The Prime Minister had specially come to Linus's room.
"Prince Linus, do you understand what you have done?"
Linus was looking out the window.
The face reflected there was smiling.
"Prime Minister, I know you held the Baron Banfield in high regard. However, favoritism is not acceptable."
"Is this your way of punishing someone for not siding with your faction?"
The Prime Minister wielded considerable power in the empire.
However, there were also forces that did not view this favorably.
One of them was Linus.
"There are also complaints from the nobles. The Banfield family needs a little punishment. I'm just saying we should observe the situation regarding the purchase of rare metals."
Not only the empire, but the trading companies Linus was involved with were also holding back on purchases.
Taking advantage of this, Calvin and others were also holding back on purchases.
The Prime Minister gave up on trying to argue further.
"Your Highness, sometimes a person is born with luck on their side. As long as they are not abandoned by fortune, it is not wise to fight them."
Linus turned to the Prime Minister.
"Born into the royal family and reaching the position of Crown Prince, do you think I lack luck? Do you think I will lose to a country noble from the borderlands?"
The Prime Minister shook his head.
"You are the one who challenged me. I will not say anything more. However, have you forgotten what it means to lose a battle?"
"I will never forget. I always stake my life on everything I do."
He had nearly died in the struggle for the succession more than once.
Linus was also confident.
"If you are strong enough to threaten me, I will make an effort to bring you into my fold, even if I have to bow my head."
"I have given you a warning."
The Prime Minister left the room and immediately sent a message to Selina, who was secretly watching the Banfield family.
โ
The day of the meeting with Prince Cleo.
Dressed in ceremonial attire and accompanied by knights, I arrived at a facility near the harem, where meetings with the royal family are held.
Men not related to the royal family are not allowed to enter the harem, so if there is any business, it must be conducted in a monitored facility.
While waiting, my guard, Klaus, seemed flustered.
This man was a knight recommended by Tenno.
He was a plain but skilled craftsman-type knight, and Tenno had spoken highly of him.
Even I could not ignore Tenno's recommendation, so I placed this nice guy knight by my side.
In exchange, I also called for a knight named Chancy, chosen for her appearance.
A beautiful female knight is essential.
Balance is important, you know.
It's depressing to have only grumpy old men as guards.
"Lord Liam, we have received an urgent message from your territory."
"Urgent?"
While I was elegantly drinking tea in the waiting room, Klaus reported something troublesome.
"Yes. There is a rumor that the court will impose economic sanctions on the Banfield family. It is almost a done deal and is said to be true."
"---What are the details?"
"Restrictions on the purchase of rare metals from the Banfield family."
In simple terms, it was as if they were saying, "We won't buy rare metals from you anymore!"
They were also saying that if the official merchants were used as intermediaries, they would impose heavy tariffs.
This meant that the trade of rare metals within the empire would become impossible.
"I see. ---Who is behind this?"
"It is about Prince Linus."
"Ah, him. He was second in line for the throne, right? This is probably retaliation for me refusing to join his faction."
Klaus looked tense.
But I was not flustered.
With the blessing of a guide, I will not lose, and I am not the kind of person who can be taken down by something like this.
"What do you plan to do?"
"Meeting with Prince Cleo is the top priority right now. I'll think about countermeasures when I get back---I'll call the official merchants together, I suppose."
You did well, Prince Linus.
You may be trying to kick me out, but it won't be that easy.
However, this makes it clear that Linus is my enemy.
"Do you really intend to fight Prince Linus seriously?"
"Klaus, you don't understand anything. He's the one who started the fight."
"N-no, I think it's us who started the fight. After all, we turned down Prince Linus's invitation."
That was the mistake in the first place.
There were also surveillance eyes around, so I told Klaus to lean in and spoke in a low voice.
"I don't like being summoned and then forced to bow my head. Well, if Prince Linus becomes the next emperor, I'll gladly bow my head."
"He is a strong candidate."
"He is a candidate, not a decision. And, Klaus---I didn't turn down the invitation to be the next emperor. I choose the person who will become the emperor. Don't get that wrong."
If they want my cooperation, there is a proper way to do it.
