The Kingdom’s Greatest Fool? No, I’m the Ruler From the Darkness ~The Hidden Face of the Fat Prince~ - Chapter 53: The Prince’s Temptation

Chapter 53: The Prince’s Temptation

In the carriage heading to the palace’s lavish audience chamber, I rehearsed my lines as Marcus Gray.

Thanks to Iris’s transformation potion, I was a lean merchant with brown hair and green eyes today.

Outwardly a successful businessman, but merely a mask for my grand plan.

“One more piece falls into place.”

I smiled with satisfaction.

The slave trade with Flint, Iris’s magical potions, the training of Eleanor and Leia, secret military dealings, and now this meeting with the first prince.

All stepping stones to seizing the throne.

“Lord Gray, my apologies for the wait.”

Led into the audience chamber, Prince Lucius greeted me personally.

Silver-white hair reaching his waist, amethyst-purple eyes, delicate feminine features.

My brother’s graceful, artistic air belied his resolute will.

Not to be underestimated.

“It’s an honor to be summoned, Your Highness.”

As Gray, I bowed deeply.

Playing the humble merchant was easy.

“The renowned head of the Gray Trading Company.”

Lucius scrutinized me from head to toe.

“You’re young. To possess such business acumen.”

“I’m flattered.”

I smiled.

“Merely blessed with luck.”

“Luck alone can’t build such an enterprise.”

Lucius offered me a seat, sitting across from me.

A prince rarely treats a merchant so courteously.

He’s interested in my economic power.

Exploiting weaknesses is my specialty, but today, I’d prey on his desires.

“Your absorbent products are the talk of the kingdom, Lord Gray. Valued by infants, the elderly, soldiers, and adventurers alike.”

“Yes, leveraging slime properties.”

I began explaining the product.

Agricultural successes, military commendations, adventurer guild awards—all factual triumphs.

Iris’s research turned into profit, though I kept that secret.

Lucius’s eyes gleamed increasingly.

Like a fish biting the bait.

“Fascinating.”

Lucius said.

“Earl Silver is known for innovative products, but you’ve tapped a different market.”

“We target distinct segments.”

I replied humbly.

My foolish brother doesn’t realize he’s walking into a trap.

Earl Silver is another of my faces.

“Rumor has it Earl Silver supports my brother, Prince Victor.”

A hint of irritation laced Lucius’s voice.

His greatest worry: the powerful Earl Silver backing me, his rival.

“So I’ve heard.”

“And you…?”

His sharp gaze fixed on me.

Now, the main act.

“I wish to pledge loyalty to Your Highness, First Prince Lucius.”

Lucius’s face brightened.

“Oh? Why so?”

“Selfishly, a merchant like me sees greater profit serving Your Highness, who seeks new supporters, than the second prince, already backed by patrons like Earl Silver.”

Stating economic motives bluntly builds trust.

Any merchant would think this way.

From crude slavers like Flint to nobles, years of business have taught me human psychology.

Human desires are simple: wealth, power, prestige.

Lucius craves wealth and allies to secure his throne.

“Frank.”

Lucius laughed.

“But understandable.”

The conversation flowed smoothly, Lucius voicing growing expectations.

Economic support for his succession, new trade routes—specifics emerged.

My foolish brother leapt into the trap himself.

“Lord Gray joining my faction would be a great asset.”

Lucius said earnestly.

“Your economic power and acumen are valuable to the kingdom.”

“Too kind, Your Highness.”

I bowed, sneering inwardly.

He doesn’t know he’s being deceived by his brother.

“In fact, observing your success, I’ve had a thought.”

Lucius continued, slightly hesitant.

“I’d like to elevate your status. Perhaps a baron title?”

Perfect.

Exactly what I wanted.

A noble title for Gray expands my influence in both open and shadow realms.

It boosts Gray’s voice in the succession.

I’ve played him perfectly.

“Such an offer…”

I feigned surprise.

“If I can serve Your Highness, I’ll devote myself entirely.”

“I’ll recommend it to Father.”

Lucius said with resolve.

“Lord Gray, I’m certain you’ll be a key member of my faction.”

The meeting exceeded expectations.

I secured Lucius’s trust and a promise of a baron title.

The first step of infiltration succeeded.

In the carriage leaving the palace, I smirked triumphantly.

Iris’s potion wore off, my true form returning.

Foolish brother, you invited the enemy in.

As Gray, I’ll gather intel and deliver a fatal betrayal.

All part of my plan to claim the throne.

“Soon, Iris.”

I murmured.

She’d be waiting in the underground workshop.

She’ll be thrilled with today’s results.

“Another step closer to the throne.”

I hold many pieces already.

In the underworld, I build wealth through slave trading; through military drugs, I control nations’ armies; in court, I dominate noble ladies like Eleanor.

Now, I’ve placed Marcus Gray on the political stage.

Like a chess game.

Attacking from all sides to checkmate the king.

That king is Father, Lucius, and all who stand in my way.

“Brother, your faction will crumble from within.”

I whispered.

One step closer to the throne.

In the carriage, my mind raced to the next move.

Eleanor, Leia, Lydia, Serena—all pieces to ensure my victory.

To become this world’s king.