by, doing nothing during the coup.

“Insolent fools!” The only resistance the King could muster was to raise his voice, but even that was silenced when he was confined to a room and left alone.

The King was imprisoned in a room without windows, and perhaps due to the shock, he could neither eat nor sleep properly.

Most of the nobles among the King’s close aides who were near the Royal Palace were thrown into prison, while Riyuki and the young prince were moved to a detached palace. Most of the other members of the Royal Family were detained and awaited interrogation by the Crown Prince faction.

Among them, Prince Charles, the younger brother immediately below the Crown Prince, had fled the capital at the earliest opportunity.

He had been watching the situation unfold from a location away from the Royal Palace, but as soon as he saw that the Royal Palace had fallen into the hands of the Crown Prince without resistance, he moved to the villa of Marquis Milenda in the western suburbs of the capital.

This was a castle built as a western fortress to protect the capital at the time of its founding. Now, with the Kingdom of Flanderk expanded and the national borders far away, it no longer served as a fortress for the capital, and had become Marquis Milenda’s villa.

The Marquis is called the White Star of the West because he was in charge of protecting the capital in times of emergency. However, there had also been friction with the Gregg family of the same western region since long ago.

Milenda Villa was surrounded by high walls, as it was built as a fortress, making it an ideal place to hole up, and Prince Charles entered this castle late at night.

Here, he sought to gather allied forces in an attempt to gauge the movements in the capital and gain an opportunity to counterattack.

Charles had thought that the Crown Prince would make some kind of move, but he had not expected him to take direct action.

“I never thought that my brother would take such action.”

“Crown Prince Michael, the cautious person, unexpectedly took direct action, this was unexpected.” Marquis Milenda had also escaped safely.

“Even when rumors of the Crown Prince’s disinheritance were circulating, he took no action, so I thought that my brother would never go against His Majesty.”

“Yes, because he didn’t move even then, I thought that the Crown Prince was being extremely cowardly.”

“That’s why I didn’t think he would stand up over something like this.” The retainers were also flustered.

The younger princes had plotted to drive their older brother to a nervous breakdown by spreading rumors that the Crown Prince would be disinherited.

They thought that the Crown Prince would be flustered by these rumors and speak directly to the King. However, the Crown Prince did not move at all. Prince Michael was now convinced that he could not go against the King.

“Even so, what is the meaning of the Imperial Guards not resisting at all?”

Prince Charles turned his eyes to the Marquis, who was present here.

“I have known for some time that Crown Prince Michael was close to the Imperial Guards, but I did not think that no one would resist. Duke Gregg must have arranged it well.”

The Gregg family had made a name for themselves in military affairs since long ago, and had influence over soldiers, including the Imperial Guards.

“Also, the fact that Prince Tzukira overdid it and bought the resentment of the soldiers was a mistake.”

Military officers strongly believe that they should receive status and honor based on their martial arts skills and war records. Prince Tzukira’s attempt to use money to interfere with military positions had caused resentment.

“Exactly. If he hadn’t been so openly covetous of the position in the Northern Defense Force, the soldiers would not have united.”

One of the retainers was also amazed at Prince Tzukira’s greed for money. Even if they cooperated with Prince Tzukira, they were dissatisfied with his methods.

“Prince Tzukira still hasn’t appeared here.”

“There is information that he has been detained.”

“Since Prince Rirudo has not appeared even by this day, I think that he has been detained.”

“Either detained or defected,” Charles said coldly.

“Surely Prince Rirudo wouldn’t do such a thing,” one of the retainers hurriedly tried to deny.

“Whether he defects or gets caught, it just means that he only has that much power. Defecting means that his will is weak, and getting caught means that he has no ability.

The gates of the capital have been closed, and the flow of people and goods has been cut off. What do you think, is there no more waiting here will change the situation?”

“The Crown Prince’s hand has not yet reached here, but I think that we can assume that it will come eventually. I think it’s time to decide on a course of action.”

Marquis Milenda nodded at the retainer’s advice.

“Then, we have no choice but to head north or south. I hate black bread. I like white bread.” Prince Charles said enthusiastically.

Rye, which is resistant to cold, is the staple food of this country, but when it is made into flour, it is black and lacks stickiness, so when it is made into bread, it has a black, crumbly texture.

The nobles disliked this and usually ate white bread made from wheat.

“What about the south?”

The Marquis wondered if it was appropriate to decide the important strategy of where to base the headquarters based on bread preferences, but he answered thoughtfully.

“That’s right. To the south are the Alps, so we don’t have to worry about being attacked from the rear. Food is the most abundant in this country, and above all, it’s safe because it’s Earl Milona’s base.

The Mandleuk Peninsula in the north is also surrounded by the sea on three sides, so to defend it, we only need to watch out for enemies advancing from the north. There are no food shortages either, because maritime transport is thriving. However, since that area was annexed 30 years ago, the residents’ resentment towards the Royal Family has not disappeared. I still think the south is better.”

“Then, let’s send someone to Milona immediately.”

“We should also convey our thoughts to Earl Samore and tell him to gather in the south.”