?Port city of Whitrere.
It was the last day of the year 301 Paign Era. Cold air blows from the sea to the city, causing the temperature of the city to drop. The people here had no choice but to wear thicker clothing.
Rows of restaurants on the hillside of the port city are lively as usual. The tourist population of this area surpassed the number of locals.
Regardless of social class, this area is a must-visit place in Cerdeauxia for couples.
Among them, one restaurant stood out in particular. Located at the top of the hill, this restaurant is in a class of its own. It became a choice for rich merchants and nobles to interact and socialize.
The cuisine in this place is delicious but nothing extraordinary.
The main reason for its popularity is the view.
This place was full of people, particularly in the evening. Having dinner while watching the sunset is romantic in the eyes of newlyweds or couples who wish to reignite their love.
Even today, this place is fully booked.
In a far corner of the restaurant, there's one table slightly by the wall. The occupants weren't eating, chatting or enjoying the view.
From the look of it, they seem to wait for the arrival of their companions.
*Ding!*
The door was pushed and five old men entered the restaurant. Instantly, five pairs of eyes scan the restaurant before spotting two men looking at them.
They promptly move towards the table.
"We're sorry for keeping you waiting, Mr Acellin." said one of them courteously.
"Please take a seat, everyone." Acellin ignored their apology. Boredom, annoyance, anger and multiple other emotion was written all over his face.
He was in a bad mood. Being surrounded by these lovebirds annoyed him to the core.
Despite the rude attitude Acellin showed, the five men who were clearly older than him kept a smile plastered on their faces.
The young man opposite them is the richest man in Cerdeauxia, owning businesses in various types of industries. He is a man who countless people in an upper-class society are eager to meet.
Tired of dealing with two-faced people every day, Acellin sets a limit on the number of people he'll meet. He wouldn't meet with just anybody but filtered them based on their status and motive. Despite all his efforts, the number of letters he received did not decrease in the slightest.
Lucky for these five old men, Acellin goes to a great length by personally writing an invitation letter for a dinner. An opportunity rarely received by others.
Once the waiter was done taking orders, Acellin opened his mouth.
"First and foremost, thank you for sparing some of your time for this meeting, dear CRP Council Members."
"The honour is ours, Mr Acellin. It's difficult to meet a successful person like you, much less to personally receive a handwritten invitation. May I know why a prominent figure like you wants to meet us?"
Acellin chuckled, "Prominent figure? You surely jest. Before we move to the main topic, let me ask you something. What do you think about the current CRP?"
The smile on the council members' faces turned upside down.
"Hmph! Matthew has slowly turns into a dictator." One of them banged on the table.
"He persecuted all members who oppose him under the name of disturbing the unity of the party. Many were accused as spies for the Royalists. They're either getting thrown out of the party or being silenced for eternity. It was only a matter of time before he set his eyes on us."
Listening to their complaints, Acellin nods in agreement. "The situation was direr than I expected. I made the right decision not to invite the remaining two council members. Sadly to inform you, they've been completely bought by Matthew."
"Those idiots..."
"Then again, why not vote for Matthew's oust from the party presidential position?" Acellin ask.
Five of them shake their heads simultaneously,
"We can't, Mr Acellin. The next Supreme Council Meeting is still two years from now. And so does the election. If we rush the meeting now, our desperation and internal instability will come to light. The Royalists would not let that opportunity slide away."
"Two years...I see. Then, why don't I give you some help? In exchange, you do one favour for me."
Suddenly, their tone becomes softer and more polite, "Help? What kind of help does Mr Acellin want to give?"
"I'm going to give you huge financial support. Use it to attract people to your side, especially to bring the anti-Milan faction together."
They're all trying to grasp some air, "Financial support..."
Receiving support from Acellin is not a trifling matter. With gold on their back, their movement won't be as restricted as now.
However, they're suspicious of why Acellin is willing to help them.
"Mr Acellin, what favour do you want to ask?" They cautiously asked. Is the richest man trying to join politics now?
Acellin patted the shoulder of a man who was quietly sitting next to him. This man never once spoke to them, "Let me introduce this distant cousin of mine, Walter Thompson. Apparently, he is very interested in politics and I perceive CRP as a good party for him. His ideology of anti-monarchy aligns with yours. I want you guys to take care of him. Just be sure you don't make it too obvious."
"Hahaha!! Mr Acellin, that's a small favour we have no problem with. Don't worry, we'll guide him."
"Great! As a sign of gratitude, take this file." Acellin handed over the brown file to them. "Open it when you return home."
The six of them discussed the amount of support Acellin wished to give.
After half an hour, Acellin watched the five happy old men leave the restaurant. Still, with a smile on his face, he glances at his 'cousin'.
"It's up to you now, Russell. You've two years or you're dead. Did you understand?"
"Yes, Mr Acellin." Russell meekly said.
[End of Volume 2]
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