Even in the modern world, there is no government that is completely free of corruption. This was even more true for an ancient aristocratic kingdom like Jiran.
Holding the account books in his hands, Liser did not expect that so much money was being plundered from his treasury. Every direct imperial member had their own treasury, and Liser had one as well. He had always been told that he had sufficient funds, but looking at the account books—where they had not even bothered to hide the embezzlement properly—his face darkened as if it could drip water.
He glanced at the butler standing beside him, stiff as a cardboard cutout.
'These bastards don't even pretend to take me seriously,' Liser cursed inwardly.
He had faced countless storms in the business world of the 21st century and dealt with fox-eyed, shrewd businessmen. Yet at this moment, he felt utterly powerless. He did not know where to begin in this world.
He slumped into his chair and pressed his fingers to his throbbing brows.
"Get out. I need some time alone," he said coldly.
The butler's eyes flashed with surprise, but he quickly masked it and left without even bowing. In his eyes, Liser was just a child. How could he possibly withstand an attack from Her Majesty the Queen? To them, he was worthless—and at this moment, it was hard to argue otherwise.
After the butler left, Liser took out a sheet of paper and knelt beside the table.
He calculated that within a month, he would have some funds available, but that would not be enough. He needed to act.
A cold glint flashed in his eyes.
But then hesitation crept in. He came from the 21st century; his moral education was deeply rooted. He truly did not want to walk down that path.
Yet what path was available to him?
He thought back to his accident. The car's brakes had suddenly failed, and a truck crashed into it. Later, he heard from Jianwan, who spoke at his grave, that the truck driver had been a drug addict.
No matter how one looked at it, it was suspicious.
He thought of Jianwan being taken away. The power of money. The power of connections.
Liser sighed softly. "Alas… this mystery may never be solved."
After a long silence, he made a decision.
He had to become ruthless.
Otherwise, he would remain the victim.
He quickly began outlining plans for the future, and soon a general framework formed on the paper. A half-smile curved his lips as he looked at it.
How ridiculous.
Those words of righteousness.
....
Two days later, in the Daladline Palace,
the air was heavy. An open letter lay on the table.
Its contents stated that the First Prince had died tragically in a bandit attack. He had been Liser's biological brother—the former Crown Prince.
Silia, his head maid, stood beside him with a solemn expression. She had once served as the Head Lady-in-Waiting to the Empress and had watched the First Prince grow up.
Liser's emotions were complicated. He had never known this brother, yet blood was blood.
But this was also an opportunity. Liser quickly made up a plan. This opportunity gave him the perfect chance to start quickly and cleanly.
"Thank you, brother, you've given me a great oppertunity" Liser said inwordly.
Two days later, the funeral would be held. It would also be his first time meeting his father since his birth.
"Silia, prepare the carriage for tomorrow. If anyone from the palace asks, tell them I am going out to shop for the upcoming funeral."
"Understood, Your Highness."
Liser sat down and added coldly, "Also, arrange for the Guard Captain to fall ill on the day of my outing."
Silia was intelligent—she would not have survived the harem otherwise. She managed all food and household matters, and Liser trusted her more than anyone else.
The next day at noon, Liser approached the carriage.
A tall, light-tan man introduced himself. "Your Highness, greetings. I am Ultas, Vice Captain of the Guard. Captain Lucas has fallen ill, so I will accompany you."
Liser studied him briefly. "Good. Take care of me from now on."
Where there is corruption, there are also overlooked talents.
Ultas was one of them.
During his visit to the training hall, Liser had seen that Ultas's skills were no less than the Captain's. Yet he remained Vice Captain because he lacked connections and influence. Lucas often bullied him out of jealousy. Still, Ultas endured and worked hard.
To Liser, he was a perfect breakthrough point.
If anyone posed the greatest threat, it was Captain Lucas—the Queen's faction's spy. Previously, Liser had not been a primary target because his older brother had been alive. But now the Crown Prince was dead.
He could no longer sit idle.
Although he doesn't have a chance to ascend the throne, he is still a kid. The queens' faction would not take that risk.
According to Silia's investigation, Ultas came from a knight household—the lowest noble rank. His family was struggling, and his younger sister was ill.
It was an opportunity delivered directly to Liser's door.
"Ultas," Liser began casually, "the outside world is vast and beautiful, isn't it?"
Ultas looked startled by the informal tone. "Yes, Your Highness. It is vast. There are many people and countless things."
Liser sighed softly. "Alas, I cannot leave as I please. I have always wanted to experience the world beyond the palace walls."
He gazed at the bustling city outside.
Ultas felt a flicker of sympathy. "It will be alright, Your Highness. When you grow older, you will be able to see the world freely."
"Thank you, Ultas. But I am not a child. I live in a golden cage. My brother has just died—the only blood relative close to me—and my father has never even visited me since my birth."
His voice carried a faint melancholy. His expression seemed burdened by great suffering.
Seeing this, Ultas—who possessed a strong sense of justice—felt genuine pity. How difficult it must be to survive alone in a golden cage.
After a brief silence, Ultas said
"Your Highness… you will be alright." He didnt knew how to comfort him.
Liser did not reply. He looked out the window with sorrowful eyes.
Inwardly, however, he confirmed that the first step of his plan had succeeded.
They arrived at their destination: the old commoner district.
Specifically, the building of the Boba Trading Company.
He intended to meet Rozia and inspect the business he had invested in.
A middle-aged man hurried forward and bowed deeply. "Your Highness, the Fourth Prince graces us with his presence. We are deeply honored. I am Sliver, owner of the Boba Trading Company."
"Rise. I have come to inspect the business I invested in," Liser said calmly.
"Of course, Your Highness. Your foresight is remarkable. Not only did you save Rozia, but you also demonstrated broad vision."
Seeing Sliver's overly flattering expression, Liser waved his hand impatiently.
"Enough. Where are Rozia and Sulcas?"
"Your Highness… they are facing an issue in the workshop and are delayed. I hope Your Highness will forgive their improper conduct."
Liser's eyes sharpened.
"Drop the formalities. What is going on?"
Sliver hesitated and glanced around.
"I understand," Liser said. "Let's go inside and speak."
Relief washed over them as they quickly entered the building.