Chapter 147 - 74: Future Plans

Chapter 147: Chapter 74: Future Plans

Leander welcomed Lucian into his estate.

To be honest, he had never thought much of this brother who had gone missing and then found his own way back, treating him like a country bumpkin. No matter how capable Lucian was, Leander felt there was an insurmountable class divide between them.

That is, until Lucian actually disposed of Colin—and did so with such clean, swift efficiency.

It was then that Leander suddenly realized: Lucian hadn’t bothered to engage in their petty squabbles before simply because he couldn’t be bothered, or perhaps because he felt the time wasn’t right. But the moment he deemed it necessary, he would strike down his potential enemies with ruthless precision!

Leander had no desire to provoke such a man. He knew his own limits and was well aware that he stood no chance against him.

But he had no choice. Now that Colin was no longer a threat, the only ones standing in Lucian’s way were the remaining brothers.

Leander gestured for Lucian to take a seat on the sofa. A maid arrived right on cue, serving freshly brewed black tea.

Enthusiastically inviting Lucian to have a taste, Leander picked up his own cup, his hands trembling ever so slightly. He took a deep breath, trying his best to project an air of confidence. "I thought you’d be swamped lately. I didn’t expect you to have the time to visit me."

Lucian nodded. "I have indeed been very busy."

"Busy taking over Colin’s faction?" Leander blurted out instinctively, immediately wanting to bite his own tongue in frustration.

Why on earth did he bring that up?!

No matter how they schemed and fought in the shadows, they still maintained the facade of loving brothers in public. By bringing it up now, he had dragged the conflict between Lucian and Colin into the open. If Lucian were petty, he might even take it as a deliberate taunt. And if Lucian played along and declared that Leander was his next target... what would he do then?!

His mind racing, Leander was about to say something to salvage the situation when Lucian nodded again. "Dealing with Colin’s affairs has certainly been troublesome, but that’s not what’s keeping me busy."

Leander’s hands trembled even harder.

Not that? Could he be busy plotting how to deal with the rest of them?!

"Then..." He forced a smile. "What is it?"

Lucian smiled in return.

In Leander’s eyes, it looked just like the cruel, sadistic grin of a Demon right before a slaughter. Under Leander’s anxious gaze, Lucian remained silent for a moment before speaking. "Actually, I’m preparing to leave Ovis."

"I see, so that’s what you’ve been busy with... Wait, what?" Leander failed to process the information for a second. "Leave Ovis? What does that mean?"

His eyes widened in shock.

Over the past few days, Leander and his backing nobles had held numerous discussions regarding the current political climate. Some were pessimistic, others aggressive, but they all agreed on one thing: Lucian currently held the overwhelming advantage. Although the King harbored a somewhat negative attitude toward him, as long as Lucian played his cards right, he was guaranteed to be the next ruler.

Leander’s subordinates had even split into two factions. One believed they should quickly pick a side and pledge their loyalty to Lucian. The other argued that they should put up a fight; since they were going to lose anyway, dying on their feet would at least give them some dignity.

Leander thought the second faction was spouting absolute nonsense. After all, they wouldn’t be the ones doing the dying. He had anticipated that Lucian might employ his previous blitzkrieg tactics and swiftly strike down his remaining competitors. He had also considered that Lucian might change his approach, choosing to build up his forces first before seizing power in one fell swoop.

But the one thing he had never imagined was that Lucian would bow out and leave Ovis when he had such a massive advantage!

Could he have some other ulterior motive...?

Leander probed cautiously, "Why the sudden thought to leave?"

Lucian looked down and chuckled softly. "As you know, I actually grew up in the Lien Kingdom. To be honest, I don’t have much attachment to Ovis. The only reason I came back was to seek justice against those who killed my mother. Now that my goal has been achieved, there’s no reason for me to stay."

Leander’s eyes bulged so much they nearly popped out of their sockets.

His rational mind told him that Lucian was definitely lying. He refused to believe anyone would walk away from such immense power and wealth!

But... what if it were true?

If it was true, and Lucian had come to see him now... Lucian hadn’t told anyone else; he had only shared this with him. Did this mean Lucian was preparing to negotiate a trade of interests? Did it mean Leander actually had a chance to become the Crown Prince?!

At that thought, the smile on Lucian’s face suddenly seemed much more sincere to Leander. His heart soared with the prospect of good fortune, but he kept his expression perfectly composed. "I understand, I understand."

He even put on an act of deep concern. "Where do you plan to go after leaving Ovis?"

"Light," Lucian replied without hesitation.

"Light? I thought you would go to Lien..." Leander thought about it for a second and seemed to realize the reason.

Princess Lilia hailed from the Light Kingdom. Leander felt as though he had peeked at the truth. Lucian and Lilia were already engaged. As a future monarch, it was naturally impossible for Lilia to leave her homeland and stay in Ovis with Lucian. So Lucian had no choice but to compromise and return to Light with her.

Leander couldn’t quite suppress the upward twitch of his lips. "...Light is good! Light is wonderful! I hear the climate there is much more livable than in Ovis. Have you already decided where you want to settle down?"

"For now, we’re tentatively planning on Hillflan."

"Hillflan... Yes, of course! It has to be there. How could Princess Lilia ever leave the Capital for anywhere else?" Leander laughed heartily.

His mind was completely at ease now, fully believing Lucian’s words.

The only remaining question was...

"Since you’ve decided to leave," Leander prompted, "why did you come to see me today?"

"There are certain matters that must be thoroughly settled before I can leave with peace of mind," Lucian said.

"Understood." Leander patted his chest. "We’re brothers, after all! If you’re facing any difficulties, just tell me. I’ll help in any way I can!"

That was exactly what Lucian had been waiting to hear. He offered a proposition that Leander absolutely could not refuse.

Once Lucian left Ovis, his faction here would lose its purpose. Taking them back to Light would be a waste, so Lucian preferred that they remain in Ovis as a parting gift to his homeland. And he had decided to place this gift in Leander’s hands.

In exchange, Leander had to do one thing for him. One thing that Leander would absolutely not refuse.

After Lucian left Leander’s estate, Leander urgently summoned several of his close noble allies to his home.

Following a thorough discussion, Leander arrived at the Royal Palace and requested an audience with the King.