Lionel shook his head as he went over the finances. Lionel had never been one for extravagance and nothing had changed. The death of his father‐in‐law Galleazzo and the injuries sustained by Galleazzo's brother Bernabo had in effect made him the Duke of both Clarenceand Milan. Or rather it did since he paid the ridiculous sum of 150,000 florins from that muggle Emperor Karl. Gian was still a teenager and incapable of ruling. The della Scala who ruled Verona and Vicenza had fled to Ravenna, the ancient capital of Rome. Lionel was still occupied in rebuilding the new Duchy. His son Matteo was still being watched by his child mother Violante. Violante was a pretty and stupid girl. Using the Confudus and Memory Charms, combined with a curse he created called the Imperius Curse; Violante remained unaware of his true nature. Unlike the rest of his brothers Lionel had learned to master his power. Edward, John, Edmund and Thomas were all Squibs.
Not an ounce of magic in any of them. To his disappointment, his daughter Phillippa was as powerless as anyone. Violante's successful pregnancy was due to Lionel's great magic. Lionel had sent word that he was dead to his father King Edward to ensure that he was not exposed. Somehow his older brother Edward of Cornwall knew about him. Prince Edward already had two blasted sons. Yet another Edward and Richard. Richard named after the Lionheart. Of course, many people knew he still lived; but it meant nothing. Between the two Edwards and Richard, there were too many claimants for the throne. Or at least there was right now. Lionel was not concerned at the moment. He was determined to make himself King of Italy. With his formidable power and with a powerful army, he could see himself taking advantage of several situations to become the new Emperor.
After that, who knew how far he would travel?. "What is it, Gian?" he asked in Gian's native tongue. "Leo, my uncle Bernabo is unwell!" he declared. "And what of it?" repeated Leo, still going through his notes. "You have such knowledge of healing, I was hoping that..." Lionel rose, catching the boy by surprise. "Young Gian, you must learn now how our world works. Bernabo's illness allows our power to grow. Let him continue to rut offspring and stay out of our way to accomplish our ambitions of power. His weakness is not our concern! One day, this city will be under your stewardship. Your father understood how power worked, you must do the same!" he declared. "But..." "Either you learn or one day Bernabo will destroy you. Go Gian!" he declared. Lionel watch Gian leave in disgust. The boy's sentimentality was blinding him the power that awaited him. "Be careful, Lionel! Your lust of power may unhinge you!" warned an old man, entering the room. "Another lecture, Cadmus?
Your uncles died in foolishness, so I should be cautious so I can die like your dead Daddy; Ignotus? Bah!" he responded.
"I am 125 years old, Lionel! I have seen many great wizards rise and fall! If you fly to close to the sun, you will be signed and inflamed to death!" he continued. "Do you have it?" demanded Lionel. Cadmus Peverell sighed and nodded, limped with his cane towards the English Duke. "Here!" he offered. Lionel beamed as he looked at it. The key to his victory in Italy. Floo Powder! Using this device, Lionel was certain that he could transport an army to Corsica. Once Corsica was taken, he could take Sardinia. Before the arrogant Aragonese were aware, he would take Sicily. The remaining cities would fall and he would compel the Pope by magical force to make him the new King of Italy. As the King of Italy, he would build his power, until it was uncontested. After that, France and the Empire would bow before his power. Then England would follow.
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