The auction was about to end, but in the darkness, certain figures moved through the light rain that had just begun to fall. This type of atmosphere was perfect for many to take refuge in their homes, others to stop wandering the streets, and some to close their businesses.
In the dark alleys, several figures dressed in dark clothing moved at high speed. They all carried long, thin swords, while others bore strange weapons that emitted a fleeting aura of danger.
From the shadows, one of the figures spoke urgently: "Boss, the target is still inside the auction house. What should we do now? Should we wait for him to leave, or...?"
A masked man standing on a rooftop saw his men arriving, his eyes gleaming with a golden light, and said, "We plan an ambush! We can't miss this opportunity to finish him off and fulfill the buyer's instructions. Let's shake this kingdom to its foundations once the princess's betrothed is dead!"
"Understood!"
…
Participating in this auction as the seller of most of the items was not particularly interesting for Haldor because there wasn't much to entertain him.
During this time, he simply observed how he made money and talked with Agror about some plans he had in mind to gain some influence outside his family's walls.
Involuntarily, whether he wants to rule the seven kingdoms or not, he will be involved in the noble power struggle when the time comes for this kingdom to lose its governor. This is why, according to his followers, it would be good to expand influence in noble families and thus have the support of houses that can represent the power of his faction in the future.
The families not involved in the power struggle are the Black Raven family, the Harrington family, and the Ivanov family. These families were of noble knights who followed the code of honor, and their loyalty was among the best left in the forgotten corners of the seven kingdoms, not considering the main families that control the most important regions of the seven kingdoms.
The families Agror mentioned are those that did not want to get involved in politics, those that remained faithful to their roles as guardians of their respective territories, and those who commanded entire armies directly under the king's orders.
The knightly families with small territories forgotten by the seven kingdoms caught Haldor's eye. Undoubtedly, those families could create a better legion that could sweep the battlefields.
"The families that support the crown pity me a bit. The way I could weaken this kingdom is so simple that I prefer not to even think about it." Haldor touched his chin and said, "If I want, I can create new families and disappear all those who have ruled for decades. The only thing that must be clear to those families is not to bother me, but seeing the agitation of things, I am asking for something impossible. Besides, the knight families will only support my plan if they know it's for protecting the kingdom."
As the knight's code says, a man does not go to war and fight, risking his life, because he hates those in front of him. Usually, a man fights because he loves what is behind him.
"Oh... That's natural. Any family expects to obtain better opportunities once the side they support becomes the winner of the royal struggle. Considering that very few know their true capabilities, do you think those inept nobles will realize this before making another move against you? Nobles usually don't have brains when it comes to their ego; I learned that a long time ago."
Agror had a clear impression of each of the families and all the regions of the seven kingdoms. After all, he had opportunities to expand his auction house to the regions controlled by those families. So considering Haldor's position, it was clear he had to establish a powerful position to stop being bothered by the many assassination attempts he was subjected to.
The more he thinks about who could be attacking Haldor, the more thoughtful he becomes.
To tell the truth, these secret power struggles are normal, and even the King must be careful about getting involved to avoid favoring any of his heirs. Considering he doesn't have a favorite among all he has, the current king is a bit slow in any public activity he does.
"That doesn't matter. I just want a high position in the capital to have peaceful days before I leave here." When Haldor said this, Agror thought about what he had said and felt a little nervous. He didn't want to die following a crazy consort who wanted to become king by creating a new dynasty.
"The last item has been auctioned for 12,000 gold coins!"
When the last item was sold, Haldor stood up and said, "Since we are partners, I trust you with acquiring healthy and strong slaves, resources for the city I am creating, and distributing the items I want to sell to the seven kingdoms."
"Some of my knights will visit you regularly to solve some problems that require large-scale cleaning, so when you give me the reports, I also want the names of those who stand in my way."
Haldor walked towards the exit door and added, "Remember, Agror, you now represent my image, so no one should think of harming you, or his head and that of his family will roll on the ground without even being able to ask for help."
Agror stood up and said in a confident tone, "Then I will not hesitate to give you all their names. I won't accompany you to the door due to my appearance, so I hope you understand."
Haldor understood that his public appearances must be limited before the wedding, so he perfectly understood his problems. Therefore, he didn't mind this and left the auction house along with Simon.
…
"Should I get you an umbrella?" Ravyn asked after seeing the light rain in the sky.
"No need; today seems like a beautiful rainy day." Haldor looked at Ravyn and added, "Make sure to take good care of that man. We need to eliminate him if he spreads information about my interests."
"Don't worry, my lord, I'll take care of keeping him in check." Ravyn said it in an exaggerated tone.
Haldor, hearing this, walked towards the street without caring if he stepped in the mud and got wet from the water while murmuring to himself, "Even if what one seeks in life is beauty, everything returns to nature when one dies. You should find yourself a wife now that we are in the south, at least a good lady."
At that moment, several stabs were sensed by him, and an ironic smile appeared on his face. In the end, what he expected was certainly true.
What a bother! Now he had to kill those who came for his life. But well, at least those assassins who sought to end his life came to be killed. Haldor could feel the killing intent from hundreds of meters away becoming heavier. How could he not understand that this was a gift for him?
"Ravyn, go outside. There are crows flying in the sky." These words made Ravyn's eyes turn fierce for a moment, but then he calmed down and closed the carriage door.
This time fulfilling his role as a guardian, no matter how many he has to kill, he couldn't disappoint Haldor, as he himself said he could become a god of the sword in this life.
"How can I make all those idiots understand that they are only coming to their deaths?" If I knew a concrete way, I would do it because it is a bother to always see useless people die for just a few gold coins. Do they want to kill me? I just want to live a peaceful life!"
"Take the emptiest path; at least let the blood not stain other people's properties!"
Following Haldor's voice, the guards, with a dangerous look shining on their dark faces, responded to the order and slowly walked on their horses while the rain wet their bodies.
But at that moment, a cold voice was heard from afar, and a tall young man looked at the carriage where Haldor was and said, "Be careful on the road, future consort!"