After dying once, Michael had zero tolerance for anyone trying to take his life.
His mindset had shifted.
His new priority was to kill Jermaine and that arrogant attacker first.
Strike before they could strike again.
That was the philosophy he had developed after Jermaine’s actions — eerily reminiscent of his treacherous siblings in his previous life.
“The City Lord wishes to see you,” a knight informed him.
Michael followed with a calm smile.
He had expected this outcome.
As the former crown prince, he knew almost every political and internal conflict within Maple Kingdom.
After checking the calendar, he confirmed he had reincarnated on the same day he died, so very little had changed yet.
His new goal was simple: since he could no longer grow quietly, he would be loud about it while leveraging all the knowledge he possessed.
Michael finally reached the City Lord’s office.
Reynold, the City Lord of Iron City, was a powerfully built man and an exceptional blacksmith-warrior.
“You requested an audience?” Reynold asked, studying Michael carefully.
“Yes.
You need me,” Michael replied, sitting down opposite him with absolute confidence and calmness.
Even as an S-rank powerhouse, Reynold was surprised by how unaffected the young man appeared.
“I need you?
How so?” Reynold asked.
“Duke Hemsworth has his eyes on your city.
I doubt you have what it takes to oppose him,” Michael said with a faint smile.
“Nonsense.
There is no way the Duke would covet my city.
We are good business partners,” Reynold replied.
“On the surface, yes.
But do you know how easy it is to be framed for treason and removed as City Lord?
Especially when the King is siding with the Duke,” Michael added.
“You think you can play me?” Reynold asked, slowly releasing his aura and letting the oppressive pressure descend on Michael.
“The sword that killed the Crown Prince, Michael, was specially made by you,” Michael replied, completely unfazed.
“You… What nonsense are you talking about?” Reynold’s eyes widened in shock.
“I’m sure you lost one of your signature swords some time ago.
Do you really think it was mere coincidence?” Michael pressed.
“You’re saying they plan to pin the Crown Prince’s death on me?
How do you even know about his death?” Reynold asked, stunned.
The death of the Crown Prince had been kept secret among only the upper echelons.
The fact that Michael knew about it proved he was no ordinary person.
Of course, everything Michael said was a careful mix of truth and lies.
The Duke did want the city, but Michael didn’t know the exact method. Follow the newest chapters on g.com.
As for pinning the prince’s death on Reynold — that was pure fabrication.
He didn’t need perfect accuracy.
He only needed something half-convincing.
His persuasion skills and Ancient Broker class would handle the rest.
“So?
What is your suggestion?” Reynold finally gave in after a long pause.
“He took the bait,” Michael thought, hiding his satisfaction.
The hardest part was done.
“Make me the second-in-command of Iron City,” Michael stated directly.
“What did you just say?” Reynold lost control of his aura for a split second.
His knights burst into the office, swords drawn and pointed at Michael’s neck.
“My lord!” they shouted.
“It’s alright.
I’m perfectly safe,” Reynold assured them, waving the knights out.
“It seems I reached too far,” Michael muttered.
“Indeed, you did,” Reynold replied, expecting renegotiation.
But he had greatly underestimated Michael.
“Now, allow me to give you several reasons why I should be your second-in-command, with authority second only to yours,” Michael continued.
“Help me with your sword.”
Reynold hesitated.
“What’s the matter?
Does the mighty City Lord fear a rankless man?” Michael asked with a smile.
Realizing how ridiculous that sounded, Reynold handed over his sword.
“An A-rank sword — one of the best a City Lord can possess.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but raising it to S-rank would greatly increase its power, wouldn’t it?” Michael asked, careful not to touch it yet.
“Yes, that’s true,” Reynold nodded.
“Then consider this my first gift to you as your future second-in-command,” Michael said, grasping the blade.
Just like every other sword before it, his Sword Heart upgraded the weapon from A-rank to S-rank.
As a master blacksmith, Reynold immediately sensed the dramatic increase in quality.
“You… How?”
“I can increase the grade of any sword by one tier,” Michael explained.
“Now imagine the profits and military strength Iron City could gain with me here.”
Reynold’s eyes gleamed with realization.
“A massive amount of money… and my troops would become significantly stronger.”
“Exactly. New chapters come out on g.com first.
And that’s not all.
I can also help you break your costly alliance with the Adventurer’s Guild,” Michael added, beginning his move against Jermaine’s faction.
“That’s impossible,” Reynold countered.
“The guild handles dungeon overflows and quests.
Only they can guarantee the adventurers’ loyalty.
I can’t do without them.”
“All I hear are excuses,” Michael replied, raising his hand.
A glowing contract parchment materialized.
“With this, I can guarantee 100% loyalty from the adventurers.
I also know how to permanently destroy dungeons.”
“What?!” Reynold shot to his feet in disbelief.
“How?”
“Trade secret — one I’ll share only after we reach an agreement.” Michael leaned forward.
“City Lord, how would you like to become the next King of Maple Kingdom?”
Reynold stared at him, momentarily speechless.
“What nonsense are you spouting?”
“This is your last chance,” Michael said, standing up.
“Take my hand and rise to heights you’ve never imagined.
Or refuse, and remain trapped in mediocrity.”
Reynold watched Michael walk confidently toward the door, giving him time to decide.
With a deep breath, the City Lord finally succumbed.
“Fine.
I will comply with your proposal.”
Michael smiled and returned to his seat.
“Let’s draw up the contract, shall we?”
The negotiations were intense.
Michael’s first demand was 20% of all monthly city profits.
Reynold flatly refused.
After back-and-forth bargaining, they settled on the following terms:
– Michael would receive 1% of the city’s total revenue, starting six months after the deal took effect (as proof of sincerity).
– Every sword forged in the city would first go to Michael for upgrading before being sold.
The truth of this ability would be strictly guarded by Reynold.
– The blacksmith from Michael’s earlier contract would be generously compensated and retired to avoid backlash.
– Michael would command his own personal corps with absolute loyalty to him.
They could not harm Reynold or the city.
– Michael would serve as second-in-command of Iron City, with authority second only to Reynold’s.