The Kingmaker System

Ocean, Davian and Sol bowed to the King of Denril in unison.

"Glory to the sun and the little sun of Denril."

Augustine smiled, asking them to raise their heads.

"I see you’ve decided to show up at least today, Marquis." Augustine said with a smile making Ocean give a smile of his own.

Following the dress code of the masquerade ball, the King and the Crown Prince had also donned the mask but it was pretty obvious to spot them in the crowd of hundreds.

"I apologise for not being able to attend the other festivities, Your Majesty." Ocean said.

Augustine hummed as he held a glass of champagne in his hand, "Well, since you weren’t around a lot of people also didn’t show up."

"Pardon?" Ocean feigned ignorance.

Augustine eyed him before laughing, "I heard you are very close to both the Majesties of kingdoms Nelius and Mordino. You are a man of quite high connections, Marquis Ocean."

Ocean chuckled softly maintaining his humble man facade, "I’m but a merchant, Your Majesty. My line of work compels me to make connections with those who are important."

Augustine tilted his head, "People so important that they are the King and Queen of different kingdoms? You sure are humble, Marquis."

Ocean’s warm smile would have made anyone feel like this man had just descended from the heavens.

"I am also in connection with those at the roots, Your Majesty. Being a businessman, I need to think of how to profit myself and everyone who is associated with me."

The actual businessmen would think that there was something wrong with Ocean’s brain for saying something like that. After all, their first and foremost motto was profit for themselves and under no circumstances make a deal that would end up in a loss.

Augustine laughed, "Is that why you started the Oasis Foundation?"

Ocean nodded, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Augustine was amused, he had heard a lot of good things about Ocean Ryujin but considering that how his background was so perfect it felt as if it was fabricated. He had been wary of this young man who would never show his face in any of the gatherings while giving an excuse that his face was scarred could also be a lie. Augustine had not been hostile because he could see that his son had a positive view about this man.

Arian wasn’t the kind of person to get close to just anyone, even though he was the Crown Prince and had good relations with the social world but he had kept them beyond a line. But as for the latest reports that Augustine had heard he got to know that Arian had been visiting Marquis Ocean’s private chambers and even had a spar with him once. It only made him more curious about this Sestian man.

The line was growing behind the trio so, they took their leave, Augustine eyed Ocean and Arian noticed this.

After the greetings were done, Augustine announced for the music and party to start.

Everyone cheered and the music from the orchestra flowed throughout the large ballroom. The couples took the dance floor while the rest chattered, drank and enjoyed the last day of the year.

Ocean looked at the large clock that was suspended in the center of the ballroom high up in the air. It showed that it was just after 10 in the evening and everyone was waiting for the midnight. The real party would begin after that.

As for now, it was time for Plan A people to get into positions. Ocean saw Rune staying close to Lady Celestia while Duke Aurelius took his position and Marquis Fairisles also moved towards his position. They were looking around carefully to sense the hostile energy or anyone that would seem suspicious while maintaining the conversation with those who sought them out.

It was also time for Ocean and his little team to disperse, Ocean’s eyes filttered all over the large ballroom as he gently squeezed Sol’s hand that was in his.

"You remember what I told you, right, Sol?" Ocean said and Sol nodded.

"Don’t worry, Master. I’ll look after Sol as carefully as my own son." Davian commented, though his words were meant to try to bring some lightheartedness but Ocean simply narrowed his eyes.

"And if Prince Davian creeps you out go straight to Young Duke." Ocean added making Sol nod again.

"Wait, what?" Davian gasped looking offended.

Ocean patted Sol’s shoulder twice before he said, "Get to positions, boys."

Ocean almost reluctantly left his hand watching as Davian leaned down to scoop him up in his arms and gave Ocean a nod.

Ocean looked around activating his Mana Eyes. Too much people was being a hindrance but Ocean still kept looking to sense at least a trail of some foul play.

Ocean walked around until he drew closer to Her Majesty Miera, she noticed him and excused herself from those who were talking to her.

"Marquis Ocean," she regarded him with a cordial smile.

