Inevitable.

The three of them sat on the couch and watched the other guests enjoy their wine and champagne. Rasmus was warned to not drink anything that the maids or servants served. He had just heard from Erlina that Esteban was a physician and an alchemist who drugged and made everyone taste his creations without them knowing.

As a republican country, nobles didn't hold more power than others. But because of Esteban's influence, land, power, and wealth he became one of the ministers of Cruen. He was a strong individual because not only did he get full support from all the nobles, the common folks also loved him because of his so-called drugs.

"He's trying to make this nation into his own empire," Rasmus said and watched the guests begin to lose control of their thoughts and bodies. "Turning his peers into addicts, controlling them using drugs."