What? I Actually Reincarnated As Stepping Stone In Another World?

Chapter 167 Pretense And Word Play

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"Would you be interested in collaborating with me?" Diargan peered deeply into Arthur's eyes, and Arthur, fully expecting this question, offered a faint smile in return.

"Oh? Collaboration? Is there a specific endeavor you have in mind, Prime Minister?" Arthur, taking a sip of his tea, feigned curiosity, eager to hear what Diargan had to say.

Arthur had anticipated that Diargan would eventually broach the topic of cooperation.

While he enjoyed toying with Diargan, he was also genuinely interested in the ideas this self-proclaimed genius might bring to the table.

Upon seeing Arthur's apparent interest, Diargan's eyes gleamed, and he theatrically opened his fan with an air of mystery.

"Patience, Your Highness Arthur. Before delving into the heart of our potential collaboration, I have a question to pose." His enigmatic words amused Arthur internally.

"Still playing the enigmatic act?" Arthur cursed inwardly.

Nonetheless, he maintained a serious outward demeanor, aiming to convince Diargan of his genuine interest.

"Go on," Arthur said, reclining further into the sofa and crossing his arms, signaling that he was prepared for a serious discussion this time.

Upon seeing this, Diargan nodded, satisfied that Arthur appeared serious and genuinely interested.

Arthur's demeanor embodied the fundamental science of respecting others who wished to ask questions or engage in conversation.

"Well, Your Highness," Diargan began, "I would like to inquire about your relationship with Emperor Alex. Are there any undisclosed disagreements or conflicts between you two?" Diargan framed his question politely to avoid giving any hint of his intention to exploit any enmity between Arthur and Emperor Alex.

Upon hearing this, Arthur's face remained as serene as ever as he fixed his gaze on Diargan.

Diargan was a master at concealing his true intentions within his words.

Arthur, naturally, understood Diargan's motive—to leverage his own high status to sow discord with Emperor Alex.

In this game, Diargan was the fisherman casting his net.

But was Arthur naive enough to be ensnared in this web of manipulation?

Not only Arthur, but even Emperor Alex couldn't possibly be ensnared in Diargan's scheme.

Diargan was undoubtedly a genius, but he possessed a naive belief that the world revolved around him, much like the novel's protagonist, Abel.

He remained completely unaware that every move he made might have been anticipated by Emperor Alex.

By merely waiting for Diargan to take the bait, Emperor Alex might find a legitimate reason to eliminate him.

It wasn't that Emperor Alex wouldn't dare execute him at this moment.

Still, the massacre of ministers during Emperor Alex's ascension to the throne had earned him the ominous nickname Bloody Emperor. 

Given the current state of war in the empire, Emperor Alex wouldn't do anything to jeopardize the empire or incite panic among the people.

However, what if it were Diargan who ended up getting himself killed?

This, of course, presented a different scenario, as Emperor Alex had ample reason to dispose of Diargan, who continually interfered with his power.

Arthur took a deep breath and gave Diargan a meaningful look.

"What do you mean, Prime Minister Diargan? Conflict? How could I have a conflict with the Emperor, who is also my future father-in-law?" Arthur rubbed his head in embarrassment, and his expression appeared to be misinterpreted by Diargan.

"Please, Your Highness Arthur, let's not resort to falsehoods. I am aware that Duke David and the Emperor don't always seem to get along, and as the heir to the Asvold family, it's unlikely that you have no involvement in this, right?" Diargan's words were akin to hypnotic suggestions aimed at sowing discord between Arthur and Emperor Alex.

The audacity with which Diargan mentioned his father's name, David Asvold, as a catalyst for enmity between Arthur and Emperor Alex was indeed bold, and Arthur admired the cleverness in his words.

"What do you mean, Prime Minister?" Arthur feigned a frown as if he didn't fully understand.

Diargan immediately noticed this and felt a sense of triumph, realizing that Arthur had taken the bait.

With an enigmatic and persuasive demeanor, Diargan continued to gaze meaningfully at Arthur.

"Well, to explain, Emperor Alex has had ongoing issues and conflicts with Duke David Asvold. From what I've gathered, their relationship has been strained for quite some time. I'm concerned that this conflict might extend to you, Your Highness. I want to ensure that you haven't been mistreated by the Emperor without anyone knowing." Diargan's explanation was well-structured, leaving no room for loopholes, making it particularly effective for influencing others.

Arthur furrowed his brow slightly and lowered his head, appearing deep in thought.

However, inside, he was suppressing laughter, struggling to keep it contained.

"This person... I'm not sure how to react," Arthur thought to himself, gradually altering his expression as he looked at Diargan.

"Hey, have I truly become so transparent?" Arthur feigned a heavy sigh and finally conceded in front of Diargan.

Seeing this, a triumphant smile spread across Diargan's face.

"Of course, Your Highness, everything is crystal clear. I've approached you this time to propose cooperation!" Diargan's excitement was evident as he realized that Arthur was falling into his trap.

With the Asvold family's support, he felt even more confident about overthrowing the Balka Empire and realizing his ambitious empire-building goals.

Arthur, observing the change in Diargan's demeanor, couldn't help but smile slightly and cast a sarcastic glance at him.

"So, Prime Minister, how would you suggest I address my issue with Emperor Balka?" Arthur shifted his sitting posture, resting his head in his palm as he inquired of Diargan.

Upon hearing this, Diargan's expression immediately shifted, and he fixed his gaze on Arthur.

"Address it? How can it be addressed, Your Highness?" Diargan's words left Arthur visibly taken aback, his expression marked by a mix of confusion and panic.

"You mean there's no way to resolve the conflict with him? Then what should I do?" Arthur's perplexed and anxious demeanor played right into Diargan's hands.

It was as if Arthur were seeking advice, aligning perfectly with Diargan's original plan to enlist the Asvold family's support in overthrowing the imperial family.

And as the future heir and leader of the Asvold family, Arthur undoubtedly had the potential to aid him.

Diargan recognized that now was the ideal moment to gain control.

Arthur, being young and impressionable, was susceptible to manipulation.

Despite rumors of Arthur's remarkable leadership in the southern region as David Asvold's successor, Diargan remained convinced that David's influence was at play behind the scenes.

With a solemn expression, Diargan took a deep breath and focused his attention on Arthur.

"How to address it? That is precisely what we shall discuss..."