CHAPTER 449: “ELDER BROTHER, LONG TIME NO SEE.”

"Lunch is over. I’ll rest a while longer in my chambers."

"Astrid, thank you for your efforts."

Hibbort’s voice was hoarse, his gaze fixed on the silver-haired princess seated closely beside Amalia.

The usually clear world had grown blurry under the midday sun, as if veiled by a thin mist. Semi-transparent light spots float like mayflies on water, drifting aimlessly before his eyes.

His deteriorating physical condition had severely impacted the Emperor’s daily life. Not only did he suffer from insomnia night after night, but he also endured constant mental fogginess and fatigue that lingered throughout the day.

It was about time.

Seeing Hibbort’s clearly weakened state, Astrid pursed her lips, her delicate brows slightly furrowed. She wanted to say something, but the words stuck in her throat.

As the one experiencing it firsthand, Hibbort naturally understood his own condition. If he didn’t wish to rest, no amount of persuasion from her would make a difference.

"The day after tomorrow is the new weekly council meeting," Hibbort said, pressing his fingertips against his temples. His tone was calm.

"Are you ready to appear before everyone, Amalia Valeria?"

The half-month-long political evaluation had revealed Amalia’s capabilities to him. Although still somewhat immature in many aspects, not yet matching seasoned political veterans who had spent years submerged in power, at her age, her ability to handle affairs with composure and despondency already marks her as an absolute standout.

Besides, she had another exceptionally capable political advisor by her side. Even if mistakes were made, Astrid could quickly correct them, preventing Amalia from falling into stubborn dead ends.

The little girl did not answer immediately, merely raising her eyes to look at Hibbort.

As for appearing before the public, Astrid had already brought her many times to take over the various political resources left behind by Lucas. She had even grown to sit on her sister’s soft lap, acting as her attendee during negotiations.

Hibbort’s words clearly referred to something else, revealing her true identity as the imperial princess to the world, and officially announcing her as the legitimate heir to the throne.

More specifically, she had passed every imperial examination Hibbort had set.

"I have no issue, Your Majesty," Amalia replied.

Still using the distant, formal address, devoid of any emotion.

But neither party involved seemed to care about the thin, paper-thin father-daughter relationship between them. Hibbort gave a slight nod upon hearing her response, then tapped the magic crystal embedded in his chair. Trin, receiving the signal, immediately entered the room and attentively listened for the Emperor’s next command.

"Notify the officials. At tomorrow morning’s council meeting, I have an important matter to announce. All political council members must attend."

"Additionally, the content of this meeting may be made public. Nobles within the imperial city are welcome to attend as observers."

To ensure Amalia’s smooth succession, the first thing Hibbort needed to eliminate was her status as a bastard. Only legitimacy could prevent internal chaos and disaster, this was a necessary step for his peace of mind.

After giving orders to Trin, Hibbort lightly struck his imperial scepter. A golden-rimmed seal of emerald material materialized in the air, its four corners adorned with the imperial honeysuckle pattern.

"From today onward, Astrid Calliste has unrestricted access to the Imperial Capital Prison."

Astrid took the seal, feeling its weight in her palm, her wrist slightly dipping.

It seemed Hibbort had already prepared his official explanation for the whereabouts of the two princes.

The next moment, just as she expected, Hibbort quietly issued his instructions.

"Alistair, having been stripped of his royal status, was overcome with shame and ultimately died of depression within his residence."

"Prince Lucas, overburdened by prolonged political duties, succumbed to accumulated illness. Despite treatment by physicians, he passed away in the palace."

For the long-term stability of the Empire, even his own sons could be discarded. His tone was calm, low, and the coldness within it was enough to send chills through the listeners even in early summer.

Thus, the fates of the two crown princes were officially sealed.

Lucas and Alistair could never have imagined that what they had pursued their entire lives would ultimately fall into the hands of a bastard girl who should never have had the right to inherit.

After listening to Hibbort’s instructions, Astrid gave a dignified bow.

"I understand, Father."

Personally issuing orders to erase one’s direct descendants was still too cruel for an ordinary person.

This kind of tedious task was better left to her and Amalia.

..................

