Chapter 6: Two Faced Prince

After the bizarre incident, Leon speaking with Laverna:

"Poison? What do you mean?" - Leon asked, visibly surprised by her remark.

"I'm...not sure." - Laverna said, leaning in a bit closer.

"Not only that but, it's disappearing? The scent...is gone?" - Laverna continued.

Leon pushed her away, trying to keep some distance. Why must she come this close?

"What you're saying does not make any sense, you know that, right?" - Leon asked, looking at Laverna with suspicion.

Laverna stared at Leon, staying silent for more than a moment, trying to puzzle together her thoughts.

"I don't know what to say. My sense of smell never deceived me, it was always right. So why is it like this now?" - Laverna sighed, grabbing another drink and looking away.

"Maybe you are tired? Today was rather extraordinary, that might be the most realistic reason." - Leon tried to comfort Laverna.

"You are right...this whole gathering felt rather strange today. The scent that attracted me, that man spouting nonsense out of nowhere and that mysterious scent that faded away. This is really not my cup of tea." - Laverna sighed again.

An awkward atmosphere covered both of them. Not her cup of tea, huh? 

"You said you were with the 'Coldguards'? Mind telling me more about your merchant group, I'm interested." - Leon tried to start a conversation again.

Laverna turned back to Leon, staring deep into his eyes and leaning her head sideways.

"I didn't know that the Prince would be interested in economics, you really are different from the rumors I heard." - She giggled quietly.

"However, you seem to be serious about this, so I'll try to answer your question. Our merchant group is, as you may already know, one of the more influential ones in the empire. We trade within multiple kingdoms, from the far east to the far west. Our trade routes are well built, and our partners are always satisfied. We focus trades mainly on unrefined products like minerals, logs, stone and such." - Laverna explained proudly.

Interesting. Their influence has grown, trading within multiple kingdoms. Leon reached out for another glass of water. A walking Alchemy ingredient...I really need to continue testing my limits. If I'm really able to grow flowers from soil, just by having seen them once, I could gain unimaginable amounts of wealth. Selling the flowers for alchemists who need them as ingredients, this can't be that easy, right? There has to be a catch. However, I can finally see a solution for my fathers problems. I'll make sure to rebuild this kingdom, step by step. And the first step would be...Leon drank his water, putting it to the side and glancing over to Laverna.

"I'm truly amazed! I had no idea that the 'Coldguards' were such a prominent merchant group inside the empire. And you are the successor on top of that? Should I already call you Lady Laverna?" - Leon complimented Laverna.

Laverna looked away again, nervously scratching her left arm. She looked away?

"It seems like you took my compliment in the wrong way, I apologize." - Leon apologized.

Laverna quickly turned back, bowing her head.

"I'm sorry, prince! It's a misunderstanding. I knew that it was a genuine compliment! It's just...about the successor..." - Laverna, almost yelling nervously, tried to explain the situation.

"Although I'm supposed to be the successor...things are not looking good. My father has been favoring my younger brother lately. My brother has had immense success in the western kingdoms, bringing wealth and honor to the merchant group. And I...failed miserably in my last task. My brother is aware of the situation, he is fully focusing on his success, searching ways to put me in the shadows. If this goes on, my father will change his mind and give hime the position of leader." - Laverna explained, slowly calming down again.

"All odds are currently against me. My brother, who has no end to his greed, will eventually take over the spot as the leader. I have to act but....I don't know how." - Laverna said in a depressing tone.

Leon leaned towards Laverna, patting her head and trying to cheer her up.

"I understand the situation you are in. Correct me if I'm wrong, but you said your brother has no end to his greed? And a merchant at that? That can't end well, right? He sounds like someone who would do anything, just to gain more wealth. Although your father does not see it, he is raising a snake. The group would change drastically, in ways that your father would probably not be proud of. What a foolish man he is." - Leon got closer to Laverna, his calm and relaxing voice directed at Laverna.

Laverna, now visibly even more frustrated, held in her anger. She knew that arguing with the prince, over his own words, would bring no good. 

"But what I'm worrying about most is not the group itself. It's you, Laverna." - Leon whispered, getting closer to Laverna.

"What do you mean? Why would you worry about me?" - Laverna asked confused.

"It seems like you are unable to face reality. Laverna, what is the fastest way to win a competition?" - Leon asked.

"By...working hard or having talent?" - Laverna replied.

Leon, now very close to Laverna, looked into her eyes and smiled.

"No. Wouldn't you naturally win, if you are the only competitor?" - Leon asked rhetorically.

Laverna was puzzled. It took her a few moments to realize what Leon said.

"There is no way. That can't be-" - Laverna said flustered, interrupted by Leon.

"Wasn't it all such an odd coincidence? He was out there, succeeding in every task he got. And you? You gave your best and...failed? Because of what? Because of your own ability? Or..." - Leon continued.

"No...it can't be true!" - Laverna murmeled quietly, shocked by the sudden realization.

Leon hugged Laverna, comforting her again. 

"Now now...no need to be this sad. There is no reason to be sad, is there? You just realized what is happening behind the scenes, you came face to face with reality. You should be thankful that you realized it this early. And, it's not like there is no solution to your problem. Now that you know what's really going on, you can act upon that." - Leon whispered into her ear.

