Yes, politics II

"I'll do it for a price."

It will surely be a fair exchange for the two house. Since I am nowhere near of getting that throne, I'd simply back down and create my own house. By getting myself an achievement, I'll be able to secure a highborn nobility status.

I know a few land that has not yet occupied by the nobles and currently under the direct control of the royal family. Coincidentally, this land neighbors the viscount and have abundance of farm... If not for the fact that there is a monthly raid of bandit, it could produce food exponentially.

With the knowledge I gained, bandits would prove no match if I utilize the strategies I have.

But, I would leave that for the army. Focusing on regaining the economic foothold of Grane is my priority. I just have to tell my father about that.

"I'll give your house a few hundred slaves... then a few crop seed for the destroyed farm."

"A-a few hundred? Isn't that too many?"

Oh yeah, currently, the farm of the viscount is not as large as the other nobles. Perhaps due to the fact that they are poor and relies heavily on export. With the bandits, they can't expand.

"These slaves will work the field. Don't worry about the bandits since I will have them gone."

Before I returned from the audience hall, I stopped by to get some report. These reports are from the intelligence agency that was created after the fall of the empire.

In the report, it states,"three highborn noble and six lowborn noble involve in sabotaging agricultural field." it couldn't have been more obvious.

There's also names written on it.

But just like I said, I should play my cards properly and thoroughly.

I can see the lips of the lady lift as she sigh of relief. It must've been painful for them to always experience such dangerous thing.

I rise from my seat and approach the lady, I grab ahold of her shoulder which she reply by resting her head onto my hand.

"I have information regarding the bandit issue. For now, I want you to trust me."

Anastasia close her eyes, her long eyelid flutter due to the wind from the window.

These sabotaging nobles must be naive if they think we can't infiltrate their house. Now, if they tried to deny this, I'll just have to give them a lot clearer evidence.

And perhaps, punish them with immediate execution... Even if they're related to my parents.

I hug the fragile white porcelain body of the lady from the back, then stare at her hands full of bruise.

This world shall know what it means to play the game of politics. And it will only be their problem if they don't expect a retaliation.

"Return to my quarter, and stay there for the time being. Have my butler called, tell him I need him... Oh and also, don't leave for your house... Is that clear?"

I can see the confused expression of Anastasia as she raise her head and look at me, however, she can do nothing but simply nod as a reply.

"Your issue will be fix, in exchange you'll join me in my bed tonight, along with you sister. Will that be alright?"

A smile escape both of our lips.

"Of course."

What a wicked person.

I gave her a peck of kiss on her cheeks and wave her goodbye before returning to my seat.

Then a few minutes after she left, another knock came from my door.

"Your highness."

My butler. A person I could personally trust. A person I have been with for my entire life. Magnus.

"Come in."

The door opens, there a man appear. A not-so old stature but have evident features of tired expression. Probably because he's been taking care all of us as the head servant.

He have brown long hair, it extend to his shoulder, he wears round small glasses, enough for his pupil to fit.

"You have called me."

"Yes... Give these to our people. Then, execute operation Hellbound."

I grab a document from the desk's cabinet and give to Magnus. Written on it are the detailed instructions on how the operation will be commenced.

Operation Hellbound is an intelligence operation to secure every possible evidence and position the traitorous nobles and corrupt bureaucrat. This operation will be a low-cost as our budget requires spending to a more sensical subject.

Moreover, this operation will only focus on gaining evidence, albeit forceful from trusted servants of suspected nobles. To gain more of them, it is also necessary to expand the intelligence.

Just like that, after handing the documents to Magnus, I was once again left to my lonesome in this eerie place. Devoid of everything, with no decoration helping brighten up the room. I felt a sense of chill run down my spine, as if someone is watching me.

Due to this unnerving feeling, I decided to leave for the palace garden, where by this time, most of my family gathers, either resting or having fun. Both is annoying since they don't do much and yet in need of rest from time to time.