The Miserable Spy

Perhaps it was already a habit, but the fact that Crown Prince Terry's lifespan was longer Behemoth Emperor did not cause much of a stir on the Aslant Continent.

Many even suspect that if Behemoth Emperor continues to appoint his youngest son as crown prince, he might once again break the record for outliving his crown prince.

Throughout the history of all races on the Aslant Continent, there are few monarchs as long-lived as the Behemoth Emperor. In particular, outliving four successive crown princes is truly unprecedented.

Some outsiders suspect that the Behemoth Emperor is cursed, destined to suffer the constant pain of losing his children. Casinos have even opened betting odds on whether the next crown prince or the Behemoth Emperor will die first.

Keep in mind that the fifth crown prince has not yet been decided.

Behemoth Emperor was wise and brilliant, and his four sons inherited his wisdom and prowess, each a talented individual. However, his youngest son, Alex, suffered a trauma in his youth and subsequently became degenerate, indulging in a life of debauchery.

Such a person is clearly unsuitable to be the crown prince of the Behemoth Imperial Court. On the contrary, his grandchildren are several outstanding talents who are more suitable to inherit the Behemoth Imperial Court.

The selection of the crown prince was also a subject of much debate within the Behemoth Imperial Court. However, Great Emperor Behemoth had just experienced the grief of losing his son, and no one dared to bring up this sensitive topic for the time being.

The entire Orc Empire was thrown into turmoil by the succession crisis in the Behemoth Imperial Court. The Great Emperor Behemoth, still grieving the loss of his son, finally couldn't resist taking his anger out on his son.

For a time, the Beastfolk nobles attending the celebration banquet were filled with unease, especially the unfortunate fellow who was drinking with Crown Prince Terry, who felt as if he were standing on the edge of an abyss.

By the God of Beasts, if they had known that a few cups of wine could take away the Crown Prince, they would never have gone up to try and get close to him.

Unfortunately, these weak explanations were meaningless. The aged Great Emperor Behemoth was like a capricious child, relentlessly targeting these unfortunate souls and constantly finding fault with them.

Once he has a handle on the matter, he will strike swiftly and decisively. Even if the other four imperial courts try to stop him, they cannot deter the Great Emperor Behemoth's determination for revenge.

Having deeply felt the Great Emperor Behemoth's "deep love for his son," the entire Orc Empire dared not utter another word about the succession to the Behemoth Imperial Court.

Upon receiving news of Great Emperor Behemoth's second son's death at the Emerald Palace, Caesar III felt no more backache or leg pain, and even ate an extra large bowl of food at dinner.

If it weren't for his good manners and ability to control his emotions, he probably would have already started a celebration banquet.

"Terry, that little bastard is dead. That old codger only has Alex's last son left."

However, this guy's reputation for womanizing was widespread. It was said that his mansion was filled with female slaves from all races on the continent, and he even took advantage of succubi from the abyss, indulging in revelry day and night.

The only contribution of the Behemoth Clan was to prove which races the Behemoths could interbreed with to produce offspring, thus creating more than three hundred bizarre grandchildren for that old geezer.

Do you think this guy has a chance of being made crown prince?

"Caesar III said with great interest."

It's clear from the expectation in his words that he truly hopes Alex can become the new Behemoth Emperor.

After all, we're good neighbors. Under the guiding principle of "if you're strong, I'm weak," everyone wishes the other dead, so why would anyone expect the other to be happy?

"Your Majesty, I'm afraid it will be difficult. Compared to Prince Alex's depravity, there are many talented people among Behemoth Emperor's grandsons who are more suitable to be the crown prince."

Although this youngest son was once Behemoth Emperor's most beloved son, in the last hundred years or so, he has become unambitious and spent his days indulging in pleasure, which has greatly disappointed Behemoth Emperor.

As an emperor, the Behemoth Emperor must consider the continuation of the Behemoth Clan. At this juncture, forcibly establishing Prince Alex as crown prince would be irresponsible towards the Behemoth Clan.

