The prince defeated the big bad evil and managed to become king after overcoming countless hardships. He changed the kingdom into a democracy and created an era of peace and prosperity.

There were some variations but Viers had consumed many fables of this type. Viers wondered why these authors seemed to think democracy was the GOAT among all types of governance in existence.

Was it because of how prominent evil emperors were in the stories?

Granted, the hereditary nature of kings and emperors might result in the crown landing on an unsuitable head, Game of Thrones was a good example, but was democracy any different? Corrupt presidents and dictatorial presidents existed too.

Because even then the president had checks against their power like the Senate and reelection after four years or so?

...Good point, actually.

But people are still stupid and thus the messy state of the Earth. What didn't sit well with Viers was how people assumed democracy in power-fantasy isekai would be just like back home. Personal power was vastly different from individual to individual here.

The cold and ugly truth was people were not born equal.

Ah, I get it now. It isn't that I’m anti-democracy. What I said to Croix are all true but it’s because I’m trying to be the side of the rulers and not the ruled. That’s why I walk the Path of Power. In my new country, I don't want to share power with the people, I mean, why should I? If they don't want to be ruled by me, they can leave and build their own country.

Viers wondered why he got such a strong opinion about democracy. He still thought people were stupid but now he knew the answer after some self-introspection. He had the mind of a power-hungry authoritarian.

When I look at it that way, perhaps I’m anti-democracy after all. Oh well. I’m a villain. Such a line of thinking befits me just fine. As I grow in power, having a country is just a side-effect.

Once again Viers came to a realization of how suitable he was as a villain. It didn't bother him one bit. He even felt a bit proud. His death was definitely a net plus for all the beings in the world.

But too bad for the world, Viers had no intention of dying or stopping. He was going to become strong, stronger, and strongest until he could do whatever he pleased.

He was a cultivator and a cultivator was someone that goes against the Heavens. He was going to scream so hard until the world had no choice but to answer. That was what it meant to be a cultivator.

It was beautifully put in Ave Xia Rem Y, a better cultivation Fable than most that Viers had read.

If put it that way, all cultivators are a bunch of selfish bastards, aren't they? Good or bad, they are all selfish to the bone. Each wants the world to be as they want so they enforce it. Khukhukhu. No wonder every setting of cultivation Fable revolves around combat and conflict. Everyone is selfish, what do you expect?

Viers looked at the full-body mirror in front of him, checking his formal party clothes were in order.

My Dao is Freedom. Is all freedom inherently selfish like mine or are there other kinds of freedom? An interesting thought but ultimately doesn't matter. I’ll soar as high as I can in this world. If I fly too high to the sun in the end and be destroyed, it's a life well lived. This is my, Viers Isuel’s, way of life.

Navy blue formal wear that was close to a tuxedo, but still had the Latias style characteristic. It was the same thing he wore at the Emerith Grand Ball. Viers brown hair was combed back and he was cleanly shaven. Much leaner compared to three years ago, Viers gave a nod of approval at his reflection.

Satisfied with what he saw, he left the room. He waited until Croix and Boram joined him and they went to the party.

***

Forty-seven minutes later, Viers was choking a man from behind. After the man was unconscious, he put the man in a closet and took his clothes as his own.

Just like a certain bald badass agent in a World of Assasination.

The mission this time was to find evidence of a certain noble’s illegal activities. Duke Valentine’s men had their suspicions for a while. It was up to their team to find the evidence. Just so it happened, the noble was throwing a party soon. With a fake task as an excuse, the team got invited to the party.

While Croix and Ciel were at the party floor as attention gatherers, Viers and Boram went and did some sneaky things. As always, Viers’ wealth of experience allowed him to penetrate even into the noble’s most secure areas.

Boram was surprised at how quickly his Master could change his clothes. Viers said he got a lot of practice.

Of course, a change of outfit wasn't enough to cut it since there were Victa locks, magical surveillance, and other kinds of defenses but Viers was well-equipped to pass them too. Soul searches, pickpocketing keys, glib of tongue, most importantly–

Arte - Vanish in Abyss.

