Chapter 144: Building Credibility

Chapter 144: Building Credibility

Inside Kaisteins hall, Leonic, who had accompanied Ian, found it hard to believe what he was hearing.

A civil war broke out in Cantum?

Of course, it wasnt the civil war that surprised him.

It was an event that had seemed inevitable, and he had thought it would happen sooner.

As long as I dont exist, its as if the leash has been released.

Leonics forces were divided into three factions, each in charge of their own forces.

The military officials controlled the military.

The civil officials managed the administrative affairs.

The court officials served the royal family.

In the past, Leonic had held complete control over them.

However, in his absence, there was no one to restrain them.

Moreover, the Second Prince has his sights set on eliminating them, and it would be even worse if he remains idle.

No matter how blind they were to their own gains, their lives were more precious.

Especially those who had aligned themselves with Leonic held significant power and influence, effectively dividing Cantum into various factions.

It was only natural for them to pursue their own ambitions.



Thats why I only accept them in the first place, because those with ambitions are easier to manipulate.

At that moment, news continued to reach Leonics ears.

The civil war is escalating beyond expectations! Large-scale battles have already begun.

Theres a massive influx of refugees! They are seeking shelter in Bahara and Kaistein.

The court officials have taken the emperor hostage and barricaded the palace gates.

The Second Prince surrounds the imperial capital

The situation was unfolding even more intriguing than Leonic had anticipated.

In an attempt to eliminate Leonics influence, the Second Prince had targeted and attacked his forces.

As a result, the court officials, in order to ensure their survival, took the emperor hostage.

The Second Prince besieged the imperial capital with the intention of rescuing the emperor, while his controlled military faction relentlessly attacked them.

However, Leonic couldnt help but feel that something was amiss.

I havent received much information.

Considering the scale of the civil war that was unfolding in Cantum, even if the conflict had initially been covert, there should have been signs and predictions available.

Yet, he sensed nothing.

There must have been some kind of omen.

It was when Leonic felt a chilling sensation.

A messenger who had gone to check the situation in Cantum urgently arrived.

The court officials have requested our help, claiming its the emperors decree.

They claim that with the Second Prince targeting the emperor, they need our troops to rescue him.

Similar requests have been made to Bahara as well.

It was a demand to fight against the treacherous second prince.

King Eloin and the ministers of Kaistein found themselves in a dilemma.

Goodness Sending troops to Cantum? If by any chance the second prince manages to save the emperor

We would be crossing a point of no return, entangling Kaistein in Cantums affairs.

But if we refuse to send troops and the court officials emerge victorious

They will likely turn their aggression towards us once the civil war concludes.

Leonic observed Ian beside him with curiosity.

He noticed that Ian had been silently observing the conversations all along.

Something seemed off.

Why isnt he saying anything?

At least there must be a reason why he was brought here.

But Ian just silently observed the discussions between the king and the ministers without intervening.

It almost seemed as if Ian believed it wasnt his moment to step forward yet.

Leonic shook his head.

Thats not the point right now. What matters is when the information starts to go wrong.

The only person Leonic trusted to keep him accurately informed was his loyal follower, the one who had been by his side since birth.

He recalled the note he had secretly sent through a servant who typically handled his meals.

It was written using a code known only to us.

There was no one who could decipher it unless they, Adria of Intellect, were alive.

Because the note was crafted in a language understood solely by him and his loyal follower.

But it was that moment.

Flinch.

Leonic felt a chill run down his spine as Ian stared at him.

This bastard

Thats Ian Kaistein.

The way he looked at him, as if he knew exactly what he was thinking.

No, it was because of the face that seemed to see through his inner thoughts.

Leonic instantly came up with the worst assumption.

Could it be what if this guy manipulated the information reaching me?

It was a plausible scenario.

Ian could have tampered with the information sent by his follower, adding unnecessary details or altering the narrative.

If he had sensed the impending civil war in advance, he would have taken every possible measure to prevent it.



Of course it doesnt make sense but considering the abilities this guy has shown so far, the possibility is high.

Ian continued speaking before anyone could respond.

Isnt it obvious? The Emperor has aged, and the Crown Prince has fallen into our hands. It was only natural to anticipate that a civil war would break out, Ian explained confidently.

