Chapter 76: Chapter 76

Arthur read the paper for the third times. He can't believe what he saw.

While he massages his temple, Arthur open the door and tell the royal guards who guarding in front of the door, to call the Crown Prince.

"You look so confused, Your Majesty. Did you dislike my gift?" Max said while he sits on the desk and smile playfully.

"What did you really want, Max? I thought you will laugh when knowing this assassination plan. I can imagine you will be dancing on my graveyard."

"Your Majesty is exaggerating. I'm still needing you to bless my wedding."

Arthur sighed and back to his seat. He was searching his glasses and reread the paper, "Married life is the most useless times in the world. You are no longer royal family. So, no one will be pressuring you about having family."

"But, I love her."

"Who is this unlucky girl? Commoner? Someone you met in the bar? Or, an assassin?"

Max give him a cold gaze. "I'm not like you. Having affair with an innocent maid and abandoned the children."

"Maxwell Glacias Alexander!" Arthur snapped and tighten his grip. A small muscle flinched on his reddened forehead.

"Oh? Did it hurt you?"

Before Arthur can answer, someone knocked the door and a man voice can be heard behind it, "Your Imperial Majesty, Your Highness The Crown Prince is present."

"Let him in." Arthur said after he tried to calm down.

Nolan, who wears the formal white shirt and black silk trouser, enter with wide smile, "Your Majesty, is there something happened? It's still… Ah, long time no see, Younger Brother."

Max smirked. Even for a millisecond, he noticed it. Nolan's gaze is still as cold as he can remember.

But, of course, he can't show it in front of the Emperor.

"Nolan, read this and tell me what you think."

The Crown Prince's dark brows raised when he accepts the paper. As he read it, his brow getting narrowed. Actually, it was some secret letters from several members of nobles fraction.

The Empress long sickness is coming from a poison that they sent from the flower's bouquet. The amount is untraceable and uncurable with current medication. It was a slow act poison.

The faction misleading it as a black magic and let the holy priest to heal her. But, white magic can neutralize the poison. That's why Empress didn't get any better.

The Silver's family, already scheming some nasty plan to get rid of the Emperor after Aileen chosen as Crown Princes. To cover their crime, they will use Havana, Baron's daughter, as the sacrifice lamb. By using Emperor's ignorance of the island as the reason of her rebellion.

After that, Nolan and Aileen became the next Emperor and Empress. Noble faction will take advantage of this to indirectly control the Empire.

"I'm speechless. Honestly, this is exceeded my expectation." Nolan said after finishing the letter.

"No need to thank me, Older Brother. Anyway, I need some help from you."

Nolan and Arthur exchanging a brief gaze before Max continue his word, "Havana already taken and being hostages. Something make them rushing their way. That's why I'm asking you to put the banquet on hold."

Arthur shook his head. "You know it's impossible! The invitation was already sent and all the preparation is complete."

"Then, your pride was more important than your safety?"

"It's not about a pride. So many people spending so much effort and time to this party. I just can't let it waste. Besides, it will cost more expenses to postpone the party. For example, to resend the invitation and buying another fresh ingredients to serve the guest."

"Wait, Max. Why are they rushing away? The Crown Princess will be announcing in next month. But, if I read from this letter, they will do their plan before next month."

The masked man rolled his eyes, "You don't understand, do you? It's all because of your careless wish. To let Chil, I mean, Cecilia Lancia reapplying the election, its make them angry, Older Brother.

Unlike us, they didn't know who will win this election and try as hard as they can to make her stay on the island until the election done!"

"Wait! I can't see the connection! I just want to help her to get out from that place."

Max raised his voice and almost lost his cool, "Giving a false hope is not helping her at all! Besides, how dare you call by her first name?!"

"False hope?" Nolan said with wrinkled forehead. "I want to cleanse their reputation. A brokenhearted girl chose to stepped back at the election and that cruel father send her to that stupid island. Did you know what they talk behind her back?"

Max rolled his eyes and try his best to not punch his brother's face. "You are delusional! Because of your stupid hallucination, not just her. But everyone surrounds you were thrown into a danger!"

Arthur massaging his temple and wonder why they can't stop fighting in this emergency situation. "Maxwell, where is Havana now?"

His green eyes gleaming. "My underling still tailing on her. Judging from their direction, they must be aiming the outskirt. I will take care of them. All you need to do is to tighten the security in every city borders."

Nolan wants to asked why. But, he didn't like to see his younger brother who tried to outsmart him.

For him, Max is just a troublesome kid who trying to be cool for playing around on the black world. He thought that Max should be a lowly dog from some suspicious guild.

But, why did Father still thinking highly of him? He asked himself. Not to mention, he really believes every word in these fishy letters. Who knows if Max was forged this?

This conversation made Arthur feeling tired and sleepy. That's why he rose from his seat, "It's already late. Let's meet again tomorrow."

Max raised one of his brow as the answer. Meanwhile, Nolan chose to follow him.

When they are already outside, Nolan asked his father with concern look. "Why did you believe all of this nonsense, Your Majesty? Noble faction would never betray us!"

"Just because they always support you, doesn't mean that they prove their loyalty. Nolan, I have something to tell you about Max. Try to put a faith on him. He did hate the royal family. Especially, me." Arthur's golden eyes look sad. "However, he would never lie to us. Even though he didn't show it. But, he is the one who love this empire more than anyone."

"But, he stepped back from the throne and have no desire to support the loyalty! He is just a rascal!" Nolan snapped.

Arthur nodded and smile faintly to his older son. "Yes. I have the same disappointment at him. But, this is not the first time he gave me warning like this.

Noble faction already do something bad since eight years ago. Instead of destroying them, I'm trying to control them by holding their weakness. Now, the dog going to bite his master."

"Father…,"

"Let's continue the conversation after breakfast, Nolan. Be careful." Arthur said while they already reach the front door of the Emperor's room.

"Have a good rest, Your Majesty." He is slightly bow until Arthur enter the room.