Chapter 89: 89: Playing The Duke I
Leo’s hands wavered. His whole mood had done as he stared at Eden who had just said something that had certainly got his attention.
"What do you mean by that?" He questioned. Now curious.
Eden smiled, certain of his words "I’m sure I was pretty clear with my words"
Leo hesitated knowing that Eden didn’t wish to repeat himself. "What do you know?"
Eden smiled "I know the basics at least. The basics of your motivation for meeting the Emperor. Which is as simple as wanting him to help grant you justice against the Royal family, since you know you’re not too powerful to do that"
Leo paused, still staring at Eden. His sword is still around Eden’s neck.
For some reason, Eden knew everything. something that didn’t sit right with Leo. And something that had him panicking. Because it was never a good sign if someone knew what he knew that he didn’t want anyone to do.
Especially something as personal as this. It would always pose as a weakness to him. And that was something he never wanted.
"But don’t worry, I’m not going to threaten you with it" Eden said, knowing that he would certainly feel like Eden was blackmailing him. "But rather, I can help you out if you want"
Leo hesitated "Help me out with what?"
"It’s only impressive that I know a secret of yours that you haven’t even told anyone yet. So that’s enough to make me reliable" He began.
"And it’s also worth noting that at the moment I reside within the walls of the palace. The same place where the people you detest live. So what do you think?"
Eden then said, his voice now softer "Of course I can help you out in any way. That is, if you’re willing to listen"
Leo stared at him. He knew what Eden was doing. Striking a deal with him to stay alive. And Eden was pretty sure Leo was smart enough to catch on.
"The emperor is a more reliable personnel. So what makes you think I’ll reply on someone like you?"
Eden smiled "Is he? What makes you think he’ll take down one of the greatest kingdoms in his empire because of some cases you bring up? And what makes you think the King will sit down and watch himself go down that easily?"
Leo was curious "What do you mean by that?"
Eden smiled. Leo’s curiosity was enough to tell him that he had him at least on the page he wanted him to be in.
"Just think about it. The Valencrest Kingdom is one of the most flourishing kingdom for ages now. And it has been doing so all because of the rule of King Edward. Of course it’s one of the kingdom that The Emperor adores..."
Eden paused as he continued, now staring at Leo "So why would he want to take down a kingdom he adores because some duke who isn’t even close to the Imperial court brought some claims for justice?"
Eden smiled "This is a political game. And even if you’re right about The Royal family being behind such case, do you think the Emperor cares?"
"He’s not some god of justice. He’s a part of the game and he is aware of how it’s played. So you could expect him to protect The Royal Family in the end and turn the court against you to silence you" Eden had presented to Leo the realistic worse case scenario he had seen in political intrigue novels and dramas.
"I thought you were smart, Your Grace" He smiled now staring at Leo’s expression "So why let your sentiments in on the politics?"
Leo’s expression showed it all. They showed that for once he had thought about what Eden had suggested.
But he was probably too blinded in his plan that seemed so perfect that he didn’t consider things from this angle. He now felt a sense of conviction.
But Eden didn’t think it was his fault. Based on how his character was written, Eden was certain that he wasn’t one to make such silly mistakes in his thoughts.
But the author had written it as so. A plot hole that people didn’t bother noticing in his characterization.
But Eden guessed it was to his advantage now, Because he was using that to get what he Wanted.
"So... Do you also think that the Emperor would wholeheartedly take your side? Your Grace?" His eyes now lingered on Leo’s face.
Leo hesitated for awhile as he said "So what are you saying then?"
"That I can help you" Eden made his words clear "I can help you get what you want from the Royal Family"
Leo stared at him, his sword still in the same position "And what makes you think that I could even trust your words for any of that? I’m not that dumb to work with a cunning wizard like you"
"But you were dumb enough to think that the Emperor would side with you" Eden clapped back, smiling.
A smile that had Leo pissed off and wishing he could cut off his head that moment. "You must think that your words would easily sway me into making such deal with you right? That’s pretty much a smart way to escape death"
Eden shrugged "At least I’m trying to be helpful to you at least. It benefits the both of us, don’t think so? I live, you win. Everyone’s happy"
"Unless you want to go on with your half-baked plan. Exposing yourself and your aim right in front of the emperor, who would obviously have you dead soon to hide such a case that could ruin the Royal family" He stared at Leo.
Leo hesitated. His eyes running through Eden’s expression, trying to read through the unpredictable nature of the wizard before him.
The wizard had presented words and conditions. Words that were hard to refute and conditions that were impossible to refuse.
At that moment, even the proud Leo was shaking at his words.