CHAPTER 41: CHAPTER41-REBELLION

After hearing Aris’s proposal, the corners of Troy’s mouth twitched uncontrollably.So the Leap Mercenary Corps wanted him to rebel?

But perhaps... this wasn’t such an impossible idea.

Troy fell into deep thought. Aris said nothing more, simply watching him, waiting for an answer.

At present, Aurek had already gained the upper hand within the Royal Council, forcing both Jacoff and Troy into a desperate situation. If Troy did not rebel, he was very likely to fall into utter ruin.

Yet Troy still had his concerns—especially regarding the attitude of the Ordon Theocracy, which he had to take into account. In fact, without the protection of the Ordon Theocracy, the Crossbridge Empire would have long since fallen apart.

"I believe we should carefully consider the Ordon Theocracy’s stance on this matter. After all, all the resources of the Crossbridge Empire are under their control."

To Troy’s worries, Aris merely gave a faint smile.

"You’ve always overlooked one thing: the Ordon Theocracy only needs these resources. As long as the empire continues to provide them stably, they don’t care who sits on the throne."

The words were clear enough—how could Troy not understand? Even the Leap Mercenary Corps had come to the Crossbridge Empire and chosen to help him for the sake of resources.

But Troy himself did not care about such things. As long as he could become emperor, nothing else mattered. Between an emperor and his ministers, there existed a natural chasm. Troy had always dreamed of being a true emperor, and now, perhaps, was his best chance.

If the Leap Mercenary Corps chose to assist him, and the Ordon Theocracy turned a blind eye, then Troy believed he had every chance to seize the throne.

Since that was the case, why hesitate any longer? Rebellion it was.

Having made up his mind, Troy’s eyes grew cold and resolute.

"I have already been forced to the edge of the cliff. In that case, I can only risk everything!""Aurek, do you think I’ll sit and wait for death? You’ve gravely underestimated me. But even if I move, it cannot be now.""It would be best to lure Jacoff into making the first move—let him clash with the emperor until both sides are wounded. Only then can I reap the fisherman’s benefit.""Though my forces are not many, there are still one hundred thousand Imperial Guards stationed outside Eryndor. If I call them in now, the great cause can be achieved!"

Troy already had some outlines of a plan in his mind. But rebellion required careful planning—one misstep would mean eternal damnation.

Meanwhile, in Jacoff’s residence,

Jacoff sat atop the highest tower of his castle, gazing far into the direction of Valoria Palace. His face was extremely grim.

"It seems Aurek is preparing to make his move. I suspect the ones from the Unicorn Trading Guild were killed by him. This young emperor still lacks patience.""Since that’s the case, perhaps it’s better to tear off the mask outright."

At that moment, a shadow suddenly emerged from the darkness. The figure was cloaked in black, his face covered, only a pair of sharp eyes visible.

"Jacoff, have you truly planned everything out?"

"I do have such intentions, but whether it works still depends on whether your Killer Guild is willing to support me."

Jacoff’s gaze burned into the hooded figure before him.

"The Killer Guild has never disappointed anyone. Besides, our relationship has long surpassed that of a mere employer and mercenary. Over the years, we’ve done much for you—things you yourself might not even know of. No matter what cards Aurek holds, his fate is already sealed."

A trace of mockery glimmered in the hooded man’s eyes.

Jacoff, however, was already strategizing.

"If I am to rebel, then a detailed plan is essential. My greatest enemies now are those stubborn Royalist Party elders led by William and Heimerdinger. Once they are swept aside, Aurek’s strength will be nothing to fear. As for Troy—he harbors ill intent but lacks true foundation.""For now, I must deploy my forces as quickly as possible. In addition, your Killer Guild must send experts to counter Aurek’s methods."

As Jacoff spoke, he paused, as though another thought had struck him.

"I recall you once mentioned that the Dark Order also wanted a share of the pie. Tell them I agree, but only if they take out Aurek first. Once Aurek is gone, the entire empire will instantly fall into chaos."

At the mention of the Dark Order, the hooded man’s expression grew serious, though it was largely hidden beneath his mask.

"The Dark Order is not to be trifled with. I advise you not to scheme against them. They are lunatics, their hidden strength immense. Even great powers and mighty empires dare not offend them. If you truly want to cooperate, I can tell you their base in Eryndor—but how you negotiate is up to you."

Though the Killer Guild was formidable, they dared not provoke the Dark Order. Their reputation was well-known: assassinations, stealth, and infiltration—unparalleled across the continent. It was said the Dark Order had never failed an assassination, never left a mission undone.

Hearing the man’s willingness to arrange a meeting with the Dark Order, Jacoff’s face lit with excitement.

"As long as they kill Aurek, any other terms can be negotiated."

Jacoff understood his own situation clearly. If Aurek were allowed to grow unchecked, his own death was inevitable. Instead of waiting passively, why not strike first?

With that thought, Jacoff urged the black-robed man to contact the Dark Order immediately. If possible, he wanted to meet tonight and have them act at once.

At Valoria Palace,

After witnessing Annie’s enchanting dance, Aurek’s mood soared to its peak. Having enjoyed her body, Aurek finally experienced the true pleasure of an emperor.

Yet this foolish woman dared to use her body as bait, hoping to coax secrets out of him. How could Aurek, who saw through her intentions at a glance, possibly be fooled?

After indulging himself, Aurek sensed the arrival of the Gold Assassin. He immediately dismissed Annie.

"You may leave. I still have matters to attend to."