However, that wasn't the issue with this particular kid.
In fact, Xavier couldn't care less about those who wanted to go after his position, because only a crazed martyr would truly want to rule the Empire when it was far better to remain a regular noble who could spend all his time with his wife.
But that was not the main issue with Aziel.
What mattered was how some idiot, who clearly didn't know what they were saying, told the young boy that he was very much like the Imperial Crown Prince Aeric.
Worse, when his mother, the Empress, had been asked to confirm it, all she did was offer a smile to the wide-eyed child.
Because what did they really expect from that?
Both denial and acceptance would've revealed something, so of course, she said nothing. But because that smile was taken as a positive sign, the boy spent all his energy trying to become the Aeric he imagined himself to be.
