"This is fantastic," Simon said once he took the ring from Zhan and placed it on his finger.

"Let's arrange for the gathering soon."Simon said, "The faster we take over the dukedom the better."

Zhan nodded, "The temple is already under our control and soon the dukedom will come under our control as well." 

And soon Simon became the acting head of the dukedom, although no official announcement was made rumors spread fast.

Simon also took the commence of the army under the dukedom and soo impressed everyone with his skills.

The soldiers who were sketchy of him first all shut their mouths once they saw his skills and soon the rumors spread about how Simon was actually a master swordsman and that made everyone admire Simon more and more.

Currently, Simon stood in the training ground having a spar with his soldiers and teaching them some new techniques which amazed them. 

Even the duke's most skilled and experienced soldiers couldn't beat Simon and that made everyone respect him and looked up to him.

After all, he was the duke's son.

"Wow, Sir Simon I am impressed." It was a voice Simon was very familiar with,

"Marquis welcome, what brings you here to my home?"

"I just came to confirm the rumors spreading all over the kingdom and it seemed like they are indeed true."

Simon smiled, "Marquis you are here I am here and we both have our swords would you like to go for a dual?"

Zhehan smiled, "I was afraid you wouldn't ask me so I was going to do that but thankfully, you asked first," Zhehan said and took out his shiny sword, "I won't go easy on you Sir Simon."

"I don't expect anything less from Marquis."

The soldiers surrounding them watched with anticipation, Simon and Zhehan took their place, and on the signal by the host jumped towards each other.

Their swords clashed and created a thunder-like voice, the two exceptionally skilled men fought with each other without showing any mercy to their opponents.

Their attacks were fast and powerful and they had a smile on their face as they seemed to be enjoying their fight their swords, clashed and clashed, but none of them backed down.

Sweat was covering their forehead and respect filled their hearts for each other while they looked into each other's eyes and in the ned the two had their swords pointed at each other's neck.

"You were amazing Sir Simon, I am liking you more and more as the days passed."

Simon smiled, "Same goes for you, it's been a long time since anyone was  able to give me a good competition, and you seem to be a worthy opponent."

"I am honored."

As they talked a servant came to the running, "Sir Simon there has  been a letter for you from the empress and Young master Zhan has asked you to come fast."

Simon looked at Zhehan, "You can come with me to Marquis."

When the two reached the study of the duke where Zhan already was and he was holding a letter, with a not so happy face.

"What's wrong?" Simon asked.

Zhan looked at Simon, "Brother, The empress had ordered for your marriage with Sapphire Churchill."

Simon's face became grim s well before he took the letter from Zhan, "So she wants me to be engaged this week and also wants Sapphire to move in huh?"

Simon suddenly smiled, "Alright then let's play."

"What are you saying brother," Zhan asked and even Zhehan looked at him while Simon just smiled

"Let her move in and let our mom get a new punching bag instead of the butler."

Suddenly Zhan's face brightness as a new plan came to his mind a plan which will kill too many birds with one stone.

"Brother you are a genius."

"Thank you."

"What are you two planning?" Zhehan asked.

Simon smiled at him, "Marquis from today you must pay attention to the rumors"

That very day Simon send another letter to the empress stating that he accepted the proposal \.

"He accepted it so easily without any problem?" The empress mumbled after reading the letter, "What is the planning?"

"Mother let's not think about it all we need to act fast the sooner Sapphire gains entry in the duke's house the faster we gain control over them."  The first prince said.

Meanwhile Sapphire danced with joy once she heard that  Simon had agreed to the marriage the count's entire family was delighted to have duke as their in-laws was a great opportunity, their status will rise their respect will increase.

"Well done my daughter, now when you move in the duke's house make him fall head over heel for you." Her father said.

"Yes my daughter makes sure to do her best and gain control of the duke's house, if everything goes well then our youngest daughter Ruby can marry Young master Zhan."Her mother said

"Don't worry father, mother, everything will go as planned," Sapphire said, I will become the duchess of this empire.

And so Simon and Sapphire got engaged, the news spread in the entire kingdom, and their engagement was done in a very grand manner because the empress herself arranged it.

"Are you going to let this happen?" Yibo said, as he watched Simon slipping ring onto Sapphire's finger and his happy she seemed.

And the empress and the first crown prince seemed, even more, happier, Zhan smiled, "My brother is not a fool Your highness, we are going to let Sapphire fly high and then cut off her wings, let her dream your highness and let the empress and the first prince think that they have won."

Yibo nodded, "I hope you have a solid plan."

"This engagement will be the reason for all the deaths and events that are going to take place in the future the empress is going down soon Your highness just you watch."

"I believe you, Sean."

"Then just sit back and watch," Zhan said with a smile as he happily cheered for their upcoming destruction.

Author's note: Now this is fun.