Some are illusions, some are guesses, some are rumors, but as soon as you link this information with the Crown Prince before you, the conclusion is quite simple.
"Because of ambition, an ambitious person will not be content with being merely a pawn," Brand felt this was his most lucid moment ever, as if his mind was in sync with his spirit, and all the past speculations about this Crown Prince became the basis of his current speech.
He felt as if he stood on the shoulders of giants, lifting his head to calmly say: "Since you could find a spark of life for the Wood Main Priest in such desperate circumstances, how could you ever let others manipulate you back then?"
"Impressive, but indeed so." The Crown Prince sighed: "I did stop some things, within the limits of my abilities. Some of the endeavors from Mother I was happy to see, but I did not necessarily agree with the methods."
"Besides, everyone has their own interests at heart, and I don't see it as a sin," he replied.
