That, of course, only made the migraine in Hughesin’s head hurt more. This was a point of contention he spent several agonizing hours last night trying to solve. Kebrilio’s stubbornness was legendary in Waldsk. Aside from Myron, there wasn’t a single other soul capable of changing this oaf’s mind when it was set. And convincing Myron to help them convince Kebrilio was an even more difficult endeavor. What use was putting the cart before the horse?

“We would do well to bear in mind this may still be an elaborate ruse. While it appears lady Fantasia knows little about the situation, I suspect she might be a sacrifice. Bait, if you will. I’d wager Kebrilio himself might not even know Sovereign is using her. Think back to our assumptions earlier. We know little about Charle, but this may still be a ploy thought up by the most brilliant minds in Sovereign. Their princess, Flania, may very well be orchestrating everything. I daresay you will find yourself able to partake in her if she is bait.”

“Men fear the unknown,” Somiret continued, “and I fear there are several here. Should this merely be a coincidence, then you should only fear of having no chance. But I have my doubts. How likely do you believe it is that lady Fantasia has never heard of your reputation if she is truly Kebrilio’s niece only?”

Hughesin gave an embarrassed smile, how was he to respond to that?

“It is possible,” Hughesin heard his friend monologue, “that she paid little attention to those who warned her about you. Perhaps her upbringing lacked an introduction of your personage. It’s entirely possible that your name was never even brought up to her. I have my suspicions about that, but that is a matter for another time. If she is indeed bait as I suspect, then it’s entirely possible that the true target was someone else entirely.”

Hughesin knew who this other ‘target’ Somiret was talking about. The two of them believed before that Fantasia was most likely someone the Sovereignians prepared for Hecaris III. Their informants spoke that Flania would be the one to spearhead this plot while Fantasia would be someone they’d hold in reserve just in case the former failed. Given the situation now, Fantasia probably had an even better chance of success than Flania.

　　※※※

“Let us imagine this is the case.” Somiret continued. “The Sovereignians wish for a way to have lady Fantasia approach His Majesty, but how? Via Kebrilio? Would he agree? As stubborn as he is, his loyalty to the emperor is no less than ours. What reason has he to endanger the emperor then? No, Kebrilio would refuse and the Sovereignians would acquiesce, lest they wish to lose their strongest support within the Karthian Court. Then would His Majesty perhaps seek out these beautiful women on his own? Nay. Our emperor isn’t that incapable of his station, and Kebrilio would find his own station undermined should he be found responsible for it. Regardless, Sovereign would not want to weaken Kebrilio’s influence.”

“But I digress, how would the Sovereignians find a way to the emperor? By manufacturing a coincidence. How would it appear to the others should they learn that a beautiful woman was brought into the hands of a pervert like yourself? After coming in contact with you, the emperor would surely be the next logical step. And Kebrilio would need not lift even a single finger for it. In such a case, I posit two criterias must be met for the deception to succeed. First, this beautiful woman must avoid being ‘tainted’, else her value to the emperor would drop. Second, she must be ignorant as to what kind of character you are. Do you see the intricacies of their plan? It requires no intervention on Kebrilio’s behalf nor assistance from the Sovereignians. A simple, yet cunning plan it is.”

From Hughesin’s lips escaped a sigh. Was that really the truth of the matter? How terrifying Sovereign was if that was the case. For a country that espoused tradition and glory as much as their kingdom, a plot like this was surprisingly treacherous of them.

The two debated with this line of assumption as their basis. Somiret’s explanation, after all, seemed to connect most of the dots together.

A counter-strategy was already formulating inside of Hughesin’s mind. Each and every plan, no matter how detailed they are, no matter how many safeguards are in place, has a weak point. All Hughesin had to do was find and exploit it. And so far, the strategy he had in mind worked out quite well for him. 

So relieved was Hughesin in his plan that a smile began to dance across his lips. Not even the image of Kebrilio’s face on the crystal bothered him anymore. In fact, the oaf’s clumsy criticisms began to sound like the soothing notes of a musical instrument, a sound Hughesin rather enjoyed.

The whimsical expression on Hughesin’s face was not unnoticed by Somiret. Did the man really believe in such nonsense? Perhaps a pat on the back was in order—he only spun that web of lies for his own selfish reasons and certainly not for Hughesin’s. Why, his own collection would be one ingredient short if he allowed Hughesin to grab hold of her! 

No, Hughesin had to be stopped before he could make any additional progress with Fantasia. 

Given their history together, Somiret knew enough about Hughesin. He knew what stuff the man was made of and what exactly made him tick. The biggest distinction between him and Hughesin, in actuality, was that Hughesin still had a conscience. If Hughesin manages to succeed at obtaining his prize shell and home, then that conscience hidden deep away in his mind would most definitely flourish and Hughesin would break free from Somiret’s influence. 

That couldn’t be allowed to happen. 

Somiret would not allow it. 

The best way to stop a fire is to simply prevent it from starting to begin with. 

“Congratulations are in order, my dear friend. Your plan can be set into motion once Kebrilio leaves. I wish you a pleasant hunt tonight, but do remember that it was us two that laid eyes on this lamb yesterday. It was out of the kindness of my heart that I relented her to you. Should you ever tire of her, do keep me in mind.”

The thunderous face of Hughesin turned to face him.

“Ah, was it not your intention? The lamb’s heart is yours and the Sovereignian plot will fail if you succeed. Do you perhaps find yourself moved by her? Emotions lead to failure, my friend. You’ll never win her heart and tire of her in the end. Rather than waste your time, why not leave it to me?”

He said no more after that. The man was sufficiently motivated now. Hughesin would have to figure things out on his own from here on out. Not that it would be difficult for him, Somiret was sure. The man was nearly as bright as he was, whether that was a good thing remained to be seen by Somiret.

His face lit up when he saw the shadows of doubt flit across Hughesin’s eyes. His provocations worked! Surely Hughesin would be cowed into paranoia and inaction after this. 

The conversation in the garden was beginning to die down by now. Clearly Kebrilio and Saludy were beginning to finish up their conversation. 

Kebrilio backed down in the end as Hughesin and Somiret expected. Fantasia would be allowed to stay in Hughesin’s estate—but only for five days. After that, she was expected to take part in the imperial ceremony for the Day of Triumphant, attend the parade, and then take part in the Imperial Banquet.