“You’re actually telling me that Prince Roland and Lady Reviarra are fighting each other?”

There was a sense of disbelief laced in the Queen’s expression. Although she asked for clarification, Queen Blonsall had already believed her son. She only found it too insulting  and ridiculous that a 9 year old child was capable of exchanging blows with the 22 year old Prince known for his business and military acumen.

Aware of the heavy strike his mother must have taken from the information, Prince Elric remained in place and silent. Eventually, Queen Blonsall clapped her hands and signaled a servant to come in.

“Find this Queen the latest information on Lady Reviarra. This Queen wants to know everything from her past movements and associations to her health over the past few years. Look into Duke and Duchess Reviarra as well. This Queen wants to understand their stance…”

“Yes, by your will.” said the man before he retreated from the room to issue the order. Prince Elric was rather surprised by his mother’s response. He couldn’t help but air his doubts.

“Mother, Lady Reviarra built and expanded the Iridescent brand from scratch. Her company now constitutes over 40% of Arcgate territories exports. Her methods of controlling product flow and new work policies make it nearly impossible for competitors to gain traction anywhere within her control. Brother Roland has taken a massive hit in income after her latest policies were implemented. In order to strangle the Arcgate territory, he’s taking measures to bring Iridescent down a notch.”

“Those measures are what is causing issues for you?”

“Yes. Many of his actions involve undercutting Iridescent or forcibly pre purchasing raw materials before they reach Arcgate. In order to hide his ulterior motives, Prince Roland has taken to the populace with a political campaign claiming to acquire the resources in support of the common people and national security. Unfortunately, his company Lunar Supply is wealthy enough to stockpile the purchased merchandise until he can resell it later. He’s effectively strangling not just Arcgate of money, but also the common populace of the material goods. Since the people are initially wealthier from the bulk purchasing though, they haven’t felt the effects yet.”

“Then let the girl’s business die. How is this blocking you? Prince Roland’s actions are unsustainable and will eventually damage his reputation more than it helped...”

A depressed smile overtook Prince Elric once more. He, too, thought the same as his mother. That was until Lady Reviarra struck back. Elric could only sigh before pushing the problematic cornerstone forward.

“Had Lady Reviarra been weak or useless, then that would have been the case. The Lady is anything but unfortunately. Only 3 days after Prince Roland initiated his suppression, Lady Reviarra instituted new policies to adjust tariffs and prevent mass outflow from Arcgate. The boosted tariffs will force Prince Roland to purchase the products at a premium, effectively wasting his consumable wealth. She also added entirely new products to the Iridescent lineup and immediately purchased facilities in other territories distant from Arcgate. My advisers suspect she will soon establish independent manufacturing plants and subsidiaries…eventually overwhelming my good brother.”

“This Queen still doesn’t see how this stonewalls you.” the Queen was quick to reply. Despite her position as Queen, she had never run a company or meddled in economics. As Queen, her primary duty is to maintain the King’s health and manage the harem. She was adapt at schemes, however without an adviser of a particular subject matter, she was just as ignorant as the masses.

Taking her question in stride, Prince Elric continued. “The Lady publicized her reforms and announced the conflict to the masses. Not only did she highlight the issues in a way the common people could understand, but she also suggested the link between 4th brother and Lunar Supply.”

Prince Elric’s expression distorted slightly before proceeding as the topic was embarrassing for imperial power.

“Although the Lady never said outright what was happening, there are multiple reports of troupes and bards singing about the Royal family reducing the quality of life of the common people by abusing their wealth… It’s affecting the reputation of all the Prince’s, however we’re unable to find the source of those songs and plays. It’s as if whoever provided the material and costs for the performances disappeared into thin air. Many of this Prince’s plans have been cut off due to the negative rumors and influence leaking from 4th brother’s plight.”

“Hahaha! Let this Queen understand this correctly. You’re actually telling this Queen that a 9 year old girl is effectively damaging the reputation of all the Princes and even chipping away at the foundational respect established for our imperial family?”

Queen Blonsall couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity. Such actions were equivalent to lese majeste. Her thoughts turned deeper though after considering the situation from a calm perspective. There was no evidence to suggest Lady Reviarra instigated anything outside of coincidence and thus there was, in reality, very little the imperial family could do against her.

“What a tricky girl… Your imperial father should have already heard about this. Has he not taken action?”

“This… This Prince understands that father likely knows the situation and is explicitly allowing it.”

“Hump! Is he using this girl as a grindstone for you Princes…? Good... Good… Very good. If your imperial father is allowing this, then this Queen can act as well.”

Elric shivered after hearing the repeated ‘good’ and anger flaring from his mother. A shiver raced down his spine the moment his mother gazed into him. A rather crafty smile spread across her visage.

“My good son… What do you think of Lady Reviarra? This Queen hasn’t held a banquet for a long time now…”

Although he was shocked internally, Prince Elric could only acquiesce. He genuflected once more before saying, “This Prince will follow mother’s instructions. However… Duke Reviarra…”

Before he could even complete his sentence, Queen Blonsall cut him off by saying, “He’s only a minister in the end. It would be his daughter’s good fortune to join this Queen’s banquet. After she arrives, take the chance to become familiar with her. She’s only a 9 year old girl.”

Prince Elric could only accept his mother’s designs. It would appear the Prince had to start grooming a young woman for his future. Disgust flashed across Prince Elric’s eyes before disappearing a moment later. The disgust quickly replaced by ambition. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to obtain the throne. He had long settled his heart and thrown away any selfish emotions.