The announcement of the Crown Competition spread quickly.
Every major noble family began making decisions.
Some supported princes.
Some supported princesses.
Some secretly waited.
Everyone wanted the strongest alliance.
Except one family.
House Ashbourne.
Inside Ashbourne Manor.
All family members gathered.
Duke Arthur Ashbourne stood before them.
His voice was serious.
“The royal competition has nothing to do with us.”
Everyone became surprised.
“The empire needs stability.”
“We protect the empire.”
“We do not control it.”
Arthur looked at his children and wives.
“No one from House Ashbourne will secretly support any prince or princess.”
“Is that understood?”
The hall became silent. New chapters come out on g.com first.
First, Madam Isabella frowned.
“Arthur…”
“The royal family will remember those who support them.”
Arthur looked at her.
“The Ashbourne family has survived for a thousand years.”
“We do not survive by standing behind others.”
“We survive because we stand on our own.”
Isabella lowered her head.
But a hidden dissatisfaction appeared in her eyes.
The other wives remained silent.
Second, Madam Elena understood Arthur’s decision.
The Ashbourne family already possessed enough power.
Choosing a royal faction would only create unnecessary enemies.
Arthur continued.
“Anyone who secretly joins a royal faction…”
“Will be punished as betraying House Ashbourne.”
His voice carried sword intent.
The entire hall trembled.
Everyone understood.
The Duke was serious. This story is hosted at novelping.com.
Later that evening.
Andrew received a report from his clone.
“Father has made the correct choice.”
The clone nodded.
“The crown competition will become dangerous.”
Andrew looked toward the Imperial Palace.
“Yes.”
“Every prince and princess will begin gathering power.”
“And every noble family will reveal their true intentions.”
The clone asked:
“Will we remain neutral?”
Andrew smiled.
“House Ashbourne will.”
“But…”
His eyes became cold.
“I will watch everything.”
The game between the royal family and nobles had begun.
And somewhere in the shadows…
The people who attacked Evelyn were still waiting.