"She wants power, right? To close off certain areas, for example," said the King, guessing what it was about.

His eyes sparkled, and he nodded. "Indeed, that is what we are both seeking."

"Both? It seems like she's done all the work and you just..."

"I gave her information about where and when to look. I'm good at understanding the weather and the changes that the presence of someone powerful nearby could cause," Ryan pointed out, taking his father by surprise.

'Was he good at that?' he thought. Honestly, he didn't remember, but he would be genuinely surprised if he were.

He could only think that he was telling the truth, but he didn't care either way. As long as they got that treasure, it would be perfect.

'Whether that girl or Brandon gets it, I'd be pretty happy. If I can get the Larsens to pay homage to me rather than my wife, it would be a serious blow to the dukes who are angry about the recent reforms, especially when this girl grows up. Besides, I remember that girl was in Martin's organization. They're pretty loyal and have a lot of potential,' he thought.

That girl's value was important now and in the future because, at this moment, Martin's organization had a figure that he could not even ignore. And he knows perfectly well that this organization is worth more for its camaraderie than anything else.

The King considered everything he could, including domestic and foreign policy, nobility and its current management, and the importance of organizations in the way the world was developing.

He needed a lot of support from all sides to stay in power and allow the Krahams to reign longer, especially in a world where organizations are growing rampantly and many are disloyal to the crown.

He currently holds power thanks to the loyalty of his subjects, his own strength, and that of his wife and children, but the future remains to be seen.

Larsen had Cecily. D'Arcy (his most loyal subordinates) had that boy Alaric.

However, the City of Shadows and other duchies/organizations had their own powers that could surpass the power of the Krahams in the future. Although he was the king, he would not let his power cloud his judgment and make him believe he was invincible.

Everything could come crashing down for them if he didn't prepare.

Therefore, as king and head of the family, he had to ensure the Krahams' survival over time.

Besides, he trusted that girl's judgment. He didn't care about the help Ryan could give her, but he wouldn't refute that girl's judgment.

So he nodded.

"Very well. Call that girl here, I will grant her the power she needs," he said, determinedly.

But Ryan did not move. "I am working with her, and you can confirm it if you look out the window; she is waiting at the entrance," Ryan said.

"You expect me to give you such great power?" he asked.

"Am I not your son, someone who fights for the throne you sit on?" he asked. "It's only fair that you give it to me. I won't let you down. I'll bring you the treasure and the traitor."

His father stared at him for a long time until he sighed.

"You're right. You're my son, and you deserve to have power. Even so, don't say you won't disappoint me because that girl is doing everything. Bring her with you when you return. I'll thank her personally," he said, throwing him a special token with several documents and scrolls.

"A regiment of soldiers will be at your command. You can appoint whomever you want as commander, but remember that you cannot use them on academic missions or missions for any organization, if you decide to join one. It is only for special uses related to the crown, such as..."

"I know the rules, Father. I won't use it for anything outside the rules," Ryan said quickly.

He nodded. "All right, then go. Good luck on your mission," he said, immediately returning to work.

When Ryan left, the king looked up and frowned.

'Should I tell Brandon about this?' he thought, remembering that his two sons had a certain animosity toward each other.

'No, now that Ryan has obtained a Path, he is no longer a disgrace to us,' he thought, and tried to get back to work, but his mind wouldn't let him, and in the end, he rang a bell that sent his butler running.

"Your Majesty, can I get you anything?" he asked, bowing before him.

"Is Brandon still in the castle?"

"He's leaving right now, Your Majesty. Would you like me to call him?"

The king frowned and considered several things.

In his mind, he seemed to be wrestling with his own conscience.

He didn't care much about Ryan, if he had to say. If Ryan failed, he would still be the shame of the family; nothing would change.

But he knew he shouldn't take sides with one of his children so blatantly.

In the end, he motioned for his butler to leave and immersed himself in his work once more.

--

Ryan hurried back to his room, knowing he couldn't waste any time.

Garner was still in his room, unable to sit down. To begin with, what was he doing in a prince's room?

What if someone came looking for the ninth prince and found him instead? They might consider him a thief or even a murderer. By the laws of the kingdom, he could even be executed.

Luckily for him, Ryan returned quickly.

"Ninth Prince..." He prepared to speak, but suddenly he threw him a token.

He nimbly caught it and looked at it, confused. 'What is this?' he thought, then looked at Ryan.

"Starting today, you are the Commander of the Ninth Prince's Soldier Regiment. So I expect you to do well. I will not accept failure within my own army." He said, smiling slightly, and grabbed his dress uniform.

Finally, he was going to show himself for what he was.

A prince.

Although he was the only prince without badges or medals, he was still a prince.

And not just any prince, but a prince of the largest kingdom this world has ever known.

He had to show off the grandeur of his kingdom, even though he didn't feel much love for it. However, as a good king, he often had to be hypocritical, and to achieve his goals, he needed thick skin.

He wore his formal attire, the same as always: that navy blue suit with gold trim.

Knowing he would need to play cat and mouse for a while, he packed some dark clothes in his inventory.

Finally, under Garner's still dazed gaze, he patted him on the shoulder. "Let's go downstairs. This will be a royal mission, supported by powerful and distinguished people," he said.

--

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