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.
56. Remains of Someone's Hope (3)
I placed my two orders in front of the nobles making them stare at me with bewildered expressions.
"What?!"
"It's impossible!"
"Ah, is that so?" I asked and the eight assassins moved in unison holding the tips of their knives onto the necks of the men.
"Wha-"
"Think well, before you answer. Do you have the luxury of saying no to me?"
Their faces went pale as the edge of the knife went deeper into their skin drawing out blood.
"I'll release every bit of information about all of your dirty secrets with evidence and make sure that your families suffer hell after your deaths while cursing you." I said with a smile.
"Devil..." Raleigh sneered and I laughed.
"I don't mind being called a devil by the lesser demons like you. If you can think of something bad I can do worse."
"You can't!" Fyedor shouted.
"I can and I will. And your even your mother who gives you orders won't be able to stop me."