Chapter 544: The Royal Palace and the Prime Minister's Residence

Clair Bretagne and Ebner Soumet, as orthodox knights, had never considered assassination as a solution. Both hailed from noble lineages and adhered to conventional principles. Though they understood that Morgan could not ascend the throne or proclaim his existence to the entire Fars Empire while rallying the Farsian nobility, they only envisioned resolving the matter through proper warfare, never through assassination.

When Charlot Mecklenburg proposed assassination, the two hesitated briefly. However, Andreas declared decisively, “What are you hesitating for? If the Axel family is restored, the Bretagne family will be deemed traitors. All of you will be executed.”

Clair Bretagne gritted his teeth and said, “I am willing to follow the Duke of Mecklenburg’s orders.”

Ebner Soumet did not hesitate either, saying, “I have only one request. I hope the Duke of Mecklenburg will lend me the Firequell Silver Rhino.”

Charlot took out the Firequell Silver Rhino and handed it to Ebner Soumet.

Understanding the value of speed in war, Charlot activated the Mirror of Power, and the four of them entered it in perfect synchrony. This time, Charlot set the exit at 221B Baker Street in the Val-de-Vas district.

This location was the closest to the royal palace, ideal for a surprise attack.

Upon stepping into the small apartment, they discovered it had already been sealed off. The decorative knight's lances and valuable items like enchanted paintings were gone. Yet, this was no time for complaints. Charlot pushed open the door of 221B Baker Street and led Clair Bretagne, Ebner Soumet, and Andreas Constantine straight toward the royal palace.

All four were Saint-ranked individuals, adept in concealment techniques. By the time Margion was attacking Machubi, night had fallen, and the city was cloaked in darkness. Using the surrounding architecture as cover, the group quickly infiltrated the palace.

Apart from Andreas, a native of the Black Phoenix Dynasty, the other three were frequent visitors to the royal palace. They quickly located the emperor’s bedchamber. Charlot, using the Swiftstep Technique, slipped inside to investigate but found no signs of habitation.

It seemed that since His Majesty Bretagne had left, the chamber had been unoccupied.

Charlot exited without alerting anyone and proceeded to the crown prince’s quarters, only to find them equally vacant. The group split up to search the palace thoroughly before regrouping, baffled by the lack of results.

Charlot whispered, “To the Prime Minister's residence.”

Searching all of Strasbourg would be impossible, especially with the time constraints. Charlot speculated that Morgan Axel must be either at the Prime Minister's residence or at Asturias Axel’s estate.

With Clair Bretagne leading the way, they slipped out of the palace and headed toward the Prime Minister's residence. This was unfamiliar territory for Charlot, who had never been there before.

Wood Brandon’s residence was a stark contrast to the desolation of the past few years. It was now brightly lit and bustling with activity. The courtyard was filled with carriages, and nobles of the Fars Empire, each of notable lineage, gathered in droves. Despite the late hour, the scene resembled a marketplace.

As the group approached, a carriage passed by. Charlot gestured to his companions and used the Swiftstep Technique to slip inside. His movement was so quick that even the driver did not notice.

Inside the carriage sat a pale young man. Upon seeing Charlot Mecklenburg, he was about to scream when Charlot knocked him unconscious with a single punch. Stripping the young man of his clothes, Charlot used the Beast God Transformation to assume his appearance.

To ensure the young man wouldn’t wake up, Charlot stored him in the Book of Ages, transforming him into a character sealed within its pages.

Charlot adjusted his attire and confidently alighted from the carriage. As he strode toward the Prime Minister’s residence, a herald announced loudly, “Viscount Soren has arrived!”

Only then did Charlot learn the identity of the young man he had incapacitated.

Upon entering the residence, many greeted Viscount Soren warmly. It was clear this noble was a well-connected figure. Charlot, however, was not a socialite. Once he had established his own close circle, he saw no need to expand his network.

Holding a glass of champagne, Charlot listened to the idle chatter of the guests, silently pondering, “Why isn’t anyone mentioning Morgan? He should be the center of attention!”

The Prime Minister, Wood Brandon, had long since retired for the night. The host attending to the guests was his eldest daughter, a widowed beauty. Charlot recalled seeing her information while organizing documents for Menielman Soumet at Kilmainham Prison.

Wood Brandon’s eldest daughter was named Winnie Brandon.

Her husband had been killed after challenging Zimourman Axel Robin. Whether Wood Brandon harbored a personal vendetta against Zimourman for his daughter’s sake was hard to determine.

Despite her age, Winnie Brandon was radiant and captivating. Gliding gracefully among the guests like a butterfly, she seemed unaffected by her husband’s death. Charlot couldn’t help but compare her to other widowed princesses he had met, whose demeanor was entirely different from hers.

As he contemplated how to gather information, a fragrant breeze wafted past him. Winnie Brandon leaned in close and whispered, “What took you so long?”

Charlot hesitated, unsure how to respond.

Before he could formulate an answer, Winnie Brandon said quietly, “Let’s go to the back room.”

Delegating the hosting duties to another woman, she pulled Charlot toward a private area. Alarmed, Charlot thought, “What kind of man is this Viscount Soren? Could he really have an affair with Winnie Brandon?”

Thinking quickly, he decided, “If necessary, I’ll knock her out or seal her in the Book of Ages.”

However, before he could act, Winnie turned serious and asked, “How is Crown Prince Morgan Axel's mood?”

Charlot’s senses sharpened, and he replied, “Stable.”

Winnie nodded. “Our plan must not fail. Without the crown prince, we would lose our righteous banner. Crown Prince Morgan must remain safe at all costs.”

She added, “The prince… our future emperor… is a man of great ambition. If you can win even a fraction of his favor during this time, your future in Fars will be limitless.”

Charlot thought to himself, “So Viscount Soren was tasked with locating Morgan Axel? If I had known this earlier, I would’ve headed straight for him instead of attending this banquet.”

After a few more reminders, Winnie gave Charlot a flirtatious glance and said, “I still have guests to entertain tonight, so I can’t spare you more time.”

She led Charlot to a room, pushed him inside, and then followed him in...

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