The next day, after lunch, Astrid and Amalia did not head to the chambers for their usual nap. Instead, accompanied by Elise, they arrived at the specially constructed prison in the northern part of the Empire, used to detain high-risk criminals.

Presenting the seal to the guarding Imperial Guards, all inspection privileges were granted to Astrid. The silver-haired, red-eyed Imperial Princess held her sister’s hand as they stepped into the dimly lit Imperial Capital Prison.

Since most of the prisoners detained here were individuals capable of using a portion of mental power, each cell was constructed from extremely sturdy building materials. Additionally, the restraints were enhanced with anti-magic seals, ensuring that even the most destructive spells favored by mages couldn’t produce so much as a spark within these walls.

Feeling the temperature drop steadily as they ventured deeper, Astrid tightened her grip on Amalia’s soft, boneless hand. Her two long, smooth legs, wrapped in fine black stockings, crossed and brushed against each other, the friction sound distinctly audible in the narrow space.

Their first stop was Alistair’s cell. The failed assassin-prince was covered in thick stubble, his eyes sockets deeply sunken. His legs were bound by heavy iron chains, and one arm was missing, no one knew where it had gone, leaving only an empty cloth flap dangling at his side. His visible exhaustion and emaciation were striking.

Upon seeing Astrid, Alistair merely cast a sidelong glance, then let his dull gaze return to the cell door before him, as if the days of imprisonment had drained even his soul.

"Are you well, elder brother?"

Astrid softly asked, her wine-red eyes reflecting the man’s worn and weary face.

Alistair remained silent, head lowered, lifeless.

Seeing that the second prince clearly had no intention of cooperating, Astrid ceased speaking and activated her elemental vision, slowly probing Alistair’s condition.

After all, her purpose here wasn’t for a reunion.

Her mental energy gradually scanned Alistair’s body. That intense aura of death lingered stubbornly, not entirely unrelated to the black-haired girl she once sensed in the Monster Mountains, it was practically identical.

According to Academy Head Anthony, this energy had not only altered Alistair’s physical body but also tainted his soul with dark elements, making it restless and violent, prone to losing control.

That said, the original Alistair wasn’t too far from such a description anyway. The power from that ancient human likely just acted as an accelerant.

Having identified the source of Alistair’s power, Astrid ended her mental probe and asked the second prince a few final questions. Confirming he wouldn’t cooperate in any way, she abandoned any intention of extracting intelligence from him.

Given his situation, Alistair probably already knew the fate awaiting him.

"Farewell, elder brother," Astrid said coldly.

With a casual gesture, she condensed an ice spike and fired it directly at Alistair’s heart. Bound by anti-magic shackles that restrained both hands and feet, the second prince had no chance to resist or struggle. The sharp ice spike pierced straight through his chest.

The man spat out a mouthful of filthy blood, his body collapsing limply to its knees. His life force rapidly drained until it was completely extinguished.

Adhering to her principle of thorough caution, Astrid then retrieved a magic crystal from the gemstone pendant at her chest. The next second, destructive, corrosive flames filled the cell, burning Alistair’s body to complete ashes, blood, muscle, bones, leaving not even a single hair behind.

In fact, thanks to Astrid’s unintentional action, she likely prevented a future encounter with the undead creatures she once met in the Monster Mountains, except this time, they would have been actual human skeletons instead of beastly forms.

After finishing with Alistair, the next target was Lucas. Whether by Hibbort’s deliberate arrangement or not, the two princes’ cells faced each other directly, as if symbolizing their lifelong rivalry and conflict over power.

Meanwhile, the sound of crisp high heels echoed through the corridor, bright, rhythmic, distinctly different from the metallic clanking of the Imperial Guards’ armor.

Lucas immediately stood up, eagerly peering toward the outside of his cell.

Sure enough, a silver-haired beauty in a form-fitting black dress appeared within his sight. The flickering torchlight in the prison corridor illuminated her smooth, flowing silver hair and accentuated the delicate black stockings on her calves like dark chocolate. Her skirt swayed gently, Astrid, not seen for some time, bloomed like a rose.

Besides she was a white-stockinged little girl in a pure white princess dress, but Lucas’s attention clearly wasn’t on Amalia.

