Ceres

57

In one of the stands in the arena, one of the audiences was loudly shouting about the fighter he placed his money on. After a few minutes, he threw the betting ticket he bought and slowly walked out.

"Man, don't be disappointed. The next match is the main fight of the night."

A person sitting beside him consoled him. They became close because of betting.

"Naaa... I'll just go home because I don't have any more money with me."

"That's too bad. Well, see you next time then!"

The man who threw his betting ticket went out of the arena with a disappointed look on his face. It was a normal scene for the arena guards that they did not block or bother the man at all.

Walking in the middle of the bustling night city, the man started whistling a happy tune. He saw one of the street vendors selling rice cakes and started walking towards it. Afterwards, he fished out some coins from his pocket and bought two rice cakes which he started eating while walking in the bustling night of the city.

"Even Poisoned Ghost Body accepted the job. I should probably accept it so that all of us will meet on the event itself. It has been a long time since we met on a job. But considering how lame this job request is, I can't help but refuse it."

He already finished one of the rice cakes and started eating the last piece.

"Then again, I would really want to witness how much those guys improved. I'll definitely look forward to the competition this time."

He started smiling and munching the last rice cake he bought. Then suddenly, he quietly blended in the crowd of people.

---

When Ceres and Gil left Moss Valley, Orion started helping his first cousin, Henry, in the management of their household. No one suspected that it was weird since everyone thought that the fall of the Hunts family was nearing and maybe, other powerful houses will rise in Moss Valley. However, even though it was unsuspecting, Orion was still careful. On the surface he was helping Henry but the truth was he was building his foundation in management and also some connections for the future.

He was determined to fight for his position in the kingdom and thus, has already started the first steps.

Of course his stronghold will still be Moss Valley that is why he started in this area. With the help of his first cousin and soon-to-be-patriarch Henry, they started establishing his standing and reputation in the city.

"Fourth cousin, how were things on your side?"

Henry visited Orion in their grandfather's study room. Liuis was still on room arrest and cannot leave his courtyard. Henry allowed Orion to study the documents and some affairs of the household. Orion was really studying hard and even having less sleep because he wanted to read and analyze more things. Henry could only smile at the scene.

"So far, so good. I have a few questions like..."

With that, Henry assisted Orion and helped him learn and understand more when it comes to handling household affairs and interacting with other people.

"By the way, the Winsterein kingdom's schools' competition is getting near. Are you invited by the emperor?"

Orion coldly laughed.

"He wouldn't invite me. You know how he never considered me as his son, right?"

"But it can't be true. This time, it will be a big event since they even invited the Fay kingdom to attend and witness the event."

"Really?"

"The emperor wanted to establish a good relationship with the Fay kingdom. I heard they even want to marry the Fay kingdom's sole princess to the third prince."

"That is pretty dangerous. Knowing how crafty my first brother is, how can he sit quietly and watch something that could threaten his position as the next emperor?"

"Even you, think that he will become the next emperor?"

Henry couldn't help but furrow his brows. He knew why his fourth cousin was working so hard despite not knowing a single thing about management. Even though Orion didn't openly say it, he knew that his fourth cousin was starting to fight for the position of crown prince.

"I didn't say he will be. Unless it happens, we will never know."

Henry heaved a sigh.

"Anyway, even if I wasn't invited, I would gate crash at that event. I'm the second prince after all. No one can stop me from attending it."

"Don't worry. Our Hunts family received a letter of invitation. You know how major families are always invited in such events. Since grandfather can't attend, we will attend in his place. You may represent our Hunts family if any trouble came up."

"No. I don't want to represent the Hunts. You will be the patriarch soon, you should hold onto that position, first cousin. I, on the other hand, will only watch the event. I still have a lot to learn and perhaps, attending that event may help."

Throughout the conversation, Orion's eyes never land on Henry's. He was focused on the documents in front of him and the books that he compiled from the previous years.

Henry didn't take any offense and instead smiled gently. Maybe this time, their Hunts family will really rise from the near extinct state it had before. He couldn't help but thank aunt Silva for all the sacrifices she made.

"Okay. You better sleep early today or you'll have to take note of how those bags under your eyes can be covered when the event is in front of you."

Then, Henry decided to leave Orion in the room alone.

---

"Fourth brother, did you already finish the medicine?"

Dotrald was sitting in his study room and quietly studying some kind of map when Lonwarlt suddenly came in.

"It is done. However, this medicine is not permanent and must be applied every week. It cannot be removed by simple means so you don't have to worry much."

"Oh?"

Dotrald lifted up his head and smiled at Lonwarlt. However, that smile was something dangerous.

"Then,we can proceed with our plan." -tbc