News of the conflict between the Empire and Yoheim spread across the entire continent.
People voiced various opinions on the situation.
Some mocked Yoheim's reckless attempt, while others criticized the Empire for justifying its invasion with false pretenses.
Yuri was firmly on the side of the latter.
"A scam, that's what it is."
He declared.
"Why would Yoheim release poison? Are they insane? Do you really think that country has the ability to sneak someone into the Imperial Palace? Come on, really?"
"Y-yes..."
"That's right."
"Yoheim is just the beginning. The entire continent will be engulfed in war. No one will be able to escape the Empire's invasion."
"Indeed."
"Well said."
"You need to take my words to heart. So, what we need to do is—"
"I agree."
"Hear, hear."
Laurent and Jared barely kept up with the responses. It wasn't a topic they could just dismiss lightly, but they were worn out from Yuri repeating the same argument over and over.
"Anyway, now..."
The three of them were on their way to Francaise, the territory of the Flandre family.
As soon as the incident with Yoheim was reported, Yuri dragged Jared with him to crash a noble's social gathering. There, he had abducted Laurent, who had been sipping a cocktail in a tuxedo, mingling with the guests.
When Yuri appeared, the crowd initially erupted in cheers, but when he grabbed Laurent by the wrist and left, everyone fell silent in confusion.
Though, a few of them even cheered louder and offered blessings to the two.
"Laurent, you're not upset that I dragged you out of the party, are you?"
"Of course not. I don't enjoy parties."
"For someone who doesn't, you've been making the rounds quite a lot. Haven't you been attending a bunch lately?"
"It wasn't my choice. My father forced me to..."
"Why would Sir Lian do that?"
"He said he could understand if I met people and found no connection, but not meeting anyone at all was unacceptable. So he made me attend parties to avoid arranging a blind date."
"Ah..."
Yuri nodded.
"Guess we're at that age now..."
Even in Briol, which had a relatively liberal atmosphere, people usually began seeking a marriage partner after coming of age. And Laurent was a little older than Yuri.
Jared tilted his head curiously.
"Sir Laurent, even if you didn't attend parties, wouldn't people line up to meet you? You could just pick someone and start dating..."
Yuri and Laurent turned their heads sharply toward him. Jared flinched and hunched his shoulders.
"W-why?"
The two stared at him for a moment before turning forward again.
Yuri patted Laurent on the shoulder and said,
"Let it go, Laurent. He just doesn't understand."
"No, I respect Sir Jared's opinion as well."
"I saw the look of disgust on your face."
"No, don't misunderstand, Jared."
"Sir Laurent, your face still looks the same..."
"Oh—oops."
Jared was indignant.
"Hey, you guys. You don't have to take dating so seriously. We're still young..."
"..."
"Think of it as advice from someone with more life experience. Since I'm the oldest, I probably have the most dating experience too..."
The other two didn't even reply.
"This cold treatment is unbearable. If I may say something—"
Just as he began to protest, the silhouette of Francaise's walls appeared on the horizon.
"Oh, it's Francaise."
"We've arrived sooner than expected."
"Let's hurry!"
"Yes!"
Yuri and Laurent immediately spurred their horses forward, quickly pulling ahead.
Watching their backs, Jared muttered something he would never say to their faces.
"You fluffy little brats. I'll let it slide this time. Haa..."
There was no helping it. Briol was a class-based society. Rank was everything.
He soon followed after them on horseback.
When Yuri and Laurent appeared, no one even asked for identification. The gates opened immediately, and the three of them entered the city with the royal guard saluting them.
"Let's go straight to Francaise University."
"Yes."
Yuri had come to Francaise to meet Cedric and Joshua.
Even for him, it was a sudden decision. The Empire's aggression had come far sooner than expected. Yuri hadn't anticipated this invasion either.
In his previous life, the war had broken out much later.
An attempt to poison the Emperor, and the citizens of the Empire rising up because of it—those were events that had never occurred before.