After all, the Orc Empire's succession system is different from ours. Each Orc Emperor has been chosen from among the most powerful members of his family, so even if Alex is designated as crown prince, he will likely face a difficult path to inheriting the throne.

Perhaps knowing this, Prince Alex repeatedly stated in public that he had no interest in the position of heir apparent shortly after the death of Crown Prince Terry.

Behemoth Emperor truly loved his son dearly, he would have granted Prince Alex's wish, instead of forcibly placing him in the hot seat of crown prince.

Duke Affierro analyzed.

As the Minister of Military Affairs of the Alpha Kingdom, he possessed the deepest understanding of the Orc Empire. While the Behemoth Clan was powerful, the other Four Great Royal Clans were not to be underestimated.

Faced with the powerful Great Emperor Behemoth, the Four Great Royal Clans could only stand aside. If it were Alex, the playboy, instead, the situation would be very different.

If you dig a few pits for him to fall into, the Behemoth Clan's advantage will be quickly depleted, and it will be almost impossible for them to maintain their current interests.

"Your Majesty, Duke Affierro was referring to was only a rational state. However, the aged Great Emperor Behemoth seems to be less rational now."

Crown Prince Terry died of natural causes, and for a Behemoth to live to 257 is considered a long life. After all, not all Behemoths can live as long as the Behemoth Emperor.

However, the Behemoth Emperor did not see it that way. He blamed the death of Crown Prince Terry on innocent people and launched a purge within the Orc Empire.

Clearly, the elderly Behemoth Emperor had lost his mind due to the successive losses of his sons.

His next move might be driven more by emotion than reason. It's not impossible that he might forcefully appoint Prince Alex as crown prince.

Although this dissolute prince was unpopular within the Behemoth Clan, he was supported by other Beastfolk races.

Especially the other Four Great Royal Clans, who would probably try every means to put Alex on the throne. With so many supporters, Alex actually had the foundation to secure his position on the throne.

Until the final outcome of the game is known, anything is possible.

Personally, I believe Prince Alex has the highest probability of being named crown prince. He is not only the only surviving son of the Behemoth Emperor, but also the most ideal heir in the eyes of all the major powers.

The Duke Newfoundland countered.

Politics and military affairs are two different levels, and when human nature is added, things become even more complicated.

With two different opinions intertwined, each with its own reasons, neither could convince the other.

The ministers also continued to express their opinions. Although the conclusions were generally one of these two, their reasons were varied.

Some believe that the Behemoth Emperor, knowing his life was nearing its end, wanted to select an outstanding talent from among his grandsons to be made crown prince, in order to continue the glory of the Behemoth Clan.

Some believe that Behemoth Emperor's lifespan is not yet over, while Prince Alex, who spends his days indulging in pleasure, seems more likely to die young. Out of consideration for his sons, Behemoth Emperor will likely appoint Prince Alex as crown prince.

Since princes don't live as long as emperors and can't actually inherit the throne, it doesn't matter whether they have the ability to control the Behemoth Clan.

Some believe that the struggle for the Behemoth crown prince could trigger a civil war in the Orc Empire, and the Alpha Kingdom needs to be prepared to seize the opportunity to reclaim its lost territory.

With more people, there were more opinions. A jumble of suggestions came together, each with its own seemingly valid reasons, leaving Caesar III feeling utterly overwhelmed.

Fortunately, the Alpha Kingdom has a well-established succession system. From the moment of birth, the order of succession to the throne is determined, and changes are rare.

If, like in the Orc Empire, there were no clear standards and any direct descendant of the royal family had a chance to rise to power, who knows what kind of chaos would ensue.

"Alright, no matter who from the Behemoth Clan comes to power in the end, we just need to support who is most beneficial to the Alpha Kingdom."

Although our stance has no impact on the Orc Empire, everyone should still express their opinions as they normally would.

"Caesar III."

This is a fact. As a hostile force, the Orc Empire has never needed to consider the Alpha Kingdom's position, and vice versa.

