In territories beyond the dominion of the three princes, officials continued their duties obediently, avoiding any hasty actions.
So long as they refrained from impulsive moves, they reasoned, they'd remain unscathed.
Publicly aligning oneself with a particular faction meant relying on one's master for protection.
Should their patrons fail to safeguard them, they'd face dire consequences…
In such a precarious climate, it was prudent to abstain from taking sides. Self-preservation took precedence.
Surrendering allegiance could always be considered once the dust settled among the three princes.
After all, the masses were typically spared legal retribution. When the time came, the victor would likely be preoccupied with consolidating power rather than settling old scores.
In the intermediate palace, the Fourth Prince vented his frustration with countless curses and damaged decorations, ultimately relenting to dispatch some supplies to the disaster area.
