Lionel's smile faded as soon as Reinhardt mentioned that one name.
His cousin, Cassian.
Even just hearing it put a mixture of emotions in his heart.
During this time, Cassian was his closest cousin. The two of them were practically inseparable. They had other cousins, too, but none of them were as close as the two.
In the status, they were also the only full royals of their generation. Cassian's father was the current Crown Prince, and Lionel's mother was his sister. The rest of their cousins were from different branches of the royal family, born to lesser houses.
Cassian was 3 years older than Lionel. He remembered his cousin to be kind and aloof. They would sneak out, ride horses, and even share meals.
Growing up, Cassian often said things like, "When I become emperor, you'll stand right beside me."
And Lionel blindly believed him.
Fortunately, that was all before. Now he knew better than to trust that cousin of his.
Lionel's eyes darkened slightly as that thought crossed his mind.
"I understand, Sir," he answered quietly to Reinhardt.
Reinhardt paused, narrowing his eyes a little. There was something strange in Lionel's voice. There was no spark, no trace of excitement, not even the usual glint in his eyes whenever Cassian was mentioned.
"No enthusiasm today, huh?" He frowned.
Lionel didn't respond to it. He simply gave a small smile as an answer.
The silence stayed for a moment before Reinhardt exhaled through his nose. He remembered how close the two cousins were. It felt strange now, seeing Lionel so detached.
Maybe he's just tired, Reinhardt thought, shaking his head. "That's enough for today. Go rest, Lionel,"
"Yes, Sir," Lionel replied quickly before walking away.
As he reached the entrance of the training hall, a familiar voice greeted him.
"My lord!"
Diana quickly rushed over to him, holding a towel in her hands. Her usual bright smile met him as she waved excitedly.
"You worked hard again today! Here, use this before you catch a chill—"
However, Diana stopped mid-sentence when she noticed the serious look in Lionel's eyes.
"My lord? What's wrong?" she asked softly, worry lacing her voice. "Did Sir Reinhardt scold you again? Or was he being too strict?"
Lionel shook his head slowly, taking the towel from her hands. "No, Diana," he answered, but his voice was quite low and distant. "I'm just tired. I want to rest for now."
"Oh…" She hesitated for a bit, then nodded. "Of course. We shall proceed to your room already."
Lionel gave her a faint smile, one that didn't quite reach his eyes, before they walked back towards his room. Because of how large their estate was, it took them quite some time. before heading to his room.
"I will let you rest for the meantime, my lord. If you need anything, please call for me."
"I will, Diane." Lionel gave her a small smile before closing the door of his room. He let out a long sigh immediately as silence surrounded him.
Before he could say anything, he walked to his desk. He pulled out a sheet of paper and a pen. His hand hovered over the page for a moment before he began to write.
Lionel listed every major event that would happen in the future that he could still remember. He listed all the wars, the important events, and the deaths of the people around him.
He listed anything that might help him prepare for what was to come.
But as his pen moved, one memory stood out among the rest.
It was the beginning of everything: The death of the Crown Prince, Cassian's father.
Lionel hastily stopped when that memory came to his mind. His gaze drifted to the small calendar beside his desk.
It was the 4th day of August, Year 310 on the Vaeloria Calendar.
"That means my uncle's death should be in six months," he whispered.
His grip on the pen tightened slightly as that realization settled in.
Six months…
He leaned back against the chair as his mind slowly replayed the events that came after that day.
'My uncle has been sick since he was a kid. The Imperial doctor said that it was because of his weak body. That's why he was closely monitored and rarely goes out."
Lionel sighed. It was truly unfortunate when they heard the news of his sudden death. His uncle has been good to him.
A few months after his death, Cassian would be officially named the new Crown Prince since the throne couldn't be passed to his mother, as she was a girl.
Everyone celebrated it. The people called it a "blessing in disguise". That even after tragedy, the Empire still had a capable heir. Lionel was also one of those who supported Cassian.
At that time, he still believed in his cousin. He even felt proud, thinking Cassian deserved it.
However, now that he thought of it, "Shouldn't I be named the new Crown Prince because even if I'm younger, my mother is still the eldest child of the emperor, and my uncle is the youngest?" Lionel's forehead creased.
Did they skip me just because I'm a child of my mother? And that they find Cassian more capable?
Somehow, that didn't sit well with Lionel.
"I can't let things happen the same way again." He leaned forward, his voice low and serious.
"If my uncle dies and Cassian becomes the Crown Prince, I'd fall into ruin once again."
Lionel took a deep breath.
"I need to stop it," he said quietly. "Or at least… delay his death."
He stared down at his notes again, thinking hard.
"I don't have the power or the influence yet. But if I can keep my uncle alive, even just for a while, then maybe I can change what happens next."