Chapter 19: A Plan to Unmask Part Two

    And when they did, he would easily thwart their plans and reveal their treachery. For them to target an emperor chosen by the goddess, who now truly cared for his people, would paint them in a damning light. Their fates would be sealed.

    It was perfect... yet simple, almost too obvious.

    His vassals weren''t total fools; after all, navigating the world of noble politics was not child''s play.

    Grand Vizier Cedric already knew this must be the emperor''s plan, but he was confident the assassination would be a success.

    And even if it did fail, he wouldn''t be held accountable. For the emperor''s plan to succeed, he needed to sway the hearts of the people before the assassination... but most importantly, he needed evidence.

    Evidence he was certain he wouldn''t be able to obtain. Because that could only be found by infiltrating their homes, and searching it without them noticing, and such a feat would require a spy or perhaps an assassin of high caliber.

    One of such the Empire didn''t possess. Even if they did, he was certain his methods wouldn''t be traceable due to the item he used and his meticulous methods.@@@@

    Effectively believing he would foil the emperor''s plan.

    But he didn''t know that wouldn''t be a problem for Arkanos, after all, he could always summon a legendary assassin hero, one who would be able to uncover evidence of their betrayal regardless of their artifacts or methods.

    Or the fact he would improve the lives of his people swiftly with the aid of his system, slowly earning their favor.

    Indeed, Grand Vizier Cedric didn''t know all this, and that was why Arkanos was certain he would be the victor.

    ...

    Arkanos strode through the grand hall, his footsteps echoing against the marble floors, flanked by Seraphine and Arval. The air was heavy with an unspoken words, and both advisor and knight captain could feel the gravity in the emperor''s demeanor. After a long moment, Arkanos called out to Arval, his gaze still fixed ahead.

    "Arval..."

    "I want you to prepare for a celebration tomorrow. It will be held in honor of the men who fell in the battle to retrieve the artifact. We owe them more than just remembrance. I''ll also be making an announcement."

    With a calm smile, he replied, "Yes, Seraphine. No need to worry." She gave a respectful nod, reassured by his steady response.

    In his thoughts Arkanos wondred, ''What was that?''

    Just then Arvel then stepped forward, bowing slightly. "If you''ll excuse me, Your Majesty, I''ll go ahead and attend to the tasks you''ve assigned."

    Arkanos nodded, watching as Arvel departed with a sense of loyalty and duty in his stride.

    Continuing on, Arkanos soon encountered a group of maids waiting respectfully. At the front of the group stood a striking figure—a dark elf maid with rich brown hair cascading over her shoulders and striking blue eyes that matches beautifully with her flawless, dusky skin with a particularly larg bust.

    She wore the standard maid attire, a crisp white and green outfit. As she and the others lowered themselves in a deep bow, Arkanos''s gaze lingered on her.

    ''Another elf?'' he thought to himself, surprised at the frequency with which he seemed to be meeting elves in his court.

    "Head Maid Lirael greets Your Majesty," she said, her voice smooth and respectful.

    The dark elf maid then rose from her bow, her expression blank and composed, her blue eyes steady as they met his.

    ''Head maid?''

    Arkanos gave a slight nod in acknowledgment.

    Without a change in her expression, she continued, "I wished to inform you that your evening bath is ready."

    "Evening bath?" he repeated, a slight hint of surprise in his tone.

    "Yes, Your Majesty," she replied, her face still devoid of any emotion. "Everything has already been prepared—warm waters and scented oils, arranged to aid in your relaxation since you must be sore after your return."