Cosmic Ruler - Chapter 311

Chapter 311: Minister Ploy II

The Minister of Finance, who had been silent until now, spoke up. “Precisely. He may present himself as a savior, but we know these types. He’s securing his influence under the guise of a righteous cause. It could prove… problematic if he gains too much sway.”

Lusarus tapped his fingers on his desk thoughtfully. “And Shona? How reliable is her loyalty? If Aiden has indeed shown her his organization, he may be drawing her into his orbit as well.”

The Minister of Intelligence replied, “Shona remains loyal to the kingdom, Chief Minister. She’s aware of her role and the consequences of betraying our trust. But Aiden…we don’t know much about him, his means—she may require close monitoring to ensure her allegiances remain firm.”

Lusarus nodded, a calculating look crossing his face. “Then we must be cautious. Allow Shona to continue her interactions with Aiden, but ensure she remains tethered to us. If Aiden grows too powerful, we’ll need her as leverage.”

The Minister of Defense shifted, a hint of impatience in his voice. “Should we prepare contingency measures? If Aiden becomes a threat, we can’t afford to let him undermine the kingdom’s stability.”

“Not yet,” Lusarus replied, his tone cold and measured. “Aiden is an asset as much as he is a potential adversary. For now, he may believe he’s in control, but we will use his ambition to our advantage. Let him think he holds the cards. We’ll allow him to expand his influence… but we’ll be ready to clip his wings if he oversteps.”

The ministers exchanged approving nods, recognizing the brilliance in Lusarus’ strategy.

“And the princess?” asked the Minister of Finance, his voice barely above a whisper. “She seems to trust Shona, despite the circumstances. Should we intervene?”

Lusarus smiled, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Leave her be. For now, Princess Lirael is unaware of the full extent of our plans, and it’s better that way. She’s a pawn in this game, whether she realizes it or not.”

He paused, his gaze turning steely. “Aiden may think he’s maneuvering himself into a position of power, but he is playing on a board of my design. The moment he becomes a threat, he will learn what it means to cross the kingdom’s true master.”

With a silent nod, the ministers departed, their minds focused on the complex web Lusarus had just woven. They knew that Aiden was formidable—but as long as Lusarus held the reins, they were certain that the kingdom would end up in their hands.

After the ministers left, Lusarus leaned back in his chair, his fingers interlaced as he contemplated the web of alliances and schemes he had meticulously constructed. Aiden’s rise had been unexpected, but it was also an opportunity—one he intended to exploit fully.

The flickering candlelight cast elongated shadows across the room, adding an ominous air to his already cold expression. He reached over to a drawer in his desk, pulling out a sealed letter stamped with the royal insignia, a letter from the princess herself, intended for her closest advisor. It was a plea for guidance regarding Aiden, subtly questioning his motives while expressing her curiosity and interest.

As he read her words, a faint smirk crept onto his lips.

“Ah, dear Lirael,” he murmured to himself. “You’re already entangled in this game, more than you realize. Your trust in me will be the very foundation of your downfall—or perhaps your salvation, if you prove useful.”

At that moment, a soft knock echoed from the door. “Enter,” Lusarus commanded, and a young aide slipped inside, bowing deeply.

“My lord, Shona has came to report. She’s waiting in the lower chamber for further instructions,” the aide announced.

“Excellent. Tell her I will see her shortly,” Lusarus replied, dismissing the aide with a wave of his hand. When the door closed, he allowed himself a quiet, sinister chuckle. Those three fools… do they really think I believe them? he thought with a smirk as he prepared to meet Shona. Her report would soon reveal whether the ministers were lying to him, and he could use this knowledge to manipulate them further.

Hahaha, soon, this weak kingdom will be mine to hand over to the Great Myahan Empire, he thought gleefully. The Emperor will reward me richly for delivering another conquered land to his rule.

Lusarus was not truly loyal to the kingdom he served. Instead, he was a covert spy for the Myahan Empire, tasked with understanding this kingdom’s defenses and evaluating how easily it could be conquered. But as he embedded himself within the court, a new ambition took root: he would orchestrate the kingdom’s downfall himself, then deliver it to the Myahan Emperor on a silver platter, all achieved through his cunning mind and strategic brilliance.

Minutes later, Lusarus made his way to the lower chamber. Shona, looking exhausted and wary, straightened when he entered. Her face bore the wear of her dual role, and her gaze held a flicker of fear, though she concealed it well.

“Chief Minister Lusarus,” she greeted, her tone even.

“Shona,” he said, his voice smooth yet commanding. “You’ve done well in maintaining your guise. But Aiden is clever, and he will likely begin to test your loyalty.”

Shona nodded, swallowing her anxiety. “Yes, my lord. I understand. Aiden is… perceptive. He’s spoken of his goals, but he is careful with his true intentions.”

Lusarus raised an eyebrow, studying her. “And what impression did he leave on you?”

Her voice trembled slightly. “He is ambitious, but he believes he’s working toward something greater—something he views as justice, by helping those women who were enslaved by bandits and such”

A flicker of amusement crossed Lusarus’ face. “Justice, is it? He may believe himself a savior, but we both know ambition often hides behind noble intentions. Remember, Shona, you must never forget where your loyalty lies. The kingdom is your true duty.”

Shona lowered her head in submission. “I won’t forget, my lord.”

“Good.” Lusarus leaned closer, his gaze piercing. “Continue to report everything you learn. And remember, Princess Lirael’s trust must remain intact. She must not know you are reporting to us.”