After his routine conversation with his eldest son, Marquis Yuke turned and left, returning to his bedroom.
He had the guards seal off the door and forbid anyone from approaching, then activated a magical crystal ball used for communication.
"The Noble Faction and the Merchant Faction may be going to war."
"What role will the Yuke Family play in it?" A young woman's voice came from the other end.
"Even if I wanted to back down, that probably wouldn't be possible."
"Yes... so what exactly are you planning to do?" There was some concern in her voice.
Marquis Yuke sighed softly. "We'll take it one step at a time. In any case, two principles: first, do not stand against His Majesty; second, minimize the Yuke Family's losses as much as possible."
"It won't be that easy."
"I know. But this is all I can do." Marquis Yuke fell silent for a moment before adding, "Can I ask you for a favor?"
"Go ahead."
"My eldest son, Antonio, is a devout believer in the Noble Lady. If I die, he will certainly use his position and influence within the family to lead the entire family over to that Majesty's side. That is too dangerous—I cannot accept it. But I can't bring myself to do it... Can I ask you to take him to your side and lock him somewhere that Majesty will never be able to find?"
The crystal ball's other end also fell silent for a while before replying, "All right. Don't worry."
Marquis Yuke was relieved then—or at least, he appeared to be relieved.
After ending the communication, he seemed much more relaxed and composed. He summoned the family's various stewards one after another and assigned each of them their tasks.
Under his orders, the enormous entity known as