Handler XX: Stock Maestro

"F–Father..." Wanda stood up, surprised.

Anton and Marie looked at Trent who was equally shocked by the request.

What does he mean succeed him as Emperor?

"That's my second request" Thaddeus looked at him, firmly.

Those eyes... He doesn't seem to be playing some game.

"I... I don't..."

Hold up.

"...Is that even possible?" Trent muttered, confused.

"The world already knows about my Daughter" Thaddeus scoffed

"Yes. But---"

"Although she may be dead to the public, it is also a known fact that she stayed in Westeron. So, it shouldn't be hard to bring it up"

Trent glanced at Anton.

He's right, but wouldn't that---

"And..." Thaddeus cut in,

"We can say you've grown up with secret support from the family and make an identity for your father"

"A–An Identity? I don't---"

"Even if you say so" Trent cut in, interrupting Anton.

"The scandals that will follow will be huge"

"Scandals" Thaddeus scoffed, "I don't even have to say anything on this. I'll have the Grand Chamberlain release a statement and that's all"

Whoa.

Marie looked at Trent.

Successor to the Emperor of the Kraven Empire?

Doesn't that mean---

"Why?" Trent asked, firmly.

Thaddeus stared at him for a while and exhaled.

"It's a form of revenge— I will let the my blood, Reeves blood and... Sinclair blood sit in a position to haunt those that were against me"

He chuckled in a dry tone and looked at Wanda.

"That's the ultimate revenge"

"Prius and his Faction will not see it happen" Wanda exhaled, taking her seat.

"Prius?" Thaddeus laughed, mockingly, "That Man-Child? That little thing that sucks up to his mother?"

"He's currently the favorite to the throne— one you've even hinted on, skipping the generation before him"

Wait. Was that why Cassius and Diana's brother were so hopeful and still fighting to be in line?

"I favor that bastard for a reason" Thaddeus huffed, "A competition I've been building for a situation like this"

"T–That's"

"This worked out more than I expected" he laughed, turning to Trent.

"You're of same age but you're smarter— you're better... Better than he could ever wish to become"

That's not it.

Trent exhaled.

I'm sure he knows.

"That's not revenge"

"It will be if---"

"And I continue the Kravenberch name? One that has caused you nothing but grief?"

Thaddeus fell silent, staring at him.

"It's what I can---"

"And this goes against the rules... It will compromise the oaths" he looked at Marie

Thaddeus blinked. How does he---

Well... Isn't he one interesting lad?

"You are the Emperor and the Kravenberch name will continue as long as the Empire stands---"

"I see... That's one way to go about it" Thaddeus muttered

What are they talking about?

Marie stared at them.

What's the talk about oaths and rules?

"W–What are you---"

"I will destroy the Empire" Thaddeus chuckled, interrupting Anton.

WHAT?

Anton, Wanda and Marie blinked, surprised.

"And that will take a long time and preparations" Trent leaned forward.

"It will by no means be easy to destroy the Empire even with you— you are one Unit. Powerful, but not enough"

It will take the effort of so many people, including the high tables connected to Kraven.

"About the oath..." Thaddeus exhaled, leaning his back against the chair.

"You don't have to worry about that"

"This is a very drastic plan, Father. It is not a matter---"

"Let's put this aside for now" Thaddeus waved, "It's unfortunate that you don't even see the Emperor's position as worthy"

"I do not disregard the---"

"Yeah, Yeah..." He huffed, turning his face away, towards Marie

"You must be having issues with my impudent grandson"

"I–It's alright, Your---"

"Call me Grandfather too"

"G–Grandfather" she stuttered, looking at Trent.

"And you..." He turned to Trent.

"It will be the Astralis festival soon and the Palace will be hosting. Be sure to attend"

Trent looked around confused.

I'm not really---

"It's in nine days" Anton whispered.

Nine... Doesn't that align just right with the mission from Ave?

Perfect.

Thaddeus huffed, stood up and looked towards Wanda.

"I'll be upstairs. I need to rest— It's hard on my old brain talking to a brat as cunning as a fox"

"I'll lead you---"

"No need..." He chuckled, looking at Trent

"I'm not that frail of an old Man. You all have a nice dinner"

"Thank you for the talk... Grandfather" Trent bowed slightly.

