Captain – Chapter 243 – The Royal Secret

“Robert?”

The Emperor repeated this name with a slightly deepened tone, seemingly not expecting that the culprit who would cause the Empire’s downfall, according to the woman, would be this distant relative who also carried the Alexander family bloodline.

“Federo indeed warned me that Robert harbors great ambition for power, even coveting this chair I sit on, but…”

Recalling his conversation with Federo when the latter returned his Governor’s insignia, thinking about the dissatisfaction and hatred in his words, the vengeful actions he had taken, the reasons why he later gave up, and some of his views on Robert, Benjamin’s tone grew increasingly somber.

“To say he would harm the Empire because of this, or threaten the family’s rule, I don’t quite believe it, because after all, he is also a member of the royal family.”

Hearing the Emperor speak of another old man who had likewise witnessed the Empire’s defeat and revival, and who had also reached an advanced age, Gloria remained silent for a moment before saying rather coldly, “In this home where affection is scarce and death hangs heavy, sometimes even brothers cannot be trusted, let alone a distant relative?”

Knowing that she, like Federo, harbored deep resentment toward the family and himself because of that tragic incident in the past, the old man said softly, “You misunderstand. After that incident, I no longer hold hope for family harmony. What I meant earlier was…”

“Even if Robert eventually wears the crown, this might not be a bad thing for the family itself, for the Auran Empire, and for countless citizens.”

After the Emperor finished speaking, the study fell into a brief silence.

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“It seems you have indeed changed a great deal, but why?”

Staring at the old man’s calm face, the Founder’s silver-gray eyes wavered slightly, questioning with inexplicable emotion: “Are you disappointed in Ulysses? Have you realized your mistake and felt remorse? Or is it simply because…”

“Gloria,” the Emperor interrupted.

“Cowardice.”

The Founder finally uttered that word—a disparagement that should never be associated with a wise ruler who had forged the Empire’s brilliant era and was deeply beloved by the Auran people, yet was so fitting a description for the actions of the man before her.

“Isn’t it? Robert carries that thin bloodline, so you can tolerate him becoming Auran’s new Emperor, convincing yourself this isn’t a reason for royal power to slip away?”

“No, you can’t deceive me, nor yourself. To preserve your so-called illustrious name for eternity, you’ve become timid. You desperately hope someone can take over this burden, maintaining Auran’s prosperity while allowing the Alexander family to barely survive… even if only by clinging to a distant relative’s reputation.”

Saying this, the Founder showed a hint of disappointment on her face: “Father Emperor, don’t you think…”

“Enough, Gloria.”

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The old man’s tone was somewhat downcast as he interrupted her for the second time. He lowered his head slightly and struggled internally for a long while before saying slowly, “Everything you say is correct, but at this point, do I have any other choice?”

Hearing this, the Founder finally ceased her questioning.

She looked at the dejection and weakness that had never before appeared in the old man, slightly lowered her eyelids, and walked slowly to the desk, picking up the old book titled “Imperial History,” saying casually, “But this is ultimately just your wishful thinking.”

“What do you mean?” The Emperor slowly raised his head.

“In my view, no matter how high you lead the Empire, no matter what glorious achievements you create, in your eyes, when the Empire and the family are placed together, it’s always family first.”

“For the family’s honor and continuation, you would use any means necessary. It was so sixteen years ago, and I think it remains the same today.”

The Founder opened the old book to the first page, staring at the black eagle emblem, and said softly, “But Robert is quite the opposite of you. Although he is a man of power, he is surprisingly more idealistic. If he were forced to choose between the Empire’s glory and the family’s interests, I think he wouldn’t even glance at the latter.”

“You’re right, we have no choice now, because there is no one in the royal family who can take on the burden of maintaining what has been established. That’s why Robert caught your eye. You think he can shoulder your will and carry the family forward, but if I were to say…”

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“The moment he accepts the crown is the moment the Alexander family’s rule enters history, would you still consider this a choice?”

Benjamin looked at the Founder’s soft hair brushing across her cheek, at those clear eyes that revealed no emotion, and after a long silence asked, “How do you know all this?”

There wasn’t much disbelief in this question, so it didn’t sound like an inquiry but rather like a sigh.

In fact, what she had said, he had known for a long time.

After that despicable assassination sixteen years ago, he had a conversation with that distant relative. It was during that undisclosed talk that he understood in the other’s heart, Auran’s stability and strength were far more important than the family’s face and a prince’s life or death.

“Your Majesty, I hope you can make the truth public and bring the mastermind to justice. Even if the Alexander family will bear enormous pressure because of this, only in this way can we prevent the rift of trust between the Empire and the Federation from growing too large, and also appease the anxious public.”

This was Robert’s advice to him.

Looking back now, all of this would naturally be absolutely correct. Unfortunately, sixteen years ago, although he was over fifty, he was still physically strong and confident in his ability to control the situation, so he would not change his mind because of others’ views and persuasion.

So the truth was rewritten, that assassination became an accident, and Prince Ulysses, as the mastermind, was not affected at all, even becoming the first in line to inherit the throne.

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Facts proved that the Emperor’s view of himself and the situation at that time was not wrong.

Although after that incident, his relationship with Federo gradually grew distant, and Gloria, the only princess at that time, left the imperial capital alone and established the now enormously powerful Black Raven Society, the Empire remained internally stable, and the situation was still within a controllable range.

But now, everything seemed to have changed.

“Father Emperor, you should know that the Black Raven Society’s strength has never been in military might or economics—those are merely appendages of the organization. Its power comes from people. Of course, I’m not talking about myself as the founder, the Elders of the organization, or any Executioner, but those eyes that are everywhere, the ones you least value.”

“So what you know, I know, and what you don’t know, I’ve also heard about.”

The Founder closed the old book again, raised her eyes to look into the Emperor’s, and said calmly, “It’s precisely because I know these things that I’ve come back to see you… to advise you.”

“Sixteen years ago, you didn’t care about my attitude, but I think…”

“Now it should be different.”