The Sinful Young Master

Chapter 342: Imperial Prince

Meanwhile, in the Imperial Capital, word of Baron Jolthar’s approach had spread through the corridors of power like wildfire. Even though he wasn’t officially given the title of Baron, he was already called the Baron, and Cleora was his Baroness.

The transformation of the Tekkora was one for the books, which goes down in history as the fastest and greatest trade city to exist in the annals of the empire.

So, people have become aware of the couple who made it possible. Upper class, officials, and even the imperial children, too.

In a corner of the city, one such group was present and was having a meeting in a large building.

In a richly appointed chamber overlooking the grand plaza, two men sat in quiet conversation, their voices low but their intentions clear.

The first was a man of considerable wealth, his fine clothing and soft hands speaking of a life spent in comfort rather than labour.

Duke Hernais Rothgard had built his fortune through careful investments and even more careful political maneuvering.

Now, at fifty-five, he commanded respect through gold rather than sword, and his influence reached into every corner of the imperial bureaucracy.

Across from him sat Richardus, the Finance Minister, a thin man with sharp features and a sharper intellect. His gray robes were plain but expensive, and his fingers were stained with ink from years of calculations and correspondence.

Between them stood Alden, a younger man whose unremarkable appearance made him perfect for the delicate work of arranging meetings that officially never happened.

He was the reason for making this meeting possible.

Hernais and Richardus were introduced to each other by Alden a few days back, and their agenda was being a single person.

"The young baron arrives with his mature paramour," Hernais said quietly, swirling wine in his crystal goblet.

"A very...daring youth."

Richardus nodded slowly. "Daringness can be a road to peril."

"How delightful would that be, seeing them perish in peril before my eyes," Hernais said.

Richardus smiled. "I am sure there are a lot of enemies of Lady Cleora, as she has rejected many suitable candidates and chosen a foolish young man."

"And if certain financial irregularities were to come to light during her visit?" Hernais’s smile was cold. "Documents that might suggest mismanagement of her holdings, perhaps even... embezzlement of taxes?"

"Such things have been known to happen," Richardus agreed.

"Especially when proper procedures aren’t followed, when records go missing or become... confused."

Alden shifted slightly, uncomfortable with the direction of their conversation but bound by gold and secrets to remain silent. He had arranged this meeting, as he had arranged many others, but he sometimes wondered if his soul would survive the work he did.

"See that it’s done," Hernais said finally.

"The young baron may survive court politics, but his lover’s reputation must not."

-

In another part of the capital, Prince Milan received the news of Jolthar’s approach with considerably more pleasure.

The prince was a man in his twenties, with the kind of presence that commanded attention without effort. His dark hair was touched at the temples, and his blue eyes held intelligence tempered by genuine warmth.

Beside him stood Arvant, his most trusted advisor, a man whose loyalty had been earned through years of shared trials.

"Why is he coming here?" Milan asked, looking out the tall windows of his chambers at the snow-covered city below.

"Do you know anything about this?"

"I think it’s regarding the barony issue," Arvant replied.

"Then it must be the finance minister who made the summons in the name of imperial majesty."

Milan smiled.

"I remember him the last time I met him in the barony. He is a strong person of character."

"There are whispers already," Arvant warned.

"Not everyone is pleased by their arrival. Some see opportunity in young nobility; others see threat."

The prince’s expression grew more serious.

"Then we must ensure they receive proper protection. Arrange for them to be invited to my private dinner as soon as they arrive. Let it be known that they have my interest and, by extension, my protection."

As night settled over the empire’s capital, wheels were already turning, plans were being set in motion, and the arrival of a young baron and his mature lover had begun to shift the delicate balance of court politics.

Far away, four travellers continued their journey through the winter landscape, unaware of how eagerly—and dangerously—they were awaited.

***

The carriage rolled steadily along the imperial road, its wheels finding purchase on a gravel path that had been cleared of the worst snow.

As they travelled toward the capital, the harsh frost gradually gave way to merely cold roads, though the winter air still bit at exposed skin with sharp teeth. The landscape around them shifted from the familiar forests of home to rolling hills dotted with bare trees and the occasional farmstead sending up thin streams of smoke from stone chimneys.

When the sun began its descent toward the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and gold, their small party made camp in a sheltered grove beside the road.

Marcus, their experienced coachman, tended to the horses, rubbing them down and ensuring they had adequate feed and water for the night.

A fire was built, and camp chairs were arranged around its warmth.

"I’ll hunt for fresh meat," Jolthar announced, checking the hunting bow he had brought for just such occasions.

"The dried provisions will keep, but a hot meal would serve us all better."

Cleora nodded as she sat before the fire.

Gunter watched him and Cleora, a smile playing on his lips.

Jolthar disappeared into the darkening woods, leaving the others around the fire.

Raayani, who had been unusually quiet during the day’s travel, excused herself shortly after, claiming she wanted to relieve herself.

This left Cleora and Gunter alone by the flames, the crackling fire casting dancing shadows across their faces. He smiled as he looked around and then moved towards her.

Gunter saw his opportunity and took it.