"Give him face," Raymond said to himself, "let him show off for a few more days, let him indulge in this illusory glory.
Once he's finished off his dissidents and exhausted the army... I will gradually replace his guards, cut off his financial resources, and mix the potion into his food.
The bloodline of Auguste is already rotten. The future Empire doesn't need a crippled madman on the Dragon Throne. It needs a true dragon with dragon's blood."
Despite the thousands of calculations swirling in his mind, what showed on Raymond's face was the helplessness and gentle tolerance of a loyal minister.
He walked to the door and casually patted the shoulder of the Personal Guard captain: "Lead the way. As a minister, I must not keep His Highness waiting too long."
......
The Second Prince's command room was brightly lit, the candle flames dancing wildly in the breeze, illuminating the huge Empire sandbox like a beast being torn apart.
