The news of Liser joining Duke Grayrock's faction spread throughout the empire like wildfire.
Within a single day, the capital's noble circles were thrown into chaos.
After the First Prince's death, Duke Grayrock's political faction had appeared to be on the verge of collapse. Many believed the old duke would gradually fade from the succession struggle.
Yet the Fourth Prince had suddenly stepped beneath his banner.
Some nobles were bewildered.
Others quietly began reconsidering their allegiance to the Second Prince.
Most, however, chose to wait and observe.
Several days later, Liser received a letter from his elder sister.
He unfolded the parchment and began reading.
Brother,
Forgive me for dragging you into this.
I truly had no better choice.
Grandfather appears cold, but do not be deceived.
Among all his flaws, he treasures family the most...
At least those family members who prove useful.
If you accomplish nothing, he will never acknowledge you.
But if you show your worth, he will protect you with everything he has.
I know you.
You were never satisfied with living as an ordinary prince.
This is your opportunity.
If things don't work out...
Don't worry.
I'll make sure you can live peacefully.
Your loving sister.
Liser smiled bitterly.
He truly had been worried about his future.
His sister had unknowingly given him exactly what he needed.
A pillow when his head had nowhere to rest.
Still...
The capital was no place for the weak.
Here, people devoured one another without leaving even the bones behind.
He dipped his quill into the ink.
I really need to invent a fountain pen someday.
This feather is torture.
He began writing.
Esteemed Grandfather,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits.
First, allow me to express my gratitude for arranging my engagement with Lady Kristina. I deeply appreciate your kindness.
Although I am still young, I wish to present two humble gifts.
The first is a perfume produced by a merchant shop in which I own shares.
The second is the design for a waterwheel that may greatly improve agricultural productivity throughout your territory.
However, both my business and future projects may attract the attention of ambitious nobles. I fear they may not survive within the capital.
Therefore, I respectfully request permission to relocate to a manor outside the city.
I also have a recommendation for the upcoming Eastern Expedition. I believe the Rothchile family possesses the experience and capability required for the campaign.
If Grandfather is interested, I have many more ideas that may prove beneficial to House Grayrock.
I humbly await your consideration.
Your grandson,
Liser
Fourth Prince of the Empire
Liser laid down the quill and allowed the ink to dry.
Was he revealing too many of his cards?
Perhaps.
But what other choice did he have?
Without taking risks, he might one day wake up in a gutter with a knife in his back while another man married Kristina.
This gamble was necessary.
Inside Duke Grayrock's magnificent study, the old duke silently read the letter.
His expression remained unchanged.
Yet his eyes slowly narrowed.
"...Interesting."
The perfume alone was enough to impress him.
After examining the waterwheel blueprint, however, even he could not hide his surprise.
Such a simple mechanism...
Yet it could dramatically increase crop production.
The old duke leaned back.
His thoughts drifted toward his eldest daughter.
He had opposed her marriage to the king with every fiber of his being.
Yet somehow that foolish girl had fallen hopelessly in love.
In the end, he had no choice but to accept it.
Now...
Her son sat before him through nothing more than ink and parchment.
Nearly seventy percent of his mother's appearance.
Originally, Grayrock had little interest in the boy.
But now...
The boy possessed value.
Real value.
He rang a small silver bell.
Moments later, his butler entered.
"Master."
"Roy."
"Yes, Master."
"Find this shop."
"Quietly place it under House Grayrock's protection."
"Spread word among the nobles that the establishment operates under my banner."
"Also, prepare the Lakeside Manor outside the capital."
Roy bowed.
"At once."
Grayrock stood and put on his coat.
"Prepare the carriage."
It was time to meet the king.
After some time, the duke arrived at the royal palace,
The royal palace remained as magnificent as ever.
After being announced, Duke Grayrock entered the king's private study.
The king looked up from a stack of documents.
His expression stiffened ever so slightly.
Whenever this old fox visits, it costs me money.
Grayrock knelt.
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
"Rise."
The king set down his brush.
"What brings you here today?"
The duke smiled faintly.
"I have come to ask for a personal favor."
The king raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
"My grandson, the Fourth Prince, has spent many years confined within the capital."
"He has survived numerous assassination attempts."
"Although Your Majesty has protected him well, the boy deserves a chance to breathe."
"I request permission for him to relocate to a manor outside the capital."
The king remained silent.
He understood exactly what the duke wanted.
The southern territories had already become increasingly autonomous.
If he continued suppressing Duke Grayrock after the First Prince's death, the southern nobles might openly defy the throne.
That was not a crisis he wished to face during his reign.
Allowing Liser to leave would also send a subtle signal that the Fourth Prince remained a legitimate member of the royal succession.
It bought him time.
"You worry too much, Duke."
"I only wish for my son to live peacefully."
The king smiled before adding,
"Though I have noticed the southern territories have been sending fewer taxes each year."
"Perhaps House Grayrock is finding its vassals difficult to manage."
The duke immediately understood.
A price.
He bowed.
"This subject has failed in his duties."
"As compensation, House Grayrock shall donate two million yun to the imperial treasury."
The king laughed.
"In that case..."
"From this day onward, the Fourth Prince may choose any manor on the outskirts of the capital and relocate there."
"He also has my permission to reside outside the capital."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
The duke bowed once more before leaving the palace.
As he stepped into his carriage, a faint smile appeared on his face.
"Let's see what kind of man you become, Liser."
Four days later, Liser received Duke Grayrock's reply.
The duke accepted his gifts.
He requested a share in the perfume business in exchange for placing it under House Grayrock's protection.
More importantly...
The king had approved Liser's relocation.
He would move into the Lakeside Manor outside the capital.
Liser stood.
"Silia."
The maid entered immediately.
"Your Highness."
"We're moving."
"Dismiss the current servants."
"Summon Ultas."
"At once."
Soon, Ultas entered the room.
"You called for me, Your Highness?"
"Yes."
"We're leaving the capital."
"I'm not bringing many servants."
"But I'm bringing you."
"Choose only the men you trust."
"From today onward, Lucas will be relieved of his duties."
"You are my new captain of the guard."
Ultas froze.
"...Your Highness..."
Liser placed a heavy pouch of coins onto the table.
"This is for your men."
"Reward those who performed well."
"Feed them properly."
"And even those you're uncertain about..."
"Give them enough money to leave peacefully.
Ultas was deeply moved.
Ultas bowed with respect.
"I will not disappoint you."
Liser then handed another pouch to Silia.
"Give every dismissed maid generous compensation."
"After we arrive at the manor, quietly recruit new servants."
"No unnecessary attention."
"Understood."
Liser looked around his room one final time.
"Then let's begin packing."
A few days later, a carriage rolled through the countryside.
Kristina sat beside Liser, happily gazing out the window.
She had insisted on accompanying him.
Fortunately, the manor was only a few hours from the capital.
As the carriage crested a gentle hill, an enormous estate came into view.
A magnificent manor overlooked a crystal-clear lake, surrounded by forests and fertile farmland.
Liser smiled.
At last...
He had escaped the capital's gilded cage.
But what awaited him beyond those gates would determine whether he rose to greatness...
...or died in obscurity.