Under Daniel’s gaze, the elderly Chief Steward Foster could not help trembling from head to toe.

He felt as though he had been targeted by a giant python.

He hurriedly nodded.

"Rest assured, my lord. I will handle this matter properly."

A faint smile appeared on Daniel’s face.

"In that case, I will leave everything in your hands."

"You will have to work hard during this period. Try to put every arrangement into place."

"If everything is completed successfully, our influence within the Imperial City will finally be able to expand without restraint."

Prince Dorek watched as Daniel assigned every task, and for the first time, he experienced the sheer pleasure of having someone else manage everything on his behalf.

Ever since Daniel became his teacher, it felt as though he no longer needed to worry about anything.

It was almost as if he had found a true father.

Daniel gave him an overwhelming sense of security.

Before this teacher, who was like a father to him, every difficulty seemed capable of being resolved with ease.

However, as a prince, Dorek knew that he could not truly ignore everything.

If he handed every matter over to Daniel, then even if he eventually ascended the throne, he might soon be stripped of power and reduced to a puppet.

Dorek immediately asked,

"Teacher, what should we do next?"

Daniel waved his hand and answered calmly,

"Isn’t that obvious?"

"Our next step is to expand our influence and make our presence known within the imperial palace."

"Make our presence known?"

Prince Dorek was still unfamiliar with political maneuvering and immediately looked confused.

He could not understand why they should act conspicuously instead of keeping a low profile at such a sensitive time.

Daniel explained,

"Dorek, think carefully."

"His Majesty currently has several hundred children."

"Even if your identity is somewhat special, you are still only one of them."

"Imagine raising more than a hundred identical pets."

"If a few of them never display anything unique, do you think you would ever choose them over the others?"

"This principle has remained unchanged since ancient times."

"People will always pay more attention to those who make the most noise."

After hearing Daniel’s explanation, Prince Dorek suddenly understood.

He had never imagined that the struggle for power could be approached from such a perspective.

He immediately bowed and asked for further guidance.

"Teacher, in that case, how can we safely ensure that Father notices our presence?"

Daniel smiled and waved his hand reassuringly.

"The time has not yet come."

"There is no need to rush. Sooner or later, an opportunity will present itself."

Prince Dorek nodded, only partially understanding.

...

Several days later, inside the largest tavern in the Imperial City.

The establishment was packed with people.

The clinking of wine cups echoed everywhere, mingling with the rich scent of perfume and extravagant revelry.

Daniel and Prince Dorek had changed into ordinary clothing and quietly appeared on the top floor.

The area had already been reserved in advance and had effectively belonged to them throughout this period.

Daniel looked out the window.

All manner of patrols moved continuously through the streets below.

A faint smile appeared on his lips as he turned toward the prince behind him.

"Your Highness, the performance we arranged is about to begin."

"The role you will play is extremely important."

"You must not make any mistakes."

Prince Dorek smiled confidently and patted his chest.

"Don’t worry, Teacher."

"I have rehearsed it countless times. I will follow the original plan exactly."

"Besides, with you here, even if I make a mistake, it probably won’t cause too much trouble, right?"

Daniel’s expression turned serious.

"If you ruin this performance, even I will not be able to clean up the consequences."

"You must ensure that nothing goes wrong."

Prince Dorek immediately nodded solemnly.

At the same time, in a corner on the lower floor of the tavern, Chief Steward Foster—also wearing a disguise—finally met his informant.

He stared coldly at the revealingly dressed woman before him.

"Villar, I have already paid you an enormous amount."

"You had better not attempt any tricks."

"As long as you follow the original plan and die when the time comes, everything I promised will immediately be delivered to the location you designated."

"But if anything unexpected happens, you know what the consequences will be."

The woman before him was named Villar.

She was a well-known dancer within the tavern, but she also secretly worked as an informant for several different factions.

Chief Steward Foster had uncovered her identity not long ago.

He had immediately spent a vast sum to buy her cooperation, all for the sake of carrying out the upcoming plan.

Villar’s expression became anxious.

She hurriedly nodded.

"Rest assured, my lord. I have already memorized every part of the plan."

"Everything will proceed exactly as you instructed."

Chief Steward Foster nodded and gestured toward the stairs.

"You may go up now."

Villar immediately headed upstairs.

The enormous tavern had nine floors and was crowded everywhere.

Following the route she had memorized, she soon reached the second floor and entered a private room.

Not long afterward—

Boom!

A deafening explosion suddenly erupted from within the room.

Countless patrons were startled.

They put down their wine cups and turned toward the private room.

At the same time, Daniel heard the commotion from the top floor.

He immediately nodded toward Prince Dorek, who had been waiting for this moment.

"It is time for you to enter the stage."

Prince Dorek drew in a deep breath.

Pretending to be curious, he deliberately raised his voice.

"Teacher, something appears to have happened downstairs."

"Why don’t we go and take a look together?"

Daniel also responded loudly,

"Very well. Let us go down and see what happened."

The two walked downstairs openly and arrived at the private room on the second floor where the incident had occurred.

By now, the entrance had been completely surrounded by spectators.

Even many outsiders had joined the crowd and were heatedly discussing what had happened inside.

"What is going on?"

"The Grand Commander of the City Defense Army committed such a despicable act in broad daylight?"

"This has truly opened my eyes!"

"That man is a complete monster!"

"If he wanted a woman, then so be it—but he actually beat Villar to death!"

"She was the goddess of this tavern!"

"What a pervert!"

"He committed such a vile act and then tried to silence the witness by killing her."

"How can someone like him be a general of the Holy See?"

"He is a disgrace to the Eternal Empire!"

Under the deliberate encouragement of several planted agitators within the crowd, the atmosphere had already transformed into one of public condemnation.

At that moment, Prince Dorek appeared among the gathered spectators.

Following Daniel’s plan, he immediately raised his voice.

"Everyone, make way."

"I am Prince Dorek of the imperial family."

"What exactly happened here?"

"Allow me to investigate."