'So, that's how it is,' Ordyntsev glanced first at Kensei and then turned his attention to Shin. 'Now, some things are starting to make sense.'

Jishin's face, in contrast, betrayed no trace of understanding regarding the unfolding events, no matter how much Stas scrutinized.

This implied that he truly hadn't ordered Stas to take power into his own hands, bring the family heads to submission, and influence the politics of the entire great clan.

And in this situation, it wasn't hard to figure out who was responsible for such a bold and unscrupulous setup.

After all, if Stas had really rushed to do what he was "ordered," he would have faced severe consequences.

Without any corroborating documents, naturally, no one would have believed Stas's words. Moreover, he would have presented himself to those in power as naive and overly ambitious, someone so desperate for authority that he would disregard even his own master.

Then, had the prince arrived later and it was discovered he had issued no such order, the collective wrath would have immediately descended upon the unsuspecting Serpent.

It was elementary to understand who was involved in this intrigue. Kensei took on the task of delivering the message. It wasn't difficult, as he was most likely already a messenger, just to different places. And the fact that he had to deliver messages to someone else was pure truth.

However, although Uramasa was aware of the plan and understood what he was doing, he was not the mastermind behind all this mess.

Oh no. Stas's gaze settled on Shin, who hid the true expression of his eyes behind his habitual insincere smile.

The fighters Stas had been given were Shin's men, and he had ordered them to follow whatever Shiro said. But if they were called here now and asked why they were obeying Ordyntsev, it would turn out that the Serpent had deceived them too, saying that they were transferred to his command. Or there might be another reason, but the essence would remain the same.

It wasn't hard to figure out the reason for the two schemers' actions. They were probably greatly irritated by the Serpent and Jishin's friendly relationship. After all, despite Stas's absence for multiple months, if not years, Jishin was always ready to lend him aid or an ear.

It was jealousy that motivated Kensei, who wanted to be his master's only best friend. A rather naive and foolish dream, for which he was prepared to ruin the lives of others.

As for Shin, things were more complicated and at the same time simpler. The son of Naito sincerely feared the abilities and knowledge of the Serpent, seeing him as a competitor. The shadow knew too well what Ordyntsev was capable of if given free rein.

And although it might seem that the strange clanless was only interested in knowledge, Shin knew that this was far from the case. To anyone with eyes, it was obvious that the Serpent actually pursued knowledge and strength to gain authority.

With these thoughts in mind, Shin decided to strike preemptively, turning the Serpent into a "political corpse."

Afterward, the Serpent could research his techniques as much as he pleased, incapable of interfering in politics and obstructing individuals like Shin.

However, the conspirators made a common mistake that all of Ordynets' enemies tend to make. They severely underestimated him. The earthling not only avoided the pre-set trap, but he also immediately broke the rules of the game, deciding to seek the support of the strongest figure on the board.

And he succeeded!

Shin could not understand how he had achieved this, but it was hard to argue with facts. The head of the Shadow Stone gave Shiro full carte blanche.

Shin himself had only recently learned of what the Serpent had achieved in their absence, and what he heard was unsettling.

They certainly hadn't planned anything like this.

In the end, a very awkward situation arose, which Shin had no idea how to resolve.

He could only react and play off what the Serpent would say. And this infuriated the shadow.

Why go through all these plans if they are forced to act on the decisions of that bastard with serpentine eyes anyway?

But Shin was too skilled at controlling his face to show his true emotions.

Kensei, on the other hand, wasn't as good in this matter, so he was scorching Shiro with an irritated gaze, causing Shin a headache. Naito's son regretted involving this blockhead in such a delicate game.

"As you say, Jishin," Stas paused, but the prince did not correct him. "I'll start from the beginning, or rather, from the moment I arrived at the Citadel..."

"Shiro," Shin suddenly interjected, causing Stas to falter. "Our master has made his point quite clear. He is not concerned with what exactly you were doing here, but rather, he is interested in why you took such liberties."

"I'll get to that too," Stas replied to Shin with a pleasant smile, almost copying his facial expression. "Nevertheless, I would first like to talk about the situation in the clan. I'm sure our master needs to get up to speed as quickly as possible."

"Shiro-kun is right," the prince nodded, curiously glancing back and forth between Shin and Ordyntsev. "Let's let him finish."

In response to that, the shadow had no choice but to bow.

'Don't rush things, buddy,' Stas thought affectionately. 'We'll come back to that as well, in due time.'

"As I was saying, after my arrival at the Citadel, I was shocked at how bad our affairs were," the Serpent's words made Jishin frown. Apparently, he had been receiving somewhat different information.

"Wherever I looked, Izuna's influence was slowly but surely undermining our positions. The main families supporting us were by no means dominant, even during your father's reign. Yes, they decided to take a risk by supporting us, but their influence did not increase from this, and in some areas even decreased."

