Pirate Kingship-Chapter 657 - 459: Duke of Demons, Future Sister-in-Law (6400)_2

"How are you finding the accommodations in the Royal Capital these past two days, after such a wearying journey from the Southern Continent? Are you adjusting well?"

Byron looked down and realized the newcomer was none other than one of the Tri-Phantom Sun, Duke Richard, the youngest brother of Edward IV.

He was twenty years old, two years older than Byron. Yet, compared to Byron, who towered over one meter ninety, he seemed far too short, standing just over one meter fifty. Standing next to Byron, he looked like an underage child.

Moreover, Richard was not handsome like his two brothers, Edward IV and George, Duke of Clarence. Instead, he was particularly unsightly and even a bit hunchbacked. It was hard to believe the three of them were actual brothers.

However, Byron dared not underestimate this unsightly dwarf. This was unlike his second brother, George, Duke of Clarence, who, at twenty-three, was still just an embroidered pillow—all show and no substance. Not only had he failed to achieve any military distinction, but he had also been easily swayed by a Beauty Trap orchestrated by The Kingmaker. He then led his supporters and vassals to defect to the Earl's Party.

Duke Richard, on the other hand, had achieved his Spirit Awakening at just fifteen. He joined the Red and White Rose War, repeatedly distinguishing himself in battle through his cunning and ruthlessness. He had always been one of the Lancaster Party's most troublesome enemies. It was rumored that last year he had already reached the threshold of the Fourth Order [Banker] of the Gold Sequence, and it was highly probable he had successfully advanced this year. Thanks to investments in his elder brother's ventures, he now possessed vast lands north of the Strait Islands, including the Sorenburg Principality, making him one of Hightins' wealthiest and most powerful Great Nobles!

However, in stark contrast to his exceptional abilities, he was extremely sensitive about his unsightly appearance. Any peculiar glance could provoke his fierce retaliation. Legend had it that he even possessed a [Cursed Object]—a black leather notebook where he would jot down the names of influential figures he could not immediately retaliate against. Many had consequently suffered misfortunes, yet no evidence ever pointed to him; it all seemed to be nothing more than baseless rumors. But as these rumors spread, Richard's unsightly appearance and his vindictive, ruthless nature earned him a title—the [Devil Duke].

Later Intelligence even revealed that he had personally orchestrated the York Family's Blood Sacrifice. This was to provide Anchoring for the Northern Sea Leviathan Kraken in the conflict against Lancaster members.

Byron inwardly seethed, wishing he could slap him to death. Nevertheless, he had to muster the same vigilance he reserved for Edward IV, holder of the [King's Title], to deal with this deceptively insidious dwarf.

With impeccable humility, he touched his chest and said, "Your Grace, good day! Thank you for your concern. The journey was not arduous; serving the Kingdom is my honor."

Then, he offered a sincere smile. "Besides, this trip to the mainland has earned me a hereditary Earl's title. I believe no one on the Old Continent would refuse such 'hardship,' would they? If such a fine opportunity arises again, Your Grace, please be sure to inform me. I would be more than willing to 'endure the hardship' a few more times."

Richard paused, taken aback. He hadn't expected Byron to display such a sense of humor in his presence. Then, he burst into laughter with him.

HAHAHAHA...

He reached out to pat Byron's shoulder but couldn't quite reach, so he patted his forearm instead. His tone carried a hint of some other meaning. "Earl, I must say I think very highly of you. It's a pity we've only had the chance to speak face-to-face today. I don't want to beat around the bush and waste our time. I was wondering, does your Whale Oil industry in the colonies still require significant investment?"

Byron's mind raced; he instantly understood the Duke's intention. A Banker's Third Order ability is called [Investment Pact]. Each investment allows them to reap a return, be it Wealth, Spirituality, or a transcendent ability. Everyone knew that Whale Oil was a surefire profitable business. Evidently, the York Family was not satisfied with merely collecting a ten percent tax from it. His talk of 'thinking highly' of him was purely a pretext to carve out a hefty slice of the profits for himself.

A prime industry lacking investors? Unheard of.

Yet, Byron nodded decisively without a moment's hesitation. "You wish to invest in my venture? That's splendid! I couldn't ask for more. Both you and His Majesty can invest at market price; I'll offer you original shares. The Whale Oil market is so vast that my own capacity is indeed limited. I genuinely need powerful figures within the Kingdom to join and provide protection. Even if you hadn't brought it up, Your Grace, I was planning to seek an audience with you. Everyone knows Duke Richard is the King's right-hand man. Without you, half of Hightins' sky would collapse!"

Richard beamed, astounded by Byron's clean-cut decisiveness in sharing the profits. Some of the deeper, more insidious tactics he had prepared were now unnecessary. He gave Byron a thumbs-up, genuinely impressed. "The Earl truly is the Kingdom's foremost Loyalist! I wouldn't have believed it if others had told me, but today, I've seen it with my own eyes."

Byron responded with humble platitudes, but inwardly he was ecstatic: Another creditor I can... eliminate, eliminate. This isn't a loss. It's always been me fleecing others; how dare you try to fleece me? Since you've walked right into my trap, I'll take everything you've got!

If not for the fear of scaring this [Devil Duke], I'd have no problem splitting the company into thirty-seven parts and selling them all to the Yorks. Let them experience the despair of 'buy till you drop, but you can never buy it all'!