Is there anyone who would summon me and then bow their head to ask me to join?
Besides, if I were to make a puppet, Prince Cleo would be easier to handle.
I am the greatest supporter of the faction now.
Prince Cleo cannot be aggressive towards me.
If I were to make an emperor, it would be Cleo.
And my true enemies---the ones who have the potential to be, the emperor, Calvin, and Linus---these three must be eliminated.
Otherwise, my peaceful life will be jeopardized.
I intend to eliminate these three at all costs.
The other two, who are not my true enemies, will be collateral damage, but that is not my concern.
Anyone who threatens my peace is my enemy!
As I waited, the knights guarding the harem arrived.
"Lord Banfield, Prince Cleo is waiting for you. Please leave your weapons here before passing through the gate."
They were on high alert, but that was to be expected for a royal.
My guards were tense.
There have been incidents of assassinations within the harem.
"Finally, I can meet Prince Cleo."
After handing over my weapons, I went through the gate and met Prince Cleo after a security check.
โ
In the waiting room where Liam had left.
The knights guarding him were surrounded by the harem guards and looked tense.
Captain Klaus was the same.
(To say such disrespectful things in such a place. Is he a big catch or just a fool---I can't tell.)
Considering his track record, he is definitely a big catch.
Many knights have decided to follow such a Liam.
But there was one knight who had a face that looked like she was backing away.
Chancy.
"---Good. I'm getting excited."
Chancy, her cheeks flushed with excitement, was restless just because Liam was by her side.
She might have attacked Liam on the spot if she had the chance.
Liam, who had chosen this knight, brought her to this place.
(Really, spare me, Lord Liam! Why did you bring this person on such an important day?)
Klaus, with a painful stomach, stood straight, enduring.
โ
For Cleo, the first meeting with Liam was shocking.
"Nice to meet you, Your Highness."
"---I've been looking forward to meeting you, Lord."
Cleo, who had seen many people as a royal, was momentarily speechless at Liam's aura and presence.
Occasionally, there are people who "have it."
Outstanding abilities, good luck, and something that cannot be understood by ordinary people.
If you have one of these, success is almost guaranteed, but the Liam in front of him had all of them.
Cleo, who was also trained, understood this immediately.
(I would be killed the moment I draw my sword if I were to fight him.)
Looking at his guard, Ristea, he could see that she was worried despite her composed expression.
Liam sat down and started talking, but his attitude was a bit too rough for a royal.
"Normally, we would exchange pleasantries, but I don't have time. Let's get straight to the point. ---What do you want?"
When Cleo was suddenly asked what he wanted, he was indignant, thinking he was being treated like a beggar.
However, he quickly calmed down.
(Well, I am a beggar. I have nothing to offer this lord right now.)
Cleo also sat down, and his eldest daughter, [Cecilia Noa Alvarait], served tea.
Liam drank it without any suspicion.
"You have a strong nerve, Lord."
Liam laughed at this.
"What would I do if I were surprised by this?"
His words sounded as if Cleo was not worth fearing.
In fact, that was probably the case.
Ristea seemed to be a little annoyed, but did not interrupt the conversation.
"I can't keep a busy lord like you for long. So, here's my proposal. Join my faction and support me. ---In return, if I become emperor, I will grant you your wishes. However, there is a high possibility that it will end up being an empty promise."
Cecilia and Ristea were surprised at Cleo's attitude.
Liam's expression did not change.
(Well, what will you do? It would be fine if you got angry and left here.)
He could not tell what Liam was after.
That was the most frightening thing.
However, Liam seemed to be interested in Cleo's honesty.
"Good. I like that you don't spout unrealistic nonsense. Yes, you can't offer me anything in return right now, Prince Cleo."
Cleo was asked for a casual conversation.
Liam had no intention of reprimanding his rudeness.
"It's the truth. I have no power. I want to know what you want from me and why you want to support me."
"The answer is simple. To make you emperor."
"What?"
Is he serious? Cleo looked at Liam intently, surprised.
Liam did not flinch at all, showing considerable confidence.
"Are you sane? My position is special."
"I know. That's why I chose you. You didn't choose me, I chose you. This is important."
