Preparation for Succession Gala

 "You want me to what?" Ryker asked, feeling like his hearing having problem just now.

 "I want you to follow me to the Gala arranged by my father," Lariz said, his message heard well from the communication token.

 "Is there anything else with this Gala?" Ryker asked in suspicion. After all, asking for his presence, there should be more to it.

 "My father told me to gather all the supporters we manage to get. For anyone that involve with the succession war of course," he explained.

 "Succession war? I think it did not get close to becoming one just yet," Ryker sweat drop from how the other man said it.

 "Alright, succession competition. The point is, my father likely prepared some competition for us to partake, or to be exact, the allies and subordinates we manage to convince to be a part of our faction," Lariz continued explaining.

 "I don't know the exact detail, my father hid it so the only other person who might knew is both my uncle and aunt. The other Sovereign realm expert like the Marshal of the Army and the Grand Minister and Grand Advisor probably knew it too, but I am not certain of the fact.

 The point is, while it not stated, there should be a competition to show one strength. After all, having strong and capable subordinates or allies would show how influential and capable the faction leader, which is any of the princes, are.

 There also should be a challenge. Where anyone could challenge anyone as long as they are a part of the succession competition,"

 "And since you are the main target, considering you are the Crown Prince, there is no doubt you will be challenge non-stop by quote unquote different factions, or to be truthful, one big alliance against you, Lariz," Ryker summarized the other man's problem.

 "Unfortunately so. Not to mention, there would be some Duke Family supporting my brothers and cousins, all in hope to expend their influence," Lariz said truthfully.

 "Wonderful, should we worry about Noble Realn expert? I am powerful, but I am not that powerful," he asked.

 "Actually, no. My father had said that subordinates not a part of any noble families can be invited, as the noble families had their own invitation. So, while they could support the others, the chances of them joining the competition is low," Lariz told him.

 "Don't bank on it too much. Just prepare for any eventuality. On a related note, are there any powerful noble families behind you?" Ryker asked.

 "There are several, 4 Barons, 3 Counts, and 1 Duke. The rest either opt for neutrality, serving the winner only, or with my brothers. Unfortunately, my spies are unable to glean on the back dealing, so I only knew 3 Barons put their lots with the alliance against me," Lariz said.

 "Hhmm, there should be more. Just prepare for the worse. Who knew what kind of trick they could unleash?" Ryker said.

 "Yeah, I already making my preparation, but it can only get so far," Lariz sighed, feeling a headache incoming.

 "Quick question, do you knew the other people invited aside from the noble families and the allows of you or your brothers?" Ryker suddenly asked.

 "Yes, why do you ask?"

 "I just want to ask, are these people invited?"

-x-

 Natali put a cup of tea on the table as Ryker massaged his temple. 

 "Are you alright Master? Do you wish for a massage?" she asked.

 "Yes, I don't mind one," the servant began to massage his head, causing the eldest brother to sigh in relief.

 "So, what is in your mind Master?" she asked, curious to what caused the other man to have a headache, or at least seem to have one.

 "Just preparing to deal with something the owner of this Mansion drag me into," hearing her gasp, Ryker raised his brows, not that the servant could see it.

 "Why, do you think the owner would allow me to use this as my home inside the capital for no reason at all?" Natali blushed, feeling herself being stupid to not realize the appearance of the new inhabitants should be related to the succession competition.

 "What do you need to-" she shut her mouth before saying something else, "Sorry for asking Master, it's like confidential, so just pretend I don't ask anything at all,"

 However, while the head servant blabbered on, Ryker thought about it some more. 

 "How is your knowledge in fashion?" he asked.

 Blinking in surprise, she answered honestly. "Good enough, I suppose," Ryker grunted before asking again.

 "For a formal event, like a gala, do you think you can prepare me the perfect clothes, no, the best clothes for the occasion," her eyes seemed to twinkle from his question.

 "I will make sure you look the best in such occasion Master!" she said with great enthusiasm.

 Ryker hummed, as one part of the preparation is ready. He hope that the allies and subordinates of Lariz are strong enough for whatever the other side could throw at them.

-x-

 "We must make our mark and prove ourself useful. If it happen, the Lugh Family would rise, growing even higher than just a mere Duke Family!"

-x-

 "Make sure sure our preparation is ready. We don't want to be taken advantage by any side,"

-x-

 "There will be a lot of family throwing their lots behind different princes, but our family will remain neutral. We did not want to get involve in the succession competition,"

-x-

 "So, do you think our experts is strong enough to handle the Crown Prince's supporters?"

 "Without the support and help of my father, it would be hard for my older brother to have a lot of powerful elites. Of course, he is the Crown Prince and his right for the throne will make it so many people to throw their lots with him.

 But, as long as we can cull down him influence, beating him would be easy, but we have to be ready, when the alliance began to stab one another at the back," 

 "True, don't worry, we have something prepared in case of such thing. But it could earn the ire of the King,"

 "My father will not want to appear he had chosen a side. But, if it is the case, we can always threw in a scapegoat, maybe my other brothers or cousins?"

 "That will work. With this, your chance of becoming the heir is assure, Your Excellency," 

 "Of course, my preparation is perfect, and I will make sure my older brother will lose all his supporters tonight,"

 "How about the mansion? For some reason, the mansion seem to be teeming with life,"

 "Don't the spy already told it is the home of several people, the strongest only at the 2nd Stage of Genesis Sea. It is likely a charity case or something so we don't have to worry about it,"