Taking the lead part 1

Just as I thought, the baron did showered Andrin with flattering comments for every step they took as they tour around the baron's mansion.

"Why did you left me behind like that? That was cruel of you, you know!"

"That's your fault for being a pushover"

He has already been here for almost a year. He should have grown to use to these kind of things to begin with.

"So, what did you found out?"

"This whole place is squeaky clean and super shiny. The corruptness level of baron Klein makes me want to skin him alive"

"How scary of you. Truly befitting of being the prince of Vanifi"

Just then, Almas came back with the ledger and some contracts that the baron made.

Andrin who have grown used to seeing Almas vanish like that doesn't scream anymore.

"Those are the account books?"

"Yes"

I put the ledger and the contracts inside my bag.

"They should be near by now"

A loud commotion broke outside. Everyone was on a rush to cater to someone of high status.

Knock. Knock.

"Come in"

The maid from earlier appeared.

"Is something wrong?"

"I... I was sent by the baron to inform my lady that the royal family of Loate is here along with the three family of three duchy"

They actually came here at the same time. It somehow makes me feel on top of the world.

Convincing each family was easy. Knowing brother Nicholas and Dereck, the two would surely do me a favor of coming here in secret.

The young duchess who will inherit the seat of duchess of the Veulads were also easy to persuade as she took an interest on me.

As for the royal family, well, blackmailing the crown prince was easy and did all the work.

Me and Andrin went down and saw the four powerful families of the kingdom of Loate in one place. Of course, baron Klein was extremely surprised and confused at the same time.

"My, this brings back memories. I can still remember the luncheon the four families had some time ago. Anyway, baron Klein is arrested for felony, tax evasion, human abuse, and many, many more. Now go arrest him"

The imperial knights did as I told them to. They dragged the wailing baron away from the dining hall where everyone has gathered.

No one talk as they were more cautious since the second prince of the Vanifi empire was present.

"Now, I know you all are tired but I don't give a shit about that, okay"

"...."

I walk to my two brothers. I hugged them from behind as if to comfort them.

"I wish I was able to attend the funeral but let us do that later. For now getting revenge would be better"

I whispered to the two.

"House of Veulad, I have a question. You side with the royal family, correct?"

"That is indeed correct. What of it?"

The duke of Veulad replied.

"Then, if I were to make the crown prince as the king right now, what will you do?"

"What do you mean by that?"

I glanced at John. He then pulled out the letter that the empress made a few days before our departure.

"I am Sir John, vice captain of the imperial knights and I stand here as the empress' proxy. These are the following words of her majesty, Empress Lucia Arte Vanifi, listen closely"

"...."

"Our victory against the kingdom of Chejada is near, now it is my turn to add a condition. If Loate wants to become a vassal state instead of going to war with us, then, let lady Diana Emond choose the king. If not, the empire will not hesitate to bare its fangs on the kingdom of Loate. That is all"

Everyone was dumbfounded after hearing the empress' message, especially the royal family.

They weren't able to say that it was all a sham when a member of the imperial family is sitting right in front of them.

"Before I say who will be the king. Dereck!"

"Yes...?"

"I will now break my engagement with you. I hope that you and brother Roman live a happy life"

Brother Roman stood up with a red beet face.

"Sit down. Don't be shy. They all know of it"

Brother Roman turned around and saw the duke of Deltan, Dereck's older brother nodding towards him. It was a sign that the duke of Deltan has approved of their relationship.

Unable to control his emotions that he had suppressed over the time, Roman went straight to Dereck and hugged him tightly.

As I give a signal to Dereck, he took brother Roman and went somewhere else.

The reason why the duke of Deltan agreed to it is the fruit of my hard work. My hard work at guilt tripping him, saying that "If you really care about your brother's happiness, shouldn't you let him be the one with the person he wants?"

After spamming him with messages like that, he then sent a reply which arrived two weeks before the departure.

"Going back to topic. The king that I choose is the crown prince, prince Kainston Loate. Any objection?"

The king raised his hand.

"Yes your majesty?"

"You want Kainston to be king?"

"Yes. Now that he is the king I expect him to do a proper work"

Kainston wasn't surprised at all as I have already sent a message to him saying that he will be owing me three favors for making him the king.

"I cannot accept that!"

The queen shouted in anger.

She who has been quiet all this time finally went and shouted in front of Andrin as expected.

"John, make sure to hold my brother tightly"

"Understood"

Brother Nicholas who didn't get what was happening, obediently allowed himself to be restrained since he knew I was the one who gave the order. He knew that I had some reason why I ask the empress' proxy himself to restrain him.

"Your majesty you don't like the queen, right?"

"No. I don't"

Well, that makes this a lot easier.

"Your highness, the queen of Loate, I sentenced you to death for killing the former duke and duchess of Emond as well as illegal exporting of mineral supply"