Chapter 19 Evan's Masterplan
Chapter 19 Evan's Masterplan
?In reality, Evan's true destination was Planet Avalon, but he had intentionally misled Havelock as a test. If Havelock reported their false destination to the minor families, they would undoubtedly send someone after them, as they would not miss an opportunity to eliminate the Crown Prince and his most trusted subordinate, who was gaining fame and power in the empire recently. It would be easier than attempting to strip him of his position, especially since his true potential was yet to be discovered. As a result of their insecurities, they would not willingly relinquish this chance.
If anyone suspicious appeared on Planet Emerald, that would serve as Evan's cue to discard a pawn such as Havelock. What he required was a person that was willing to turn over a new leaf, a capable ally, not someone so desperate to dispose of him that they would even sacrifice themselves in the process.
Lirian responded quickly and respectfully, "Yes, Your Highness. Shall I also prepare the necessary equipment and provisions?"
Evan nodded, confirming his request. "Yes, please do."
The Captain of the Phantom Regiment bowed and promptly left to complete his assigned task.
After watching Lirian depart the room, Evan turned to Havelock and instructed him sternly, "Under no circumstances are you to reveal my absence to anyone, especially not the minor families. If they somehow discover my whereabouts, you will be the first to be suspected."
Havelock bowed respectfully and replied, "I would not dare, Your Highness."
Evan dismissed him with a curt nod, "Very well. You may leave now."
Havelock promptly exited the room.
Evan Frost then proceeded to copy the file from the voice recorder onto another device, which he handed to Edmund. "If anything were to happen to me, please give this to my father."
Edmund offered to serve as Evan's escort, but he declined, saying, "No, I want you to remain behind and keep a watchful eye on Havelock and the minor families. If you detect anything suspicious, report it to my father."
While Magnus and the Grand General were not excessively distrustful of the minor families, Magnus had already grown wary of their intentions towards his son. Unfortunately, he lacked the necessary proof to prosecute them.
Evan recognized that if Havelock were to betray him and the worst should happen, his father would have the evidence required to hold the minor families accountable.
'How can someone so young be so scheming?'
Edmund couldn't help but wonder how someone as astute as Evan could be just 16 years old. His mind was a labyrinth of cunning schemes and intricate plans. How did he acquire such sharp intuition at such a young age?
Exiting the room and shutting the door behind him, Edmund's figure disappeared in a flurry of wind.
In a split second, he ascended to the highest vantage point in the Frost Clan, from where he overlooked everything with a bird's-eye view.
The manor of the main family, the palaces of their members, the splendid halls of the elders, the courtyards of the minor families, and the vast grounds of the Frost Clan were all visible to him, each detail crystal clear in his eyes.
p?nd?`no??1--?o? He could also hear each word spoken by those in this massive territory!
The power of a Phantom Lord was on full display!
Ring~Ring~Ring!
Evan's communicator let out a series of high-pitched chimes, drawing his attention to the device.
He picked it up and immediately recognized the caller ID; it was Lirian, the captain of the phantom regiment, one of his most trusted allies.
The communicator was a sleek device that allowed citizens of the Sun Moon Empire to communicate across long and short distances with ease.
As soon as he answered the call, Lirian cut straight to the chase. "You don't intend to go to Planet Emerald, do you?"
Evan raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"What makes you think so?" he asked, curious to hear Lirian's reasoning.
"Well, Your Highness," Lirian said with a hint of exasperation in his voice, "after the last time someone tried to off you, you became tighter-lipped than a clam in a sandstorm. You're about as likely to divulge your whereabouts to a stranger as a cat is to give up chasing mice. Unless, of course, that eunuch has cast some sort of spell on you that makes him more valuable to you than your life!" Lirian said, his tone indicating his frustration.
Evan could tell that Lirian had just rolled his eyes, even though he couldn't see him.
Evan chuckled, "Ha! You know me better than I expected. I was going to tell you to cancel the tickets to Planet Emerald if you've brought them. But I guess that's not needed anymore."
"Your Highness, I've had the privilege of knowing you since you were a child. Your character is no mystery to me," Lirian said respectfully.
"You can drop the honorifics," Evan said tersely.
"Okay, Frostbite," Lirian said, the teasing edge returning to his voice. "So, what's the real plan?"
"Meet me at the rendezvous point," Evan said, his tone clipped and serious. His nerves were starting to get the better of him as he thought about the dangerous mission ahead. He needed Lirian's help. "I'll explain everything there."
Evan swiftly ended the call and exhaled deeply, his mind still racing with adrenaline.
He was in his room, a space he had made his own, with books littering the walls and a king-sized bed dominating the center.
Without hesitation, he strode towards the bed and began pushing it aside, revealing a small, circular spot on the wall.
Evan's fingers deftly brushed over the spot, and he pressed down with a firm, deliberate touch. With a barely audible whirring sound, the spot receded, revealing a hidden mechanism beneath.
His heart pounded with anticipation as he flicked the switch, and the wall obediently parted ways to reveal a concealed door. The mechanism hadn't undergone maintenance in a long time, but it was still working! Thank god!
The door was an unremarkable slab of metal, but as Evan placed his hand on the cold surface, it slid open noiselessly, revealing a dimly lit tunnel beyond.
The walls of the tunnel were lined with luminescent stones that illuminated the darkness inside in an eerie, greenish light.
He entered it fearlessly.