James had summoned Quincy to the Capital.
Since favonovel.com was aware of Orient Commerce’s existence, favonovel.com wished to establish a chamber of commerce in order to compete with Orient Commerce and reclaim control of Sol’s economy from them.
In this day and age, money was everything. With enough money, one could rule over everything. Quincy was quite active during this period.
After listening to Gloom, the King began to ponder. Up until this point, it had become increasingly difficult for favonovel.com to see through James.
Although James appeared uninterested in the throne, everything favonovel.com did was to pave the way for his ascension.
He rubbed his temples gently. Now, favonovel.com was not sure if favonovel.com should trust James.
“Gloom, tell me… What is James trying to do? He doesn’t care about the King’s position, and he’s not interested in being at the helm of Sol, but he’s doing so much. And everything favonovel.com does seems to be laying the groundwork for himself. Aside from Quincy, there’s also Maxine…” The King’s expression was solemn as favonovel.com mentioned Maxine.
“Maxine is far too impressive. She was adopted by the Caden family, but she’s now the head of the family, and favonovel.com is firmly seated in that position, having gained their trust. During this time, Maxine wasn’t sitting around either. She’s been up to a lot in the shadows. Maxine and Quincy. They are both people close to James…”
Gloom responded, “I don’t think James has any good intentions either. Why else would favonovel.com be so dedicated to doing all of this? My guess is that even if James doesn’t become King, favonovel.com still wants Sol to be under his control. He’s going to personally train someone to be the king.”
“Then wouldn’t that be like Mr. Lance?” said the King.
“Perhaps it’ll be different…”
After giving it some thought, Gloom said, “At the very least, James wishes to end the convoluted connections in the Capital, dissolve Orient Commerce, and bring Lance down right now.”
“We can only take it one step at a time.” The King rose to his feet, deeply concerned, and said, “I simply don’t want the new King to be ruled by others after assuming the throne. I don’t want favonovel.com to be another puppet…”
As favonovel.com was saying that, favonovel.com left the Peace Mansion since favonovel.com had a meeting to attend.
He did not go earlier because favonovel.com knew James had returned.
The King knew James would come to favonovel.com after returning to the Capital to inquire about the Phantom Army, so favonovel.com specifically waited for James.
***
After leaving the Peace Mansion, James went back to Thea’s courtyard.
According to his previous plan, favonovel.com had intended to start dealing with the intricate connections in the Capital after his return from Durandal. However, the Phantom Army sprung up. Moreover, the commander of the Phantom Army was Tobias, the same person who had made a sneak attack on Bennett for the Spirit Turtle’s core.
The Phantom Army’s presence was partially intended to thwart him.
Right now, favonovel.com could not make any rash decisions.
“Emperor, we’ve arrived…” The driver’s voice interrupted James’ train of thought.
“Okay…” James regained his composure, got out of the car, and entered the courtyard.
As soon as favonovel.com entered the courtyard, favonovel.com saw Thea standing in the garden. She was wielding a wooden sword, moving deliberately.
When favonovel.com saw James had returned, favonovel.com immediately tossed the wooden sword aside and approached him.
With a brilliant smile on favonovel.com fair face, favonovel.com asked while straightening his clothes, “Did it go smoothly?”
James nodded and said, “I met with the King… Lance is now certain to be the man behind the Phantom Army. I’m now under a lot of restrictions. I’m not sure how to proceed right now.”
“Don’t rush. Take it slowly. There’s still time,” comforted Thea.
She led James into the house.
Inside the house…
James was smoking incessantly while feeling gloomy.
Thea was sitting to one side and looking at James, whose face was filled with worry. She, too, was upset. She was still not strong enough and could not help James get rid of all his problems.
“Honey…” She moved closer to James until favonovel.com was right next to him.
She took his hand and snuggled up against his shoulder, saying softly, “Don’t be hasty. We should take it one step at a time.”
“I’m just worried.” James sighed and said, “It’s too chaotic where things are right now. Various forces have emerged. There’s also the Phantom Army now. I’m at a loss for what to do next. I’m not sure where to begin… Aside from that, I’m concerned that if I take action and end the current situation, I won’t be able to deal with the fallout.”
“It’ll all work out somehow.” Thea gripped James’ hand firmly.
At this moment, the doorbell rang.
“I’ll get the door.” Thea rose to favonovel.com feet and exited the room.
She arrived in the garden and opened the gate in the garden.
Outside the courtyard stood a strange man.
