The Kingdom’s Greatest Fool? No, I’m the Ruler From the Darkness ~The Hidden Face of the Fat Prince~ - Chapter 56: The First Prince’s Banquet

Chapter 56: The First Prince’s Banquet

The party at First Prince Lucius’s detached palace was a lavish affair, encompassing the capital’s elite.

As Marcus Gray, I was invited, transformed into another person thanks to Iris’s disguise potion.

As an up-and-coming merchant soon to receive a barony, I drew the attention of many nobles.

“Lord Gray, welcome.”

Brother Lucius personally greeted me, introducing me to key figures in his faction.

Standing beside my effeminate, beautiful brother, I felt the room’s gazes focus on us.

The foolish brother had no idea he’d invited an enemy into his camp.

“This is the head of the Gray Trading Company. His innovative products greatly contribute to the kingdom’s economy. Soon, Father will grant him a barony.”

I bowed courteously, executing courtly manners flawlessly.

Spoon and fork usage, conversational timing, respect toward nobles—all performed perfectly.

As a merchant polished in high society, I left a strong impression.

Of course, it was all an act.

Raised as the second prince, noble etiquette is second nature to me.

As Prince Victor, I deliberately act crude, but as Marcus Gray, I must display impeccable courtesy.

“Such a refined merchant is rare.”

Countess Isabella Goldenfield approached, smiling.

A beautiful widow with blonde hair and brown eyes, she’s 39 but seems far younger compared to me.

Compared to my mental age, including my past life, these nobles all seem like youngsters.

“Countess, I’m honored by your praise.”

I bowed gracefully.

When I played the foolish prince, I intentionally ignored manners, but as Gray, I must show perfect etiquette.

“Where did Lord Gray acquire such flawless manners?”

Baroness Maria Rosegarden joined the conversation.

A 35-year-old beauty with rose-colored hair, she likely thinks herself older, but to me, she’s young and alluring.

“In business, I’ve had the privilege of interacting with nobles from many countries.”

I answered humbly.

The two women seemed impressed, showing further interest.

My role as a young merchant seems to stir their maternal instincts.

They have no idea that as Hugo Black, I’ve built a business model reselling worthless slaves at high prices, or that as Leon Silver, I export magic potions and devices to neighboring countries.

“Lord Gray, this way.”

Earl Gerald Redfox called, guiding me to a corner where the faction’s core members gathered.

The 55-year-old chancellor, with reddish-white hair and sharp eyes, observed me keenly.

An ambitious man, he aims to wield power by propping up Lucius.

But he, too, will fall into my trap.

“Tell us more about your business.”

Viscount Edgar Blueriver inquired.

His bluish-black hair and intellectual demeanor suggested a pragmatic coolness.

I explained how my diaper business improves lives and garners support from agriculture.

Compared to my Black and Silver ventures, it’s small-scale, but outwardly respectable.

“A man with both business acumen and refinement.”

Baron Sebastian Wisdomlight spoke, impressed.

His sage-like appearance showed surprise at my economic and magical knowledge.

(Naturally. My past-life knowledge, plus twenty years in this world, outweighs your experience.)

I smirked inwardly, continuing the conversation humbly.

“I hear Lord Gray is unmarried.”

Baroness Flora Nightshine asked with a suggestive smile.

At 32, her black hair and blue eyes exuded a mystical charm.

One of the kingdom’s few female mages, she’s said to be well-versed in magic.

She’d have an interesting conversation with Iris.

“I’ve yet to find a suitable match.”

I replied courteously.

I felt the gazes of unmarried women fix on me.

They’re intrigued by the young merchant, but to me, they’re all charmingly youthful.

Compared to my combined mental age, they seem adorable.

As the party progressed, I was approached by Lucius’s faction members one after another.

Each discussed their businesses or interests, probing potential collaboration.

I played my role perfectly, steadily earning their trust.

This information will prove useful later.

Knowing their weaknesses, desires, and ambitions will aid in the succession struggle.

Testing Iris’s enhancement or mind-control drugs on them could be amusing.

“Lord Gray, let’s speak privately in my study later.”

Lucius whispered to me.

“I have more specific matters to discuss.”

“I’m honored, Your Highness.”

I bowed politely.