"Sister, how is Father doing now?" Lucas asked.

Unlike Alistair’s harsh treatment, Lucas appeared much more composed. His hands and feet weren’t bound by anti-magic iron cuffs. The only restraints were the magical runes inscribed into the cell walls.

Astrid sighed softly upon hearing his question, speaking gently.

"Father hasn’t been well. Perhaps he’s been worrying too much about the succession."

Judging by Lucas’s expression, he still didn’t fully grasp his current situation.

Accustomed to the eldest prince’s stupidity, Astrid went along with his line of thinking.

"Due to the severity of Alistair’s assassination attempt, to protect you, Father had no choice but to temporarily keep you detained in the Imperial Capital Prison, under the personal guard of numerous Imperial Guards."

On the surface, the explanation sounded reasonable, but upon closer inspection, it was full of holes. Yet Lucas, like a drowning man clutching at a straw, believed Astrid’s words without hesitation.

"What about Alistair?"

"He’s already been executed."

Just ten minutes ago, not far from where you are.

After hearing Astrid’s words, a glimmer of hope instantly lit up in Lucas’s eyes.

"Then... Can I leave now?"

"Almost. Just wait for Father to completely eliminate Alistair’s remaining allies."

Halfway through, Astrid suddenly shifted the tone.

"However... elder brother..."

"Your injuries have caused Father great concern."

Having his secret wound from the assassination attempt pointed out, especially by his own beautiful younger sister whom he had long lusted after, Lucas felt momentarily embarrassed, a flicker of coldness flashing in his eyes.

Damn Alistair. Once he was out and successfully ascended the throne, he would dig up his grave and grind his bones to dust.

"Father’s opinion is that, for the Empire’s long-term continuity, you must find a way to produce an heir."

Astrid’s tone was gentle, as if truly considering Lucas’s well-being, yet it was actually highly manipulative.

"An heir..." Lucas murmured.

But he had already lost his ability to reproduce. How could he produce an heir?

After long contemplation, a sudden thought struck him, and Lucas grew excited, quickly speaking up.

"Sister, perhaps there are other royal bloodlines."

"Oh?"

"What do you mean, elder brother?"

Seeing Lucas take the bait, Astrid tilted her head in feigned confusion, fluttering her red eyes at him.

"Countess Alice... and Miss Cassie..." Lucas said, stroking his forehead as he carefully recalled.

"I’m not certain, but there might be..."

Although Lucas had many affairs, he understood the importance of royal bloodlines. Thus, after intimate encounters, he will have someone discreetly monitor the women.

Due to certain special procedures, most noble ladies couldn’t possibly bear his children. Only a few of them had a slight possibility.

"Only them?"

Astrid asked softly, mentally comparing the names against a list.

"If I must say... she might also be possible..."

After Lucas listed several more names, Astrid nodded, indicating she had memorized them all.

"I understand, elder brother. I’ll take care of this matter."

Extracting information had gone surprisingly smoothly, truly saving a great deal of effort.

Using further manipulative questioning, Astrid inquired about some internal faction matters, helping herself take over more quickly. Only when Lucas began sensing something amiss and grew cautious did Astrid stop her interrogation.

After being skillfully dodged by Astrid for so long, Lucas grew slightly impatient but still restrained his emotions, maintaining a gentle tone.

"Sister, so when exactly can I leave?"

As soon as Lucas finished speaking, a clear female voice rang in his ears.

"Right now."

That wasn’t Astrid’s voice, but the dark-haired little girl beside her in the white dress.

Lucas was momentarily stunned, surprised that this timid girl dared interrupt their conversation, and somewhat confused by the meaning of her words.

Feeling Lucas’s gaze, Amalia raised her hand to cover her left eye. As her fingers moved, a transparent plant-like membrane fell into her palm.

The crimson outer layer peeled away, revealing a tender blue water-like eye beneath. Amalia looked at Lucas, her lips curling slightly upward.

"Elder brother, long time no see."

"This seems to be the first time I’ve addressed you as such."

The sudden shock caused Lucas’s pupils to instantly widen. He stared at the one eye so strikingly similar to Astrid’s red iris, and the other, the royal blue eye, slowly realizing what was happening.

"You..."