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.
114. Justice For A Friend (3)
The noon drew on and the warm rays of the sun were busy nourishing the lands when I stepped out of the carriage in front of the small mansion of Clive family.
The old butler of the family stood at the entrance waiting for me. He greeted me with a bow as soon as he saw me.
"Welcome, Baron. I am Bryer, a servant of the Clive family. Our Lord has been waiting for you."
I gave him a curt nod and gestured for him to lead the way.
I had also decided to have a brief meeting with Luke's father as I was going to help their family. I had no connection to them so, I had to build one now.
I walked inside the mansion and saw the few servants who looked at me with curious gazes, I had kept my hood up and the lower half of my face was covered with a mask.
I had kept my face covered as I didn't want to show my face to the people who weren't a part of my team. It was a precaution that I was using for the future purposes.