The Martial Unity

"From what I understand, Her Excellency is not a part of your faction," Rui replied. "Even if she was, you wouldn't trust her with your memories if you had any sense. Martial Sages possess the sheer power to get away with anything short of high treason against the Royal Emperor himself. Even if she wipes your memories and turns you into a vegetable, she will most likely not face too much trouble. She is infinitely more valuable to the nation than you are."

His words cut sharp, but they were true. There was absolutely nothing that Prince Raijun could do for or against a Martial Sage that didn't align with his ideals.

The prince heaved a sigh as he fell deep into thought.

He did not like his current position.

Rui had exploited the chinks in his armor, such as his lack of loyalty from his faction, to get away with making absurd demands that he could not dismiss. He had also cleverly leveraged his sheer value to the Martial Union, and how much the organization clearly adored Rui despite the fact that he did not choose to become an internal member and join their corps.

He would not be able to convince the Surgeon or any other Martial Master in his political faction to try and pressure Rui into helping him refine his Martial Art. They would straight up refuse.

They both knew that.

Prince Raijun tried bullying Rui with a few Martial

Artists to the head of the nation,' Rui mused inwardly. 'Once

by Rui's demand, had been careful not

thus far has gone according to Rui's

"Are you perhaps lacking in confidence in your ability to surpass

Perhaps you do not realize the magnitude of what you are demanding

Squire?" Rui smiled. "Just imagine Your Highness. You will have proved all your naysayers wrong. You will have proved that you are indeed a fine Martial Artists who

proposal. Everything that Rui had just outlined was like a dream come true to him. It

before shaking his head lightly. "Your proposal crosses many lines. It's an outrageous demand. However…the reward is just that alluring, assuming you are

don't mind making some demonstrations. However, you haven't gotten to the point yet, Your Highness. What will you

there are far too many patrons who have a stake in my campaign for me to make such a decision lightly. I will have to take into consideration everything that you have said and consult with various experts and stakeholders before I make a

for at the moment. It was impossible for Prince Raijun to rely on his extensive faction and administration to help him come to a

by far the most palatable among all. That's not to say that it's perfect, but I don't find them disagreeable. However, I have not yet

be meeting Princess Ranea soon