The Kingmaker System
"The masterminds are cooler than heroes," I mutter as I stare at the chess pieces before me. It is easier to be the one who sits in the shadows and moves the pieces, likewise deciding the flow of the game. Heroes will foolishly sacrifice their lives for the good cause and villains will sacrifice the world for their own gain, but masterminds will use both the heroes and villains to their own benefit. Why, you ask? Well, that's because I've lost my life once while trying to be a hero so, I don't want that anymore. I'd rather be a mastermind who molds the world as per my convenience and live peacefully. Because, why not? *** [Defender of Divine Glory says you are the hope of this world.] What? [Goddess of Wisdom believes that you will be the one to save the world.] Wait, what?! [Propose the Grand Duke the idea of a fake marriage.] And, why would I do that?! [Stop the assassination of Prince Eric.] Why would I save him?! [The candidates for the throne are:... Who will you choose?] Ah! I give up... It seems like a curse that anyone who wishes for a slacker life in Isekai will have to go through the most troublesome things. In my past life, I died because of one rookie mistake but after being transmigrated in the world of fantasy I've gotten an opportunity to start afresh, but unlike the protagonists who look for their love and glory, I'd rather make money and live a life of a slacker. I have magic, I have power and I have money, what else do I need? Well, that was the plan but this damn system is getting on my nerves. I mean who in their sane mind would want to mess with the complicated royal family and political affairs? But that's not all though. I've also become the saviour of this world. Things just can't be anymore worse! Besides, the penalty of failing this quest is... [Failure: Destruction of the World.] It seems like if I screw up in selecting the right person then the destruction that is going to befall the world won't be stopped. If I speak of my reward then it's this vague thing. [Reward: Fulfillment of any wish.] "If that's the case then, I'd rather choose the person who would be the best fit for the throne." And that's how I decided that I would become the Kingmaker.
54. Remains Of Someone's Hope (1)
Ethan was fidgeting while I stood calmly with a smile in front of Davian in his study.
"What do you want?" Davian asked as none of us spoke.
I nudged Ethan's side and he flinched.
"Y-Your Grace, Sir Ocean has a request."
I looked at Ethan as Davian's eyes shifted to me. I knew Ethan wouldn't be able to say it.
"I wish to investigate the Third Wall, Your Grace." I announced making Davian stare at me for a moment.
"Why?"
"The investigation of the whereabouts of the previous Grand Duke and Duchess is necessary, I wish to restart the investigation which was halted and find them. If they are alive then we might find some clues as of where they might be or... find their remains."
I was careful with my words as it was a sensitive matter. Davian averted his eyes and was silent for a moment before he spoke up.
"It's been six months for that incident, Sir Ocean and there might be no clues left now."