"A...solution?" - Laverna asked, wiping off a tear.

"Your solution...is right in front of you. Did you forget who I am because of all the stress?" - Leon laughed.

"But, how can you help me?" - Laverna asked, hugging Leon tighter.

"'Can', you say? I am the prince. I 'can' do everything. Helping out a merchant group is a rather easy task." - Leon responded with an even tighter hug.

Leon sat down on his chair again. Laverna followed, sitting on Leons lap and putting her head onto his chest.

"Why would you do this? Why do you want to help me? If it would be for profit, you could just side with my brother, right?" - Laverna asked, looking Leon into his eyes.

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Leon leaned in, almost kissing Laverna.

"Do I really need to say it? Isn't it obvious why I'm doing this?" - Leon whispered.

.....

....

...

"We are still at the gathering. The crowd is already looking." - Laverna turned to the crowd, who was curiously watching the scene.

From the outside, both of them look like a couple that enjoy their time a bit too much. And obviously, this could be a little problematic for someone who is the prince of a kingdom.

"I'll create an opportunity for you. You will be able to succeed to such an extend in this kingdom, that you'll put your brother into your shadow. However, I'm worried about your safety. I'll organize a heavily guarded private mansion for you, so that you can temporarily live there without any worries." - Leon whispered again.

Lavernas mood changed immediately, hugging the prince and slowly getting up again.

"I don't know what to say...I'm really thankful for what you are doing." - Laverna said with a joyful smile on her face.

"No need to thank me. I'll have one of my butlers pick you up tomorrow so that you can move into the mansion. When the time comes, I'll visit you and explain everything in detail." - Leon responded with a smile on his face, also getting up from his seat.

"Is there anything I can do for you? I want to thank you in some meaningful way." - Laverna asked.

"It's enough to see you smiling like this. However, if you must, we can have a drink together some time." - Leon responded, walking towards the exit with Laverna by his side.

"A drink, you say?" - Laverna said, walking next to Leon.

She then leaned in and whispered into his ear.

"If your scent is as pleasant as today, I'll make sure that you can drink whatever you want." - Laverna calmly added.

What a bizarre night. The gathering was about to end anyways, so them leaving early was no issue. And, considering the ugly scene from before, one could argue that leaving early and getting a good nights rest would be the better choice. Sleep...that's what everyone needed that night. However, Leon had other plans. It seems like he needs to collect his thoughts again, preparing for whats to come.

Leons room:

What an interesting gathering, I really wouldn't have expected it to be this worthwhile. Leon was sitting at his desk, writing on some paper with his golden pen. A candle at the edge of the table was just bright enough to light up the desk area. With his balcony door left wide open, the candle light flickered in the presence of passing wind. The bright full moon was shining onto Leons empty bed, accompanied by mountain wolves howling into the night.

There is no turning back now, I have to start moving my chess pieces. No...I have to build my side of the board first. Laverna, you will be my first piece. The very first stepping stone.

He continued writing, not getting distracted by the loud howling outside.

I feel bothered by how easy it was to convince her. Helping her out because I love her? Don't make me laugh. 

A strong wind breezed through the room. The candle barely managed to keep on shining.

I probably need to get rid of her in the future. 

The howling stopped. 

But...I must thank her. My plans will now have a justification.

He finished writing and folded the piece of paper into a smaller square.

Putting all merchant groups into my shadow will be a lot easier now. Building a monopoly and dominating the economy, that is my first goal. Wealth, that is what my father needs the most right now. 

"Edward." - Leon said calmly.

Seconds later, a shadow appeared behind Leon. A silhouette of a mysterious hooded man, kneeing on the ground.

Leon handed over the piece of paper to the man, not turning around. The man grabbed the piece of paper and put it away in his pocket.

"Sir Varon, Morven,Wallas and Austen. All of them were on their way to a trip into the mountains. Unfortunately, the driver miscalculated the speed in a curve, causing them to drift off the road, straight down into the deep ravines. There were no survivors. Do you understand?" - Leon asked calmly.

"I do." - The mysterious man said, quickly disappearing back into the shadows.

Leon got up from his seat and began walking towards the balcony.

Those four little regions in the eastern side of the kingdom, I'll take them over and unite them. If I can be the ruler of those small regions, Laverna won't have any problems expanding her business to the east.

He then went over to the edge of the balcony, looking up to the moon and enjoying the cold breeze.

However, Laverna is just one stepping stone. I'll build multiple big cities in those regions. Cities which will be an absolute powerhouse. If my ability turns out to be the way I imagine it, I'll have a rather easy time accomplishing my goal. 

Leon closed his eyes, the wolves started howling again.

Oh father, forgive me for the lies I'll be telling you. I do not intend to deceive you, but some things are better off when kept a secret. I'm doing this for our own good, please understand. The wealth and power you'll gain, it will be more than enough to rebuild our reputation.

Leon turned around, now walking back into his room.

However, not everyone can be a saint. And father, forgive me but, I'm definetely not one. I shall do the work that you could't bring yourself to do.

He then entered his room, closing the balcony door behind him.

I truly wonder, would I count as good or evil?

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