6. Double-edged Sword

Emperor Julian Lancaster sat with a grim expression. He furrowed his brow, his golden eyes gazing sharply at his trembling son standing before him.

His son was incredibly incompetent as the heir to the throne, and to make matters worse, his irritating brown eyes. The presence of those eyes was like salt sprinkled on his bloody wounds.

'If he weren't my only son, I would have gouged out those eyes long ago. And now, this foolish son of mine has the audacity to make an unreasonable request!'

Emperor Julian felt a headache coming on as he faced Lucas.

'Ending the relationship with the Ashford Duchy and marrying the daughter of a Baron who had no power in politics or the military and only had a noble title?'

"What are you thinking!? You can make your lover a concubine when you marry Eleanor, and the royal family's connection with the Ashford Duchy will already be established."

As he noticed his son about to interrupt, he continued.

"And if that's still not satisfactory when you ascend the throne, you can elevate your lover's title to queen consort. She will become the second most noble woman in the entire country. But, she can't have the empress seat."

Lucas snorted and disagreed with his father's solution.

'I don't want Ava to live in Eleanor's shadow! I want Ava to be the number one woman in all of Astoria. Besides, I really don't want to raise Eleanor's status.'

Just imagining Eleanor's face, the last time he remembered it, sent shivers down his spine. Especially the thought of touching that woman to produce an heir to the royal throne.

His knees instantly went weak. He mustered the courage to refuse his father's order.

"Your Majesty, I refuse. I implore Your Majesty to consider that Eleanor has a bad reputation among both the nobility and the common people, while Ava's background can be an advantage for us. Because she comes from a lower noble class that is no different from the commoners, the common people will support her, Your Majesty."

Emperor Julian closed his eyes.

"What you're saying is true. The common people would tend to support Ava Sinclaire because she shares the same background as them."

Lucas's eyes lit up with hope upon hearing the Emperor's words, but his next statement shattered his hope.

"However, the price to pay is too high, just to gain the support of the commoners. I would have to sacrifice Duke Ashford's forces, which I have sought after for years."

Emperor Julian raised his gaze and looked deep into Lucas's eyes.

"No, this is your duty as the Crown Prince. Besides, if you grant your lover a title, the people will also support her. They will be pleased to have someone from their own background as a consort."

Lucas didn't want to give in.

"Imperial Father, I have always followed your orders without question. I have never disobeyed even once, but this time, I beg you to allow me to decide. If Your Majesty refuses, I, your son, have no choice but to relinquish the title of crown prince."

Lucas replied, bowing, fearing his father's intimidating gaze.

"Are you threatening me?" Emperor asked coldly.

Lucas was both Emperor's weakness and a thorn in his side. That was because he only had this one son, no matter how many concubines Emperor Julian had. It was as if Emperor Julian diligently watered the plants, but not a single seed sprouted.

"If I had another son, you would have lost your position as crown prince long ago! I don't care whether the other son is born from the Empress' womb or a consort!"

But fate had other plans, as he only had this one incompetent son, while his brother's son, Cassius, was lurking like a hungry hyena for his throne.

Lucas fell silent, gritting his teeth at his father's words.

"What do you actually have to qualify as a leader, other than your status as my son? Even your damn eyes don't favor you! I married you to Eleanor so she could cover up your weaknesses!"

Lucas had grown numb to his father's taunts about his eye color.

"I don't mean it that way, Your Majesty, but I don't think I can marry Eleanor unless she becomes a concubine."

Because that way, Lucas wouldn't have the obligation to produce an heir from her, and the relationship between the Ashford Duchy and the royal family would remain intact. Lucas smiled cunningly in his mind.

On the other hand, the Emperor's face grew redder, and his veins popped up on his face.

"Are you stupid!? To this day, I still can't believe that you are my son! No matter how bad Eleanor's reputation is or how terrifying her appearance may be, she is still a legitimate daughter of the Ashford Duchy!"

"Do you think Duke Ashford, who acts like an old fool in front of his daughter, will just stand by if you make his daughter a concubine? And what about the opinions of the noble colleagues of Duke Ashford!? They will support Duke Ashford in voicing their rejection, you fool!"

"But Your Majesty is the Emperor! The leader of the land of Astoria, they will obey your orders."

"Why are you so naive? Has your education as a crown prince not left a mark on your empty head? Have you ever seen in history a legitimate daughter of a duke become a mere concubine?"

Emperor Julian took a deep breath and leaned back in his chair.

"An emperor can become an emperor not only because of inheritance rights but also because of political support from the nobles. The nobles in this land have political power and influence that can support or hinder the rise of a prince to the throne."

The Emperor replied wearily, somehow the conversation with his son made him feel ten years older. His gray hair looked even more desolate.

"Unless Eleanor herself willingly wants to become your concubine. Duke Ashford won't oppose it because Eleanor is his weakness. He will do anything as long as his daughter is happy. Eleanor's reputation out there is known as a stalker, following you everywhere. Are you a hundred percent sure that Eleanor wants to become a concubine?"

"..."

If his father had asked about this before he met Eleanor, he would have answered immediately. But after his encounter with Eleanor, he became less certain if she would be satisfied with the mere title of consort.

'The last time I saw her, she exuded a different aura. There was pride and a refusal to submit...'

Lucas shook his head and dismissed his foolish thoughts.

"I... I'm not sure, Father. It's unlikely."

"Leave. Let me think about it first."

As Lucas left the room, Emperor Julian massaged his weary forehead.

"Nothing is going according to my plan!"

He intentionally pitted the nobles against his nephew, Cassius, to restrict Cassius's movement.

He had dispatched numerous assassins, but none had returned. Moreover, Empress Dowager implicitly supported Cassius, though not openly.

On top of that, his foolish and naive son messed up his plans. The Emperor planned to use Duke Ashford's forces to crush Cassius since the royal forces were numerous but lacked ability.

That's why he needs Duke Ashford's troops, to be on guard in case Cassius secretly has forces backing him. If he were to attack Cassius with the royal army now, he would face a bitter pill to swallow if Cassius manages to resist.

"I intended to take control of Ashford's forces through the marriage, but this foolish boy ruined everything!"

"Although Cassius no longer has forces, who knows if he has hidden troops, considering none of my assassins ever returned! He can't always escape my assassins with just a few mansion guards."

Furthermore, While Cassius did not have a large force for a coup, his golden eyes were a threat to Emperor Julian. Because of a stupid myth that exists in this Land which stated; the empire will be destroyed if ruled by an emperor without golden eyes.

The people will revolt if he openly removes Cassius, as long as there is no legitimate heir with golden eyes from the royal family, they will continue to support Cassius.

Moreover, the Empress Dowager, his own mother, stood by his side.

The Emperor pondered how to resolve the mounting conflicts in his mind without sacrificing Lucas, and a cunning plan crossed his mind.

This plan didn't guarantee its success, but he was willing to bet on it.

"This plan is like a double-edged sword. If successful, I will reap great rewards. But if I fail..."

The Emperor closed his eyes and called for his secretary.

"Your Majesty,"

"Summon Duke Ashford to the palace. Emphasize that this is an important matter."

Emperor Julian grinned wickedly.