In Alistair's eyes, without royal blood, someone with Lucas's simple mind would at best become a second-rate noble, barely capable of maintaining his family's wealth and status, let alone advance further.
Hesitant when great matters arise, reckless for minor gains; outwardly strong but inwardly weak, timid and indecisive, he was utterly unfit to be an heir.
It was solely the prestigious title of Crown Prince that had accumulated immense political resources for Lucas, giving him an advantage throughout the entire royal conflict and squeezing Alistair into such a dire position.
Alistair held nothing but contempt for this fool of a prince, who, merely minutes older than him, dared to claim the position of elder brother.
"That unit of imperial guards is located northeast of the imperial capital, west of Rian Town, near the vital transportation route used for shipping ale, pearls, and vast quantities of seafood."
