"Your Highness, we are nearly ready to proceed with the operation. Please advise on when you believe it would be most appropriate to commence," the head of the royal guards, Carrust, said as he stood before the Crown Prince Edel, awaiting his command.
"And how have you arranged our people?" Edel inquired, his tone reflecting a mix of curiosity and caution.
Carrust responded with precision, "We have dispatched them to London and Shanghai, disguising them as businessmen from Britain, France, and the United States. In London, we have placed a trio, while in Shanghai, within the Qing territory, we have two separate groups. Given the distance, preparations are ongoing. Each group operates independently under the guise of a trading company, and they are instructed not to communicate with one another to maintain secrecy."
Listening to Carrust's detailed arrangement, Edel felt a surge of satisfaction. Reflecting on the experiences from his past life, he resolved to prioritize his own gains—after all, securing his own interests first seemed prudent. Perhaps in the future, he could afford some generosity, such as supplying arms, to ease his conscience. With this in mind, Edel directed Carrust to concentrate their efforts particularly on Shanghai, a directive Carrust seemed to grasp immediately.
"This operation must remain confidential. Even if it means earning less, we cannot afford any mistakes," Edel emphasized, his voice laden with the gravity of their financial stakes. This venture was funded by the last of his accessible resources; without the knowledge from his previous life about the impending rubber market crisis, he would never have risked involvement. The stakes were simply too high.
"Understood, my lord. I will ensure our teams double-check for any potential leaks," Carrust assured him, fully aware of the limited financial leeway the royal coffers currently held. Prudence was paramount.
Four days later, in the Crown Prince's office, Edel reviewed the revised plan Carrust had prepared. Carrust stood by patiently, awaiting the prince's judgment.
"This revision is meticulous—perfect, in fact. I can find no faults," Edel remarked with a rare smile after examining the document. The plan mirrored the original in structure but enhanced secrecy measures, particularly regarding their exit strategy, pleased him greatly.
Encouraged by the prince's approval, Carrust presented a dossier containing the details of the operatives involved in the mission. "Your Highness, here are the profiles and assignments of the personnel engaged in the operation."
Edel perused the list, his eyes pausing over the names designated for Shanghai. Spotting the name Feidlisi, a student, he looked up, concern etching his features. "This student, Feidlisi, he has a significant role. Is he capable of handling such responsibility?"
Carrust relayed Feidlisi's recruitment and training performance, concluding confidently that the young man met all required standards.
"Very well, proceed with the deployment," Edel commanded, setting the dossier aside.
"Absolutely, Your Majesty. I assure you, they will deliver results that meet your expectations," Carrust responded before exiting the office to carry out his orders.
At a secluded training villa on the outskirts of the city, Feidlisi sat in the serene garden, engrossed in a book. Having completed his intensive training just the day before, he now exuded an air of nobility, clad in fine garments and polished Italian leather shoes.
"He's the quickest learner we've had in this batch, and now he barely resembles the ordinary student he once was," noted Christo, observing Feidlisi through a window. He spoke to Carrust, who had come to finalize the preparations.
Christo, impressed by Feidlisi's rapid progress, half-joked about retaining him a bit longer.
"I need to take him now, but thank you. Please extend my gratitude to Director Miloc," Carrust replied, acknowledging the training director's efforts.
"I'll convey your thanks," Christo assured, his demeanor respectful. With the Crown Prince tightening his grip on power, maintaining good relations with his confidants like Carrust was crucial.
Approaching Feidlisi, who remained absorbed in his reading, Carrust announced himself, "Feidlisi, I hear you've been making remarkable progress."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Chief Guard," Feidlisi responded, rising to greet Carrust with a courteous bow. "By the way, I am Brooke Sterry, the second son of a nobleman, planning to venture into business after acquiring my inheritance."
"Apologies, Mr. Sterry, but your training here is complete. You are to depart for Shanghai with your team to establish your rubber trading company," Carrust informed him, his tone light, attempting humor in his otherwise stern demeanor.
"Very well, Chief Guard. I shall prepare my belongings," Feidlisi replied, setting his book aside.
"There's no need. We have arranged everything new for you," Carrust clarified, leading Feidlisi away from the tranquil garden.
Together, they traveled to a modest building in the city where Feidlisi met his team: Felix, who would act as his servant, and Stockel, a middle-aged man playing the role of his steward. Carrust, overseeing the operation, gathered the operatives.
"Leaders of each group, come forward to receive your mission briefs," Carrust instructed, distributing sealed document bags to each. Feidlisi examined his, labeled simply with a '1'. The other leaders received similarly marked packets.
"Review the contents in your rooms and destroy them afterward. Keep all information confidential and prepare to depart the day after tomorrow," Carrust directed.
Back in his room, Feidlisi and his teammates studied their roles and memorized every detail, understanding the importance of their mission. Two days later, they boarded a train to Constanta, then sailed to Liverpool, and finally embarked on a cruise to Shanghai, their final destination.
Upon their departure, Carrust returned to the palace, reassuring the Crown Prince, "The personnel are en route, Your Highness. We now await the fruits of their labor."
"Understood," Edel acknowledged, his mind already racing with plans and contingencies, the weight of the crown ever present in his decisions.