My plan was proceeding smoothly.

Infiltrate his faction, gather internal information.

Then betray them, using them for my own ends.

Amid the glamorous party, I maintained my merchant’s mask.

It’s different from the foolish Prince Victor’s mask, but neither is the real me.

The true me awaits the day to seize everything and claim the throne.

When Earl Frontyard Nightbreeze approached, I heightened my guard.

He’s rumored to be an unofficial ally of the kingdom’s intelligence bureau.

“Lord Gray, your business expansion is remarkably swift.”

His words seemed to carry hidden intent.

“A product of luck and effort.”

I replied humbly, careful not to betray my caution.

“I hear you’ve dealt with Earl Silver.”

His question felt like a trap.

“Yes, his innovative refrigerators aid my diaper business, perfect for preserving materials.”

I mixed truth with care, avoiding suspicion.

“Intriguing…”

The earl didn’t press further, shifting topics.

He might’ve been probing, but I don’t reveal my hand easily.

In the party’s latter half, Lucius led me to his study as promised.

The lavish room was lined with rare books, its walls adorned with beautiful paintings.

“Lord Gray, I’ll be frank.”

Lucius closed the door, lowering his voice.

“I want your talents to serve the kingdom. And… during the succession, I’ll need your support.”

“I’ll strive to meet Your Highness’s expectations.”

I replied earnestly, but my mind churned with plans to dismantle his faction.

Lucius’s faction has many attractive women—Countess Isabella Goldenfield, Baroness Maria Rosegarden, Baroness Flora Nightshine.

Their daughters are beautiful, too.

Seducing them could sow discord within the faction.

As Gray, Iris’s potion makes me strikingly handsome.

My techniques, blending past-life and current-world experience, will charm even older women.

Having tamed women like Iris and Mia, I’m adept at exploiting female weaknesses.

Nothing is more dangerous than women’s jealousy.

Seducing one will spark envy, igniting internal strife.

That will crumble Lucius’s foundation from within.

“By the way.”

Lucius suddenly changed topics.

“What do you think of my brother Victor?”

My heart nearly stopped, but I maintained composure.

I hadn’t expected a question about myself.

“The second prince? I’ve heard rumors but never met him.”

“I see.”

Lucius returned from the window and sat.

“My brother… is complex. He seems lazy, but sometimes shows surprising insight. He’s not to be underestimated.”

So that’s how he sees me.

He acknowledges me slightly.

An unexpected discovery, but it doesn’t affect my plans.

“But he lacks the experience and connections to lead the kingdom.”

“And he’s succeeding as a sex toy merchant, I hear.”

I said quietly.

“Yes.”

Lucius grimaced.

“He’s unfit for the throne. Yet his mother’s family, the Blackstones, and Earl Silver support him. The balance of power is shifting.”

“With all due respect, I don’t believe Prince Victor is suited to be king. Your judgment is correct, Your Highness. I wish to support you.”

I spoke earnestly again.

Of course, it was a lie.

I laughed inwardly.

Lucius was confiding his sense of superiority over me.

That overconfidence is his weakness.

If he knew Earl Silver was me, what face would he make?

As the conversation continued, my plans grew more concrete.

Someone might try to eliminate me, but I’m not afraid.

I carry Iris’s special, non-commercial antidotes and healing potions, prepared for assassination attempts.

Only Iris and Mia know I wield dark and earth magic.

My magic is a sufficient weapon to eliminate assassins if needed.

I’ll lure enemy attacks and use them as leverage.

An assassination attempt could be an opportunity.

It would prove enemies exist within Lucius’s faction, cornering him.

A double benefit.

Our talk lasted late into the night, and I extracted various details from Lucius.

Faction dynamics, the kingdom’s state, his ambitions—all will serve my plans.

“Thank you, Lord Gray.”

As we parted, Lucius placed a hand on my shoulder.

“I foresee a long partnership.”

“Likewise, Your Highness.”

I gave a final, perfect bow and left the study.

Returning to the party, the atmosphere had shifted.

During my absence, had the noble ladies coordinated?

One by one, they approached, inviting me to private dinners.

First, Baroness Flora Nightshine approached gracefully.

