Pirate Kingship-Chapter 586 - 423: High-end political struggles often employ the simplest methods_2
But at this moment, surprisingly and delightfully, he realized there was still a path ahead!
"Why count on the Protestants and Catholics to fight to the death one day, when my own means are more formidable? If I can achieve my future plans, obtaining Kingly Titles like [Finance Queen] and [Queen of Weapons], and then combine the power of the Golden Triangle, true riches will be at hand!"
Thinking this, Byron's already ruddy complexion grew even more flushed.
Other Half-Night Devils advancing to Fourth Order Mythical Creatures would probably result in their entire families ascending together. But once I successfully advance to a Fourth Order Mythical Creature, I might be able to elevate my entire family to incredible heights, granting them some inconceivable, rule-breaking ability. Even if reaching Fourth Order doesn't achieve that, mastering it at Fifth Order later on wouldn't be an issue at all.
He lifted his left hand. In his palm, the mark of the [Crimson Holy Grail] appeared, its Blood of Transformation already more than half full. The rest required a blend of political enemies' blood to truly brew a cup of [Blood of Immortality]. Once the preparations were complete, there was still a year left for the ascender to plot "Usurpation."
"As for 'Usurpation,' a political activity beneficial to a Night Demon's body and mind, only the result matters, not the process. I have just fully usurped actual control of both the Aztec and Taya Empires. Even though I haven't fully obtained the imperial rights of succession in Mysticism because the thirteen Crystal Skulls haven't been gathered, this is of little consequence. My own Foundation far surpasses others. It would naturally be best if Atahualpa could ascend to the throne this time. But I feel that even if any one of the four princes is eliminated and absorbed by the [Crimson Holy Grail], it would be enough for me to successfully complete the ascension. After that, whether to advance or retreat would be much more within my grasp."
Although Byron was quite inebriated from the drinks his two sisters had plied him with, causing him to clank loudly as he walked, he couldn't help but feel greatly relieved at this moment.
"His Majesty, the Lord of the Celestial Kingdom, you have finally arrived."
The moment Byron reached the palace gate, he saw Fourth Prince Atahualpa rushing out to greet him personally, looking as if he'd sighted a savior. Without even pausing, Atahualpa clutched Byron's hand, his face anxious, and delivered bad news:
"Your Majesty, something terrible has happened! My Captain of the Guard, Xin Qi Luo Ka, is in trouble! Last night, he suddenly went mad in his sleep and used the Secret Arcane Art [Volcanic Ripple] to destroy a large section of the palace grounds. He was subdued, but his Spirituality was damaged. At least a year's recovery will be required. Those damned Ancient God's Chosen Races have done me a terrible disservice!" 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂
Byron was momentarily taken aback before understanding dawned.
Is it because Perta was exposed? And as a result, Xin Qi Luo Ka—who had previous close contact with her and had long been implanted with some form of control—lost his hidden value and was simply triggered ahead of schedule? I always felt that taking him to the coronation ceremony would be risky, but I didn't expect that Succubus to be so decisive.
Because the plan went smoothly, only he and Violet had acted to deal with the formidable enemy from start to finish, without exposing any other hidden cards. In the end, they didn't kill Princess Perta, the Bishop of the Pleasure Banquet Sisterhood in Cahamaca City. Instead, she was handed over to Atahualpa.
The [Bloodline Codex] was protected by Black Sorcery cast by Teris through the [Blood Cup], so they failed to discover the shortcut to immortality. However, it was no problem at all to confirm that Princess Perta, a Divine Descendant of the Sun God, had indeed betrayed the Sun God Inti in favor of an Old God.
The fate of the princess who acted as a spy was not difficult to guess. Consequently, Xin Qi Luo Ka, who had been intimate with her several times and was nearly completely ensnared by the [Succubus Mark], was also exposed.
Perhaps Teris was worried they would bring in a Witch Doctor to eliminate the hidden danger within Xin Qi Luo Ka. So, she decided to go all out: the moment Perta was exposed, she simultaneously crippled one of the Fourth Prince's key supporters, leaving him unable to gather even three Fourth Order individuals, effectively eliminating him from contention prematurely.
Byron's face showed little surprise. As he followed the prince into the Royal Palace, he inquired:
"How did the Council of Nobles react? Isn't your mother, Kouya, the current Principal Queen Mother? Didn't she intervene when such a malicious incident occurred?"
Atahualpa's complexion grew worse. "It can't be said she did nothing. With my mother intervening, the Council of Nobles overseeing the coronation ceremony did take a stance. Indeed, they immediately dispatched personnel to inspect the Royal Palaces of the princes. However, they found nothing, and the matter was subsequently dropped. Summoning a Fifth-Order Demigod from the Machu Picchu Sky City to investigate could easily disturb the interests of various factions. Who knows what hidden corruption might be dredged up? So, no one agreed to report it further.
"After all, the Empire has a [Sun God] who has suppressed it for a thousand years, multiple Fifth-Order Demigods, and a Council of Nobles composed of a large group of Fourth Order Sons of the Sun. They all believe themselves to be the strongest nation in the world; no one thinks any force could shake the Empire's rule.
"They even replied that one function of the competition is to discern right from wrong, and the gods will bless the righteous side to win. Meaning, whoever wins in the end is right! Now, we can only rely on ourselves."
Byron, who had already taken a seat inside the Royal Palace, fell silent.
Even the [Nautical Logbook] only managed to reveal Teris's name; there was no point expecting anyone else to identify those Half-Succubi. The fact that this inspection found nothing likely means that the suspected high-rank artifact in their possession was at work again.
