Drip, drip, drip.
Inside Thorn Throne Castle, the alchemy clock hanging high above turned.
When the first appointed hour arrived.
It chimed.
The clear sound echoed throughout the castle.
The reason this castle, built three hundred years ago, had been given the name Thorn.
Was to commemorate the ancestor of the Alpha royal family, who had fought through the thorns on this barren land.
And established a powerful nation.
It was said that, in order to build Thorn Castle.
At the founding of the Alpha Kingdom, more than thirty kings had died in battle.
For a full century.
Thorn Castle had remained on the brink of turmoil.
Fortunately!
A hundred years later, the Alpha royal family produced its most outstanding king—King Caesar.
He campaigned south and north, laying the foundation for the Alpha royal family's territory.
The kings of later generations continued expanding their lands on that foundation.
Only then did the Alpha Kingdom of today come into existence.
"Miller!"
"What do you think our ancestor, King Caesar, would do if faced with the current situation?"
Miller was the Fifth Prince.
He was also the Ninth Prince's full brother.
But unlike the Ninth Prince, Miller was not good at governing a country.
He was better suited to becoming a merchant.
The most prosperous restaurant in the capital had been designed and built by Miller.
It could be said to bring in a fortune every day.
Besides that, Miller was famous for doting on his younger brother.
Ever since the Ninth Prince was born.
Miller had made up his mind to support his younger brother to the throne.
The Ninth Prince's ability to win the king's favor and be designated as heir.
Miller's contribution had been indispensable.
Even the Iron Guard Commander's support was because of Miller.
Without Miller.
With the