Count Prinslav Steza.
How should one evaluate this noble gentleman?
He is the cousin of King of Temeria, Veltrest.
Endowed with handsome looks owing to good lineage.
However, among the reasons why ninety-nine percent of Temeria’s women want to climb into his bed and bear his child, his looks indeed account for less than one percent.
Looks pale in comparison to power and money.
And in these two areas, Lord Earl is unmatched.
This is related to his blood ties with Veltrest, but not by much.
An open secret within the royal administration is that Count Steza is a prominent pro-Niflgaard representative.
In stark contrast to King Veltrest’s "Wariness of the Southern Empire faction", in this aspect, they are like water and fire.
Perhaps it’s due to his experiences from his youthful travels, or perhaps because of the various books he brought back from the south during those travels.
In any case, whenever the Count speaks of that unfamiliar empire in the southern continent, it’s as if he’s talking about his long-lost homeland.
"Advanced systems," "the inventive creativity of citizens," "the excellent moral character of the populace," "enormous potential"... are all things he often mentions.
Although insiders claim that his trip south only lasted about half a year.
But when it comes to political inclination, let alone half a year, even if you haven’t been there for a single day, just saying those words is enough to serve as a banner.
It’s impossible to unite all the people of a country in a single mind and purpose.
Veltrest gathered a band of people who acknowledged him.
So naturally, Count Steza’s repeated statements would also gather the pro-Niflgaard-inclined people in the country.
If it were more than a decade ago, it would naturally be useless.
However, due to the recent strong presence of the Niflgaard Empire in international trade and economy, as well as their military power in annexing coastal state Aebin as a province.
Pro-Niflgaard Empire merchants, estate owners, and officials have naturally become increasingly numerous.
To the point where it has now become a force in Temeria that cannot be underestimated.
To what extent is it impossible to ignore?
At least our Temerian royal advisor, the powerful Triss, gasped upon hearing this name, unable to speak for quite some time.
She was supposed to be someone who manipulates power in this country, but in front of this name, she appeared not like a player, but rather like a pawn.
"...Go back to Airetusa for a while, Lann."
Back at the gloomy water tavern, Lann was holding a glass of Codwin stout, communicating with Triss through the conical crystal.
Although the time they had known each other was not long, Triss was already very aware of Lann’s character and determination.
But even so, she still advised Lann to let go within her hesitant words.
"Keira and I are still shocked by the enormous influence the adversary displayed during the investigation, as well as their control over information. But if all this is related to Prinslav Steza, then Keira and I have no doubts about the predicament we face."
"Lann, the adversary’s power...is strong!"
Triss emphasized again with grave importance.
"The kind of strength that, as long as the direction of mobilization isn’t the palace, can even command the City Defense Army in Vizima, and afterward, only receive a rebuke from the King! Do you understand?!"
"In history, kings are the most suspicious and ruthless human beings! Veltrest’s mere ’rebuke’ of a cousin who can influence the City Defense Army isn’t because he values family ties... it’s because he knows that once he truly moves against the adversary, the impact on Temeria would be absolutely unbearable!"
Triss earnestly explained to Lann that the figure they were entangled with was by no means someone who could be easily convicted.
Even if Veltrest at this moment finishes enjoying his leisure and once again sits on that chair in Vizima Palace, he can’t!
In the face of such levels of power, the law is powerless.
The guillotine wielded by the law would most likely not fall upon these individuals.
In contrast to Triss’s anxious and panic-stricken state of near madness, Lann’s tone was as calm and cold as the Codwin stout he held.
Like an icy calmness brought out from a cellar.
"So, you suggest I preserve myself, then watch that scumbag maintain his nausea-inducing business?"
"..." Triss’s words faltered, and after a long pause, she lowered her voice.
"Even a king has plenty of things he cannot accomplish, Lann."
"Even Airetusa Academy is built on the land of Temeria."
"In this world, no one can live however they want... let go a little."
"Understood..." Lann took a calm sip of the cool stout.
"You and Keira, just stay in the palace for now."
"What?" Triss couldn’t initially process, but once she figured it out, she was utterly shocked.
"Lann, what are you planning to do?!"
"Continue my work, collect the debt for Margaret and Airetusa. After all, I accepted the money, didn’t I?"
"Don’t make jokes! No sane person would do a suicidal job for money! None!"
"Well, I’m doing it for my own pleasure."
Triss could hardly believe her ears.
Until Lann casually repeated.
"For my pleasure. When I chop off that Count’s head, I think I will feel particularly satisfied. At ease. Like drinking a glass of iced rye vodka on a hot day."
Triss was at a loss for words under such statements.
She had seen assassins for money, those for fame, and even those who worked for the safety of their families.
But she had never seen... an assassin who would court death just to make himself feel better!
Yes, intending to kill Count Steza, in Triss’s eyes, was defined as "courting death".
"That’s it, Triss. I’ve enjoyed interacting with you these past few days. My actions won’t involve you and Keira, nor do they have anything to do with Airetusa. To be honest... originally, I wasn’t doing this for any of those reasons. Now it’s like returning to the original intention? Haha."
After finishing, Lann’s hand left the conical crystal.
He drank the cool beer in his hand in one gulp, and the wooden mug thudded onto the table.
Starting from Velen, Lann witnessed the hardships of survival there, even as he also saw the rough customs and rampant discrimination.
However, he still gained the friendship of a village there, meeting many kind-hearted families.
He also witnessed the helplessness of innocent children in the camp, saving most but some were still taken away.
Now, should he turn back due to the adversary’s strength?
Whether it was because Lann was just that kind of person or due to the genetic seed’s influence, amidst the mix of anger, fearlessness, and resolve, there was a surging emotion...
He began to feel the thrill.
"Buddy, from here to Vizima, how fast can it be?"
Getting up from his seat, flicking a Silver Coin while returning the mug, Lann called to the bartender.
"By boat, half a day is enough."
"Is that so, really quick." The slender lips under the hood curved into a satisfied arc.
Now, I have your name, my dear Count...
Let’s see how round two, in which I’m dark and you’re in the open, plays out.