As I sit before Klein, watching his friendly smile and observing his pristine tone, I can't help but wonder if I should bring up the Potion Dependency Syndrome matter with him.

This man is dying.

However, what exactly am I supposed to say to him?

Right now, I have no solution to his problem, and there's no way I can convince him to stop.

In fact, he can't stop… not anymore.

'If he stops now, the symptoms will only worsen, as his body will go into withdrawals and his life as we know it will officially be over. Ironically, the only things sustaining him are the same things that are killing him—the Potions.' I sigh to myself, feeling a tinge of anguish in me.

Klein Mornantte has been a great teacher and friend.

I can't just watch this happen to him.

So what should I do?

Isn't it obvious?

I have to help him somehow!

'A Potion… that's right!' My eyes flash with hope as I stare at him. 'I need to brew a Potion to neutralize the effects of the other Potions and cleanse his body of the accumulated toxins.'

Unfortunately, I don't have such a recipe.

Potion Dependency Syndrome is such a major problem because there is no real cure.

Only long-term treatments are available, and the success rate depends on the kind of resources a person has access to, as well as the severity of the syndrome.

Klein must have been depending on these Potions for years now.

His matter is approaching the extreme case.

I reckon one would need to be on the level of a Count or Duke to be able to properly afford the treatment, which will last between one to three years. In that period, Klein will have to be quarantined and made to undergo a lot of therapy, while slowly being deprived of the Potions.

It will be an extremely hard journey for him.

But, even if he had the money and success was guaranteed… his life would practically be over once he emerged from the treatment.

Not only will his reputation be severely damaged, but his education will be stalled. In fact, he could lose his admission and licenses if this comes out. He would also have to forget about marrying Seraphina, as no family would want to hand their daughter off to a junkie.

Unless he were of a much higher status, he wouldn't be able to escape the scrutiny.

Sigh…

'This is why I need a Full Cleansing Potion to help wash away the impurities that have formed within him and corrupted his body. This will also reset his dependency level…' While thinking about this, my thoughts once again travel to the Royal Family.

This issue with Klein has only further increased the value I have placed on it.

At this point, I need it.

'Until then, I won't discuss this matter with either Seraphina or Klein. Please… hang in there, both of you, until I get back from my trip!'

***********

It took me some days—not up to a week—but I'm finally here…

… The Royal Palace.

Honestly, my memories associated with this place aren't the best. After all, I received Zarius's first letter here, and it was the beginning of the end for me.

Still, the grandiosity of the Royal Palace blows me away every time I see it.

To enter the Royal Palace, one often needs a Royal Seal, an appointment of some sort, or an invitation to an event being held inside. The last time I was here, I held an invitation to the Royal Banquet meant to celebrate the Kingdom's salvation from the Cadre 5 Magivore.

Now, although I have an appointment with the King, it isn't an officially sanctioned one.

But thanks to the third prince, I have been able to receive his Royal Seal.

Since he has come of age, this is one of his powers.

After showing this to the guards, they let me in, with one hurriedly informing the third prince of my arrival. Naturally, with the connections that the two other princes have in the Royal Palace, they are bound to know about this sooner or later.

But, oh well…

I'm done hesitating on the matter.

I choose Prince Claus—my arrival here has only solidified that stance.

*************

'Hmm?!'

Korrin, who was in his room when the message of Javier's visit arrived, now stares emptily at the ceiling. After not having received any kind of message from the latter for a while, he was beginning to worry about his support.

After all, he isn't blind to the fact that Javier has helped him greatly on this political journey.

This only made him more confident that he was the preferred candidate.

But—

'To think he used my younger brother's Royal Seal? Could this be—?'

With his bright golden hair fluttering, and his shimmering eyes show a hint of darkness within.

The sudden realization causes something to tighten in his chest.

'But why would he go for Claus? What did that little brat offer that moved him so much?' Korrin has always prided himself on being the most distinguished of his three brothers.

Not only is he more academically gifted, but he is also the most handsome of the three. He also has far more accomplishments under his belt, and his people skills are not inferior to his first brother's. His discernment is high, the same as his current level of influence, and the list goes on.

