The Crown Prince's royal invitation was placed on the Duke's desk by Alex. Sebastian frowned as he read the card that conveyed congratulations to the Astrid couple and an invitation to a grandiose banquet hosted by the Carlyle royal family.

He returns the invitation to Alex and puffs on his cigar as if it were of no interest. The duke appeared to be thinking deeply.

As Alex waits for the Duke's response, Marquis Henry Monchy and the three knights enter the office. The butler left after realizing it would take some time for a response.

"What do you think of Marquis Camelon?". While puffing on his cigar, Sebastian asks Henry.

Henry wonders why the Duke is asking him about Marquis Camelon. These two families don't get along well, as is generally known in the south.

"I don't get along well with the Camelons, to be truthful. The latter is the opposing group of the southern nobility, as you are aware, your Majesty."

"I want you to assume his role and strengthen the opposition's control of power. His daughter is a beneficial tool to the Monchy family".

Henry utters a startled gasp. The Marquis of Camelon's resistance to the Carlyle royal family is supported by the Duke of Astrid? He usually wonders where Marquis Camelon acquires his political support and military force.

So, it has always been the Duke of Astrid who's wielding the power behind the scenes. Marquis Camelon is one of his chess pieces to counter check the power of the Carlyle monarchy.

How many subjects does he control throughout the empire? He is the master puppeteer. What a terrifying fact. This man is far more dangerous than the crown prince. Will his daughter be safe once she serves her purpose? Although I have seen the obsession and madness in his eyes when Rachel is present. But how long will it last?

Henry is trembling in front of the Duke of Astrid. His daughter married the most dangerous man in the empire. "Your Majesty, I will gladly carry out your order if you guarantee to protect Rachel from the Carlyle".

Sebastian looks Henry in the eye as he places his cigar in the ashtray. "Marquis, no one can touch even a strand of her hair as long as I exist".

For the time being, Henry must trust the Duke of Astrid because his obsession with Rachel would remain longer than he initially thought.

"Your Majesty, then I'll entrust Rachel to your care. Please accept this humble subject's gratitude". Henry bowed before the Duke of Astrid and declared his allegiance.

Sebastian nods as he recalls something, "Oh before I forget, put a leash on your son. I don't want to deal it with my own hands".

Henry believes that Luther have offended the Duke of Astrid. 'Was it related to Rachel?'. As instructed by the Duke, he must discipline the troublemaker properly and get him ready to marry Marquis Camelon's daughter.

Sir Alfred is so impressed by his master's brilliance that he cannot restrain it. 'Ho! hitting two birds in one stone'. The viscount Monchy will regret that he offended the most cunning man in the empire. This game is one that his master enjoys playing, and he is always ten steps ahead.

Sir William and Ian, though, are only grinning since they are familiar to their master's ploys. They have been with the Duke for a long period of time, so they are aware of his ruthlessness and lack of regard for those who challenge his authority.

When Henry left his office, Sebastian informed his trusted knights to prepare their military for a short visit in the southern capital. He knew that his spoiled brat cousin is curious of his little pet. If by any means he harms even a single hair of his little precious person, Sebastian will not put up with his impudence.

They have an important mission to visit in the southern capital where a group of dark sorcerers are peddling illegal potions laced with monster blood. The person who consumes this potion gains strength and intelligence, but after it wears off, their constitution is destroyed, which leads to death. The prohibited potion is well known among young nobilities and commoners, and it is selling like hotcakes.

Sebastian wanted to find out who is behind the illegal trade and has the guts to do it challenging the royal authority of the empire. He previously wipes them out, but it appears that they managed to escape and return. The flies are buzzing recklessly and flying once again.

Although he would like to spend more time with his little precious person, it appears that his short-lived pleasure will be interrupted. This time, the flies really pissed him off.

***

Rachel spends her morning with her parents before they were headed back to the capital. The father and daughter were having a solemn conversation when they were suddenly interrupted by Luther.

"My precious little sister, I have missed you. I was not given a chance to spend time with you because of your husband. Will you give attention to your pitiful big brother?". He behaves like a child wanting to be coax by his sister.

"Haha, my big brother is behaving like a child. Come here then and give your sister a hug". Rachel coax Luther for he seems to be running around in the north these days creating trouble. She remembers Ricky, her younger brother from her previous world; both are quite spoiled and mischievous.

Luther joyfully ran like a dog and embrace his sister while Rachel is tenderly patting his back. His happiness is short lived when the Duke appeared and pulled Rachel from his embrace.

Sebastian then embraced Rachel from behind and kissed her cheeks. "I believe the viscount should get ready to go back in the capital".