'Damien Leonard Alphonse Sereth... you must be very proud of your child.' King Albion smiled at the Duke who stood before him.
Unknown to the seated man, even the father of the outstanding lad was just as surprised.
****************
'I-Is this really... Jared...?!' Duke Damien Leonard questioned internally.
During their discussion just hours ago, he had thought that his boy was very brilliant for his age.
It was due to this reason, as well as his son's spectacular Magic prowess, that he did everything in his power to organize this meeting.
However, he never expected Jared Leonard to have thought so far ahead.
In terms of knowledge and strategy, Jared had even surpassed him.
It was inconceivable, but Damien Leonard could not argue with what his eyes had seen.
'I thought the reports from Ainzlark could have been blown a bit over proportion, but...'
Seeing was believing!
With a smile plastered on his face as he maintained his calm demeanor, Damien Leonard realized how proud of his son he was.
All of Jared's accomplishments in Ainzlark, and his contributions to the Kingdom, contributed greatly to the image of the Ducal Household of Leonard.
As a result, his father and every member of their family gained even more prestige.
Thanks to their increased status, they were able to expand their influence. The reason Damien Leonard could have made so many calls and pulled that many strings were due to the current power of their Household.
And it was all thanks to Jared!
'Even now... he's done it again!' The Duke smiled sincerely as he stared at his son's composed face.
Once again, as a result of his son's brilliance, the Leonard Household's status had been elevated!
What kind of father wouldn't be proud?
**************************
'Shit! Shit! Shit!'
Even while many people—even those who were initially against Jared—were now entrapped in admiration for the young lad, a few still had their reservations.
Two, in particular, were completely dissatisfied with Jared's presence and contributions.
One was obviously the third Prince, Fabian Lestrome.
He tried his hardest to control his reaction, but he was seething within.
'Why? Why? Whyyy?!!'
When they were at Ainzlark, Jared had stolen the spotlight from him, and now... it was the same!
Fabian had tried his hardest to support their preparation for a clash with the Demons. He had done his best to assist the Eastern Kingdom, and lighten the load placed on his father.
Even working harder than his other brothers, Fabian made sure he also trained his Magic and Martial Arts.
'Be better! Be superior! Be supreme!'
Even though he was the Third Prince, he was the most talented and skilled of his three brothers.
As long as he maintained that image, then...
Unfortunately, Jared came into the picture and ruined everything.
His brilliant strategy was flawless, and the feats he performed at the Western Border were nothing short of outstanding.
The Research Department was more than happy to receive the carcass of the Demon Beast.
The Imperial Forces sang praises of Jared's feat.
Even now, his father looked completely mesmerized by Jared's outstanding performance.
Even though his ego had been bruised, and he was completely vexed with the young boy before him... Fabian knew there was nothing he could do.
'It's flawless...'
Still, if there was anyone who could turn the tables, then it had to be his biggest supporter.
Of everyone in the Royal Court, there was only one man Fabian wholeheartedly trusted.
He was his biggest sponsor, and the man who had told him the throne was without a doubt his.
'Damien Lawcroft... do something!' The Third Prince turned his eye at the Nobleman who shared his sentiment.
Surely, if anyone could somehow diminish Jared's light, it was him!
'I'm counting on you, Damien!'
***************************
'What the hell...?!'
Damien Lawcroft felt conflicted.
'... It's too flawless.'
His eyes were fixated on Jared Leonard.
During the boy's speech, he had been completely silent. Even when the other Nobles were foolishly throwing tantrums, he kept his composure
It wasn't because Damien was in support of Jared. No, it was the opposite.
'How did he...?!'
He wanted to get a proper read on the boy.
Ever since he was at Ainzlark, Jared had always gotten on his nerves.
Initially, it was because the boy reminded him of Neron Kaelid—someone who has always been a sore subject for Damien.
The more Jared accomplished, the more he felt a similarity between him and Neron.
His relief knew no bounds when the boy left Ainzlark.
Damien thought he would have peace once the boy was gone.
Unfortunately, something worse occurred.
Neron Kaelid was made to become the Headmaster.
The thought of being inferior to a bastard like him was something Damien Lawcroft couldn't bear.
His deep-seated inferiority began to manifest.
It was at this point that 'they' reached out to him.
By proving himself to them, they granted him a position among their ranks.
Not only that, but they also made it possible for him to become the head of the Lawcroft Household and become a member of the Royal Council.
Damien was finally able to leave Ainzlark Academy—avoiding subservience to his arch-nemesis.
It was all perfect!
According to his orders, he was supposed to become Fabian Lestrome's biggest supporter. By manipulating the Young Prince, they would be able to control a portion of the Eastern Kingdom's affairs.
Once the War with the Demons was over, Fabian would become King, placing the entire Eastern Kingdom in their grasp.
Of course, Damien Lawcroft would be promoted as a result of this achievement.
Not only that, but he would be the one to personally govern the nation.
How grand was that?
Still...
'They didn't tell me about this!'
... Damien never expected this outcome.
Jared's plan was in complete contrast to the policy that the organization wanted him to undertake.
It was better!
If they used the boy's plan, it would grossly affect his mission.
However, Damien Lawcroft knew there was nothing to nitpick.
Everything favored the Eastern Kingdom.
If he was too rash in objecting, it would only discredit him even more.
'I can't have that... especially not at this critical juncture!'
The only thing he could do was wait.
'As the 10th Seat of the Cult... I have to bide my time!'
