Secrets and Schemes

Watching the people leaving the auction room, Aiden lay across the sofa like a king—resting on his side, propped up by his right hand.

His gaze fixed on Chloe, who was barely managing to walk with her aide's help.

His eyes gleamed for a brief moment; that look suggested he was already devising a plan.

Initially, he hadn't recognized her, but after hearing her desperate voice, he figured she had to be connected to Serena somehow. "She must be Chloe Artesia," he thought.

One of the novel's heroines, Chloe was the third princess of a fallen kingdom, going undercover in the academy under the guise of a noble's illegitimate daughter.

There, she met the protagonist, and they had their share of ups and downs.

Chloe had her own arc in the novel.

In it, the protagonist helped her avert a calamity in her homeland to the south, and after they triumphed, she gave him all the money she'd accumulated, showering him with rare, extravagant gifts.

She became his simp.

The story highlighted her genius with finances; by the end, she even surpassed the Golden Duke in influence, controlling most of the continent's economy.

Aiden felt fortunate to have Serena in his possession.

Chloe must have faced some setback to allow this.

Thinking about something that was bothering him he muttered "Strange… Serena was never mentioned in the novel, not even by name."

He rested his chin on his hand, watching the last few figures trickling out of the hall.

"According to the story, Chloe should have bought Serena and then turned her focus to revenge. How could such a unique character be overlooked?"

Picturing Chloe's hateful glare as she left, he chuckled. "Well, I've certainly gained a formidable enemy." His grin widened, a hint of excitement flickering in his eyes.

"It would've been boring if everything had gone according to plan. I have a feeling this journey is about to get much more interesting."

He was well aware his actions would disrupt the storyline, but the moment he'd entered this world, the butterfly effect had set in.

Though he wasn't planning to throw away his one unique advantage—knowledge of future events—he also knew he couldn't just do whatever he wanted without consequence.

As for why he'd bought Serena despite his lack of funds and all those risks, he had eve been forced to use one of his trump cards.

Serena was essentially a walking death sentence; anyone who tried to harm her would supposedly suffer a fatal curse.

He believed the risks were well worth it.

If the emperor's supposed curse on Serena was real, the acquisition would have been worth it even for ten times the price.

Lost in thought, Aiden heard the door opening.

Aiden rose calmly from the sofa, clearly expecting his visitor's arrival.

Roy entered the room, but the usual businessman's smile was gone, replaced by a ruthless expression, as if his mask had slipped.

His eyes were filled with confusion and wariness as he looked at Aiden.

With a villainous grin, Aiden raised his arms theatrically. "It seems you liked the note I sent, huh, Roy? Or should I call you Hell Hound?"

At the mention of that name, Roy's face twisted with anger, his usual composed voice replaced by a darker, harsher tone.

It was thick, grating, as if the sound alone could unnerve a person.

"Wipe that smug grin off your face, Aiden Hoyle," Roy growled. "If it weren't for the information you claim to have about my Master, your head would already be rolling. No one threatens me; all who tried are dead."

Aiden's smile only widened as he replied, "Oh, Roy, remember—I've got the information you want. Wouldn't it be a shame if news of your Master reached her enemies?"

He leaned in, voice low. "I imagine the Assassin's Guild and the Tower of Mages would be thrilled to learn the exact location where the great Violet is recovering from her wounds."

Roy's anger gave way to shock.

He hadn't expected this.

The note Aiden had sent only hinted that he knew something about his Master, demanding a large sum to stay silent.

Furious, Roy had stormed over, suspecting an empty bluff. But now, hearing this… his fury and worry surged anew.

This was something no one should know—except himself and one other.

Seizing the moment, Aiden leaned closer, his tone smooth yet cutting. "It'd be quite unfortunate if the Emperor learned the so-called traitor he executed was actually alive and under his very nose at the academy."

Roy's face paled. Loyal to his Master above all else, the mere thought of this information leaking made his mind reel.

This was a truth only two people shared. Yet here it was, on Aiden Hoyle's lips. Confusion clouded his thoughts as he tried to grasp how this man could possibly know.

Seeing Roy's stunned silence, Aiden knew he had the upper hand. "Let's negotiate, Roy. Of course, you don't really have a choice."

He held up two fingers. "Two million gold coins a month. That's the price for my silence."

Roy's confusion dissipated, quickly replaced by renewed rage. "Two million a month, you beast? You really think my slave market can be threatened by someone of your level? I should be the one threatening you. What's stopping me from ending you right now?"

Aiden laughed, almost as if he'd heard a good joke. "Oh, Roy, you should know better. I wouldn't come unprepared." His voice was laced with mockery, knowing full well that Roy was bluffing.

"My subordinates in the capital already have this information," he said, his voice dropping to a deadly calm. "If I fail to check in with them by tomorrow, they'll deliver everything straight to your enemies. Particularly the Emperor. Do you think they'd pass up an opportunity like that?"

Roy's scowl deepened. For the first time, he felt truly cornered.

Losing his Master would be unthinkable. Seeing Roy's silent rage, Aiden pushed further.

"Relax, Roy," he sneered. "I'm feeling generous today, so let's raise it to three million a month. And I need at least ten skilled fighters—those who aren't up for sale."

Knowing he was trapped, Roy finally bowed his head in silent defeat.

Aiden's smirk grew. "Good choice. You must know—it's a very small price to pay in exchange for your master's life."

Fury burned beneath his skin; this was only the second time he'd felt such helpless frustration.

The first had been when his Master nearly perished at the Emperor's hands.

And now here he was, being humiliated by a mere mortal, forced to listen to his demands.

Aiden patted his shoulder as he walked by. "I'll be looking forward to your gift, Roy," he said, closing the door behind him.

Outside, several guards stood, clearly surprised to see Aiden leaving so casually. He looked at them with a smirk. "Escort me to my carriage—I'd like to meet my newly purchased slave."

The guards exchanged a glance, nodded, and led him to the carriage without a word.