Inside the royal palace, within the lavish reception hall—
A man dressed in a black suit sat comfortably on a soft sofa.
He had short gray hair, and a trace of disdain hung permanently on his face.
This man was the envoy sent by the Gambino Family to receive Zephir's response—Erik.
Seated opposite him were the three principal ministers of the Kingdom of Zephir.
Around the hall stood palace guards, their eyes burning with anger and contempt as they glared at the ministers' shameless display.
"Hehe, Mr. Erik, this is a small token I specially brought from Misiri Island. I hope you'll accept it."
The plump Minister of Finance, dressed in luxurious robes, presented an exquisite box with an ingratiating smile.
"Minister of Finance, such trivial items are hardly worth mentioning."
The thin, sharp-eyed Minister of Internal Affairs cut in with a smile. "Mr. Erik, this was specially obtained from the Sabaody Archipelago…"
He promptly offered his own gift.
"Mr. Erik, I've heard you have a fondness for beautiful women. These were carefully prepared for you…"
The burly Minister of Defense clapped his hands lightly.
At once, a line of pretty young maids filed into the hall. Though fear was written across their faces, none dared resist.
Erik calmly accepted the gifts from the Ministers of Finance and Internal Affairs. His gaze swept across the maids, greed flickering in his eyes before being quickly concealed. He lifted his teacup and took a slow sip.
"Mm. I acknowledge the sincerity of the Kingdom of Zephir," he said indifferently. "However, the Gambino Family has come today for only one thing—a clear answer. As for what that answer should be, I'm sure you all understand."
"Of course, Mr. Erik!"
The Minister of Finance immediately stood, his voice loud and eager.
"If the Gambino Family supports me in ascending the throne, the Kingdom of Zephir will willingly become your family's vassal. Annual tribute will be paid without fail. There will be no second thoughts!"
"Mr. Erik, if the Gambino Family chooses to back me as King, Zephir will fully submit from this day forward. Whatever your family requires, we shall do our utmost to fulfill it!"
Not to be outdone, the Minister of Internal Affairs also rose to declare his loyalty.
"Mr. Erik, though Zephir may not have a large population, we are blessed with countless beauties—"
The Minister of Defense hurried to add his own promises, unwilling to fall behind.
Watching the three ministers compete so desperately, a flash of contempt passed through Erik's eyes.
To him, whether it was the kingdom or its ministers, they were insignificant before the Gambino Family.
"Enough."
Erik's calm voice instantly silenced the hall.
Looking down at them with cold authority, he said, "Very well. I understand Zephir's intentions. The Gambino Family is quite satisfied. As for who shall become King…"
His eyes gleamed greedily once more.
"That depends on who among you can show greater sincerity."
"Oh? So the future King of Zephir rests entirely on your whim?"
A calm voice suddenly broke the silence.
Everyone froze and turned toward the entrance.
Arthur walked in slowly, a faint smile on his face. Beside him stood the little maid, her face flushed with anger.
It was him!
The three ministers stiffened, exchanging glances. Shock was unmistakable in their eyes.
Wasn't this brat supposed to be half-dead in bed?
"His Highness the Prince has arrived!"
The palace guards and trembling maids immediately bowed.
"Who are you?" Erik demanded sharply, his eyes narrowing at Arthur.
Arthur ignored him entirely.
His gaze drifted across the line of maids standing stiffly in place. Combined with the heated argument he had overheard before entering, he quickly pieced together the situation.
A cold glint flashed through his eyes.
"Well done, Ministers," Arthur sneered. "To use my kingdom as a bargaining chip and collude with outside forces behind my back… how bold of you. Truly impressive."
"Hmph. Your kingdom?" One minister scoffed. "You're merely a prince. Zephir has never followed hereditary succession."
"That's right. You're just a brat who hasn't even grown his wings yet. What right do you have to sit on the throne?" another added disdainfully. "We've labored for this kingdom for decades. If anyone is to be chosen, it certainly won't be you."
"Your Highness," the third minister sighed, though his tone carried little respect, "it would be best if you refrained from involving yourself in this matter."
Though they were puzzled by how his severe injury had seemingly healed overnight, only the Minister of Defense sighed. The other two openly dismissed him.
Since the King's death, true power had already been divided among the three of them.
To them, this so-called prince was nothing more than a title.
Across the room, Erik quickly deduced Arthur's identity.
His gaze shifted between the four figures locked in confrontation, a catlike amusement curling at the corners of his lips.
Then his attention drifted to the trembling maid beside Arthur.
Greed flashed in his eyes.
"Ministers, later on, may I take that maid with me as well?"
Without regard for Arthur's presence, Erik pointed at her casually while sipping his tea.
"Hehe, if Mr. Erik likes her, please feel free to take her," the Minister of Internal Affairs immediately agreed with a fawning smile.
The Minister of Finance cursed inwardly but forced himself to nod along.
The Minister of Defense frowned deeply, yet ultimately remained silent, letting out only a heavy sigh.
"Your Highness…"
The maid's face turned deathly pale, her body swaying.
"Don't be afraid. I'm here."
Arthur smiled gently and patted her head.
But when his gaze shifted to Erik and the three ministers, his eyes were filled with icy mockery.
"You old foxes certainly have guts," he said coldly.
Ever since awakening the memories of his previous life, he had stayed secluded to recover. Everything he knew about the situation came from fragmented memories.
What he hadn't expected was that their arrogance would be even worse than he remembered.
At that moment—
True killing intent ignited in his heart.
"Kill them all…"
Arthur spoke as though addressing empty air.
He paused.
"No. Capture them first. Killing them outright would be far too merciful."
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