So were you preparing in advance?

If the Emperor had requested aid, I intended to help. However, I couldnt share my plans with you.

I see.

I still lack a lot of experience. I didnt want to cause unnecessary worry.

King Eloin made a bewildered expression.

Did he look like he didnt want to cause any concern?

Ians smile appeared unnaturally bright, as if he had foreseen this entire situation from the beginning.

The king couldnt help but ponder over Ians intentions.

If Bahara has made a move, we have to make a decision quickly. If we wait any longer, it will become a problem.

However, he couldnt punish Ian.

Kaistein was still under Cantums influence.

It would be awkward to punish the King of Bahara, who had offered assistance to Cantum without any apparent reason.

It was at that moment.

So, here is what I have to say, Your Majesty.

What is it that you want to say?

Please officially accept the betrothal between the First Princess and the former Crown Prince of Cantum, Leonic.

!

The look in King Eloins eyes changed at Ians words.

His eyebrows shot up as he appeared to grasp Ians true intentions.

Then the ministers stepped forward.

A marriage proposal with a country in the midst of civil war and the First Princess? Have you considered the implications? one minister questioned.

Another minister added, And a betrothal with a captive who is no longer the Crown Prince? Its an absurd proposition!

Everyone was in an uproar, lamenting the fate of the First Princess.

However, Ian made eye contact with her, silently conveying his thoughts.

What do you think, Sister?

What do you mean?

All you have to do is pretend to be a fake couple for a little while. Then you will have Cantum.

The First Princess looked at Ian as if she couldnt understand his thoughts.

But she had no intention of pretending to be a fake couple.

I am someone aiming for the throne. Even if its fake, I dont want to be someones shadow.

Despite the First Princesss opposition, Ian quickly interjected.

Think about it, Your Majesty. If the First Princess becomes the wife of the former Crown Prince Leonic, she will become the Crown Princess.

So? Is it crucial to become the wife of a dethroned Crown Prince?

No, its about gaining legitimacy, Ian explained.

Legitimacy?

We will acquire the legitimacy to directly intervene in the succession war of Cantum, not merely as reinforcements, Ian clarified.

The Emperor may not be saved, but we can eliminate the court officials and the Second Prince, making Leonic Kahn the Emperor. That is the proposal I am presenting.

!

The expressions of King Eloin, the First Princess, and all the ministers underwent a significant change at that moment.

They realized that instead of merely receiving reinforcements to save the Emperor, they had the opportunity to seize control of Cantum itself.

The First Princess, once betrothed to the Crown Prince, becomes the Crown Princess. So, we shall gather an army for the First Princess and her future husband, Leonic, who will ascend to the position of Crown Prince. And then, we can make Leonic Kahn the Emperor. In doing so, we will

Secure the Empress position of the Empire.

Yes.

The atmosphere in the hall turned frigid, as the audacity of the proposal sank in.

It was not entirely implausible, considering the potential remaining influence of Leonic, who was rumored to be an exceptional Crown Prince.

If we combine the forces of Kaistein and Bahara there, we can handle at least the Second Prince.

Furthermore, there was also the possibility of becoming a benefactor to Leonic Kahn, who would become the Emperor.

It wasnt necessarily a bad idea.

But at that moment, the First Princess stepped forward.

The reverse is also possible.

What do you mean

I have heard that the former Crown Prince Leonic has a younger sister. You can arrange a marriage between her and Ian, making the youngest the Emperor of the empire, the First Princess proposed.

At that instant, a loud bang echoed through the hall, interrupting the discussion.

That is absolutely not acceptable, Your Majesty!

The Marquis of Adelas hurriedly entered, his expression urgent.

But he was not alone.

Cardinal Cesare sends his greetings to Your Majesty, he announced, as Cardinal Cesare and the faction of Marquis Adelas entered the room.

But at that moment.

Grin.

Ian was smiling.

Finally, all the actors have gathered in one place.



From this point forward, every move would be crucial.

The seemingly nonsensical words of the First Princess held little significance to him now.

What truly mattered was how he could utilize Cardinal Cesare.

If everything went according to his plan

I can see the end approaching.

It was time to bring an end to the tiresome succession war and unveil the true face of their hidden enemy.