The Impact of the Author’s Intervention on a Blank Page - Chapter 57

“Your Highness.”

As Ezekiel turned to leave, Raijin drew closer, almost pressing against him. While Ezekiel froze in place, startled, Raijin spoke in a soft, flowing voice.

“I will speak to my brother about the Litrel matter.”

Ezekiel stood silently for a moment before nodding. He’s still able to speak so innocently and kindly because he doesn’t know that his “brother,” the Grand Duke, might be using him. The Crown Prince’s tone carried unmistakable trust and affection for his brother. Unfortunately.

When Ezekiel first approached Raijin, he had merely viewed him as a chess piece. He had only thought as far as creating discord between Raijin and the Grand Duke and spiriting him away, without deeply considering Raijin’s treatment or future.

But things are different now. Whether from reading many books in bed, Raijin was unexpectedly good at conversation and gave sensible advice. Even if the Grand Duke’s house were to fall, it would be wonderful to keep Raijin close as a friend and support him—assuming they both managed to survive, of course.

“Then, until next time.”

Ezekiel met Raijin’s eyes as he received the farewell. Then his gaze shifted to see the Grand Duke descending the lobby stairs.

Ezekiel’s lips parted belatedly.

“Until we meet again, Grand Duke.”

“Yes, please take care on your way back. I apologize for any discourtesy in not being able to spare more time due to urgent business.”

Ezekiel bowed his head with a smile at the Grand Duke’s words. As expected, his attitude still seemed disapproving of Ezekiel.

‘To think of persuading such a Grand Duke… And he spoke so confidently about it too. Indeed…’

He turned and stepped onto the white snow. A crunching sound echoed in the quiet space. Climbing into his carriage, he took in one last view through the window of the silent, massive mansion. Isolated among the snow-covered trees and fields, the Grand Duke’s residence seemed impenetrable, as if it would neither easily let anyone out nor in.

The Grand Duke, who had been standing to see off the uninvited guest, wrapped an arm around his brother’s waist and disappeared inside, shielding Raijin with his own body. It was as if he were protecting Raijin from the cold—or perhaps from other things. The doors of the Grand Duke’s residence, located a short distance from downtown Altria, closed firmly. The snow absorbed all sound, and the closing of the heavy doors was barely audible.

With a gentle “hya,” the gold-trimmed carriage smoothly began its journey. Soon, it would arrive at the heart of the capital.

Ezekiel decided to trust Raijin. If it worked out, it would be remarkable, but if it didn’t, it wouldn’t be too surprising in their current situation.

Either way, things would ultimately go according to his plan. Ezekiel was confident in the transcontinental railway project he supported—for better or worse.

It wasn’t baseless confidence. Before returning from death, he had successfully attracted various investors to this project with these same proposals and materials.

Although Raijin had pointed out several flaws, such weaknesses didn’t necessarily lead to failed investments. People were easily swept up in promises of a bright future, after all. The project had already received attention from countless nobles, gentry, and wealthy individuals at the exhibition.

But there was a separate reason why he kept clinging to the stern-faced Grand Duke’s coattails, passing over all those other eager hands.

Ezekiel touched his neck, remembering his own death that he had witnessed once before. His head, brutally severed, rolling on the ground. That face he saw in his final moments. He knew it wasn’t just a dream or illusion. Time had turned back.

To prevent that future, he needed to weaken the support base of the first successor. He didn’t aspire to become Emperor himself. He merely wished to prevent that future.

The Similton Company project he proposed to the Grand Duke was a trap.

In the return time, in that past future, the railway using Litrel that he had supported and promoted had failed catastrophically. Silveron and several small cities and wealthy individuals who had invested at his recommendation had been driven to the brink of bankruptcy… When war followed, a global economic depression had struck.

So this time, he would use it as a blade to attack others. If he could persuade only the Grand Duke to invest in this project, the Duke would suffer massive losses.

Simultaneously, by drawing away Crown Prince Raijin, he would prevent the future where the Grand Duke seized the Dark Dragon Alcohol. Though he had spoken to the Crown Prince as if he could kill those who threatened his life, Ezekiel didn’t believe Raijin could actually deal with the Grand Duke.

But by stripping away money and power this way, the first successor’s strength would naturally weaken.

Ezekiel silently watched the brilliant holographic projection again. A fast and massive transportation system connecting the entire continent. An iron horse making beautiful sounds. Once, he had thought he wouldn’t mind abandoning his position as prince if only this project succeeded.

To think he now had to use something he had loved so dearly as both shield and dagger for survival.

But…