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(3rd Person's POV)
Aston was sitting in his room sedately without any hint of agitation on his face.
Any person who would have seen him at that moment would have admired how someone can have this much tranquillity in this brutal world.
The world that wanted to drag every person beneath to hell.
The world in which the strength reigned supreme.
The world in which peace was as brittle and this facade could be torn into pieces by the turbulence underneath the surface.
Weak and ignorant people had no place in this world except to either die or now to the strong.
Aston had his interlocked fingers on his lap while he was pondering over something by looking at the ceiling.
If there was someone with extremely strong senses, then they might have noticed a person behind the esteemed crown prince of the empire.
His ever-faithful butler, Edmund...
Edmund asked in a low voice, "Your majesty, I believe we should make proper plans on how to subdue the Agriches. I know you can use your power on them but a pragmatic approach would be a much better alternative. We could have more loyal people under us and ensure the least amount of problems arising from this situation."
Aston didn't reply instantly but remained silent.
He was in the same state for some time.
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Nevertheless, he opened his mouth as he could sense the ever-increasing urgency of the butler behind him, "Edmund, you worry too much. There is no chance for Agriches to collaborate with other families. Why are you so agitated? Just chill and enjoy this good day."
Edmund further reiterated his words, "But majesty, what about the other families? Didn't we hear about the Bertiums setting up a deal with the Pedelians? We don't even know what they talked about because this was a deal set up between the family's heads only. Our spies couldn't listen to that meeting."
Aston said in an annoyed voice, "Edmund, why did you have to take the name of those dipshits? Now, my whole morning is ruined. I would have to worry about them now, ugh..."
"Why did the first king, Edward Phoenix want to warn us about Pedellians in his legacy for the descendants? What is so unique about them? I have researched everyone in the territory but nothing, absolutely nothing. I haven't been able to find anything."
"From what I can gather, they are not much different from the other families. They must be hiding their power just like me. I am sure that the main bloodline shows this power which includes the mutt of the blue, the mutt's sister and the mutt's father. It was good for us to come to the Agriches. We have to take back Cassis Pedelian with us. However, I am very interested in what kind of games the Agriches are going to play."
Edmund uttered in agreement, "Yes, my lord. I would also suggest to not lose sight of your motive."
"Of course, Edmund. You know, I won't. This would be so much easier if my father had the guts to research all the families properly. But, like a dumb coward after reading the warning by the first king, he remained back and allowed everything to the Pedelians and his allies. He is a joke! And those goddamn spies who were posted in the Pedelians..."
"Those stupid spies have the audacity to request that I should not harm the Pedelians because they are righteous and honest people. They only deal with the underworld when they have no other option."
Then Aston looked at Edmund with an irritated expression, "Have you got rid of them?"
"Yes, Your Highness. They have been eliminated, though it took us a month to do it discreetly as there were over 100 posted in the main mansion. Now, all the people dispatched there are under the leadership of a Tenebres Squad member. He won't be lenient with them."
Finally, Aston had a slightly satisfied smile on his face as he said, "Good, I better not hear any other problems occur there. I am tired of dealing with these avoidable problems. And have you checked for other spies of the families?"
Edmund remarked, "Yes, my lord. We have found out all spies of the other families - there were a dozen of the Agriches, half a dozen for the Huipelions and Gastors. Bertiums after the deal have removed their spies."
"Hmm... These doll workers are quick to work, huh? Is that all for today, huh?"
"Yes, my lord. There weren't any other problems except these. All of it is working smoothly. But I still think that we should focus on reducing the power of these families."
Aston thought over a bit and asked, "Do you want to go and start the plan prematurely?"
"Yes, my lord. That is severely needed. We could have waited till you were the king but this sudden deal between the Bertiums and the Pedelians is dangerous. And one of the main reasons is your dangerous condition t-"
Aston harshly and immediately held up his hand as he said in a threatening tone, "We. Won't. Talk. About. My. Condition. Do. You. Understand. that?"
The emphasis on every word and then the pause was enough to inform Edmund that his master didn't want to discuss that topic.
Edmund pursed his mouth but his worrying thoughts were looming in his mind for the tragic condition of his master.
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(End of the Chapter)