“Lord Gray, would you care to sample special dishes developed at my magical research institute? Are you free the day after tomorrow?”

Flora’s blue eyes gleamed with anticipation.

A 32-year-old baroness, she combined a mage’s intellect with feminine charm.

She could be useful to Iris’s research.

“I’d be honored to accept your invitation.”

My response brightened her expression.

Then, Countess Isabella Goldenfield gracefully interjected.

“Lord Gray, I’d love for you to taste bread made from special wheat harvested in my domain, paired with our homemade wine. How about dinner tomorrow?”

A challenging glint flickered in her brown eyes.

The 39-year-old widow is a renowned beauty in high society.

“Countess, I’d be delighted.”

My prompt reply seemed to surprise Isabella momentarily.

She must have heard my promise to Flora, yet I didn’t decline.

She quickly regained her elegant smile, casting a triumphant glance at Flora.

My plan was already showing results.

Then, Baroness Maria Rosegarden approached.

The 35-year-old beauty, with rose-colored hair, exuded a sweet, perfume-like scent.

“Lord Gray, the day after next, I’m hosting a special tea party in my rose garden. Roses at sunset release a unique fragrance. Please, do come.”

“I look forward to it, Baroness.”

I responded warmly.

The three women exchanged glances, their faces subtly tensing.

They were reacting to my acceptance of all invitations.

Yet, none voiced it directly.

Such is the decorum of high society, but jealousy’s flames were surely kindling within.

Then, Maria’s niece, the twin daughters of Viscount Edgar Blueriver, Alice and Emma, approached.

At 16, they radiated youthful freshness.

“Lord Gray,” they said in unison.

“Would you attend our birthday banquet? It’s in a week.”

“Of course, my ladies. I’m honored by your invitation.”

I praised their youth and beauty, adorning my words with compliments.

They blushed, their eyes sparkling with joy.

I didn’t miss the darkening expressions of the older women around us.

The seeds of division were being sown smoothly.

“Lord Gray… um, if you’d like… my reading group…”

Next, Sebastian Wisdomlight’s granddaughter, 19-year-old Lily, spoke up.

Her delicate, hothouse-flower beauty shone as she invited me to her reading group.

“I’d love to attend. Reading is a great pleasure of mine.”

I praised her intellect and refinement, and her face lit up with joy.

“Lord Gray seems quite busy.”

Elizabeth, daughter of Earl Gerald Redfox, spoke with a sardonic tone.

At 25, she possessed refined beauty and social finesse.

“Lady Elizabeth, I apologize for not having time to speak with you.”

I kissed her hand lightly, gazing into her eyes.

“I’d never neglect a beautiful woman like you.”

She caught her breath, then regained her composure.

“I’ll judge what you’re thinking and planning. Two weeks from now, I’ll await you in my study.”

“I’ll be there without fail.”

My words caused subtle shifts in the women’s expressions.

The once-cordial atmosphere turned tense.

None spoke it, but the air had changed.

The seeds of division were sown among the women.

“Ladies, thank you for your kindness.”

I surveyed the room, smiling.

“I look forward to all your invitations.”

Feigning innocence, I directed special glances and heart-stirring words to each woman, making each feel uniquely favored.

For the rest of the party, the women maintained courteous facades, but their conversations carried subtle tension.

Their occasional glances held clear jealousy and rivalry.

(Things are going well.)

I felt satisfied inwardly.

The seeds of division were firmly planted.

They would sprout, creating cracks within the faction.

Women’s jealousy is far more destructive than men’s power struggles.

As the night deepened and the party neared its end, I bid farewell to Prince Lucius.

“Let’s meet again soon, Lord Gray.”

Lucius patted my shoulder.

He hadn’t yet noticed what was brewing in his faction.

“Yes, Your Highness. I’m even more excited for what’s to come.”

I bowed deeply.

Of course, “excited” meant something entirely different to me than to him.

In the carriage leaving the palace, I reflected on tonight’s achievements.

I gained Lucius’s trust, probed his faction’s inner workings, and sowed division among the women.

“The first phase is complete.”

I murmured softly.

The path to the throne was steadily opening.

Next were the private meetings with each woman.

There, I’d build deeper connections, uncover faction secrets, and fully dominate their hearts.

All to make me king.