91: plot

Just as Linn was in high spirits in the Star Sea Territory, deep within the castle of the Count Ailisis Fief in the Molan Province of the Aulai Kingdom, a haze targeting him was gathering.

Inside a study that was luxuriously decorated yet exuded a musty atmosphere, Count Ailisis, a man with thick black hair and a stern face, stood with his hands behind his back in front of the Iris Family crest tapestry.

His second son, Allen Alistair, paced the room restlessly, his handsome face filled with irrepressible jealousy and urgency.

"Father! Have you heard? The rumors coming from the Kingdom!"

Allen stopped abruptly, his voice somewhat shrill with excitement.

"That bastard... Linn! On that wretched island in the Storm Sea Region, he actually made a name for himself, passed the preliminary review, and is about to be officially ennobled as a Viscount! A Viscount! By what right? A son born to a lowly elf slave, does he deserve to hold a title and ride over my head?"

Count Ailisis slowly turned around, a flash of cold disgust and calculation in his gray eyes, but his tone remained relatively calm.

"I have already confirmed the news. It seems we all underestimated this banished son."

He walked behind the heavy oak desk inlaid with gemstones and sat down, his fingers tapping the desk unconsciously.

"The Kingdom only looks at results, not origins. If he can gain a foothold in a wilderness and even reach the standard of a Viscount's fief, no matter what methods he used, it counts as his ability."

"Ability? It's just good luck! Perhaps he found some ruins or buttered up some barbarians in the sea!"

Allen gritted his teeth. What he could not bear most was that this younger brother, whom he had always trampled underfoot and regarded as the shame of the Iris Family, could actually obtain a higher social status than him, as he was currently only a Lord without an actual fief.

"Father, we cannot let him succeed! Once he officially becomes a Viscount and has the official endorsement of the Kingdom, it will be difficult to touch him!"

"Besides, isn't this an insult to our Iris Family? A son of a slave becoming a noble Lord, how will other Families view us?"

Count Ailisis's gaze sharpened.

"You are right, Allen. This is not just a matter of a title, but also concerns the Iris Family's face, and... potential threats."

He paused, his voice dropping lower.

"For Linn to rise from a desperate situation, his Heart-Nature and capabilities are likely not simple. If he is allowed to continue growing, will he develop resentment toward the Iris Family, toward you and me... in the future, or even come back to claim what is 'rightfully his'? After all, half of the uncontrollable elf Bloodline flows in his veins."

Allen immediately caught the murderous intent in his father's words.

He stepped forward and lowered his voice.

"Father, do you mean..."

Count Ailisis's voice was cold and emotionless.

"The Storm Sea Region has high winds and rough waves; pirates, sea beasts, or a riot of Slaves within the territory... for a newly promoted pioneer Lord with an unstable Foundation to meet with an accident is reasonable."

A light shone in Allen's eyes.

"Yes! That's it! We can send people to... help him 'encounter' this accident."

"Then, as his closest blood relative, I will come forward and go in the name of assisting in quelling the chaos and taking over the territory."

"As long as it is handled properly, it is entirely possible to inherit his territory and Viscount title! The Kingdom has always been flexible regarding the recognition of inheritance for pioneer Lords when there are no direct descendants and the order is unstable."

Count Ailisis nodded slightly, seemingly satisfied with his son's ruthlessness and wit.

"The idea is feasible. But it must be clean and swift; no evidence can be left pointing to the Iris Family."

"Since Linn was able to develop to the point of applying for a Viscount title, it means his own strength has reached High Gold Rank, and he has three thousand troops and twenty thousand subjects, which cannot be underestimated."

"What kind of power can an upstart on a deserted island have?"

Allen curled his lip in disdain.

"At most, it's an army of Slaves making up the numbers. And my Gold Intermediate Rank can definitely crush his weak body. He's just a mage."

Count Ailisis pondered for a moment and made a decision.

"I will have Gray Shadow and Blood Blade go with you. Both of them are of High Gold Rank strength and are proficient in assassination, disguise, and creating chaos."

"You will go to Shattered Star Island in the name of Family concern, brotherly visitation, or even early congratulations to scout out the situation."

"When and how to act will be decided by Gray Shadow and the others based on the actual situation."

"What you need to do is be a good cover, and after it is done, quickly control the situation in the name of the Iris Family representative to secure the Kingdom's recognition."

Gray Shadow and Blood Blade?

Allen felt a shiver in his heart. He knew these two names; they were trump cards that his father had secretly cultivated to handle shady business, possessing formidable strength and ruthless methods. His father was truly determined this time.

"Yes, Father! I will definitely get it done!"

Allen suppressed his wild joy and bowed to accept the order, a cruel anticipation appearing on his face.

"I will let that bastard brother know that the lowly should never dream of climbing to great heights. His territory and title will all be taken over by me!"

"Remember, act with caution."

Count Ailisis gave a final warning, cold light flickering in his eyes.

"Do not underestimate any opponent, even if he was once an ant you could trample at will. Take my personal letter; in the name of the Iris Family, it might lower his guard. Go, prepare yourself, and set off as soon as possible."

"Yes!"

Allen excitedly exited the study, already starting to fantasize about himself becoming the Viscount of Shattered Star Island, possessing territory and wealth.

Meanwhile, inside the study, Count Ailisis still gazed expressionlessly at the dark clouds outside the window, as if he had only arranged a trivial matter.

They were completely unaware that the "deserted island upstart" they were plotting against not only possessed a population of over one hundred thousand and an army of ten thousand, with high-end combat power far exceeding their imagination, but was also allied with the Sea God Clan, and his magical power was also budding.

An arrogant "clean-up" operation was leading them into a terrifying vortex far beyond their estimation.

...

Star Sea Territory!

At the dock, Linn once again welcomed Gresham.

Half a month ago, Linn had already had the Star Sea Merchant Guild give this inspector quite a few benefits, sparing him from many tedious procedures.

"Lord Gresham, long time no see! Welcome to Star Sea Territory."

Gresham looked at the city standing tall on the coastline and sighed, "Baron Linn, oh no... it should soon be changed to Viscount Lynn."

"Your Star Sea Territory looks much better than that old fellow Nocturne's territory!"

Linn answered modestly, "All of this was accomplished with everyone's help."

"It looks like there is no need to inspect; I will take the responsibility to proceed directly with the ennoblement, and I will handle the follow-up procedures myself."

Gresham looked at the bustling dock and the dense city before him. It was clear that it met the requirements for a Viscount.

"Thank you very much, my Lord."

Linn quietly slipped a magic ring into his hand.