His interference had significantly altered the course of the continent's history.
Until now, he had managed to deal with everything well, but he had no idea what the future held.
That's why he intended to entrust Briol to Cedric and Joshua, and leave to stop the Empire himself.
He had to take preemptive measures outside the borders before Briol became a battlefield.
"I wanted to take care of everything myself..."
"That's not realistic. You need us."
"…Right."
He hadn't wanted to drag the two into this, but there was no choice.
It was something that had to be done eventually—he'd only delayed it for emotional reasons.
Cedric would surely manage Briol well, and Joshua would be of help too.
"Laurent, you can take care of your own matters if you need to."
"No, I'm fine."
"I might not be able to return for a long time."
"That's alright."
Yuri didn't even bother asking whether Laurent and Jared would come with him.
Since the Allied Army, they had spent a long time together. By now, they could understand each other with just a glance.
Wherever he went, Yuri was certain these two would follow.
"This is the place."
Before long, they arrived at Francaise University. It was the largest academic institution in Briol. While it didn't compare to the Empire's Academium, it ranked among the top on the continent.
Not long after, Yuri was able to meet Cedric and Joshua.
Cedric expressed concern for Yuri's health, while Joshua teased him from the side.
"It's been a while. You're not hurt, are you?"
"Hey, you look great. Been enjoying yourself?"
"Joshua."
"Aw, come on, bro. Just kidding."
While Yuri talked with them in Cedric's research room, Laurent and Jared waited outside.
It had been a long time since just the three brothers had a conversation like this.
"I heard you were back, but I've been too busy to come see you. What's going on?"
"What? You didn't just come to see us? This is business?"
Yuri had thought Joshua might've mellowed out a bit, but his personality hadn't changed at all.
Yuri chuckled and then opened his mouth.
"I came to ask a favor."
He shared his perspective on the events that were about to unfold.
The Empire was facing problems, and the situation wouldn't end here. Yoheim was only the beginning, and soon the entire continent would be dragged into war. Briol would not be spared, and they had to prepare in advance.
He explained all this in detail.
Yuri also briefly mentioned the black magic surrounding the Imperial Palace.
Cedric fell deep in thought, while Joshua looked around in a panic.
"Hey, if this conversation leaks out, we're dead meat. You know that, right?"
He mimed slitting his throat with his finger. Cedric answered in his place.
"Don't worry. The soundproofing here is excellent."
"Still, bro. You're out here talking smack about the Emperor. You've grown bold. Have you lost your fear?"
"I wasn't badmouthing the Emperor. I said I think there's black magic in the Imperial Palace."
"That's the same thing."
"Focus on what I'm saying."
Yuri gave Joshua a look, then spoke again.
"You both know Father has no real interest in state affairs. I'd like you two to come back and manage Briol."
Depending on one's perspective, it could be seen as a disrespectful statement. But since it wasn't wrong, Cedric and Joshua simply nodded.
Fiore wasn't a bad king. It was better for him to remain idle than to engage in tyranny.
And so, under his indifference, Briol had been functioning surprisingly well on its own.
However, now that the Empire had emerged as a disruptive force, Cedric needed to assist Fiore in governing Briol under such circumstances.
"I see, so that's how it is..."
Cedric nodded.
The topic being what it was, a moment of silence hung in the air. Cedric adjusted his glasses and fell into thought, while Joshua shrugged his shoulders.
Trying to lighten the mood, Yuri asked,
"Well, don't worry too much. I'll try to handle things. Anyway, what have you been studying that brought you all the way to Francaise, big bro?"
"I've been studying commerce. You know, logistics is key to reviving a nation's economy. First, you need to pave good roads—"
"I wasn't talking to you, Joshua."
"What the—are you discriminating now?"
"You'll be fine on your own."
"You little punk..."
Joshua grumbled. Even as an adult, his behavior hadn't changed much since childhood.
Still, it was a relief that he now seemed to be putting his talents toward something constructive.