His arrogant attitude was so beyond being annoying that it almost inspired respect.
"You are quite confident."
"I am already in a battle with Prince Linus. There is no turning back."
Despite saying this, Liam looked relaxed.
"With my brother?"
"I am serious about supporting you. Prince Cleo, don't hold back. Ask me for anything you need to become emperor."
He had heard that Liam was a prodigy, but he was even more impressive than the rumors.
Cleo felt his heart warm for the first time in a long time.
(He's an interesting man. There are confident men in the court, but no one has such unwavering confidence. Even my brother Linus is unsure if he can become emperor.)
Cleo decided to bet his life on Liam.
"Shall I give you the answer, Lord? I want almost everything. Funds, manpower, and military power."
To increase Cleo's influence, he needed not only a huge amount of money but also manpower.
And the military power of the Banfield family was absolutely necessary.
Liam answered while drinking tea.
"While I am in the capital, three thousand ships are on standby on a nearby planet. If you need them immediately, we can mobilize that fleet."
Ristea was surprised at the number three thousand.
To be able to freely command three thousand ships at any time was an extraordinary offer for the current Cleo.
"Three thousand!? N-no, I apologize."
Seeing Ristea hastily close her mouth, Liam found it amusing.
"Oh, is that too few? Then, I'll call in twelve thousand ships. Use them to show Prince Cleo's might."
Hearing that number, Ristea could not say anything.
Cleo was the same.
"---I am grateful. But, can I handle such a number?"
"I would be in trouble if you couldn't. Ah, that's perfect. I have a knight who seems to be free right now. I'll place one at your side. He can also serve as a liaison with me."
When Liam said he would place one of his knights by Cleo's side, an image appeared in the air.
Two knights' faces appeared, and Liam chose one of them.
"Her name is Christiana. She is a bit of a character, but she is an excellent knight, so use her as you see fit."
Hearing Christiana's name, Ristea was surprised.
"Christiana? Brigadier General Christiana!?"
When Cleo looked at Ristea, she closed her mouth in embarrassment.
"---Is she famous, sister?"
Cleo called out to his sister, who was interrupting the conversation.
Liam did not seem to mind.
He was rather amused.
"Y-yes. She is a female knight who graduated with outstanding grades from the military academy. She has also been highly evaluated as a civil servant and has been repeatedly offered a position as a direct vassal of the empire."
To place such a person at Cleo's side so easily.
This meant that Liam had many excellent people under him.
"Can you spare such a knight?"
When Cleo asked, Liam answered indifferently.
"It's fine. Should I prepare more?"
Huge funds.
And excellent people.
Finally, military power---and the talent to utilize all of these.
Cleo's spine shivered.
(He is called a prodigy for a reason. But, if I become emperor, what will this man want from me?)
"I don't want to talk about the future, but what should I do to repay your kindness, Lord?"
At Cleo's words, Liam smiled.
He was providing this much support.
Naturally, he would expect something in return.
An important post in the empire?
Or---
"I want to do as I please in my hometown. If you recognize that, I'll make you emperor."
---Cleo tilted his head.
"Is that all? Are you really lending me your strength just for that?"
"Of course. Of course, I'll also take my share of the spoils. Let's work together and make the best of it."
He was dodging the question.
Cleo felt uneasy about the future.
(Is he planning to control the empire from behind the scenes? But, that might not be so bad. This man is far more capable than I am.)
A quick investigation revealed that Liam was a capable ruler.
It might be better to let him govern than to do it himself.
"---First, we need to survive. Lord, let's discuss the reward after that."
(No matter what, if we survive, this man will get his way. It would be pointless to decide the reward at this stage.)
Liam finished his tea and stood up.
"Let's do that. Prince Cleo, see you again."
Watching Liam leave, Cleo shuddered.
(---I sought help out of fear of my brother and others, but I might have dragged an extraordinary man into the succession struggle.)
Bryan (*ยดฯ๏ฝ*) "I have a new stomachache buddy. This Bryan is very happy despite his age."
Klaus: (๏ผใใ'ฯใ'): "My stomach hurts so much!"