The upgrade of the assassin cult’s stealth Arte Fade in Shadow. Using it felt like Viers was playing in easy mode. The practice of this splendid Arte was going swimmingly. He could have done this alone but Boram was along for the ride so he could observe and gain experience.

Several outfit changes later, after getting the papers from a safe, Viers and Boram rejoined the party with no one knowing of their escapades. Perfect execution.

The evidence was pretty damning. What he did warranted the death penalty. Before the infiltration began, Viers already asked if he should off the noble if that was the case but Croix said he shouldn't.

“I can make it look like an accident. A very convincing accident, like drowning in the toilet.”

“What? Just, no, Avel. By the Goddess... Your joke is too far sometimes. Just get the evidence and give it to the proper authorities, all right?”

And so the noble lived.

Unlawfully taken from NovelBin, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

Wearing his original party outfit back, Viers went to join the rest of the team. Viers and Boram’s return didn't make any waves. The quests’ attention was elsewhere. To his surprise, he saw Duke Valentine himself in the flesh.

Why would the Duke personally come here?

He was surrounded by nobles and bodyguards, commanding a kingly attention to himself. Viers suspected a man like that had that effect no matter where he went.

The noble host of this party was visibly surprised and elated at Duke Valentine’s surprise visit. Amazingly enough, Croix was there too, talking to the mighty Level 5. Following the Duke’s line of sight, he saw Ciel on the dance floor, with an unfamiliar handsome youth.

Viers soul searched a defenseless flicker-mind waiter effortlessly as he took a glass of drink. The man was oblivious that his memories of the past hour had been read.

Apparently, the Duke’s aim was that he wanted to see his daughter. Ciel had caused a heart attack on her father and had been avoiding her parents. They hadn't talked since the Emerith Grand Ball and the Grand Prix provided a convenient excuse. And so the duke came to her.

He also brought a prince.

The crown prince of a neighboring nation. That was who Ciel was dancing with right now.

Viers felt the weight of the duke’s eyes on him. The Level 5 who looked like an iron-bodied knight in his prime, gave Viers quite an intense gaze.

Ah, he still hasn't given up on matching Ciel with a man of his choosing, has he? Understandable, Ciel’s dad, but I’m just doing my job here.

Viers saw Ciel dance with the golden-haired youth. They looked like the ideal couple. The Prince Charming was indeed very charming. He looked like someone who came out of a fairy tale. The two seemed to converse amicably while they were doing an elegant dance. However, Ciel’s smile was a bit too tight and her face was a bit too tense.

“Help me.”

After seeing Viers with the edge of her vision, she sent a telepathic message to him. Using the Arcana Card in her possession.

To think her first message was a message for help, heheh...

Viers smiled wryly and like a good contracted boyfriend, he moved to save Ciel from her predicament most foul. Viers timed his approach as the music ended.

“Splendid, Lady Valentine. May I have the next dance as well?”

“I’m afraid I must interject, Your Highness. I haven't danced with my lovely girlfriend this evening.”

The prince, unaccustomed to being interrupted, had a flash of surprise but he controlled his expression the next instant.

“You must be the rumored boyfriend. Greetings. But-”

“I’d be glad to!” Ciel said in a hurry. “Excuse me, Your Highness. Why don't you entertain the lovely young ladies that gathered behind you?”

To be fair, Ciel also had a bunch of young men wanting to ask to dance behind her as well but Viers wisely didn't comment on that. Ciel took Viers’ hand and brought him ten meters away from the prince before they started dancing together. The music was slow and steady, perfect for creating a romantic atmosphere.

“By the Goddess, you couldn't come soon enough. He said so many sweet nothings until I felt my mouth had eaten sweets too.”

Too many people around them would hear their words so the two talk with their minds. The cards they both had facilitated this at the cost of a bit of Victa. Both were Level 4 so the cost was negligible.

“Done with your end?” Ciel asked.

“Of course. You know, it's probably best for everyone if you hook up with the prince. You, me, your father. The dude isn't bad, is he? Go get swooned, like those girls that surround him.”

