So, it was that girl’s grandfather. No wonder he went all out to help—it was to repay a debt of gratitude. Du Cheng (Du Cheng) smirked inwardly. That single act of kindness had paid off handsomely, not only advancing his Lotus Treasure Mirror but also earning the favor of a prime minister.
Antoine approached Du Cheng, his round face beaming as he sized him up. Du Cheng returned the scrutiny. The old man was portly, his gray-white beard covering even his lips, a stark contrast to the delicate beauty of his granddaughter, Avril (Ai Wei Er). Hard to imagine how a burly giant like him in his youth could have sired someone as stunning as her.
“Francis, ever since you saved Avril, our family hasn’t properly thanked you!” Antoine’s voice was warm. “That wretch Ferris was despicable. If it weren’t for you, Avril might have…”
Du Cheng waved it off modestly. “Prime Minister, it was a trifling matter. Even if I hadn’t stepped in, someone else would have. No need for thanks.” He bowed slightly. “On the contrary, I owe you for your help today.”
“Trifling?” Antoine’s eyes sparkled with affection. “Avril is my heart and soul!” He grabbed Du Cheng’s hand and strode toward the palace gates. “Steve, I need a private word with your brother.”
Steve shot Du Cheng a suggestive glance before slipping away.
Antoine led Du Cheng to the quiet plaza before the palace gates, where only a few guards stood watch. Releasing his hand, he said, “Lord Francis, I’m not speaking to you today as the Empire’s Prime Minister, but as a grandfather.”
His face was kind, his smile gentle.
But a shadow of unease crept into Du Cheng’s heart. That ambiguous look in the great hall earlier… he had a sinking feeling he knew where this was going.
Could it be that his heroic rescue had left Avril smitten?
Was Antoine here to play matchmaker?
Antoine sighed. “To be honest, Avril’s been mentioning you often. At my age, I can read her heart plainly. But…” He paused, his tone softening with regret. “Forgive me, but my granddaughter can only marry a mighty War God. And you, unfortunately, cannot cultivate battle aura.”
Du Cheng exhaled in relief. Thank the heavens it wasn’t a marriage proposal. Anything else was negotiable.
Damn that Lotus Treasure Mirror!
“So, I hope you understand my meaning today.” Antoine’s gaze sharpened as he raised three fingers. “Within three years, I’ll ensure you rise to viscount, secure a promising post in the imperial government, and amass a fortune of ten thousand gold coins. All I ask is that you steer clear of Avril.”
Old fool, are you out of your mind? Du Cheng cursed inwardly. She’s the one chasing me!
A man bound by the celibate vows of his training—how could he possibly pursue anyone?
Du Cheng clicked his tongue, silent for a moment. Antoine’s offer was tempting. He and Avril had no future anyway, so why not take the deal and profit? Yet, accepting felt… degrading.
He was a thief, not a beggar. He didn’t need to trade on a woman’s name for handouts.
“Prime Minister,” Du Cheng said firmly, “I respectfully decline your offer.”
In an instant, Antoine’s kindly demeanor vanished, replaced by the stern authority of the Empire’s Prime Minister.
“And I won’t see Avril again,” Du Cheng added with a faint smile. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave. His Majesty awaits my proposal.”
Antoine stared at Du Cheng, puzzled, as if struggling to decipher him. “Very well. I hope you keep your word.”
By now, it was lunchtime, and the debates in the palace had paused. Ministers began streaming out.
Leading the pack was Francis’s father, Angus (An Jie Si). Spotting Du Cheng with the Prime Minister, he hesitated before approaching with a warm greeting. “Prime Minister, thank you for supporting the Saint Kain family today!”
“No need for formalities. I’m quite fond of Francis—Lord Francis, that is. He’s sharp and capable. I see a bright future for him!” Antoine exchanged pleasantries before pivoting. “Lord Deputy Commander, the Xiglu Legion has guarded the Sea-Sky Pass for years. It’s grueling work. How about allocating those remaining seven thousand gold coins to boost their pay?”
Angus, ever astute, returned the favor. “My thanks, Prime Minister. Regarding the new Finance Minister, I’d like to nominate your eldest son.”
The two shared a knowing smile and said no more.
As Angus bid Antoine farewell, his face turned icy. He glanced at Du Cheng. “You’re the first of my three sons to earn a title. You have two paths: stay at Saint Kain Manor or strike out on your own. Think it over.”
Du Cheng’s response was equally cold. “Understood. I’ll consider it.”
Their expressionless exchange was hard to reconcile with a father and son.
“Well, congratulations, Duke Angus!” A rotund figure waddled over, chuckling. “Francis, knighted at fifteen! The glory of Xiglu’s Holy War God shines ever brighter!”
Du Cheng glanced at the man—a mountain of flesh, too corpulent for the fitted noble attire others wore. Instead, he donned a loose, dark teal robe. Beneath sky-blue hair, his round face bore a perpetual grin, like a seasoned swindler. “Nephew Francis, remember your Uncle Widno? We met last Divine Peace Day!”
Du Cheng had no recollection of him.
Angus introduced him. “This is Kaman’s father, a descendant of the Storm War God Aruman, the Empire’s Minister of Rites and head of the Krissen family, Duke Widno (Wei De Nuo).”
At the mention of Kaman, Du Cheng recalled the name. The warhammer he’d stolen belonged to their family. His eldest brother had also mentioned that the Krissen family’s Hurricane Heavy Infantry was one of the Empire’s three elite forces.
“Uncle Widno, a pleasure to meet you!” Du Cheng said with a smile.
Widno patted Du Cheng’s shoulder, his demeanor approving, but his thoughts were darker. Kaman, my son, I promised you a chance to kill Francis fair and square. Just wait.
“Oh, Lord Francis, such promise at your age!” Widno’s tone shifted. “Lord Deputy Commander, seeing your son reminds me of something important. I need your input.”
Angus nodded. “Speak.”
“As you know, one month after Divine Peace Day is the War God Academy’s entrance exam, and as Minister of Rites, I oversee its arrangements.”
Angus smiled. “My eldest, Steve, has failed twice, but not this time. And Charlie, now eighteen, will also take the exam. I have faith in him.”
“I’m confident in both young lords as well,” Widno said, glancing at Du Cheng with a saccharine smile, as if gazing at a cherished nephew. “But this year’s exam has some changes…”
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