If you can't change the final outcome, then just do what's in your own best interest. Whether it succeeds or not is not important; it's just a matter of shouting a few times anyway.

Many other countries have made similar decisions, seemingly actively participating in international affairs, but in reality, they are just enjoying the spectacle.

The more turmoil the Orc Empire experiences internally, the more peaceful the Aslant Continent becomes. If the Beastfolk stop their internal strife, then a new round of Continental War is likely to begin soon.

Not only will humans be drawn into this, but races that have allied with the Orc Empire will also likely be affected.

Times have changed. The days when a single family could fight against the entire human world are long gone.

Humans are now the dominant species on the Aslant Continent, and only by joining forces can the various races hope to suppress this dominant species.

Fortunately, the nations of humanity are not monolithic; internal strife is no less intense than external conflict, which alleviates the pressure on each race.

Otherwise, under the pressure of survival, all races on the continent might join the Anti-Human Alliance launched by the Orc Empire.

"Xiandell, how's it going on your end? With Crown Prince Terry gone, this is the best opportunity to get close to the core of the Orc Empire's power."

"It's not as simple as you make it out to be. Alex is a hopeless case. No matter how much I try to persuade him, he has absolutely no interest in the position of crown prince."

If I could replace him, there would be no problem; I could immediately participate in the struggle for the crown prince position. Unfortunately, I am merely a favored concubine in the household, and I have no say in anyone else's affairs.

It was already comical enough that a servant dressed as a flower grower was standing next to a beautiful woman dressed in gorgeous clothes, but to make matters worse was that they were able to have a conversation in such a tone.

If this scene were to get out, two more corpses would surely be added to the prince's residence. Prince Alex may be a playboy, but that doesn't mean he's someone to be trifled with.

Countless ambitious people infiltrate the palace each year, but their fates rarely end well. After all, this prince is notoriously fickle. No matter how favored a concubine is, she rarely lasts more than three years.

It's impossible not to feel pressured when lurking in a place like this. Naturally, Xiandell didn't like the guy who was always urging her on.

"No matter what, we have to try. Compared to the Behemoth Emperor, Alex is the easiest to control."

Even if we can't control him, other Beastfolk royal families who want to challenge the Behemoth Clan's dominance will find ways to incite him to invade the south.

Handy said helplessly.

There was no other way; who would take on the arduous task of infiltrating the Orc Empire and instigating the Beastfolk invasion to the south?

Unlike the bloodline succession system of human countries, every change of the throne in the Orc Empire is accompanied by bloodshed and turmoil.

How could a ruler who emerges from internal strife be easily fooled?

Let alone fooling the other party, even trying to make contact is extremely difficult.

Left with no other choice, they had to select Prince Alex, who was riddled with weaknesses, as their entry point.

Unfortunately, although this person was approachable, he was truly a free spirit. His only goal in life was to eat, drink, and have fun.

The position of crown prince, which countless people yearn for but cannot attain, is a hot potato in his eyes, something he wishes he could throw far away.

"Stop daydreaming. Alex is a lazy bum. He spends his days in a drunken stupor. Given his physical condition, even if he gets the crown prince position, he'll most likely not outlive that Behemoth Emperor."

The last time Alex took us to the palace, that old geezer only glanced at it from afar, and it made my heart tremble.

"That old guy might have already secretly broken through to the Holy Domain. Given the lifespan of the Behemoth Clan, that old codger could still be alive even after another three hundred years."

"I can't help but complain, "Xiandell complained.

She had basically given up hope on the task assigned to her. If she weren't forced into this situation, she would have wanted to give up completely.

"Don't worry, we were prepared. This is the Water of Life, which we obtained from the Elven race. It has the power to repair the body and prolong life."

Alex's body is indeed ruined, but with the help of this drop of the Water of Life, he should be able to live for another ten or eight years.

If we still cannot inherit the throne by this deadline, our mission has already failed. What happens after that is none of our business.