“You’re probably right. No, you are right. Patrick seems to be a good guy, it's just... Urgh! It’s so frustrating. It feels like I’m a broodmare being passed on from one farm to the next. It’s sickening.”

“Can't say I disagree with you. But you have to face your father directly about this or he will keep doing it. Somehow, I don't think he’s the type to quit.”

“I know,” Ciel sounded defeated, lost. “I will.”

The dance music was about to end.

“Dance with me again. With spirited music this time. So I can have the excuse to retire for the night. I’ve had enough of being put on the pedestal tonight,” Ciel said.

“Indeed? Are you sure you feel equal to the task?” Viers chuckled.

“Viers, I’ve had dance lessons since I was four. It’s you who I’m worried about. Don't worry, I’ll lead you so you don't misstep,” Ciel mischievously replied.

“Ha! I’ll take you on that.”

Viers whispered a few words to the musicians and gave them a few gold coins, took Ciel’s hand, and danced with her again before the prince could speak. The suddenness and the theme shift of the music made the other dancers give the two space. Now all eyes were on Viers and Ciel.

The dance was more spirited and fast-paced, just like Ciel requested. A tango, or the closest version to it of this world. The beat was fast, the two superhumans matched each other perfectly with the rhythm.

Their movement was passionate and their faces were scandalously close.

Viers took inspiration from the 1998 movie for his steps, the movie of his childhood, the Mask of Zorro. The dance scene left a strong impression on him and he wanted to try it very much.

During the Emerith Grand Ball, Viers and Ciel had danced too but it was nothing like this. This time it was... more.

“Not bad,” Ciel conveyed during the dance. “You’re quite the dancer. I’m impressed.”

“Martial arts movements sometimes resemble dances, don't they? Nice dress by the way. A different one from the Emerith Grand Ball, yes?”

“Naturally. A lady cannot wear the same dress twice in one season. Or so what mother and tradition say. Some ladies wear their dress exactly once and have a new one made for the next party. And Latias nobles have a lot of parties.”

“Sounds wasteful.”

“Tailor shops are thriving in Latias. At least that useless money can feed those not born with too much money.”

Actually, Viers cheated. He Oversouled with another soul, an expert dancer, to gain his skills temporarily. Ciel didn't need to know that so the liar lied.

Viers matched her every step of the beat. Unlike her, Viers wasn't supposed to be this good at dancing. She had lessons and hours of practice while Viers didn't. It wasn't a match but she felt she was losing. Her competitive spirit stoked, Ciel upped the ante. She created a block of solid light, around 120x120 cm.

Realizing what she wanted, Viers called her bet.

The two went up the elevated smaller stage. It gave the impression the two were dancing on top of a table. Smaller space to maneuver and upping the difficulty.

They still danced like yin and yang, perfectly balanced in skill and passion.

After four minutes and twenty-one seconds, at the music’s end, the crowd showered the two with a round of robust applause. Such a display of skill captivated the audience. Enough to make them temporarily forget that Viers was a foreigner and of commoner birth.

While being slightly out of breath, with light perspiration and rosy cheeks, Ciel smiled. Viers wasn't but she wanted to feign tiredness thus her state.

“Lady Valentine, that was... quite something. Your skill as a dancer left me in awe,” Prince Patrick offered his hand so she could step down from the block of light more easily, not that she needed it but it was decorum.

She stepped down while locking arms with Viers instead, giving a message to the prince.

“You honored me with your kind words, Your Highness. I feel tired after pushing myself so forgive me for retiring early.”

“Of course. Have a good rest, My Lady,” Patrick’s smile didn't reach his eyes.

“Thank you for your understanding. Avel, could you escort me to my room, dear?” Ciel looked like a meek lady. Viers knew she was anything but.

“Your wish is my command, Milady.”

As they turned around, they came face to face with a gentleman with a displeased face and stern eyes, menacingly standing there like a displeased dragon. He looked like he had something to say, urgently.

Ah, this must be how it feels to be on a date with your girlfriend and then encounter her dad. Oh? My Horizon went up.