Her Majesty Miera looked every inch a vision of regal grace. The gown she wore was a deep midnight blue that shimmered like a starlit sky, its fitted bodice embroidered with delicate gold patterns that caught the light with each subtle movement. A sheer, flowing cape draped from her arms like woven moonlight, softening the powerful silhouette of her attire. Her caramel-toned skin glowed warmly against the dark fabric, the contrast only highlighting her elegance. Long, thick black hair was styled neatly, cascading behind her crown of a golden head chain that glimmered in harmony with her jewelry. Her dark eyes, rich and commanding, carried both warmth and an unshakable authority, making her presence both breathtaking and unforgettable.

"It’s a fine evening, Your Majesty. You look splendid as always." Ocean bowed and reached out.

Miri placed her hand in his and he rested a gentle kiss over her knuckles.

"Are you only going to greet me or will you dance with me too, Marquis?" She asked with a small smirk making Ocean chuckle.

"How could I dare refuse Your Majesty’s word?" Ocean spoke, his eyes falling on the brooch that was now holding up the flowing cape around her outfit.

The moonlight hued stone gleamed under the lights softly and Ocean asked, "Shall we?"

The two walked towards the dance floor turning people’s eyes. Miri’s beauty was a high topic of gossip among people, the young ruler of Mordino who rose to power after defeating the tyrant and had been consistently improving her kingdom with her wisdom and expertise.

One would imagine that being a woman she might be lacking in some areas but one look at her and they would realise that no man might ever match her par. In times of distress she wouldn’t hesitate to step into the battlefield and people had witnessed this when she was but a child so, they knew the King of Mordino could only be someone who would dare to step toe to toe with this mighty Queen.

Even presently no one dared to approach her because of the sheer pressure of her presence. Those who did approach her dare not say anything that would offend her and among all those was this man who would step ahead and dance with her.

It was obvious that the Queen’s circle of acquaintances was small but it seemed like Marquis Ocean Ryujin held a special spot even after the Queen maintained a composed expression around him.

"Aren’t you cold, Miri?" Ocean whispered as they danced and she shrugged.

"My mentor gave me a special device that kept me warm in such cold places," Miri said gesturing towards the gold bracelet that rested over her wrist.

"That’s pretty convenient," Ocean smiled.

"Don’t tell me you didn’t think of it, or were you the one who came up with this idea?" She asked and Ocean chuckled.

"I can’t take the credit for all the innovative ideas, my dear." Ocean said as he twirled her.

Miri chuckled as she drew closer to him, "It’s almost 11, Master. I did sense some strange energy when I was passing by the kitchen. But it was pretty fleeting."

"It’s fine," Ocean spoke in a low voice, "We can’t move before them or we’ll risk being misunderstood."

Miri nodded before a small smirk appeared over her lips, "Ah, besides, can I take your little Prince on a date after this ends?"

Ocean’s eyebrows jumped, "Pardon?"

Miri giggled, "What’s the shock? I find him pretty cute..."

Her eyes drifted off in a particular direction, "Almost like a little squirrel. I’d like to keep him."

Ocean cleared his throat looking at whom she was glancing at and he looked at her. This was quite unexpected development.

"From where exactly does he look like a squirrel to you?" He asked.

Miri smiled, "He seemed pretty easy on eyes when I first saw you with him, but after that when we ran into each other a couple more times, I came to think like I’ll have more fun with him around."

Ocean blinked, he had known that Miri had grown up to be a Femme Fatale but to think she was so bold. It made him unable to resist the laughter.

"And here I was thinking I was raising a cub but you’ve made him a squirrel, huh."

Miri smiled watching her friend laugh as they gracefully drifted a bit away from those who were straining to eavesdrop.

"Sure, if that’s what you wish. I’ll ask him. Besides, I am happy, you made a good choice." Ocean spoke, satisfied.

"There’s no need for you to ask, I’ll do it myself." Miri said and Ocean shook his head.

"All right. Oh and if he makes you cry in future then-"

"Don’t worry, I can take care of that on my own. You just think of your plans that you might need to change. I’ll be of a great help, won’t I?" She smirked and Ocean couldn’t help but mirror that smirk.

He had been planning this for a long time but, to have such an opportunity dropped into his arms like this. He couldn’t help but feel a little more optimistic about the new year.

"Welcome to the family, Miri." Ocean announced and she grinned.

"It’s my pleasure, Marquis Ocean Ryujin."