Top Tier Perversion: Dual Cultivate Secretly

The Royal Court.

The first light of the day seeped through the stained windows of the silent court.

The King sat on the throne, overlooking the empty rows and the grand hall.

The King’s aide and Prince Soren sat at the front row and held reports in their hands.

"Multiple carriages were seen outside Duke Brunelle’s estate. Many houses shortly after sent their finance reports stating how D’Arc’s causing them losses and..." The King’s aide said.

It was not stated directly but the King knew the houses would stop funding his campaigns by using D’Arc’s name.

The report about carriages outside Duke Brunelle’s estate was not a surprise either.

The only problem was, "the carriages could’ve brought anyone," the King said while gazing outside and overlooking the Capital’s flickering lights.

It could be Duke Brunelle’s spies or officials from another kingdom or it could be Falkner Kingdom’s nobles.

The sightings were not accurate and could not be used to conclude if Duke Brunelle was rebelling.

"Your Majesty, even if we put aside Duke Brunelle, the issue with House D’Arc remains. To have openly disrespected the Crown, and threatening to side with Aldorp is something that cannot be overlooked," said Prince Soren.

The King did not answer for a while.

"What do you think must be done?" He asked, half-knowing what the Prince would answer.

"Make an example out of House D’Arc," the Prince replied.

"Why must we fear a house that only consists of three members? If we strike now when they’re at their lowest, we could quite possibly bring them a greater loss."

The King turned to the Prince.

Within him, he seemed to be staring at an image of himself.

Prince Soren was not wrong with his judgment. He made a decision with what he knew.

"Your Highness, attacking a noble house is not possible," the aide replied. "Most noble houses will not take it well and may rebel or send a complaint to the Imperial Court, resulting in an investigation that may not be in our favor."

Prince Soren fell silent and contemplated this matter deeply.

"Keep track of the Duke’s movements," the King said.

The aide noted it down and read newer reports.

"The Crown Princess has failed to find a clue regarding the death of the Royal Hounds yet again."

The King fell into deep thought about this matter.

The aide and the Prince did not interrupt him.

’They were fully wiped out within a week, no, in just a few days. It all started with that Masquerade Ball hosted by Duke Leurox...’

The King was resting in his courtyard when he heard the news of Vincent D’Arc attending the ball to represent his house.

This young heir had not made a formal public appearance before. He was usually secluded to his own estate or local taverns and was notorious for his love of wine.

’Making a move on him is suicide. Throughout these years, I’ve been careful with my approach.’

Vincent D’Arc could not be touched even if he was out drinking in public and vulnerable.

There was an enormous wall that had to be passed before reaching him, and this was Countess Vivienne D’Arc.

The King touched a deep scar on his forehead, gently caressing it.

’He was alone at the ball and it was the best opportunity to investigate. The hounds reached on time and were not supposed to assassinate him but collect samples, but ended up dying prematurely.’

It did not take long for news to reach the King regarding their death.

The Prince was already on standby for unforeseen circumstances and was mobilized immediately.

’I was swift and Vincent D’Arc would’ve been on a carriage toward the court. Vivienne D’Arc could’ve intercepted this carriage and by the time she arrived, we would’ve discreetly gathered a few drops of his blood.’

’Unfortunately...’

Things never went as planned.

The Crown Princess Agnes had a small argument with Prince Soren which delayed things a bit.

Then Prince Soren tried to explain the situation to the crowd, then finally moved to drag Vincent D’Arc.

The young heir was inexperienced and an alcoholic through and through. Dragging him to the court under the guise of an investigation was not difficult.

As per the reports, he had even agreed, but everything happened a minute too late.

Countess Vivienne D’Arc had reached the ball.

’...and she openly said my health was declining...’

The King stared at his hands.

They were thin and had lost considerable muscles.

’...a few days later, Vincent D’Arc was in his county, trying to salvage the situation of starvation and refugees. He was alone once again and it was a perfect opportunity. We just needed a few drops of blood. Even a bandage would’ve sufficed.’

The King made the Royal Hounds move yet again.

’I sent half of them for a higher success, but the moment they ventured outside the castle...’

Not only were the Royal Hounds outside the castle killed, even the ones inside the castle and a few far away from the Capital were mysteriously killed and thrown on the streets for everyone to see.

’There’s no proof, but who else could kill so many hounds in and out of the castle overnight?’

