Chapter 294: Chapter Sixty-Nine: Co-optation

“Greetings, esteemed Prince Augustine.”

Facing Prince Lanno’s scrutinizing gaze, Anvis likewise offered a standard noble’s smile, hand to chest, with a slight bow, his politeness tinged with a faint air of detachment.

It might be slightly presumptuous to say, but in terms of identity, he is hardly inferior to a prince.

“I regret that we meet in this manner instead of my presenting a formal written request.”

“However, I am here merely representing my own will. Therefore, during our conversation, feel free to address me simply as Anvis–”

Straightening his posture, Anvis continued, while sizing up this future one of the three kings.

Unlike the calculative demeanor of Prince Ville, the Seventh Prince, the young and delicate-looking Lanno, who had just reached the age of admission, seemed inexperienced in the ways of the world.

Of course, underestimating him due to this appearance would surely result in a harsh lesson.

“Very well, Mister Anvis, please take a seat; I see no need for us to converse while standing.”

Prince Lanno nodded obligingly and gestured towards the sofas in the reception room.

“In Pamir Academy, I am not a prince either. Therefore, you may also address me simply as Lanno.”

As the two of them took their seats, Anvis breathed in subtly, sampling the fragrance wafting through the reception room.

The scent was crisp like mountainside snowflakes, carrying with it a trace of the Ice Attribute Element. Judging by the smell, it likely came from the burning of Silver Snow leaves.

“That is Silver Snow Fragrance, crafted from the seventh silver leaf of a centennial Silver Snow Herb. Should you take a liking to it, I’m pleased to gift you some when you depart.

As for the refreshments, there’s Moon-shining Berry Juice and Elf Tea on the table, please choose according to your preference.”

Noticing Anvis’ subtle gesture, Prince Lanno spoke generously.

“In that case, I thank you in advance for your kindness, Prince Lanno.”

Anvis nodded in gratitude and stated his purpose.

“My private meeting with you is primarily to discuss a certain matter.”

“Oh?”

As he picked up a cup of Elf Tea, Prince Lanno glanced at Anvis.

“Mister Anvis, I’m not sure of your intentions, but I must clarify something in advance.

Due to my age, there are many matters I cannot decide on my own. If your business concerns significant issues, it may be more appropriate to consult with my older brothers.”

“On the contrary, Prince Lanno, the matter at hand concerns you directly, and you are indeed in a position to make decisions on it.”

Anvis, with a smile, also raised a cup of tea, shaking his head lightly.

“Perhaps you’ve received word from the Royal Family regarding finding a way to make contact with your younger sister?”

“Is it concerning this matter?”

At these words, Prince Lanno’s brow slightly furrowed, then relaxed quickly. Anvis, with his sharp perception, caught this fleeting change in expression.

Such minute changes in demeanor often indicate that the person does not understand what’s being said but does not want it to be apparent to the other party.

This slight element of surprise made Anvis wonder, had the Royal Family not issued such a directive?

Meanwhile, staring intently into Anvis’ eyes, Prince Lanno gave a nod.

“If I were to say that, indeed, similar news reached me three days ago in the afternoon, what would be your opinion, Mister?”

“I wouldn’t call it an opinion, just a proposition.”

Sipping his tea lightly, Anvis smiled and set the cup back down.

The flavor was average and lacking in Life Magic Power, not quite like leaves from the Life Ancient Tree; it seemed to be just leaves from an ordinary Elf Tea Tree.

Perhaps it was deliberately done to maintain the image of a simple prince with no great ambitions.

“If you received a similar message, Prince Lanno, may I ask if you could set this matter aside for a moment?”

“Set aside the Royal Family’s directives, temporarily? Do you realize what you are suggesting, Lord Anvis? Or are you threatening me?”

Prince Lanno narrowed his eyes slightly and also set down his tea cup, his expression turning somewhat colder.

“I am fully aware, Prince Lanno. Therefore, my visit is purely based on my own ‘personal’ will, to offer a suggestion to you ‘personally’, Prince Lanno.

Please do not misunderstand, this is not a threat, but rather my attempt to court you–”

With a perfect smile, Anvis gently spread his hands, emphasizing the word ‘personal’ in his tone.

“After all, sometimes the interests of the Royal Family do not equate to personal interests, isn’t that so?”

“So, what are you trying to say?”

Prince Lanno spoke coldly.

“Nothing much, but if you agree to my proposal, Prince, the outcome will be more beneficial for you personally.”

Anvis leaned slightly back into the sofa.

“I can be frank with you, Prince Lanno, I have also received a message from my family, asking me to do something similar. And I believe that communicating directly with you might yield better results.”

“Think about it, this matter is actually not only about the two of us, but more about the power of our families behind us.

You don’t need to make it too obvious, just show up without putting in the effort. After some time, the Royal Family will retract their order.

And in return, you will gain my support, which includes offering you some necessary High Rank Professional strength, as well as helping you relieve the pressure from your elder brother.”

Saying this about support, Anvis lowered his voice to a whisper, reaching only the ears of the Prince.

“You’ve been investigating me?”

After listening to Anvis, the prince’s eyes narrowed dangerously, his gaze now filled with vigilance and ‘anger’.

“I’ve said it before, this matter isn’t just between the two of us.

Moreover, I believe that during these three days, you should have also gained some understanding of me.”

Anvis shrugged his shoulders, no need to pretend to threaten; it was a matter of reciprocal knowledge, no one to blame the other.

Having memories of the future, he was well aware of the current situation facing the Ninth Prince.

Although the Prince’s identity seems glorious, in reality, he had no one to rely on and was even being subtly ostracized by some of the Conservative Party princes.

Using this, he could totally find a way to pull Prince Lanno over to his side.

“Hmph, is this also the will of the Olivendi Family?”

Putting his emotions back in check, Prince Lanno also leaned back on the sofa, letting out a cold huff.

“Haven’t I already said, this time, everything I say and do represents my own personal will.”

Wearing a ‘sincere’ expression, Anvis picked up his tea cup again.

“But you still bear the name Olivendi, dear Lord Anvis.”

Prince Lanno also picked up his tea cup, while delivering a jab at Anvis.

“So, what is your decision, Prince Lanno?”

Taking a sip of his tea, Anvis spread his hands open.

“I agree.”

“Then, I am pleased to cooperate–”