He stood up, took the book, and uttered softly, “Thank you.”
Quincy smiled. “I know you’ll miss this book, so I brought it over for you.”
“Thanks….”
James nodded lightly and looked at her apologetically. “I’m sorry…”
Quincy’s pretty lips were curved in a smile as she waved off his apology, saying calmly, “It’s
make.” okay. It really is. I already told you that I’d respect whatever decision you
She let out a small sigh. “Thea has it pretty rough. The whole world turned against her after her face
got burned. Even her own family despised her. Finally, everything was starting to look good for her, but
she ended up getting poisoned. I wonder what will happen to her once the venom takes effect.”
Quincy could understand both Thea and James’ situation.
It was partly her fault for harboring selfish desires.
James would not be on the fence if she had not interfered back then.
“To be honest, I don’t want to continue this relationship with Thea anymore.”
James looked down and said, “Emperor will continue to target me as long as the both of us are alive.
Being with her will only complicate things and make it dangerous for her. I never expected her to resort
to suicide to get me back.” 1
“So, what are you planning to do next?” Quincy tilted her head as she looked at James.
Although she was unaware of the particulars of James’ plan, she knew they had something to do with
the Emperor, the political factions, and the following year’s election.
James simply shook his head with uncertainty. He had not hashed out the finer details of his plan yet.
“I’m just taking it one step at a time.”
“Let me know if you need any help.”
“Mhm. I will.”
“Then, I won’t stay to bother you. I’ll head back to my place and rest.” Quincy waved her hand and
walked away.
James did not get up to send her off. Instead, he sat down and stared at the medical book in a daze.
“I heard about what happened at Mount Dragon Treasure. Are you alright?”
James was absorbed in his thoughts when a voice suddenly spoke to him.
He raised his head and saw an ordinary-looking middle-aged man dressed in black wearing a duckbill
cap on his head standing in front of him.
James was startled.
Gloom was a man of immense strength. James was surprised that he managed to approach without
making a sound.
“I would’ve been doomed if it weren’t for the soldiers of the Blithe army.”
Seeing the medical book James was holding, a slight hint of surprise flashed across Gloom’s face.
However, he did not inquire press further about it. “The Capital is in a mess right now. Every new king
candidate has massive backers behind them. Although no one has indicated their stance, they will
definitely not be standing behind the current King’s choice.”
James looked at Gloom.
Gloom must have been sent to find him seeing that he had appeared so suddenly.
“An insane amount of wealth is needed to gain supporters. However, no one is willing to support the
current king anymore. Following the changing trends, all the financial groups are gradually beginning to
approach the other candidates.”
“What do you need from me?” asked James.
Gloom replied, “On the surface, the Emperor puts on a loyal facade toward the King. Behind the
scenes, he has been involved in countless illegal schemes and has established many research
institutes throughout the country. Additionally, the Red Flame Army is guarding the premises of these
facilities. Unfortunately, we still don’t know his purpose. You must try to amass as much wealth as
possible to prepare for when the new king takes office as you deal with the Emperor.”
James answered derisively, “The King sure does think highly of me. I’m penniless right now. How am I
supposed to get that much money in such a short amount of time?”
Gloom smiled faintly as his eyes sparkled. “The King has already bestowed upon you the lands. ceded
by the twenty-eight-nations. That alone is already worth a huge fortune. Although you’ve been
dismissed, I believe the soldiers in the Southern Plains remain loyal to you.”
“One year isn’t enough time.” James was doubtful this would work out in his favor.
Gloom continued. “Cansington is also a huge mess right now. Many of the wealthy people from the
Capital have started planning to build a new commercial center in Cansington. Oceanic Commerce,
Five Provinces Business Alliance, and Infinite Commerce do not want for money. As for how to go
about it… Well, that depends on you.”
Gloom finished delivering his thoughts and started walking away.
James fell into silence and began thinking carefully about what Gloom said.
At the same time, he tried to figure out the King’s candidate of choice.
He filtered through the people the King had close relations too but no one came to mind.
After a while, a sudden realization struck him.
He unconsciously touched his nose.
“Wait… Don’t tell me… The King wants me to succeed him?!”
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