'Choosing Claus means making an enemy out of me. Why would he do this?'

Korrin is well aware that his father, the King, has placed some special kind of value on Javier.

But he isn't aware of the details.

If he were, maybe his reaction would be different.

But now, all he can feel is rage.

'You want to turn against me now? Well, let's see you try!' His eyes burn with determination as he clenches his fist in preparation for a political war.

At the very least, Javier didn't go for his older brother.

That would have been far more difficult for him to properly fight against.

But against Claus?

Hehe… It's simply too easy for Korrin Randalorion.

"Your highness, big news!" Another loyal servant of his rushes into his room, his eyes filled with shock and sweat showing all over his face.

"What's the matter, Mitchell?"

"I-It's your father, His Majesty… he just sent Sir Javier a private dinner invitation."

"What?!"

Korrin's eyes widen, and his body shudders.

Javier just arrived a few hours ago, and his father already intends to meet him?

What kind of situation is this?

'Is the value I placed on Javier lower than its actual worth?' Now, he can't help but rethink his earlier position, as worry begins to creep on him.

A private dinner with the King actually holds very deep meaning.

In fact, none of the three Princes has had a private dinner since they came of age, since that would mean the King had already chosen his heir. Only the most distinguished members of high society, like the Dukes, could gain such an honor, but more often than not, they would be invited to a Royal Banquet or a small dinner with the rest of the Royal Family.

Meeting the King alone, in a secluded location, is something that has only happened a few times in history, and only once or twice in the current King's tenure.

Who is this Javier Aditi?

How can he secure such a rare opportunity?

'If he tells my father about his support for Claus in such a meeting, things will go very badly for me!' Korrin suddenly realizes, feeling a horrible chill rush through his body.

'I could be finished!'

************

It happened sooner than expected, but I am currently in the presence of the King, and we're having a private dinner—as scheduled.

The night sky appears serene, painted elegantly with numerous stars that burn brilliantly in the cool tapestry of darkness. I gaze at the moon, and it stares back, enrapturing me with its milky complexion and grand opulence.

The garden is quiet, filled with all manner of ornaments, as well as glass ceilings and walls that shimmer like rare gems.

Such elegance and beauty still pale in comparison to the wonders of nature.

Artificial charm is unable to trump worldly glory.

The majesty of the King suddenly seems less magnified when compared to the celestial bodies.

I no longer feel an ounce of pressure as I sit before him.

It's almost like we are equals.

No…

That's not quite the case.

Considering how he hastily set this up and granted me the privilege that not even his sons can boast of, it's certain how he views me in high esteem.

Not as an equal—but perhaps as a superior.

'But there's no need to rush things. First, let's see what he has going on in his mind…' As I take a sip of my wine, I cast a knowing gaze at King Claudius Randalorion and wait.

"J-Javier, is the dinner to your liking?" He asks gently, his tone showing mild hesitation as he fumbles with his words for a moment.

He is likely contemplating whether or not to use honorifics when addressing me.

I can understand him.

Choosing honorifics will automatically determine the superior one between us. While he has nothing to lose, since this is a private event between us, and all the guards have been excused, it is still a risky decision that will place him at a disadvantage.

This is a proud King.

Naturally, he won't want to face degradation unless absolutely necessary.

Which is why the option of withholding honorifics until he no longer has a choice exists.

In the end, it looks like he went with the latter.

"It is. I am enjoying myself quite well…." I don't add honorifics as well, showing him that I not only understand his thought process, but I do not fear or respect him to the point of using tedious words like "Your Majesty" when addressing him.

Such is the disposition of a man with great, unfathomable power.

—A Leviathan!

'From what I understand, the King isn't too sure about my Leviathan status. If he were, he wouldn't be showing this much hesitation. Still, he can't afford to offend me if I am one, which is why he decided to organize this dinner. Since I have managed to get an audience with the King, I might as well use this to my advantage.' Right as I think of this, I notice the King's lips curl up to form a rubbery smile.