Jishin's mood finally soured at the mention of his father. Most likely, having succeeded in reaching the Citadel before Izuna, the younger prince had temporarily forgotten about the tragedy that had occurred, but now he was reminded of the reason why they were all gathered here.

"The Oro family has always been radical by nature, and if your brother hadn't fallen out with them a year ago, they would naturally have supported him. Elder Mitsuo refuses to listen to any advice and always acts as he pleases. Such behavior often brings more harm than good."

Jishin nodded. He agreed with the earthling's assessment. Moreover, the prince was interested in an outsider's perspective, so to Shin's annoyance, he was not going to rush the Serpent.

"The second political issue, the Jero family. Many consider them traitors, which negatively affected our own image. And the fact that their elder sees only enemies in everyone around does not help in establishing diplomatic relations."

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Stas paused to catch his breath.

"The Eiko and Irno families are almost unproblematic compared to the first two. But whether it's Toshiyuki or Mako, they are both incredibly passive and prefer to follow someone else."

Stas chuckled grimly.

"As a result of all the above, our resistance to Izuna's people was haphazard and unorganized. Yes, there were some successes, but they can be considered rare and accidental, not a regular occurrence."

"Hmm, Shin-kun, I heard a somewhat different viewpoint from you," Jishin frowned, staring at his head of shadows.

"Master, my people often received information from the family heads. Perhaps there was some mistake," Naito's son began to justify himself. Meanwhile, Stas didn't miss a slight smirk on the face of the silent newcomer. The man was clearly amused by how the shadow squirmed.

"Assessing the threat to our plans, I proceeded to carry out the task set for me, and I will return to the reasons that pushed me to it," Stas didn't let Shin get a word in, anticipating his next remark.

"Since the situation had almost spiraled out of control and I couldn't rely on the main families, I had to turn to the only person who could make a difference."

"Io-san," Jishin nodded knowingly. "But how did you convince him?"

"Let's just say that that part of our agreement must remain a secret. Those were the terms," Ordyntsev spread his hands, implying that it was Io who insisted on his silence. "Once I had his people at my disposal and stopped the destructive actions of the elders, I was able to start operating by my own rules."

Then, with a slight smirk, Stas began to tell how methodically and inexorably he trampled the reputation of Izuna and his supporters into the mud. Naturally, he didn't reveal everything. For instance, the attack on the nursery was so secret that, as Stas heard, those two agents who participated in that mission suddenly ran into the elder prince's people and perished.

However, the rest resonated vividly with the younger prince.

If, at first, he was only capable of blinking and gaping, then while listening about the smearing campaign targeting his brother's male power, he just contagiously laughed, slapping his chest plate.

Over the years, there had been so many clashes between the brothers that the younger heir was ready to rejoice at any misfortune that befell his sibling.

"So, you say they shouted that he managed to kill a 'whole advanced warmaster'?" wiping a tear, Jishin asked. "Oh Kami, to twist it so..."

"Yes, exactly," Stas confirmed. "Besides, your own exploits are also well known. Thus, thanks to my actions, now people and family heads have a much better idea of who the best candidate is."

Stas reached inside his robe and pulled out a small scroll, which he handed over to Jishin through Kensei sitting on his left.

"M-m-m?" Jishin began to unfold the scroll, reading its contents.

"Here, I described the state of affairs at the time of my arrival. I listed the family heads and supreme warmasters who supported Izuna and those who were planning to switch to his side. Below, I described the current situation. More precisely, yesterday's. But I don't think the numbers will differ much in one day," Stas involuntarily remembered how he had drudged through writing this accursed scroll instead of resting.

"Hm... Impressive!" Jishin raised his eyebrows in surprise. "If all this is correct, then you, Shiro-kun, have done an excellent job! And it warms my heart to see how cleverly you led Izuna's people by the nose, smearing my brother with crap. That's what he deserves."

"And now, as you wanted, I shall turn your attention to the reason why I even started this whole mission," Ordyntsev's smirk became truly devilish as he stared directly at Shin. "Literally, just under a week ago, Kensei found me and delivered your, Master Jishin, order..."

"Not true!" Uramasa immediately protested. "I have not seen the Serpent until today, and of course, I did not pass anything on to him."

"It said that since you trust me, you have charged me with sorting out the situation in the Citadel and assisting in the election process. Besides Kensei, there were also Shadow Stone warriors belonging to Shin..."

"By the way, about that..." Shin began, but he was not allowed to finish.

"Silence!" Jishin snapped, scanning the gathered with an angry gaze. "Stop interrupting. I want to hear his story, not yours. Continue," he nodded to Stas.

"That's actually all," Ordyntsev spread his hands. "Since you are my master and, I hope, friend," Kensei twitched almost imperceptibly. "I immediately set out to fulfill your order. And, as you can see, I carried it out with all due diligence. You will become the clan head, Jishin-sama. And nothing else can stop you now. I'm done."

