I Ascend to the Divine Throne through Arcane Means

In the early morning, Ice Peak City, Dillon Ice Castle Palace.

Ice Peak City was built upon a hill. Legend had it that when the city was founded, the Dillon King of that time discovered the land's critical location. Due to the unique terrain, the cold winds from the north were blocked by the distant mountain ranges, which meant that even in the depths of winter, this area seldom saw snowfalls.

Thus, although the architecture of Ice Peak City was similar to other parts of the kingdom, using mostly black stone, the buildings here were not as low and narrow as elsewhere. It seemed as if the people of Dillon had poured their creativity into these grand and majestic structures that densely surrounded the hill.

At the very top of the hill stood the residence of the Dillon King, the Ice Castle Palace.

Unlike the other buildings, the Ice Castle Palace was constructed of a special and precious pale blue-white stone known as Ice Stone. Although it looked as cold as ice, this material was much more solid and insulating than ordinary stone, and so it was decreed by Dillon that only the Royal Family could use this material.

The entire Ice Castle Palace was forged from this Ice Stone, making the summit of the city look like a frozen peak atop a black mountain.

The Royal Capital of the Dillon Kingdom, Ice Peak City, was thus named after the palace.

In front of the Ice Castle Palace, Guards noticed a carriage stopping not far away. A serious-looking middle-aged man with blond hair disembarked from the carriage.

The senior kingdom official was impeccably dressed in the familiar red and black formal attire, his body slightly unsteady as the black cane he carried supported him. The low atmospheric pressure that enveloped him prompted the palace guards to stand up straighter.

To the guards' relief, the dignified man didn't even glance at them, striding directly towards the interior of the Ice Castle Palace.

Only after the official had entered the castle and a long time had passed did one of the guards sigh with relief and whispered in a voice only his companion could hear:

"Lord Simon is still so stern. Every time I see him, it's like seeing a military commander."

Without turning his head and still looking forward, his companion responded in a hushed voice:

"What did you expect? Kenne Simon used to be the deputy of the Kingdom's Snow Bear Army. If it weren't for his injury during the resistance against the northern Magic Beast tide, he might have become a General of the Kingdom by now."

"He's impressive now as well, the Kingdom's Finance Officer. Could it be that the next Finance Minister will be Lord Simon?"

"How should I know? But I've heard that His Majesty the King places great trust in Lord Simon!"

"Where did you hear that? I haven't heard such a thing."

"My cousin's sister-in-law's friend is..."

...

In the Dillon Kingdom, as the Finance Officer Kenne Simon stepped on the soft red carpet, he slowly made his way to his office.

The Ice Castle Palace was divided into two sections. The lower Outer Court was where kingdom officials worked and handled affairs, and it was also where the Royal Court Guard Army was stationed. Above that, the Inner Court was where His Majesty the King's sleeping quarters were located.

Ignoring the small officials clad in black, bowing by his side, Simon paced slowly toward his office from memory.

Kenne Simon was now the latest identity assumed by Lis.

After obtaining three identity choices from Old Tons, Lis hesitated but ultimately decided to assume the role of Finance Officer Kenne Simon.

Although Viscount Roy is one of the Court Nobles of the Dillon Kingdom, to tell the truth, his status is almost the same as that of Viscount Kane before the crossing, both being somewhat expendable figures in the Kingdom, with no special status beyond the ability to attend various noble balls.

While the identity of a City Guard Army squad captain offered a wide range of activities, the safety and defense around the Ice Castle were under the responsibility of the Royal Court Guard Army, so the City Guard Army's role was not very significant.

The core battlefield of that slaughter in Ice Peak City was in the Ice Castle Palace.

That's why Lis opted for the role of the Finance Officer, whose office was located inside the Royal Palace.

Walking into the office that belonged to Kenne Simon, the style was similar to other parts of the palace, roughly 70 square meters in area, with a small bedroom for rest in the back. A large classic desk was placed in the room with a few scattered documents, a red carpet, and brown pine furniture. The fireplace had been lit in advance, and the faint fragrance diffusing in the room removed the slightest scent of smoke from the fireplace.

The only thing that might have been different in the room was the black armor in the corner of the wall, bearing the traces of wind, sun, and the intersection of swords, showcasing the valiant combat history of its owner. Strikingly, the armor's left leg was completely missing, and it seemed you could still see a hint of blood at the gap.

Leaning on the sofa, Lis rubbed his temples, contemplating his plans for the future.

During his contact with Dillon Kingdom's covert operative, Kenne Simon, Lis discovered that his situation wasn't as good as previously believed.

Kenne Simon, originally a Silver Warrior from the Snow Bear Army, had been recognized by Duke Quik Garnar, a big shot in the Dillon Kingdom Military, due to his valiant battle efforts and combat prowess.

He had thought he would continue to work undercover in the military, but fate struck unexpectedly. During a battle against a Magic Beast on the ice plains, he suffered a serious injury from the beast. Although he saved his life, his strength was completely destroyed.

He thought that would be the end of it, yet unexpectedly he was informed by Duke Garnar to take up the position of the Kingdom's Finance Officer.

Kenne Simon was overwhelmed. Although he was a covert operative from Feis Kingdom, it was because his father was a spy planted in Dillon Kingdom. He himself had never been exposed to higher education and couldn't make sense of the numerical aspects of financial affairs.

Thus, upon receiving the position, he was completely in the dark. However, Duke Garnar had told him to simply act as a figurehead, not to worry about the specifics, and to just follow orders.

Even so, Kenne Simon found it quite stressful, maintaining an unwelcoming demeanor and a straight face every day.

After handing over his post to Lis, the Finance Officer immediately left Ice Peak City for Feis Kingdom. His mission was complete, and now all he had to do was enjoy the warm sunshine and comfortable noble life in the south.

The situation was simple. Duke Garnar needed someone to fill the position of Finance Officer, preferably someone who could be replaced at any time.

The Finance Officer, this position is second only to the Finance Minister in terms of the Kingdom's finances.

Lis was very aware of who Duke Garnar was, a heavyweight figure in the Dillon Kingdom's military, and a close confidante of the King.

But to grasp the position of the Finance Officer with his own strength wasn't possible.

So, was appointing Kenne Simon as Finance Officer the intention of King Lukar?

Lis pondered in his mind, slowly organizing his thoughts.

So, where should he start first?