"And what about the Academy? Blake will be retiring soon, and I hear a young lad by the name of Klaus Gerondester wants to take his place. What do you think about it?"

'This guy…' I can't help but sigh. 'Is this yet another trick? He clearly knows I don't want Klaus to become Head, and he can certainly do something about it. He's trying to express his willingness to help, even saying it so casually, so I know that he means well for me.'

But it's too late now.

The King has already given himself away too much.

I already know I have more leverage, and as long as I am a Leviathan… there really is no need for petty schemes and testing any waters.

I can simply take what I want, no questions asked.

"Let's not beat around the bush any longer…" I sigh, staring at him plainly. "Yes, I am a Leviathan. You must be aware that Zarius was one as well, and I killed him, putting an end to the horrid plans he had for the Kingdom."

King Claudius's eyes widen considerably, but he tries to contain his emotions.

"I-I see…" He mumbles softly, his gaze now showing a different kind of emotion—caution bordering the realm of reverence.

But before he can fully accept my claims, he needs proof.

"You're currently putting on an A Grade Armament, aren't you? A Defensive Armament… are you thinking I'll attack you or something?"

"W-what? No… no! I can explain—!"

"This hall also has a few Armaments within it, and they are located here, here, and here. There's also that Potion you're keeping awfully close to you, but it's sealed and stored in a non-transparent jar, so the trace elements cannot be seen…"

Without pausing for a moment, I completely expose all of the King's arrangements, precautions he must have taken for his safety, no doubt.

After hearing all I have to say, the man appears incredibly stunned, unable to form words.

But… I am not done.

Using Tracing, I vanish from my position and appear right behind him.

"You must have had your suspicions for a while now, and I let you think whatever you wanted because I was curious about what you would do. But… my patience has run out." I sigh, staring at the man's trembling back.

To be honest, I am mostly bluffing.

Right now, I can only use Tracing, and if I wish to switch to another Conception, I'll have to wait for an hour. That's far too inconvenient.

The reason I chose Tracing is simple—to escape, if necessary!

This is, after all, a gamble.

I can't be too certain of how this night goes, but if it turns out my way, then all the risks would be worth it.

'Should I touch his shoulder to add a bit more pressure? But… ah, what if the A Grade Armament activates and I am blown away or something? I'd better keep my hands off and be careful… just in case…' My lips curl up in silent worry as I maintain my air of impudence.

"I… apologize…" King Claudius slowly lowers his head, his shoulders slumping powerlessly as he trembles in my presence.

I watch in silence, letting his imagination do the work for me.

It's better he arrives at his own conclusion, saving me the stress of explanation.

"I-Is your visit related to what happened to the Thornvale Estate?" He asks with a trembling voice, to which I chuckle.

He's pretty much indirectly asking me if I was the one responsible for that destruction.

"Oh, that…" I snicker, showing no remorse at all. "The Count offended me. He colluded with Zarius in the past, so I decided to deal with him. You don't have to worry about the same judgment falling on you."

In a flash, I reappear in my seat, taking another sip of my wine.

Now, I cast my gaze on the King's ashen face and bask in the sheer terror displayed on it.

'Success!' My inner grin widens.

The gamble paid off.

It was the right choice to behave tyrannically and flex my power—acting like a true Leviathan.

After all, what is power if one doesn't use it?

"I-I understand…" The King mumbles softly, before slowly raising his eyes to cast a more respectful and submissive gaze towards me.

"S-so what is the cause of your visit today, Sir Javier…?"

I smile.

'Now that's more like it.'

"Two things." I raise two fingers and offer the king a bright smile. "One is to express my support for Claus as the next king, and the other is to have access to your hidden records on Leviathans."

Right now, there's no need to rely on schemes or petty tricks.

Power trumps all in the end.

The King's will to resist has been squashed, and my identity as a Leviathan has bought me all the authority I need to act. As long as I do not ask for anything too unreasonable, I doubt I will be met with any kind of resistance.

Hehe…

I'm beginning to enjoy this quite a bit.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.