At the end of their past life, Joshua had displayed remarkable abilities.
With his brilliant mind, he continuously came up with ways to counter the Empire.
As Yuri watched Joshua and smiled faintly, Cedric spoke up.
"Lately, I've taken an interest in history."
"History?"
"So I've been researching various things—like the culture of unknown ancient nations, or histories that have been buried."
"That's good work."
"But if what you say is true, this isn't the time to be studying such things."
Through the lenses of his glasses, a firm determination shone in Cedric's eyes. Normally gentle, he knew when not to back down.
Yuri smiled, feeling grateful.
"Thanks, for listening and believing me."
Then Joshua shook his head.
"It's not that I believe you. Honestly, I was already thinking along the same lines. I was the first one to worry about the state of the continent."
"Yeah?"
"Stagnant water is bound to rot. The Empire's turn toward expansionism was something I foresaw long ago. Got it?"
"How impressive."
"You don't believe me? Want to read the thesis I wrote last year?"
"I said I believe you."
Yuri raised both hands in surrender, but Joshua didn't stop.
"Nope. You don't look like you believe me at all. Just 'cause you're good with a sword, you look down on your older brother?"
"Now I'm starting to want to look down on you."
"Fine. Just you wait. I'll go get the book."
"Alright, alright."
Ignoring Yuri's words, Joshua sprang to his feet and headed outside.
Cedric chuckled.
"Joshua just wants an excuse to show off his thesis."
"Then he should've just shown it."
"He's shy."
Yuri looked at Cedric. That gentle smiling face hadn't changed one bit.
Neither in the past life nor in this one had he changed much in appearance. He had looked like an adult when he was young, and now that he was older, he still hardly showed any signs of aging.
His calm nature was the same as ever.
Having someone who hadn't changed was a comfort to Yuri, who was living his second life.
"Big bro."
"Hm?"
Yuri paused for a moment before speaking.
"You probably already guessed, but..."
"Yeah."
"Princess Katrina is royalty too, so… please be careful."
Yuri brought up the dangers of the black magic that had taken hold of the Imperial Palace. This warning didn't just apply to the Emperor and the direct imperial bloodline—it included Katrina as well.
Cedric, quick-witted as he was, had likely already grasped the hidden meaning in his words.
"I've met Princess Katrina. She seemed like a very good person. She suits you well."
"She does, doesn't she?"
"But things could turn ugly even if it's not her intent."
"Don't worry. I won't let personal feelings get in the way."
Cedric placed a hand on Yuri's head.
"You're worrying about me already? You've really grown, Yuri."
"Hahaha..."
"Briol is always my top priority."
"That's good to hear."
"Oh, and don't tell Katrina I said any of this."
"Depends on how you behave from now on?"
"You brat..."
While Cedric was ruffling Yuri's hair, Joshua returned.
Yuri ended up stuck with him, reading through his thesis.
"Not bad."
"Right?"
Joshua grinned proudly.
"So don't worry about Briol. It'll only grow stronger. A sword-wielding guy like you can go out and fight without a care."
"Aren't you worried about me?"
"Do you worry about Father?"
"No."
"Then I don't worry about a guy who's good with a sword."
"Hahaha..."
The three of them continued talking for a while.
They discussed many topics—some about everyday life, others about the looming threat of the Empire.
The laughter of the three brothers echoed continuously within the room.
***
Left alone in the room, Cedric stood by the window, looking down at the campus of Francaise University.
Joshua was seeing Yuri off.
By Yuri's side were Laurent Flandre and his escort, Jared.
Cedric watched the three depart, then soon drew the curtains and turned away.
There was no trace of emotion in his eyes behind the glasses. Even the smile that usually lingered on his lips had vanished.
He opened a drawer, took out a crystal orb, and placed it on the table, gently stroking its surface. A strange light began to glow.
Cedric opened his mouth.
"Yuri has left. Laurent Flandre and his escort are with him. They'll likely head to Yoheim."
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