It was night in the western courtyard of Ashbourne Manor.
Andrew sat quietly by the window in his room, drinking tea and reading a book on the history of the Three Domains, an ancient book.
He was as strong as a true god, yet he was never too old to learn.
World domination would not be possible with just power.
Information was as vital as well.
Then, the flame of a candle next to him began to shimmer.
A shadowy figure emerged.
It was just as if it were Andrew.
The only thing was the aura.
This clone was a result of a mage’s and warrior’s combination.
“You’re back.”
Andrew placed down his book.
The clone nodded.
I have collated what you asked for.
Andrew smiled.
“Tell me everything.”
The clone was seated opposite him.
“We will start to accept students to the Imperial Academy in two months,” the first said.
After the coming-of-age ceremony will be the entrance ceremony.
Andrew laughed softly.
“Of course.”
He just said that they would send me there based on my being the Duke’s son.
But I believe I can’t cultivate; everyone believes that.
They think that as my main focus is theory, I should just study theory.
The clone nodded.
Everyone thinks that’s what it is.
But, he said, they’re incorrect.
Andrew turned a blind eye to the comment.
“What else?”
The clone continued.
Your elder brother Leon Ashbourne is leaving for the Forbidden Battlefield tomorrow!
Andrew’s face tensed up a bit.
Leon.
The first child of his mother, Lady Elena Moonveil.
A genius swordsman.
He had an S Sword Talent and an A Mage Talent.
Andrew said, “He will be a great swordsman.
The clone nodded.
Your older sister, Sophia Moonveil-Ashbourne, is also going away.
She has S-grade sword talent and S-grade healing talent.
She is said to be the future Saintess by many nobles.
Andrew smiled.
She never liked to be manipulated for political ends.
The clone nodded.
That’s why she turned down the other empire’s marriage offer.
Andrew wasn’t surprised.
His sister’s personality was similar to his own.
Proud.
Independent.
Disinclination to be used as a tool.
The next matter is related to Evelyn.
Andrew’s expression softened.
His youngest sister.
The youngest child of his mother.
The talent awakening ceremony will be held tomorrow.
The Ninth Princess will be playing as well.
Andrew nodded.
All the empire will see.
The clone continued.
This morning, the Mystic Pavilion unveiled new information.
Andrew looked interested.
The Mystic Pavilion.
The best intelligence agency of the Azure Dragon Empire.
They were not subject to the emperor’s command or the nobles’ families.
They collected information about:
Cultivators
Hidden experts
Ancient ruins
Forbidden lands
Enemy nations
Even emperors had to purchase information from them.
The Mystic Pavilion learned that there are representatives from the other three empires making their way into the capital.
“Why?”
“Marriage alliances.”
Andrew received a report from the clone.
The White Tiger Empire’s Second Princess is on the way.
They will be sending the Fifth Princess of the Crimson Phoenix Empire.
Several noble daughters are being sent by the Black Tortoise Empire.
Andrew frowned.
“Marriage?”
The clone nodded.
They wish to ally with the Azure Dragon Imperial Family and strong noble families.
Andrew read the report.
“Interesting.”
He knew that there was something else to this.
The reason is that the three empires would not all be sending royal daughters at once.
Has there been any news about our family?
The clone’s face turned grim.
The Duke is about to choose the next in line.
Andrew’s eyes narrowed.
Finally.
Which side was the First Madam’s side?
She is getting ready to send her oldest son out.
The 4th madam is also collecting support.
Andrew leaned back.
He himself had four wives.
His father had four wives.
There was a complex family system.
First Madam:
Two sons.
Actually, second is Madam Elena Moonveil.
Two sons.
Two daughters.
Third Madam:
One son.
One daughter.
Fourth Madam:
One son.
One daughter.
The only branch that was kept together was Andrew’s.
The rest were already at war.
The First and Third brothers are facing off against each other.
The Fourth and Sixth brothers are secretly working together.
Andrew smiled.
“Everybody is on the move.”
The clone nodded.
“But one thing more.”
“What?”
Two Imperial Academy recommendations will be made tomorrow as a result of a talent test.
Andrew looked outside.
“I see.”
The air contest starts on Monday.