Wine

There were actually reasons why someone with Arthur's level of contribution to his empire hadn't been given the position of Duke, but instead he was only a viscount.

A little better than those below his ranks – the glorified commoners.

A reason why he wasn't promoted was because in the eyes of the public, just promoting someone to the position of duke was unreasonable in the eyes of the public, there would be no justification.

Those who also fought in the war wee given the position of glorified commoners, if he alone were to given the title of baron, it wouldn't take long before the people got ideas.

Then there was the other reason why he wasn't chosen for the position.

It was because he wasn't much of a political genius. He was, at best, "okay" in politics. Nothing special.

That was why he held the position of viscount.

The spirit that taken over him was well-versed in politics, in fact, there was a chance that he could have been promoted. However, his corrupt practices were far too open – even a commoner wouldn't have to do much to uncover the dirt he had on him.

But now that he was back he would try to do his best.

However, every action he took, even if they were meant to restore, would have their own consequences.

….

Arthur stepped out of the limousine as it pulled into the land of the estate.

He quickly got out of the car before giving the driver specific instructions, after that he shut the door the car left, leaving in the direction it had come from.

He adjusted the sleeves of his robe carefully before going in the direction of the mansion.

'They should be there already.'

He thought, bringing out the glasses in his pocket.

Arthur had ordered that everyone was to leave, the maids, the butlers, the servants, even his own sister. Though, on the part of his sister he asked her to buy some clothes for him, the clothes that he would wear when he started as an academy professor, and had also asked Alaric to go with her.

All to make sure they didn't see his guests.

He wasn't the one that invited them, but he had received news of their coming and as such he made sure nobody would be present to witness it. Especially if he had to come to a more gruesome way to resolve it.

"Hopefully it won't come to that."

Arthur murmured to himself before heading into the mansion.

The men were already there when he entered....

Mafia.

These were people that the spirit that possessed Arthur had dealings with. Men that operated in a larger network than the empire itself.

The underworld.

Arthur was one of their most prominent suppliers, but currently he had just burned every drug in his possession to the ground.

The mafia had their connections, it didn't take much for them to hear the news.

And, as far as they had heard, he made no effort to restock his supply.

The people present were dressed in black coats and black finger-less gloves, some even wore black hats to add to the look.

"Good evening."

He greeted, a fake smile plastered on his face.

The men only glared at him in response.

"Good evening, Mr. Vaelthorne."

One of them greeted.

Among the three men present he was the one that stood out the most. He wore a black hat over his coat, a cigar in his mouth, and a relaxed expression in his face.

He had a distinct scar running across his eye, though the eye was still functional.

He let out a puff of smoke as Arthur led them to the living quarters, after they were all settled in he began speaking.

"Mr. Vaelthorne, I'm sure you know why we're here."

He began.

"There's been news of you destroying all of your goods. We're here to inquire on the matter, but we don't want to dig too deep in matters that don't concern us.

That being said we still have to ask on when you're getting a new supply. The demand on drugs have soared even higher these days."

The man paused, as if trying to take in a deep breath, but instead he breathed into the cigar.

"So, Mr. Vaelthorne, when are you getting another supply?"

He asked.

Arthur remained silent as he observed the other two men. From what he saw, they seemed to be nothing more than his lackeys.

'This man isn't the real boss, just a close subordinate.'

The realization wasn't hard to come by.

The boss couldn't come over a matter like this.

Finally, Arthur let out a deep breath before speaking.

"You see, the empire is cracking down on illegal operations."

He said.

The man in front of him merely looked at him, regarding him as if he was a specimen.

"Mr. Vaelthorne.... You and I both know that nothing of that sort is happening, and even if that were happening, again you and I both know that you have so much dirt on you they could barge into your house on the day they began and take you.

And then again, you and I both know that the manner you did it was in no way discreet enough to do it without the special forces catching wind of you."

Another drag of his cigar.

"Actually, that and I plan on leaving the drug trade."

The man's calm expression cracked, staring at Arthur in disbelief.

"You can't be serious."

He finally said.

"But I am."

He replied with confidence.

"Mr. Vaelthorne, you and I both know that the boss won't be too happy with it."

"Yes, but unfortunately I can't do anything about it."

The man's calmness had already formed.

He let out a low chuckle.

"The boss thought this was a possibility, even if it was a small one for someone like you. Mr. Vaelthorne.... No, Viscount Vaelthorne, I'm afraid that you'll have to die here."

In a flash, he had pulled out a weapon – a glock.

It was a modified gun, going together with bullets that were able to pierce through things much more tougher than usual. A single bullet would be enough to kill an awakened, if aimed right.

Though, it wouldn't be able to kill someone of Arthur's calibur, not a gun of this level.

"You guys are the Luther family, right?"

He replied without flinching.

Three people aimed guns at his head, but he wasn't particularly disturbed.

"Even though I'm leaving the drug trade, I have something of much more value to give you."

"And what's that?"

"The Thorneway."

He answered.

"Thorneway" was the name that had been given to a secluded, almost unknown pathway in his possession. It was what the spirit that controlled Arthur's body had used to smuggle drugs into the empire.

The man was shocked, he stared at Arthur for a minute before signaling to his men to drop their weapons.

"You're handing it over?"

He asked.

"No, I'm allowing the Luther family to use the Thorneway to smuggle drugs in. For a good price, that is."

His words bought the men.

"Not only that, but I'm also heading into another business. It's the kind that I'll need your family's help."

"What kind?"

"Wine."