Perfect Opportunity (1)

"You arrived as quickly as you said you would."

The boatman was relieved that Gregory had returned so soon and welcomed him. But when Gregory ignored the boatman, he muttered with a sullen expression.

"Tsk. What a peculiar fellow..."

During this, Gregory had sunk deep into thought.

'I won't be able to act recklessly any longer.'

This incident made it painfully clear that his knowledge from his previous life could no longer be taken for certain.

Even though he had been a knight and not a noble in his past life, and had been close to the royal family, the information he had wasn't always accurate.

Moreover, there were things he didn't grasp thoroughly in his past life, and now, with his involvement, events were unfolding differently than before—making the situation even more unstable.

But one thing was certain: there was a truth here, far deeper than he had thought. Though it was still difficult to fully comprehend, it felt like the first button had been fastened properly.

'Good... I'm doing well.'

He hadn't committed the ruthless act of killing the boatman. After all, the boatman likely didn't know Gregory's true identity.

No, there was a high chance even the members of Stria group hadn't caught on. The clothes Gregory wore would have made it hard to identify him. The outfit provided by Hemingway was useful in various ways.

Stria group currently believed firmly that there was a force behind Radian. The evidence had been apparent ever since the war was postponed.

But for the enemy's identity to be an agent of Arme—the son of a renowned sword family at that—it was unthinkable.

Since he had made the incident at the Laderios family appear to be the work of Stria group, once Jorhen's son came to his senses, that trap would be sprung as well.

For a while, Stria group wouldn't be able to take action.

Reassured, Gregory returned to Radian's grand mansion.

Creeeeak—

A completely different atmosphere pervaded the inside of the mansion compared to before—a tranquil stillness. Breaking that silence was none other than Vasili's voice.

"Puhahaha. Is it true...? You really came back."

Vasili, visibly excited. He had been waiting all along for Gregory's return. Even though he spoke quietly, in the wide and silent space, his words rang out clearly.

Gregory was curious.

"Why such a reaction?"

Vasili, secretly worried, confirmed again.

"Were you really at the Laderios house? Are we certain that our family is safe?"

"Of course."

Vasili's reaction was only natural. The reason why they hadn't been able to attack the Laderios family was because Stria group was supporting them from behind, but Gregory had taken care of that cleanly.

However, given the aftermath of Radian's trial and the close connection with the Zaikov family, there was a high chance they weren't safe.

Because a member of Stria group was killed, it was highly likely that the Zaikov family would become the next target.

"I see... What fortunate timing. Our family members will be here within three days, I hear."

Gregory wondered what Vasili truly wanted out of winning the factional power struggle. Or perhaps, he feared the truth: that the power struggle was ultimately meaningless.

Gregory cautiously spoke.

"Vasili, what are your plans now?"

If he succeeded in persuading Radian's family, Vasili's future would likewise become significant.If they all defected to Arme, the faction war would conclude with the market-dominating high nobles earning a prestigious reputation.

But Vasili replied confidently, already fully prepared.

"Victory in the struggle has been my long-cherished wish. Now that I've won, that's enough. And did you think I wouldn't have prepared even that much?"

Gregory, full of pure curiosity, asked,

"What do you mean by that...?"

But Vasili, unfazed, continued.

"Didn't I tell you earlier not to overthink things? Don't you know what I meant by that?"

Gregory looked quietly at Vasili. Though Vasili had given him a clue, he hadn't grasped the intent immediately. Sensing this, Vasili sounded frustrated.

"Follow me."

Gregory followed Vasili to a secluded area behind the rear garden.

There, countless wooden crates were stacked up. Gregory felt a chill run down his spine and sweat started to trickle down his back, as he had an uneasy feeling he shouldn't see what was inside.

"What... are all those? Don't tell me...?"

Vasili, as if expecting Gregory's reaction, muttered,

"Your instincts... are incredibly slow. Maybe you just didn't expect the impact to be this great.... What do you think they are? Gold bars, of course."

Vasili had originally intended to win the power struggle and emigrate to another country. The reason he tolerated Gregory was just that.

He simply wanted to confirm whether Gregory was capable of handling the matter without jeopardizing the force behind Laderios, and despite the risk, Vasili had agreed because he hoped to earn an honor he could never achieve before.

Besides, Vasili had figured that Stria group would begin to tighten its grip on them eventually, and expected a full-scale war would break out someday. Pleased, he remarked,

"I'll defect now."

"W-where to?"

"Where else? To Arme. I'll find someone trustworthy."

Gregory was dumbfounded by Vasili's confidence and caution. He hadn't anticipated such a bold decision, and so he bombarded Vasili with questions.

"Had you planned this all along? What would you have done had I failed...? Then, what did you mean by telling me not to overthink things...?"

Vasili revealed his true thoughts and laughed heartily.

"Stria group was a thorn in our side anyway. But to think things would escalate to this point—that's the only disappointing part."

It had all been part of Vasili's plan. Gregory, though speechless, responded brazenly.

"No, actually, I knew. Everything has gone exactly as I predicted."

He felt like he'd been caught totally off guard, but nevertheless, Gregory was relieved.

If he failed to persuade Radian's family, a catastrophe could result. But a single word from the family head would allow him to act together with them.

Of course, there was a clear price to pay. If both the Laderios and Zaikov families collapsed simultaneously, it would impact Blandi's economy.

And if news spread that the Zaikov family had defected to Arme, Blandi would become unstable, and this could trigger a war.

However, as Gregory's plan oddly fell into place after much hardship, the situation was gradually being resolved.

"So what do you plan to do about the Zaikov family?"

"Burn it down. I'll capture some of the bad guys, dress them up differently, and leave fake bodies to make it look as if we died in an arson."

A great opportunity to further hinder Stria group. Gregory left nothing to chance. After the mansion was burnt to ashes, if the Stria group insignia was placed there as well...

It would surely draw attention to Stria group and increase suspicion among parties, further exposing their true nature.

If that happened, other groups would be spurred on after seeing Stria group's tyranny.

From their standpoint, the operation to seize control of Blandi would collapse, so their actions would be restricted.

Even if they thought of searching for the culprit behind this petty act, by then Gregory would be in Arme, and even the discovery of his true identity was not a foregone conclusion.

'It's a perfect opportunity.'

If things went that way, he could safely lead the Zaikov family to Arme and keep his promise to Radian.

'Anyway... it's about time...'

After further discussion of their next plans, Vasili and Gregory left the secret room.

Now, every mistake could determine their fate, so tension ran high. Gregory let out a low sigh as he waited for Radian's family.

Just as he did, an attendant handed a newspaper to Vasili. After reading it, Vasili smiled faintly.

'They have arrived.'

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