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The next day, after a bit of preparation I was ready. With the invitation the princess had given me, I entered the party like a VIP. Many inside this royal reunion stared at me, probably wondering if I was the man of the rumors the princess herself had started. Sebas by my side, I walked around, greeting and talking with the nobles around.

"Darling," Renner greeted me, giving me a peck on the cheek.

"Long time no see, princess," I bowed, and as I did, I could hear people gasping in shock, good, the seed had been planted, now it was all a matter of letting the murmurs reach the King.

From my side view, I saw Gazef, his existence being so inconsequential to me, I had forgotten he was from this kingdom in particular. Taking a deep breath I devised a few scenarios of how to deal with him. With one being the most prominent, telling him I had a twin.

Gazef, as if sensing my side glare, looked at me, taking a few steps forwards, he extended his hand and said, "Sir, Alastor. A pleasure to see you again,"

With a smile, I shook my head, and said, "You have mistaken me for my little brother, my name is Mael Morningstar, Alastor Morningstar is my twin."

Gazef looked at me as if doubting my words before he extended his hand without questioning my words, "I apologize, didn't know Sir Alastor had a twin," Gazef chuckled.

"He doesn't exactly advertise it, but I like to think I am the handsome one," I smiled, making conversation.

"For me, you are," Renner giggled, playing her role perfectly.

"And… does the butler also have a twin?" Gazef inquired, his tone dangerously low, if only he knew poking at me would not give him the results he wants.

"No," Sebas replied, getting Gazef's attention. "I was with Alastor-sama at the time, while Mael-sama was otherwise occupied with business, he wanted me to help his little brother on a mission, and that's where you found us." Very good Sebas.

"Sebas is my bodyguard, and well… while my brother is perfectly capable of defending himself, I wanted… to ensure he would be safe, and so I sent Sebas with him," I confirmed, this answer calming the doubtful captain.

"Your brother saved my life," Gazef smiled, "Do you think there is a chance of meeting with him any time soon?"

"His whereabouts are currently unknown to me, but… I will send him a letter, and see what I can do," I chuckled, already making a note to summon a Doppelganger to trick this man.

"That would be highly appreciated, Sir Mael," Gazef said, giving me a firm handshake before leaving to greet the other nobles in the room.

[Sebas put an Eight-Edge Assassin on the captain… I need to know what he does and when he does it.] I ordered through the message feature.

[As you wish, Alastor-sama.] Sebas replied, closing the chat.

"Darling is time to meet my dad," Renner reminded me.

"Of course, lead the way, princess." I smiled.

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The king was… nothing but an old man, and it sickens me to have to bow, even if this was part of my plan, it was utterly appalling, "A pleasure to meet you, your highness."

"You are the man that stole my daughter's heart, a merchant?" Ramposa III inquired.

"I am," I nodded.

The King was tense, but not overly so, so all and all, the reunion was going well so far. "What are your intentions with my daughter?" bad question little King.

"To make her happy," Technically not a lie, I was using her and giving her what she desired.

"Daddy, I love him," Renner said, with such emotion… I almost believed myself.

"A merchant I have never heard about, a commoner by any other definition," Ramposa started, "What can you offer my daughter, I can't?"

"Her happiness, her safety, and more," I replied. "My goods are different from that of other merchants, I sell… security, the people that work for me, well… are on a level of their own, each and every single one of them, equal or above your trump card, Captain Gazef," time to play the game, little king.

"Bold words," Ramposa said, his tone growing heavy.

"Oh, by all means, if you want a demonstration, I can provide." I smiled.

[Sebas, you're about to duel Gazef, hold back and keep it to his level, but make sure to win, a crushing defeat.]

[As you wish, Alastor-sama] Sebas replied.

Zanac Valleon Igana Ryle Vaiself, the prince smiled, "Let him prove himself, father."

"Gazef!" The King called, and soon enough his captain, his strongest warrior came forth. "This man here is boasting of his followers, saying they all surpass the captain or equal you."

"And you wish for me to test this theory? Right?" Gazef inquired, getting a nod from the King. "There will be no need, my King, I can vouch for that… the bodyguard behind him is stronger than me… and Mael is around my level." so the rings to keep my power at bay worked, good.

The King looked at me shocked, before he said, "How many men do you have under your command?"

"That depends your majesty, do I have your blessing to wed your daughter?" I asked, a faint smile adorning my face.

"You insolent!" Zanac hissed, only to be stopped by his father.

"Haha, a man of business I see… no wonder my daughter fell for you, you have no fear in the jaws of the beast, here you are… standing in front of a King, and you don't hold back, good, good… I wouldn't like my daughter to marry a weak man, I approve, you have my blessing if you agree to only provide your services to my kingdom, that is," He took the bait, falling down the rabbit hole, checkmate… little King.

"Of course, I wouldn't want to support your enemies, for now, they are also mine," Step one, completed… now, to kill a king. "And as for how many troops I have under my command, well… on Gazef level, I have around ten loyal warriors, and above his level around five, in total, I have around twenty super soldiers in my command, one could say."

"Impressive," The King smiled, full of greed… probably thinking he had come on top with this deal, poor thing, I almost felt bad for him.