Abyssal Sovereign: The Demon's Dominion
Chapter 229 - 228: The Duke's choice

Early in the morning, Caius was already up and had finished his breakfast. He was on his way out with Mai and a few elite guards. Today was the day he would meet the Duke family.

Of course, he wouldn't directly clash with his brother by claiming the Duke family, but he was clearly keeping them as a hidden card.

Naturally, Theron knew about the relationship between Caius and Liya—and he wasn't the only one. Most of the higher-ups in the Federation were aware. So, Theron would be cautious or, worse, label them as traitors. Even Caius' every movement was likely being monitored by numerous powerful beings.

So, what would Caius do?

Simple. Meet with the Duke family. The Duke would reject him, Liya would show longing for him—and everything would be seen by Theron or those spying on him. Even if the Duke rejected him, Theron would still be suspicious.

Slowly, the Duke family would be distanced—resources cut, their influence diminished. Although they were tied to the military, the military never got involved in clashes between princes unless it involved another prince, like Darius.

The Duke family would be cornered and, eventually, come crawling to him. Controlling them would be easy... right?

*********

"We're here," Caius said with a slight smile as their spaceship descended into the Duke family's private docking bay.

The guards all stood still upon seeing the royal crest. It signified that a member of the royal family was present.

The Duke and his family rushed out in response. One of the guards had already informed them.

Caius watched as the Duke arrived with his household in a hurry, his face plastered with a forced smile.

The rest of the family wore similar smiles—including Liya and Flora, the two sisters.

"The prince is here. We are honored by your visit," the Duke said, bowing slightly as Caius smiled.

"Come now, we're practically family," Caius said with a light laugh.

"Haha, we would be blessed to be part of the royal family," the Duke replied, smiling, though his face twitched slightly. It didn't escape Caius' notice.

What's his plan? I want no part of this fight... the Duke thought, frustrated.

He knew Caius and Liya had been childhood lovers—betrothed once upon a time, when he and the King were still equals... friends. But now one ruled the Federation, and the other was merely a Duke.

A prince and a servant—that's what he had become. Yet the King had kept his promise, and his daughter hadn't failed him. She had the talent to match the prince. Sadly, that prince had been born a bastard and lacked talent back then.

At first, he thought his daughter's life would be one of quiet comfort, as the wife of a talentless prince. He was relieved—she would be safe and wealthy. That was enough for him, and for any father.

But then... things changed.

Would he watch her future crumble? He felt helpless. When the royal family annulled the engagement, he was stunned and disappointed. But then she was betrothed to Theron—the new crown prince. As a father, he couldn't deny it was a better choice. Theron was the strongest candidate for the throne by birth and by merit.

Theron's accomplishments were undeniable.

But as a father who wanted his daughter to be happy, he knew she wouldn't be. He had known Caius since he was a boy—like a son to him.

Still, for the greater good, he could only watch things unfold.

Now the bastard prince had returned... with limitless potential.

Was this the battle between the old and the new? He didn't want his family involved. That meant no support for either side.

Yet his daughter, Liya, was still betrothed to Theron.

And now Caius was here... why?

For support?

"Soon you will be," Caius said with a subtle smile. "Once the fight for the throne is over, my brother will marry your daughter, Liya."

"Haha, let's wait until then. For now, this is still the Duke family. Come, Eldest Prince," the Duke said, gesturing ahead. Caius nodded and followed him.

"In a few days, you'll be begging for my help"... Caius thought coldly as they entered.

Liya's eyes never left him, but she couldn't move. On their way into the mansion, she kept stealing glances.

"Why is he here?".., she thought.

"Does he plan to say it now? But I haven't secured control of the Duke family yet. I'd be sad to disappoint him... But he's here. If he says it, I'll make him mine. Yes... Caius will be mine"..., she thought happily.

Finally, they entered the grand hall. Various dishes were served, and they chatted and laughed casually for a while—until Caius brought up the true reason for his visit.

"Now, to the main reason I came," Caius began. The mood shifted immediately. The Duke's face turned stern. Liya, however, looked on with an eager smile.

"I want the Duke family to support me," Caius said plainly.

Silence filled the room.

He said it..

, both the Duke and Liya thought at the same time.

The silence stretched until the Duke finally spoke.

"Eldest Prince… I'm sorry, but I prefer to keep my family out of the struggle for the throne. Liya is, after all, the bride-to-be of the crown prince. Supporting you would be... disrespectful," the Duke said calmly.

Liya's eyes blurred. Anger welled inside her—then turned to disappointment.

Her father had rejected Caius?

She remembered how he had always supported her and Caius—calling them a match made in heaven. Yet now... he said no.

The Duke saw her sorrowful expression and sighed. He gave a subtle signal to his wife.

She coughed and stood up.

"Forgive us, Eldest Prince... Liya isn't feeling well. She will rest now," the Duchess said, bowing before escorting Liya away.

Liya's eyes were empty.

Caius looked coldly at the Duke and rose to his feet.

The message was clear—Theron already had influence here, and the Duke wanted no part in this battle.

Perfect.

"I'm disappointed in you, Uncle. This will be the last time I call you that," Caius said, leaving with an angry expression. But the moment he turned away, a smile crept onto his face.

You'll beg me in a few days....,

The Duke watched Caius leave and sighed.

In the end, he had chosen to protect his family and stay out of the conflict—at the cost of his own daughter's happiness.

******************†**********************†************