In the evening:"Don't think I don't know—it was definitely that pile of strange gadgets of yours that dragged the Hanbadun family's daughter into this! Luckily, Lady Hanbadun's impression of you didn't suffer because of it," his mother scolded Shenglun sternly.
"Sigh, it was just my carelessness. Besides, she wasn't hurt in the end anyway, so let it be," Shenglun replied impatiently, preparing to take his leave.
"Wait! Your father wants you to go to his office to find him."
"Got it," Shenglun replied coldly before stepping out the door.
Even though he had been reincarnated into a noble family on an alien planet, he still lived with the memories of his past life. Before his death, Shenglun was a physicist on Earth, proficient in various scientific disciplines. However, arriving on this planet where magic was ubiquitous gave him no opportunity to display his skills. On the other hand, the fact that this planet possessed far more energy elements than Earth had left him obsessed with research since childhood, to the point where he had even unlocked a few secrets and techniques.
In the office on the top floor of the manor, a burly middle-aged man stared at the portraits of his ancestors on the wall, a serious expression knitted between his brows.
"Father, it's me," Shenglun knocked on the door from outside.
"Come in."
Shenglun slowly pushed the door open and entered. "What did Father call me for?"
"Currently, although the Divine Xi Empire's prestige is far-reaching across the continent, that vase-like imperial family has already become a burden to the empire," Shenglun's father, Leiyan, turned around and spoke with grave solemnity.
"Father, your words... if someone were to overhear, it would be a major crime." After a shocked reaction, Shenglun gradually calmed down. After all, having lived with him for many years, he knew his father had long harbored the ambition to replace the imperial family—a fact that was an open secret within the household.
"You must not be as cowardly as your younger brother; the future of our house relies on you to inherit it," Leiyan smiled and patted Shenglun's shoulder.
"If Father has made up his mind, this child will surely follow Father's will!" Shenglun replied firmly.
"Haha, as expected of my son!" The father and son continued to plot their next steps in the room—actions that would perhaps plunge the future into blood and sharp steel.
Far away in a dark, gloomy forest, a squad took advantage of the night to quickly close in on the royal capital. The moonlight caressed the stealthy infiltrators' luscious hair, casting a hint of breathtaking beauty.
"We're almost there. Let me rest and regroup here tonight, and we'll enter the city tomorrow to gather intelligence," a female voice whispered.
"Then it's settled. Everyone organize the camp and take turns keeping watch," another soft and elegant female voice responded.
The next morning:
"My, you're up early today, Young Master Shenglun!" The maid Luoying, who was about to wake Shenglun up, pushed the door open only to see him already dressed.
"Morning, Luoying. I have business outside today, so I'll grab breakfast on my own out there—no need to save a portion for me."
"But where are you going so early in the morning, Young Master Shenglun? When will you be back?" Luoying pressed further.
"A task handed down by Father. Just keep an eye on the house for me. Frowning so early in the morning will make you age quickly, you know," Shenglun teasingly slapped her butt playfully.
"Honestly!" Luoying looked at his departing figure, helpless.
Inside the royal capital of the Divine Xi Empire, Shenglun arrived at a guild based on his father's instructions.
"Casastan Guild... it should be here." He glanced at the sign outside the door and walked in. The first floor was a tavern-style bar that combined dining and drinks. Scanning his surroundings, he saw bounty hunters everywhere; the atmosphere of people coming and going was quite lively.
"What'll it be, kid?" a bartender nearby asked upon seeing him.
"I'll have a honey tea and a sausage roll," Shenglun replied after looking at the menu, then found a seat for himself.
Before long, a man dressed in armor entered the room and walked straight upstairs.
"Who is that?" Shenglun asked the bartender for information.
"Our Vice Chairman, Bensaban Jelonggang."
Hearing that his target figure had appeared, Shenglun quickly followed up the stairs. The moment he reached the second floor, he saw guards stationed at the top of the staircase.
"Who are you? This is private guild territory, entry forbidden," a guard stopped him.
"The Shali Family. I am the Prime Minister's son, Shenglun Shali, here to see your Vice Chairman on important business." Shenglun displayed his family crest.
"It is Lord Shenglun?! Apologies for our rudeness, please enter..." Hearing his identity, the guard immediately stepped aside.
"Thank you. Today is a private visit, so please do not reveal my whereabouts to anyone," Shenglun told him.
"Yes, under order!" The guard saluted in response. Led by the guard, Shenglun arrived at the door of the Vice Chairman's office. "Vice Chairman! A guest wishes to see you!"
"Come in," a voice slowly rang out from inside.
As the room door pushed open, a middle-aged man who had unarmored himself to rest glanced sharply at Shenglun. "You must be Prime Minister Leiyan's son."
"You recognize me? Apologies, I was entrusted by my father to personally deliver a letter to you today. I hope I'm not disturbing you," Shenglun responded politely.