The Conceited Lord
Foundation’s Dreams
Part 7
Arcadia Darell
Chapter 6
Episode 52
Lord Stettin sat at his ornate desk, shuffling through a stack of important documents. The heavy door to his office swung open quietly, and the sound of light footsteps on the richly adorned carpet caught his attention. He looked up, his face immediately clouding with displeasure.
“Callia!How many times do I have to tell you?” he thundered. “Do not enter my office uninvited! And what business do you have eavesdropping on my conversations?This is state business—top secret!”
Standing before him, Callia offered a sheepish smile, completely unfazed by his outburst.
“Apologies, Poochie,” she said with mock contrition. “But the guard at the entrance saluted me and let me through. You’ve got a guest from the Foundation—a charming young girl named Arcadia, if I’m not mistaken. Oh, Poochie, please let me meet her later. I’m looking forward to it!”
“Callia,” Stettin growled, his voice dropping ominously. “I’ve told you a thousand times: stop calling me ‘Poochie,’ especially in front of others. I have a title, you know!Galactic Federation First Citizen, Lord Stettin. Address me as ‘Your Excellency!’”
Callia sighed dramatically, her expression laced with sarcasm. “Yes, yes, Poochie. I mean, Your Excellency.”
“Good. Now leave,” Stettin commanded, waving her away. “I’m in the middle of an important discussion with First Minister Lev Meirus.”
As Callia exited the room with exaggerated reluctance, Stettin turned back to Meirus, leaning forward conspiratorially.
“Meirus, what do you think?A golden opportunity has fallen right into my lap,” he said, his voice laced with excitement. “Do you remember what General Han Pritcher from the Intelligence Division once told me?He said the Mule lamented on his deathbed: ‘If only I had more time . . . if only I could’ve had Bayta—Bayta Darell under my control!’”
Stettin smirked, his eyes gleaming. “But this time, things are different. That girl, Arcadia, is Bayta’s granddaughter. She’s a member of the esteemed Darell family, descended from Hardin and Mallow. If I marry her, I’ll achieve what the Mule couldn’t. As his successor, I’ll become the ruler of the galaxy!”
Lev Meirus regarded him cautiously, his tone measured. “Your Excellency, the late Mule was no ordinary man. We must tread carefully. Moreover, unless we can uncover the location of the Second Foundation, this plan may amount to nothing. Still, it may be worth a try.”
“Worth a try?Ha!” Stettin laughed triumphantly. “We’ll crush the Foundation once and for all!”
Just then, Callia’s voice rang out again, sharp and accusatory. “Poochie, are you planning to keep me as nothing more than a mistress?Is that all I mean to you?How dare you!”
“Callia!” Stettin roared, whipping around. “Are you still here?I told you to leave!”
With a huff, Callia stormed out, slamming the door behind her. Meirus let out a quiet sigh, his gaze fixed on Stettin.
“Your Excellency, I hope your confidence doesn’t blind you to the risks ahead.”
To be continued . . .
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