"Thank you for the gifts you've given to me today, punk. Who would have thought to transcend death?"

Perhaps Lumina has been lacking a bit. A change of things?

Hmph.

I'm going to put you to work, Punk.

No escaping.

_____

"Now..." Trent turned to them.

"That was exciting"

Marie scoffed.

Exciting for you.

"Should we get the dinner started already... I'm starving"

"First..." She glared at him.

"You know I'm a curious stubborn young lady"

"...I do" He chuckled, glancing at Anton.

"Good... Now, what was that about oath and rules? You sounded like you've known each other through a group"

"You didn't tell her?" Wanda looked at him.

"...No. You said it wasn't ideal and I---"

"Tell me about what?"

"Is it something that I should be hearing about? I can---"

"You can tell them at this point" Wanda exhaled.

Trent looked at both of them.

They've met the Emperor so it shouldn't be an issue to disclose it.

Plus if she says it's fine... It's fine.

"I am... part of an---" he paused, turning to Wanda

"Just say it instead. It's too much of a hassle to explain"

"Well..." She cleared her throat and smiles at Marie

"There's an organization that runs the world---"

"The world? You mean---"

"Everything— every economy, culture, sector of life. We have control over literally everything... Well, except some special things" She looked at Trent.

"Like digital immortality... And we should do well to not talk about this anywhere else. Ever"

I wasn't thinking of telling you guys. The situation just demanded it.

"An organization bigger than every other" Anton muttered

"Yes. And one your father, Morlov Sanchez has been so brave to cross"

"He probably doesn't know the depth and thinks it's shallow since I got accepted" Trent chuckled.

I wouldn't have been considered for the sixth seat if I was not a piece he planned to move. What a grandfather...

Cunning old Man.

"Now that doesn't explain---"

"For efficiency in control, we divided the world into six domains ruled by Lords in a position known as the high seat"

"Is my... Is Morlov one of these lords?"

"He wished..." Trent scoffed.

"He's a bottom feeder. All except the Lords are... expendables"

"That's how power is preserved" Wanda cut in.

"And... I'm assuming you're one of these Lords, Twerp?" Anton looked at him.

"...Yes"

Marie stared at him for a while.

A Lord of the organization that controls the world?

How many more surprises is he going to dish out in less than a year?

And that family history...

He'd be the world's biggest Nepo baby if the families conditions were alright.

"...What are the authorities of these Lords. It's got---"

"It's just as it suggests" Trent cut in

"Total control over all sectors without interfering in Politics"

"But... If you're the Lord, doesn't that mean you can? It's absurd that---"

"It's a tradition and oath that we started with. When the group was created, the Emperor made the founder swear to her Star that she won't interfere"

"But gave control of everything else?"

"Doesn't mean we've not evolved" Wanda chuckled

Of course. Trent leaned his back against the chair.

The Emperor that holds a part of the oath and the Head of the group is the same person.

A very efficient fix.

"...So that's how you were able to transfer her father with just a call"

"Transfer who?" Anton asked.

"A friend's father— he's sick and Owena Hospital is the only place that can treat him"

Anton blinked.

Owena Hospital?

"That's the extent that a Lord's power can reach" Trent laughed softly

"And much more. There's an oath, but it doesn't stop you from supporting your own factions in the country into positions"

"So basically... It's total control" Marie leaned forward.

"Exactly" Wanda smiled, "Now that's enough for small talks... Let's eat"

Anton looked at Trent for a while.

This little twerp has grown to become one of these Lords?

"You still haven't transferred the money, Twerp..." He chuckled, picking the fork.

"They're curious"

"I'll do that as soon as we leave this place. Send me your account number"

"Nope... Use your Lord abilities to sort it out" He laughed, stabbing the steak.

Marie just stared at them.

If he's a Lord... One that surpasses that old Man... So his words about getting her revenge---

"What's up?" Trent looked at her

"N–Nothing" she stuttered, picking the table knife.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you about it when I told you those things. It was---"

"It's alright. You were just---"

"Excuse me" Trent interrupted, taking his phone out as it rang— Rosa Theron?

"Good evening, Rosa... Is there---"

"We've got a problem"