Handy said bitterly.

As intelligence operatives, the worst thing is to have an unreliable boss who assigns a bunch of unrealistic tasks. Unfortunately, they ran into one.

Not only were unrealistic tasks assigned, but they were also the highest-level mandatory tasks. Rather than failing to complete them and facing severe punishment upon returning home, it would be better to simply slit one's own throat.

Although they were just one of many action groups, the Church's spies lurking in the Orc Empire were far more numerous than this one; some groups had even been infiltrating for generations. But this did not diminish the difficulty of the mission in the slightest.

Bribery, coercion, and enticement—these low-level tactics are only effective against the lower and middle classes. The true high Orc Empire is not threatened at all.

Even if you know the dark history of big shots, it's useless, because those guys at the top don't care about so-called ethics and morality at all.

If the Orc Empire were to launch a southern invasion in the near future, it would be the will of the powerful figures themselves, not something that a few lowly spies could decide on their behalf.

The true purpose of spies has always been intelligence gathering. In a world where bloodline determines status, the probability of a spy rising to a position of decision-making power is virtually zero.

Even if there are any counterattacks, they are lurking within the human kingdom, not in the Beastfolk kingdom where the races are different.

"The Water of Life, they're even willing to give up something as precious as that. It seems those guys up there are really going all out this time."

But even if we manage to get our hands on it, how can we guarantee that the other person doesn't already have it? They might have already used it, but we just don't know it.

After all, the hatred between the Orc Empire and the Elven race dates back thousands of years. With the passage of time, it has long since faded away.

"If those powerful figures were willing to pay the price, it wouldn't be impossible for them to obtain some Water of Life from the Elves, would it?"

Xiandell asked, puzzled.

While the Water of Life is rare, that's only true for ordinary people. If a powerful figure is willing to pay a hefty price, the Elves will still trade for it; otherwise, the Church wouldn't possess it.

"Don't worry. We couldn't be sure in the past, but in recent decades the elven race has stopped producing the Water of Life."

Neither the Grassland Elves, nor the wood elves, nor the Night Elves have reported any trading of the Water of Life.

What exactly happened remains unknown. In any case, the Water of Life has become extremely scarce, and even if the Behemoth Clan had some in their collection, it's highly likely that the Behemoth Emperor used it for himself.

Otherwise, how could he have survived until now, while previous crown princes all outlived him?

Handy said with a cold laugh.

This is also the most widely accepted view on the mainland. After all, Behemoth Emperor's lifespan far exceeded the normal level, so it's impossible that he didn't use life-extending treasures.

There aren't many things on the Aslant Continent that can extend lifespan, but the Water of Life is undoubtedly the most famous. Although it can't grant true immortality, it's still very promising to add several decades to one's life.

If it weren't for the fact that the elves were powerful enough, and that the World Tree could only nurture the Water of Life in the hands of the elves, it would probably have been looted long ago.

Even so, the Elven race still faced constant trouble. Almost every race, during their periods of power, had sought to cause them trouble.

Left with no other choice, they could only periodically trade the precious Water of Life with important figures from various races to reduce being spied on.

"That would be perfect, but getting the items upstairs is a hassle."

Although Alex may seem unambitious, the fact that he has been able to live a carefree and extravagant life for so many years suggests that he is not as incompetent as outsiders perceive him to be.

If the details aren't handled well, it's easy to arouse his suspicion. This guy seems like a romantic, but in reality, he's a heartless and ungrateful person.

Once he discovers my identity is suspicious, he will show absolutely no mercy. Even if I have rendered meritorious service by offering the Water of Life, it won't save our lives.

"I'm having a headache, "Xiandell said.

The reason she was able to thrive in the prince's residence as a concubine was because of her precise understanding of human nature. She knew exactly what kind of person her bedmate was.

Today's endless tenderness may turn into tomorrow's heartlessness. Every year, countless concubines are either bored with, banished to the cold palace, given away as gifts, or rewarded to subordinates.