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(Vardünheim, Northeastern Germany)

A light breeze flowed through the linen sheets drying on the clothing line. The sun lay low as it was still in the early hours of the day. Clinking and clanking noises in the Prince’s Palace hinted there might be something special happening on that day.

Of course there was, the Emperor had urgently decreed for a meeting with his son and the cabinet officials out of the blue. Asidius stared blankly at the dummy in the training area while holding his sword loosely. 

Background Information:

It was the 1525th Imperial Year in the normal modern era of the world. You may ask why the Imperial Calendar was still kept in order, it was because the Emperor’s power had only been reduced, not abolished to a certain level. 

The discovery of the Map of Rule was thirteen hundred years ago, done by the eighth Emperor of the nation: Frederick VI of Vardünheim. It was common knowledge for the citizens of Arkheim and the other provinces of the Empire.

The four major empires had been in discord after the discovery since Eldran had sided with the rival Empire, Tenshujichi, while Valles remained neutral. 

Without the support of Vardünheim, all three had united against it for the right to the Map of Rule. 

In the midst of this chaos continuing over the centuries, the saviour of the faction of the nobles supporting the Restoration of the Map appeared: The First Prince of Vardünheim, Asidius von Falkrein. 

With the little support and power he could gather from his mother’s side, the Second Empress’ house was the Marquisate of Falkrein, Asidius became an apathetic and baleful Prince who was prince in name only and didn’t get to enjoy any of the privileges of a normal Prince. 

Due to his father’s contempt towards him, he had been hidden on the borders of the Empire ever since he was a page. 

Asidius woke up, dressed, ate and trained at set times. If this routine was disrupted, the servants would usually face immediate expulsion or a harsh scolding at least. 

The breakfast dishes were almost emptied as usual. All of them lay spotlessly clean on the table except for the red meat dishes. 

He put his fork aside and excused himself to the audience room in the Imperial Palace. 

On a dark red throne with gold lining was a tall, grey-haired man with piercing red eyes. His face—devoid of any color or warmth. The officials stood up from the long table and bowed at the entrance of the Prince.

“Greetings, your Majesty,” said the young prince, bowing to the Emperor.

“Sit.” his father growled, an icy chill followed with his cold voice. 

Asidius bowed once more and sat opposite to the Emperor. His father, Emperor Konrad III, hardly ever visited him. Since Asidius had been in battle from a young age, he had also been away most of the time. 

He usually reassigns my location but now, he’s acting like he’s interested in my actions? Whatever he’s planning, I’ll find out soon. “May I ask your Majesty to what I owe the honour of your visit?” Asidius questioned, his face displayed the usual calm face despite his sweaty palms and a sense of uneasiness creeping over him. 

“Has your tutor taught you properly about the Map of Rule?” the Emperor interrogated. To this, Asidius nodded disapprovingly while waiting for whichever ridiculous scheme was to follow next. 

“Then I trust you must be well-informed of its location and the process of restoring it?” his Majesty questioned again, now in an impatient voice. 

“Yes, it has been kept safely at the Grand Temple for now, but restoring it won’t be easy for any normal archmage, your Majesty.” he warned the Emperor, now having figured out where this was going. 

It was impossible to try and double-cross the Map since the ancient scrolls stated it would only restore with absorbing the power of two different energies’ archmages. 

Asidius’s own power was fluctuating but he couldn’t understand why it was so. 

“I think we have let those filthy, pathetic commoners walk over us for too long. Now it’s our turn to show them that we own them.” the Emperor triumphantly declared.

“And you, my son, will be the one to show this world real glory!”

While Asidius was contemplating the results of this pathetic plan, the rest of the cabinet stood up and started to chant;

“All hail the Emperor! Long live Vardünheim!” 

“W-wait, your Majesty,” Asidius asked after the cabinet had settled.

“Are you suggesting I manipulate the Map? I’m sure we both know that’s not a very smart idea.” 

“If you need another archmage’s energy then join hands with the Princess of Tenshujichi.” the Emperor answered, a hint of finality in his voice. And with that, the cabinet meeting came to an end.