The Royal Hounds were the strongest force under the King, capable of taking over a small kingdom and assassinating almost anyone.

They just had to obtain one bandage. One. Not kill Vincent D’Arc.

The King could only clench his fists and imagine Countess Vivienne D’Arc’s obscured face under a wide-brimmed hat.

’What’s done is done.’

The King unclenched his fist.

It was a major loss of manpower and life could not be brought back, but he could always form a new elite group with a bit of time.

"Continue," the King said to the aide.

The aide nodded and then reported about the Crown Princess urgently venturing into D’Arc Estate.

Shortly after, D’Arc allowed the movement of trains.

Noble houses weren’t allowed but merchants and civilians were.

"Agnes..." The Prince gritted his teeth and muttered under his breath.

Ever since the D’Arc trial, trouble has not left them. The disruption of freight had been a major headache for them to resolve but with her connection to the D’Arcs, Agnes even solved that.

To this day, Prince Soren had no clue how Agnes was so close to the D’Arcs.

He had his first encounter with them in the ball and he knew that they were a group of unreasonable and unruly members.

Agnes favoring them over royal authority was sickening to watch.

Just like the Prince, the King was not in the best mood.

His fists were clenched as he remembered that accursed day when Vivienne forced him to make Agnes the Crown Princess.

An official investiture was done, the records of which were sent to the Imperial Court.

Since then, Agnes had been nothing but competent, exposing no flaws that could lead to a change in decision.

The Emperor valued stability, and Agnes’s official records stated exactly that.

The King could suppress her authority but not evoke her status.

For eighteen years he had groomed his son to be the next King but in just a day, it shattered.

It had been two years since that incident with Vivienne D’Arc.

Half his lifespan was reduced and his health was continuously deteriorating since.

No treasures or pills seemed to be working and it was a slow but relentless decline.

’I have to be patient. Being impulsive has cost me dearly once, I mustn’t repeat it.’

The King asked the aide to continue.

He reported a few more reports and eventually began talking about D’Arc County.

"Monster-like rats had infested granaries of their Northern Region but every single rat was killed by Vanessa D’Arc."

"Beasts from the highlands nearby seem to be running rampant and have made hunting impossible while blocking the mountain pass to the inner valley kingdoms."

"Their Knight Order still remains suspended."

"Their trades are back on track with minerals reaching every corner of the kingdom."

"All goldmines still remain operational while shipping contracts with noble houses are cancelled."

As the aide finished reporting, the King waved his hand.

"Defeating a few monsters is nothing noteworthy. The mountain pass’s blockage barely counts for a loss. The valley kingdoms have always wished for isolation so let them be. Divert the merchants north and have them trade for the winter."

The aide noted it down.

Regarding the other things the aide mentioned, they weren’t of importance either.

Only reports that altered the balance of power or demanded immediate action deserved the King’s attention.

"Your Majesty, since the Knight Order remains suspended, why don’t we make an effort? Not by ourselves but with a borrowed knife?" Prince Soren suggested.

The King glanced at him and asked him to continue.

"The bandits north of D’Arc that Duke Brunelle tried to utilize... they’re temporarily in hiding. We could have them disrupt a few vital resources of D’Arc."

The Prince explained how House D’Arc was still under stress.

They barely had food to sustain themselves and there was a major refugee crisis brewing.

"No. It is not the right opportunity."

Patience went a long way and the King did not wish to take risks that barely gave him a reward.

House D’Arc might collapse but so what? The members would remain alive and they could flee elsewhere, eventually coming back for revenge.

The King explained this to the Prince.

"I see. My apologies..." Prince Soren backed away.

The King glanced at him.

"For now, you will take control of the Western Frontier against Aldorp."

Prince Soren frowned. "This is in the opposite direction of House D’Arc."

"Yes," the King’s voice was deep. "That is precisely why you will go."

"Agnes has spent two years giving the kingdom reasons to retain her. You have spent those same years resenting her appointment."

The Prince fell silent.

The King’s tone slightly softened.

"Before you remove the Crown Princess, become someone the kingdom can imagine wearing its crown. Accumulate as much merit as you can until you’re called back."

Prince Soren sighed.

He felt better choices could be made but he couldn’t defy his father, the King.

Prince Soren bowed.

"I understand, Your Majesty."

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