The Tyrant Billionaire

This time, the assassination of the Sultan of Johor was a pivotal turning point in Hardy’s future plans.

Hardy tested the limits of the British and Americans, and their attitude towards Malaya was essentially one of non-intervention.

In fact, this was understandable.

A colony, particularly one clamoring for independence, had already been removed from their list of priorities for protection.

As for France, the Soviet Union, and other countries, they completely ignored the matter, as they had their own affairs to handle.

Other nations did not even comment on it. Many people didn’t know what a Sultan was, so who would care?

If it were in later times, perhaps someone could have tried appealing to the United Nations.

But now, The United Nations had been established only a few years prior, and its framework and operational model were still in the exploratory stages, with virtually no authority.

However, Hardy managed to gain considerable benefits from this incident.

The first was showcasing his military strength to the world. HD Security Company and HD Mercenaries would now step onto a larger stage. Although HD Security was just a company, no one would dare underestimate it in the future.

Hardy’s status would naturally be elevated as well.

The second benefit was the acquisition of substantial assets. The private assets of the businessmen in Malaya far exceeded those controlled by the governments, and their potential for future development was also greater. He also took the opportunity to gain the goodwill of the capitalist community, ensuring that more individuals with a capitalist mindset would settle in Penang and Malacca.

People are the primary driving force of productivity.

With only a few hundred thousand people now, the population was far from meeting Hardy’s developmental needs.

From now on, Penang and Malacca could become important destinations for Asian capitalist immigrants, alongside Hong Kong and Singapore.

The third benefit, was currently underway. If this matter succeeded, Hardy’s territory would expand fourfold.

Singapore.

The day after the Sultan of Johor was assassinated, someone approached Maher. As the fourth in line to the throne of Johor, with his elder brother and two nephews dead, Maher automatically qualified to inherit the Sultanate.

When Maher read the newspaper that day, he was first shaken and then ecstatic.

As for Ismail death, he felt no emotional attachment. To a brother he had to kneel to in meetings, how could Maher develop any feelings?

In fact, Ismail had no feelings for him either. In Ismail’s eyes, Maher was nothing more than a parasite of the family.

The person who approached Maher

Was the same middle-aged man who had found him before—Smith.

"Maher, we’ve fulfilled our initial promise. Now it’s time for you to fulfill yours," Smith said.

Maher was already aware of the power these people held. They killed the Sultan with ease, and he dared not go against their wishes.

"No problem, I’m willing to fulfill my promise. However, I’m not sure if others will cooperate. You know, I didn’t have any power of my own before. Even if I become Sultan, there will still be people opposing me, making it hard to control the people under me."

Although Maher was a carefree prince with no experience in political struggles, he wasn’t stupid. Johor wasn’t a place where the Sultan had absolute power. Externally, there were many influential ministers and families. Maher had no foundation, and these people were likely most eager to sideline him.

Smith smiled. @@novelbin@@

"Of course, I’ve considered these situations. That’s why I came to you. Rest assured, we will help you secure the Sultanate. As for those who defy your orders, we’ll take care of them."

Maher felt a chill run through him.

Were they aiming to fully control him? Perhaps even as Sultan, he would become a puppet for these people.

But he had no other choice now. He could only rely on them.

"Alright, I’ll follow your arrangements."

A week later.

The funeral for the Sultan of Johor was held. Alongside him, the entire royal family was buried. Maher, as the official first heir, presided over the ceremony.

At the funeral, Many wore white robes with curved daggers at their waists.

A long procession carried more than a dozen coffins. The scene was grand.

Behind Maher stood a dozen male members of the family,

Including his four brothers and seven nephews, all of whom were eligible for the throne but ranked behind Maher.

At the funeral, Maher couldn’t help but feel the strange gazes of his brothers and nephews.

He understood that

If he were to die, they would have the opportunity to ascend the throne. That throne stirred countless hearts. Previously, Maher might truly have been eliminated, as he had no power base or supporters.

His brothers had some industries or connections with powerful ministers and families. Maher, on the other hand, was the most isolated of them all. Your next read awaits at NovelBin.Côm

After the funeral, on the way back, many cars overtook Maher’s vehicle. It was clear they held no respect for him.

Some even overtook him deliberately,

Sending a message: We don’t respect you. You’re not qualified for the throne.

Maher clenched his fists.

Although Johor was part of Malaya, it was relatively independent. It was a British colony with a unique political system, complete with its own Sultan, government, judiciary, police, and military—all under British oversight.

The Sultan was the head of Johor,

Under whom were ministers responsible for finance, law, culture, and education, as well as judges, police, and a prison system.

The military was overseen by its own officers.

These individuals

Had previously been Ismail’s trusted aides. This was normal; every ruler would employ their confidants. These ministers and officers held considerable power and could even influence the succession of the throne.

Given the sudden nature of the incident, with the Sultan and his heirs all dead, Maher, now the first heir, had no foundation in Johor.

Expecting these ministers to obey him was laughable. The strong suppress the weak, and the weak are subdued by the strong. This was the reality everywhere, not just in Johor.

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