The prince turned and looked at Shin and Kensei.

"Now I want to hear your version."

"Master, as I tried to explain earlier, we are not aware of who exactly pretended to be me," Kensei began, but was suddenly cut off by Shin.

"Kensei, it's too late to make excuses now," Shin sighed heavily. "We have to tell the real reason."

Uramasa looked at him tensely but did not object.

"In fact, we, having recently learned about the overall situation, decided that for the common good, it would be much more beneficial if Shiro-san tried to intervene and solve at least some of the problems. We all know his skills in such work. And as we see, we were right. The resistance from Izuna's followers has been effectively undermined."

"Why do you decide such important matters for me?" Jishin narrowed his eyes. "Maybe then I'm not needed at all? And most importantly, why didn't you tell me anything?"

"Because the risk to Shiro was too great," Shin spread his hands. "We knew you wouldn't want to jeopardize your friend by sending him on such a dangerous mission. In the event of failure, he would have to deal with angry elders. Therefore, we decided to act on our own, and, thank Kami, it all ended successfully..."

The words of justification flowed freely and easily. Realizing the awkward situation they were in, Shin still figured out how to get them out of it.

Kensei just nodded to the shadow's words like a puppet.

"Nice story," the prince concluded, having listened to the explanation to the end. "Only, unfortunately, it is thoroughly dishonest." His bloodthirst filled the room, but since only strong warriors were present, it wasn't a problem for them.

"Why, instead of preparing for the election, do I have to teach you all a lesson on the importance of teamwork? It's obvious that good comrades don't try to set each other up when so much is at stake," Jishin's roar could have been heard by the neighbors if not for the activated anti-eavesdropping amulets.

"Do you think I'm an idiot?" Jishin continued to rant, gradually calming down. "Do you think I can't understand what exactly you did and why? And even if you're telling the truth, acting behind my back, hiding information, is unforgivable. And I won't tolerate it."

Silence was the answer.

"Your luck is that everything ended as it did," the prince irritably got up and paced the room. Four pairs of eyes followed him. "Because otherwise, I wouldn't consider that now is not the appropriate time for punishments."

He made a meaningful pause.

"Instead of scheming, you'd better focus on doing something productive. Take an example from the Serpent. He's been here less than a week, but look how much he's done. Maybe I should leave him alone and disperse you, given you're so eager to send him to solve common problems?"

"Forgive us, master," Kensei and Shin bowed deeply.

"Today, you have greatly upset and disappointed me. If we want to achieve peace in the whole world, then earning each other's trust is the first step. How can we expect to build anything with others when we struggle with unity among ourselves? Everyone, except Shiro, leave me. I need to discuss something with him. Out!"

"Yes, master," the trio quickly got up and moved away. However, on parting, the passing unfamiliar man gave Ordyntsev a cheerful wink.

'Intriguing.'

Silence settled in the room.

"And how am I supposed to plan anything if they're like dogs, ready to bite each other's throats as soon as the owner turns away?" Jishin muttered tiredly, more to himself, but Stas still replied.

"With strictness," Now Ordyntsev could relax a little. "Take an example from your father. Under him, even the families that hated everyone else were forced to accept the situation. Rule strictly, but justly." Stas chuckled at something but quickly wiped the smirk off his face.

"Right... Father," Jishin lowered his gaze. "What happened to him?" the prince was ashamed that he hadn't asked about this right away.

"A couple of days ago, he died." The merciless answer from the Serpent made Jishin gasp and cough.

"How did he die?" the prince finally managed to ask.

"Without suffering. All this time, they kept him unconscious in a healing seal. But despite all efforts to heal him, it was impossible. The damage was too great. The prana channels were severely affected."

"I understand," Jishin chuckled sadly. "You know, when he was alive, I would curse him almost every day. The way he let all of Izuna's insults and jeers slide really drove me crazy. True, he stopped him from pulling the most malicious pranks, but he let the minor ones pass. In recent years, it got better, but I still saw how he favored his elder son."

Stas listened attentively to the prince trying to unburden his soul.

"For that, I hated him and ignored him, not wanting to communicate. But now I realize what a fool I was. If not for him, I would never have become who I am now. He cared for me as best he could. And now I can't even thank him."

"Such is the fate of a ruler," Ordyntsev spoke seriously, drawing attention to himself. "The higher the power, the greater the responsibility. Sometimes, there's so much responsibility that the ruler has no time for his family and children. Soon, you'll take your father's place and do everything to honor his memory."

"You're right," Jishin nodded decisively, overcoming a moment of weakness. "The time for mourning has not yet come. Now I want to hear even more details, and we'll quickly go through this list." The prince shook the scroll.

"As you command... master."

"Oh, just don't start. I see right through your crooked nature."

"As you say, Jishin."